NYC Salt Mentor Application Form

Program Overview

The NYC Salt Mentorship Program pairs high school photography students with experienced creative professionals for a year-long, hands-on collaboration. Meeting twice a month after school at the NYC Salt studio, each mentor–mentee pair will work together to develop and produce a photo or video project from concept to completion.

Through artistic coaching, shared exploration, and personalized guidance, mentors help students expand their technical skills, refine their visual storytelling, and build confidence in their creative voice.

At the end of the program, each student will present their final work—either as a printed zine or a short video piece—showcasing their unique perspective. These projects will be featured in a public exhibition, celebrating both the students’ achievements and the collaborative spirit of mentorship at NYC Salt.

Program Timeline:
Start Date: Week of October 2nd, 2025
End Date: Second week of June 2026 (final exhibition May 27, 2026)
Frequency: Twice a month after school
Time: 4:00–6:00 pm

Breaks:
Winter Break: December 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Mid-Winter Break: February 16–22, 2026
Spring Break: April 2–10, 2026

Program Goals:

Skill Development: Advance students’ technical knowledge in photography, video, and storytelling.
Mentorship & Guidance: Foster meaningful personal and professional relationships between emerging artists and established professionals in the creative industry.
Creative Confidence: Empower students to take ownership of their projects and artistic vision.
Professional Experience: Provide real-world deadlines, project planning, and exhibition preparation experience.
Public Recognition: Showcase student work in a curated exhibition attended by peers, parents, educators, and industry professionals.

Program Structure & Timeline

September – October 2025

Mentor orientation and student-mentor pairing.
Introductory sessions on brainstorming, concept development, and goal-setting.

November – December 2025

Early project development.
Initial shoots and media collection.

January – February 2026

Mid-project reviews.
Technical workshops (editing, layout for zines, post-production for video).

March – April 2026

Project refinement.
Preparing exhibition assets (prints, zine proofs, video exports).
Peer critique sessions.

May 2026

Final edits and exhibition prep.
Public exhibition: May 27, 2026.

Final Deliverables:

Student-created project: Printed zine or short video piece.
Public Exhibition: Displayed at the NYC Salt Studio or a partnered gallery space, open to the community.
Digital Archive: Online showcase of all projects for future reference and promotion.

Expected Outcomes:

Increased technical skills and creative self-expression among high school students.
Meaningful mentor–mentee relationships that strengthen the NYC Salt community.
Portfolio-ready projects showcasing students’ growth and artistic voice.

Today's Date*

MonthDayYear

Name*

First NameLast Name

Preferred Email*

example@example.com

Preferred Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code

Name of employer (company)*

Job Title*

Address of employer*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code

Tell us why you would like to mentor.*

How did you find us?*

Did you go to college? (We ask so we have a record of alumni for our students to refer to as they choose where they want to go.)*

YesNo

If so, What College, University did you attend?

What was your degree and major?

Do you have a master's degree or other professional trade training?*

YesNo

What Institution did you go to receive your master's degree or other professional training?

What is your degree in?

1. It is expected that at least 1 hour each week be set aside for interaction specific to the mentoring relationship (according to the position description), and meeting with the student in person for editing. Will it be possible for you to provide the expected time?*

YesNo

2. Within the past 10 years, have you been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor classified as an offense against a person or family, or an offense of public indecency or a violation involving a stat/federally controlled substance?*

YesNo

3. Are you under current indictment or has a district/county attorney accepted an official complaint for any of the offenses in question #2?*

YesNo

If the answer is YES to question 3, please explain below:

Please provide the information for two personal references.

Reference 1*

First NameLast Name

Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number

Email*

example@example.com

Relationship*

Reference 2*

First NameLast Name

Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number

Email*

example@example.com

Relationship*

Examples of your Work

We would like to see examples of your work. Please provide a professional Instagram Handle and/or website if you have one.

Instagram

Your Website

Company Website

Please attach most updated resume or bio*

Browse Files

In making this application to be a volunteer, I understand that the NYC Salt routinely performs criminal and driving record checks on all volunteers. By signing below, I agree this check be performed. If I fail to sign, it may be grounds for rejecting me as a volunteer. Furthermore, I certify to the best of my ability that the information provided on this application is true and accurate. I also understand that misinformation knowingly provided here, and on subsequent volunteer forms, is grounds for dismissal.

Signature

NYC Salt Mentor Program Application

Personal Information

Volunteer Information

References

Additional Information