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Because you live in New York City, there are many opportunities for enhanced learning and unique educational experiences. Below are a few programs that might just change your life.
Because you live in New York City, there are many opportunities for enhanced learning and unique educational experiences. Below are a few programs that might just change your life.
Enter C-Span's Annual Student Documentary Contest!
Enter C-Span's Annual Student Documentary Contest!
2026 Theme:
America's 250th Anniversary: Exploring the American Story through the Declaration of Independence.
Every year students grades 6-12 are asked to create a short (5-6 minute) video documentary on the annual theme.
Students and their teachers can win cash prizes for winning entries!
Click on the icon above to learn about this year's theme.
Submissions are due on January 20th.
Enter The New York Times Annual Summer Reading Contest
Enter The New York Times Annual Summer Reading Contest
Every Friday for 10 weeks beginning on June 6, 2025, the NYT will publish a post asking the same question: “What got your attention in The Times this week?” That’s where you should submit your response any time until the following Friday at 9 a.m. Eastern, when we will close that post and open a new one that asks the same question. On Aug. 8 we’ll post our final question of the summer, open until 9 a.m. on Aug. 15.
You can enter every week, or any week, all summer long, but you may only submit once each week..
For full details, click on the icon above.
You can also print out the contest flyer below.
Contests for teen writers, poets, artists, and photographers.
Contests for teen writers, poets, artists, and photographers.
Check regularly for updated contests.
Prizes vary from contest to contest. There are usually several contests running at one time. Recently there was a poetry contest on the topic of "Black Lives Matter" and an essay contest on the Environment. Winners get published in Teen Ink magazine, and sometimes there are additional cash prizes.
Learn about the Student Historian Internship Program and Tech Scholars.
Learn about the Student Historian Internship Program and Tech Scholars.
Student Historian Internship Program
"We the People: Democracy from Athens to America." Students learn about American History and Art doing hands on research. Professionals working at the museum will talke about careers in the history field and work with students to develop public speaking and leadership skills. Open to high school students entering grades 10, 11, and 12.
Tech Scholars Online
Learn to code in a supportive all-girl environment. This program will focus on women throughout history. Students will code digital projects that will make a difference in the world and help fight the gender gap. This program is offered on a "pay-what-you-want" basis to make it accessible to all girls. Open to high school girls grades 9-12.
Did you know the NYPL has free afterschool programs for teens?
Did you know the NYPL has free afterschool programs for teens?
Our friends at the Allerton and Van Nest Branches offer wonderful afterschool programs.
You will find teen programs on the topic of anime and manga, art, recording music, author visits, and more!
Use the link below to get to the Events look up page of the NYPL.
Search teen programs in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island to find college and career events, virtual chess clubs, book clubs, writing workshops, anime and manga discussions, drawing clubs, and so much more! During COVID you can explore programs across the city from the comfort of you own home. Don't miss these wonderful opportunities!
The first and largest mobile poetry community for youth.
The first and largest mobile poetry community for youth.
Are you a poet, or want to become one? Power Poetry will give you tips on poetry writing, the spoken word, poetry slams and more. Create a poetry group, or join one. Learn how you can use your voice for social activism. Write poems about social justice, the environment, LGBTQ+, homelessness, and more.
Free monthly writing competitions
Free monthly writing competitions
This is a global community of young writers 12-18 years old. Harvard University educators designed this forum to improve student writing and build communication and critical thinking skills. Write the World is a way to foster global citizenship and engagement.
Teens Programs offer diverse initiatives to connect teens to NYC arts.
Teens Programs offer diverse initiatives to connect teens to NYC arts.
All teen programs are free and open to NYC public school students.
Opportunities include:
Student Art Program
Teen Advisory Council
Teens Curate Teens
Teen Reviewers and Critics
College and Career Readiness
Internships
Teens learn personal finance and foundational skills to manage their money.
Teens learn personal finance and foundational skills to manage their money.
In IIG After School, high school girls will learn about personal finance in a series of after-school virtual workshops, Other programs encourage girls to consider a career in finance. Programs include "Future Females in Finance", "IIG Mentorship Program" and the "IIG Fellowship Program." They also have a speakers series where female executives speak about their paths to success.
IIG's partner, the Council for Economic Education, offers student competitions open to both boys and girls: The National Personal Finance Challenge and the National Economics Challenge. Both competitions give students a chance to win cash prizes.
High School Abroad Programs
High School Abroad Programs
Have you ever dreamed about studying abroad in high school? Learn about available study destinations here.
There are also grants and scholarships to help you make your dream come true!
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 21 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experiences each summer.
SYEP offers career exploration, project-based learning about career opportunities in your community, work experiences, community building. Participants get paid to participate.
To be eligible you must be 14-21, live in one of the NYC boroughs, and be legally allowed to work in the U.S.
Applications are due April 30th every year. Check the website to learn how to apply.
Free Acting Programs for Teens!
Free Acting Programs for Teens!
“Adler Youth” is a free, weekend theater program for New York City teens who are SNAP-eligible. Now in it's 21st year, this highly respected program accepts 11-22 teens each year who attend classes at the studio's flagship location in lower Manhattan. Students perform twice each year in December and May. This program is supported in part by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the city council.
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