Launched in 2023, the Gift of a Lifetime (GOAL) program addresses the financial challenges faced by economically disadvantaged families in affording professional senior portraits. This program provides free or discounted, professional photoshoots for graduates across DFW who may not have access to these services. Through the GOAL program, we offer an empowering photographic experience, designed to help students recognize their potential, envision a brighter future, and embrace the next steps in their lives with self-assurance.
Through this program, we’ve provided senior portraits to students from high schools and colleges across the DFW area, including:
High Schools: Plano East Senior High, Bryan Adams, Grand Prairie, Lake Highlands, South Oak Cliff, Richardson, Crowley, Creekview, South Hills, David W. Carter, Western Hills, South Grand Prairie, The American Academy, Digital Academy of Texas, Naaman Forest, Lake Highlands, Irving, Summit, Newman, Duncanville, South Garland, Ranchview, Lakeview Centennial, North Garland, South Grand Prairie, Life High School Waxahachie, W.H Adamson, Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet, Hebron, Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy, Midlothian, and Townview TAG.
Colleges: Chamberlain University, University of Texas at Arlington, Eastfield College, and the School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG).
Portraits of Hope program offers free professional senior portraits to graduates who are classified under the McKinney-Vento (MV) Act in Texas, ensuring that homeless and displaced students can capture this important milestone. Our Portraits of Hope program partners with local schools in Plano ISD, Richardson ISD, Garland ISD, and Grand Prairie ISD to support our MV (McKinney-Vento) students. Through these partnerships, we provide portraits that celebrate resilience, offering students a meaningful reminder of their strength and support network.
We are actively working to expand Portraits of Hope to more schools across the DFW area, ensuring that even more students have the opportunity to experience the joy and empowerment that comes from an EmpowerPix senior portrait experience.
Shutter Squad is a hands-on photography program for young aspiring photographers. Through workshops, mentorship, and creative projects, students learn photography skills while developing their unique perspectives. Participants learn to capture powerful moments, using photography as a tool for self-expression and confidence-building.
Shutter Squad members are also invited to volunteer as photographers for our Gift of a Lifetime and Portraits of Hope programs, giving them real-world experience and an opportunity to make a difference in their communities.
Your support helps us continue creating unforgettable memories for senior graduates, and families who otherwise wouldn’t have access to professional photography. Every donation, no matter the size, directly funds a life-changing experience, and every volunteer helps us bring these moments to life.
Please reach us at info@empowerpix.org if you have additional questions.
The Gift of a Lifetime (GOAL) program provides free, professional senior portraits to high school and college graduates from underserved communities. Our goal is to make senior portraits accessible for students who may not have the financial resources to commemorate this milestone.
Portraits of Hope partners with local school districts, including Plano, Richardson, Garland, and Grand Prairie ISDs, to offer professional portraits to students experiencing significant life challenges. This program is designed to provide a source of encouragement and confidence, capturing resilience during challenging times. If you are a school administrator, counselor or teacher, please feel free to contact us to request your school to be added to this program.
The Shutter Squad program is open to young aspiring photographers interested in learning the art of photography. Through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on projects, students build skills and gain real-world experience. Participants also have the opportunity to volunteer as photographers for our GOAL and Portraits of Hope programs.
We’re always looking to expand our reach! If your school or district is interested in partnering with Gift of a Lifetime to offer the Portraits of Hope program, please contact us. We’d be happy to discuss partnership opportunities to help more students receive empowering portraits.
Our programs are funded through donations, sponsorships, and community support. As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of individuals and organizations to provide these services at no cost or significantly discounted cost to students and families.
You can support us by donating, volunteering, or becoming a sponsor. Visit our Ways To Give page to learn more about ways to make an impact.
Students are selected based on financial need and recommendations from local schools, community organizations, nominations and social media campaign.
If you know a deserving student, please contact us with details. We consider recommendations from teachers, counselors, and community leaders.
Absolutely! In addition to donating, you can join as a volunteer, advocate for our mission on social media, or offer in-kind donations such as photography equipment. Every bit of support helps us reach more students and families.
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