YOUTH URBAN FORESTER INTERNSHIP (YUF) (UNPAID)

WHO: High School Juniors going into 12th grade and Seniors

WHAT: The objective of the internship is to expose interns to a range of environmental career opportunities through education, hands-on stewardship, field trips, and seminars with professionals. Work-based learning in which students learn technical, academic and employability skills are critical for better employment outcomes of young and inexperienced workers.

The interns acquire specific occupational skills and broader employment skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving in a way that is not typically possible in the classroom. The interns make a visible and lasting impact in their communities. On average, the interns care for 600 street trees, transforming their neighborhoods as they develop the skills and commitment necessary to serve as effective stewards of the urban forest long after the program ends.

The comprehensive curriculum includes urban forest conservation, restoration, and planning, air and water quality, invasive species, introduction to GIS and map making, soil science and tree care, biology, tree identification, and pruning.

Interns are encouraged to apply to college, learn how to navigate the application and selection process, and receive assistance with their application essays. As part of the internship, students research an environmental topic of their choosing and present their findings. The presentation prepares students for college-level research and the lessons on public speaking help them both professionally and academically.

WHERE: 100 Gold Street #3100, New York, NY 10038

WHEN: Summer 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: ASAP

HOW:  https://treesny.org/youth-education/young-urban-foster-internship/

SHIP RESTORATION PROGRAM (UNPAID)

WHO: High school Students 16 Years Old

WHAT: The Seaport Museum seeks year-round support with preserving and restoring the historic ships  as well as with transcription projects in the Museum’s Archives. Programs aimed at training volunteers how to sail historic ships are also offered seasonally. Volunteers have supported every aspect of the Seaport Museum, but currently are most often seen working on the waterfront at Pier 16. This crew works to restore and maintain the fleet of historic vessels using traditional maritime skills while enjoying the unique atmosphere of a busy waterfront that makes the South Street Seaport Historic District so special. 

Ship Restoration Program

This year-round program invites volunteers to help maintain and restore the Museum’s fleet of historic ships. All levels of experience are welcome and the Museum offers the chance for new volunteers to learn traditional maritime skills and modern preservation techniques. Volunteers receive training to work aloft in the rigging of the tall ships for maintenance required above deck. 

Entry level: No special skills are required, just a willingness to learn and be part of a team. During every month of the year, volunteers and staff work together to care for the fleet. Work includes: cleaning and organizing, repairs, painting, polishing, varnishing, and general maintenance. In the Spring, the operational vessels are fitted out and re-rigged for the coming sailing season, and in the Fall the the sailing vessels are down-rigged for the Winter. Most labor can be unskilled. Training is provided.

WHERE: South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street NY, NY 10038

WHEN: Year-Round

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Currently Recruiting

HOW: For more information about getting involved please contact volunteercoordinator@seany.org.

NEW YORK AQUARIUM (UNPAID)

WHO: High school Students ages 18 & Up

WHAT: The New York Aquarium offers five volunteer programs. Our docent program is designed for those interested in volunteering with our Education Department. Volunteers with our Animal Department help behind-the-scenes with animal care and those in the Animal Health Center gain an introduction to the laboratory and veterinary fields. Our Volunteer Dive program is for certified SCUBA divers. Participants help maintain our tanks and don't mind getting wet!

WHERE: New York, NY

WHEN: Based on Program, You can choose to volunteer or to Intern in July

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Open for Volunteers but for intership apply in late June and July

HOW: https://www.sps.nyu.edu/high-school-academy/programs/career-edge.html 

NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCE (UNPAID)

WHO: High school students 13–17 years old.

WHAT: The Junior Academy is a project-based learning program where students form international teams and work with STEM experts through an online community platform. Students participate in Innovation Challengeswhere they collaborate under the guidance of STEM mentors to design solutions to real-world problems. Students and mentors can participate from anywhere in the world.

WHERE: Virtual programming takes place online through our Launchpad platform.

WHEN: Three to four hours each week during challenge periods.

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  July 2nd, 2026

HOW: https://www.nyas.org/learning/high-school-research-programs/the-junior-academy/