With a mission to engage, inspire and empower, NYC SALT, a non-profit photography program for inner-city teenagers in New York City, launches its Annual Graduation Gallery Show on June 7  at the Openhouse Gallery downtown. The show will feature 17 high school students from NYC SALT's 2012 program and several graduated students who have continued photography in collegiate careers.  Executive Director and Founder Alicia Hansen, a photographer herself, enlists professionals in the photo community for photography courses once a week in addition to offering mentor programs. NYC SALT students have been awarded over $300,000 in grants and scholarships since its start in 2005.  The reference to "salt" in the name reflects the organization's hope that its programs with flavor and preserve the communities it serves. A look at images from the upcoming show:

Jeffery Rodriguez/NYC SALT

Isora Lithgow/NYC SALT

Christian Rodriguez/NYC SALT

Christian Rodriguez/NYC SALT

Ruben Ramirez/NYC SALT