# Expanding the Walls

Free eight-month teen photography program at the Studio Museum in Harlem ending in a museum exhibition; participants earn a $1,000 stipend and a Canon DSLR camera upon completion.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | The Studio Museum in Harlem |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | New York, NY |
| Time commitment | ~6 hours/week |
| Apply | https://www.studiomuseum.org/expanding-the-walls |

## About this program

# Expanding the Walls

Expanding the Walls is the Studio Museum in Harlem's free, eight-month program for high school students exploring photography, history, and community. Working with the museum's archive and prominent visual artists, each annual cohort of roughly seventeen young artists builds a body of photographic work that is exhibited at the museum for a full exhibition season, in person and online.

## What You'll Do

- Study the fundamentals of photography, no prior experience required
- Join workshops led by prominent visual artists and take field excursions across New York City
- Meet on a school-year schedule (Tuesdays and Saturdays), shifting to three weekdays in summer
- Develop, edit, and install work for a public museum exhibition
- Receive transportation fare, a $1,000 stipend upon completion, and a Canon EOS Rebel DSLR camera

## Who Should Apply

High-school-aged youth (including GED students) in the New York City area with curiosity about photography, history, and community. Applications are typically due in mid-November for the cohort beginning in January.

## Outcomes

Participants finish with a museum exhibition credit, a professional-quality portfolio, their own DSLR camera, a completion stipend, and a working relationship with one of the country's leading institutions for artists of African descent.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Expanding the Walls cost?

Expanding the Walls is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for Expanding the Walls?

Expanding the Walls is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Expanding the Walls online or in person?

Expanding the Walls is an in-person program based in New York, NY. Expect a time commitment of roughly 6 hours per week.

### How do I apply to Expanding the Walls?

Apply directly through The Studio Museum in Harlem's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-06.
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