SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (SYEP) PAID

WHO: High School Students ages 14-24

WHAT: SYEP will give youth a unique opportunity to explore their interest and discover new ones through: contacts. Project-Based Learning: NYC Teens aged 14-15 learn about career opportunities and make a difference in their communities through paid project-based activities

Work Experiences: Young people aged 16–24 improve their work readiness skills and explore career pathways through paid summer jobs in a variety of industries throughout NYC

Career Exploration: Flex your research skills and discover new career possibilities.

WHERE: NYC

WHEN: You can select your schedule with the supervisor

DEADLINE: February 27th, 2026

HOW: https://application.nycsyep.com 

THE URBAN LEADERSHIP FELLOWS PROGRAM (PAID)

WHO: High School Seniors

WHAT: The Urban Leadership Fellows (ULF) Program is a collaboration between The Municipal Forum of New York, Inc., and Futures and Options, which  enables New York City students to gain valuable hands-on work experience and training in the Municipal Finance industry. This immersive six week summer program exposes graduating high school seniors to the Municipal Finance industry through supported, paid summer internships. 

The ULF program emphasizes the following: internships and training in municipal finance, one-on-one mentorship, networking activities, and supplemental workshops. Each week focuses on one particular area of interest, including: bond school, issuer & financial advising, legal, rating agencies and insurers, investment banking, and investing.

WHERE: 111 Broadway, Suite 1602, New York, NY 10006 

WHEN: Students will work and attend workshops in-person 40 hours per week for six weeks starting Monday July 7th and ending Friday August 15th 2025. 

DEADLINE: February 25, 2026

HOW: https://futuresandoptions.org/urban-leadership-fellows-application/ 

ACES YOUTH INTERNSHIPS AT WAVE HILL (PAID)

WHO: High School Students 

WHAT: The ACES internship provides an opportunity for students to connect practical experience, informal STEAM education and artistic play. ACES interns assist with Family Art Project, an intergenerational and multidisciplinary program for families to come together and make art inspired by nature at Wave Hill. Interns also assist with our affiliated family storytime program.

An ACES intern must be enthusiastic, highly motivated and enjoy working with people of all ages. This position is well suited to people who are passionate about working with the public, are great communicators, enjoy being part of a team and have an interest in science-informed arts education.

Compensation: 

• $17 hourly

WHERE: 4900 Independence Ave Bronx, NY

WHEN:  This 13-month program will run from June 2026 - June 2027

DEADLINE: February 27, 2026

HOW: https://www.wavehill.org/education/youth-internships/aces 

THE FOREST PROJECT YOUTH INTERNSHIPS AT WAVE HILL (PAID)

WHO: High School Students 

WHAT: The Forest Project has engaged countless New York City youth in ecological restoration and urban ecology since its inception in 1981. This paid summer internship gives high school students an unparalleled opportunity to learn about ecology in an urban setting. Throughout the summer, interns gain hands-on field experience and participate in dynamic, field-based coursework. 

The work is rigorous but satisfying building and maintaining woodland trails, removing invasive plant species, shoring up eroded slopes, and helping to document the process of restoring the disturbed woodland toward a more balanced state. Team-building activities help create a strong sense of community, allowing interns to develop connections with each other and to the program's mission.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Approximately $3500

• Credit for three college courses

• Career and college advice and training

• Access to Wave Hill alumni network

WHERE: 4900 Independence Ave Bronx, NY

WHEN: July 6th to August 14th, 202

DEADLINE: February 27, 2026

HOW: https://www.wavehill.org/education/youth-internships/aces 

WOODLAND ECOLOGY RESEARCH YOUTH MENTORSHIP AT WAVE HILL (PAID)

WHO: High School Students 

WHAT: Wave Hill’s Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship (WERM) is a 14-month program offering motivated New York City high school students a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of ecology, and participate in hands-on fieldwork and authentic science research.

Wave Hill is part of a community of scientists and restoration practitioners working to improve New York City's 20,000 acres of natural areas. WERM interns directly contribute to these efforts by participating in important field research with local scientists and restoration practitioners all while getting paid!

COMPENSATION AND BENEFTS

• Approximately $2,275, paid through NYC SYEP

• Credit for one college course

• Access to Wave Hill alumni network

WHERE: 4900 Independence Ave Bronx, NY

WHEN: July 2026 to August 2027

DEADLINE: February 27, 2026

HOW: https://www.wavehill.org/education/youth-internships/aces