NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN EXPLAINERS PROGRAM (PAID)

WHO: High school Students 

WHAT: Teens share a sense of community, forge new friendships, and spend time outdoors exploring nature. Teens become more self-confident through public speaking, gain a deeper knowledge of a topic (plant science and ecology specifically), and share experiences with peers.

During the Onsite Internship, MetroCards are provided to defray the cost of transportation to and from the Garden. The onsite Internship benefits include admission for Explainers’ families to visit the garden, discounts at the Cafe and Shop in the Garden as well as documentation of service hours and recommendations for college or other scholarship programs.

WHERE: Everett Children’s Adventure Garden Pop-Up

WHEN: Each session requires a commitment to attend all four training days and one weekend shift of 4.5 hours for the duration of the internship. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Tuesday, November 18th, 2025; 11:59 p.m.

HOW: https://www.nybg.org/education/childrens-education/kids-teens/explainers/

STUDENT ART PROGRAM (PAID)

WHO: All NYC high school students (grades 9–12)

WHAT: Exhibit your artwork, build your portfolio, each exhibiting artist gets a $100 Blick gift card. We curate from original artwork and take care of it and return It if unselected. If your work is selected, it is framed and installed in a group show of teen artists across NYC. Your artwork will be in our permanent online gallery. 

WHERE: 45 West 34th Street, Suite 1210 New York, NY 10001 

WHEN:  Submit your artwork by deadline and attend opening celebration

HOW: https://teens.artsconnection.org/sap/

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Based on Which Program you sign up for. 

                               Simplicity in Complexity | Deadline: Sun. 12/7 @11:59 PM 

THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (UNPAID)

WHO: 9th - 12th Grade students

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. The Junior Academy connects students, experts and industry leaders through the Academy’s virtual collaborative learning platform, Launchpad. Launchpad is where all of our programming takes place and where we host our in-depth discussions, challenges, expert talks and more. This platform was built specifically to support the Junior Academy network there’s nothing else like it. The platform is accessible to all, providing students with the support they need to pursue their science curiosity. Community leaders are charged with making sure all students receive the individualized support they need to access our platform.  

WHERE: Online

WHEN: Virtual programming takes place online on our Launchpad platform.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: January 6th 2026 at 11:59 PM

HOW:  https://www.nyas.org/learning/high-school-research-programs/the-junior-academy/?_gl=1*12absbh*_gcl_au*OTI2MzcyMzU5LjE3NjI3MTY4MjM.*_ga*MzIwNjk3MTIwLjE3NjI3MTY4MjM.

YOUTH ACTION 50 (YA50) (PAID)

WHO: High school Students 

WHAT: The Youth Action 50 (YA50) is a dynamic leadership initiative designed to empower the next generation of changemakers and young civic leaders. YA50 recognizes the critical role young people play in driving innovative solutions and social progress. The program brings together 50 Youth groups from diverse backgrounds to participate in transformative experiences that blend education, skill-building, hands-on advocacy, and access to experts via partnerships. Each group will be awarded $1,000 to support their vision.

WHERE: 253 Broadway, 8th floor, New York, NY 10007

WHEN: October 2025 – June 2026

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Roling

HOW: https://www.nycservice.org/youth-action-50#

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - SEWARD PARK BRANCH (PAID)

WHO: High school Students (10-12th Grade)

WHAT: The New York Public Library is looking for teens in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade who are interested in at least one of the following: 

-Working with children 

-Exploring a career in education, literacy, librarianship, and/or youth services

-Exploring the world and work of libraries

The Teen Reading Ambassadors (TRA) position will be assigned to one of NYPL’s drop-in after-school homework help and enrichment programs at local branch libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Teen Reading Ambassadors will be provided with pre-work and ongoing training that will allow them to serve as high-quality academic tutors at their site, with a focus on developing literacy skills and a love of reading in children ages 6–12. Ambassadors will also have the opportunity to support the production of Portal, a literary magazine for younger children. 

WHERE: Various NYPL Locations

WHEN: 6-7 hours per week; scheduled for 3-3.5 hours each day on either Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday &  

          Thursday with additional orientation, training, and special opportunity hours to be scheduled

          Most hours will be scheduled starting around 3 PM on weekdays. A few weekend events will be scheduled. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Roling

HOW: https://nypl.pinpointhq.com/en/postings/83637aa1-a163-4b1e-9c94-ff55bc774738