The current research investigates the effect of participation in the Neighborhood Academic Initiative Scholars Program (NAI) on the students' sense of self as viewed through autophotography. The NAI is designed to prepare inner-city middle school students, composed mainly of African-Americans and Hispanics, for entry into a four year university. Students who participated in the scholars' program were significantly more likely to view themselves as engaging in scholarly/responsible behaviors. Non-program participants viewed themselves as being involved in more playful activities, such as listening to music, dancing, and playing video games. (Contains 1 table.)