Amazing Voices
I've told you I love talking to customers to get the real scoop about what's happening in the industry. But what do I love even more? Seeing how Adobe's products, combined with people who really care about helping kids change their lives, can make a difference. So a few weeks ago, I went to San francisco to meet with some kids and their teachers who are participating in a project we are calling Adobe Youth Voices. It's a multi-year international initiative to empower youth in underserved communities. The high school aged kids I met with are using our Creative Pro products to explore and comment on their world.
There are programs in several parts of the US, the UK and India - and the one I visited is called Build San Francisco. It's a program that mixes academics with internships in architecture and design. This year the participants are researching and documenting through photographs and interviews the impact of globalization on the people and places close to them, whether it's the world of fashion, food... or even martial arts. It was a fascinating day as we met with volunteers, the teachers, and the kids. They are all incredibly passionate about what they are doing and that passion is contagious.
What I really love is the program is run like a true design studio - with real tools, real projects, real deadlines, real end products. Unlike most school assignments, if the client doesn't like the output, the students have to re-do the project. They don't just get a C grade and move on. They re-work, iterate, and alter until the client is satisfied. So the kids are learning a ton about how the real world works - and how even though they live in a world that faces issues of war, racism, poverty, and crime... they can make an impact.
And their work is amazing. I saw some early photography samples that I'd love to hang on my wall! Really compelling work. I can't wait to see the final photo essays and the book from these kids and the kids in Noida, India working on a similar project. You can check out some of the practice photos from the BSFI students and some of the truly amazing and moving final products from many of the groups of kids around the world and learn more about the program. I'd love to hear your comments on the work you see on the site. This is a project that really makes a difference and that I'm going to stay close to - so you'll be hearing more from me about Adobe Youth Voices and what the kids participating around the world are accomplishing.