YOUTH FOOD ADVOCATES (YFA) (PAID)

WHO: Highschool Students 

WHAT: Youth Food Advocates (YFA) is for young people who want to learn about social justice, public policy and advocacy, and are ready to create systemic change in New York City food systems, with a focus on school food.

YFA is action-oriented. Youth will:

• Plan and facilitate meetings

• Create and collect surveys

• Speak and/or present at food justice events, rallies, and conferences

• Create social media campaigns

• Publish the YFA Newsletter

• Talk to policy makers and school officials

• Host guest speakers

• Collaborate with school food staff

Interns receive an annual stipend $550. Amounts vary based on engagement, progress of actions, and attendance. 

WHERE: 115 Broadway 5th Floor, c/o WeWork New York, NY 10006

WHEN: From September through June, YFA interns meet weekly virtually and a minimum of four times in-person to plan, organize, and participate in campaign actions and coalition activities. Interns provide valuable expert input on the school food experience.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: June 15, 2024

HOW:  https://awatts164382.typeform.com/to/b9wZU9aO?typeform-source=www.foodadvocates.org

TECH FLEX LEADERS(PAID)

WHO: High school Students 

WHAT: The Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) Program is an immersive out-of-school time program for juniors and seniors enrolled in a New York City, Los Angeles, or Miami high school. Students who complete the program earm a $1000 stipend.  This program engages students interested in technology through:

• Weekly technical training sessions taught by industry experts

• Intersectional professional development sessions designed to prepare students to confidently pursue degrees and careers in technology

• Career days and mentorship opportunities with representatives from leading technology companies 

Program Schedule:

• The Tech Flex Leaders program meets once a week for 9 months. Cohort options are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday OR Thursday from 4:30 - 7:00 PM.

• Students are required to attend two (2) mandatory Office Hours over the course of the semester to connect with program leadership. 

• Student orientation will take place in-person.

• Technical sessions begin in September. Most sessions will take place via Zoom. Some Technical Sessions, Demo Days and Graduations will be held in-person. Applicants should be able to attend sessions in-person three (3) times a semester. 

WHERE: Hybrid 

WHEN: Cohort options are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday OR Thursday from 4:30 - 7:00 PM.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: August 17th, 2026 - Priority Deadline to Apply: July 5, 2026 

HOW: https://www.americaontech.org/tech-flex-leaders.html 

CAREER EDGE - NYU HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM (UNPAID)

WHO: High school Students 

WHAT: While there are many summer programs for high school students in NYC, the Career Edge NYU Summer High School Program affords students an exceptional college and career readiness experience. Career Edge is the premier summer college program, and has served thousands of high school students from around the world in exploring career paths and experiencing what it is like to live on the NYU campus and learn at a renowned US university. Unlike pre college programs, these courses do not offer college credit, but instead immerse you in a professional field while answering questions such as: What is college like? How can I prepare for college? What is a good career for me?

WHERE: NYU

WHEN: Classes take place Monday-Friday.  Students spend their days in class, studying, exploring the NYU campus and the City,  and participating in evening events. Each student’s schedule may vary depending upon the program in which they are enrolled. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: June 12, 2026

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

THE FUTURE TEACHERS PROGRAM WITH YOUNG MINDS IN MOTION (PAID)

WHO: High school students 

WHAT: Are you a high school senior interested in becoming a teacher? The Future Teachers Program with Young Minds in Young Minds in Motion

offers a paid, hands-on experience in early childhood and elementary education. Students will work alongside certified educators, attend career development workshops, and receive mentorship to support their journey into the teaching profession. The program is completely free to students and also provides opportunities to earn scholarships for college.

WHERE: It is held on an ongoing basis in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Harlem.

WHEN: Internship would begin Summer 2026 and run through June 2027

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  July, 2026

HOW: https://youngmindsinmotion.com/careers/ 

           To start the application process, email your resume to Niyasha James at niyashaj@youngmindsinmotion.com.