the Gateway Post

WORK, LEARN, AND GROW EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (WLG)(PAID)

WHO: High School students ages 16 & up

WHAT: The Career Ready WLG Provider you have chosen will determine your eligibility for the program in consultation with your school. If you are selected to participate in the program, your Career Ready WLG Provider will contact you with further instructions on enrolling in the program.

   College Readiness:

Learn skills to make a smooth transition from high school to college and “real’ world

Paid Internship:

Paid internship opportunities available in a variety of industries to accommodate your career interests

contacts 

Career Exploration:

Flex your research skills and discover new career possibilities.

Skill-Building Activities:

Receive help with your resume, cover letters, and interview skills. Learn essential job readiness skills and workplace etiquette.

Eligibility and how to apply:

• Young person must be between the age of 16-21 

• Currently enrolled in a CareerReady WLG school 

• Must have participated in SYEP in the last year

• Must reside in NYC and be legally allowed to work in the United States

• Youth can apply for the program online or at a community-based organization during the application period. Participants are selected by lottery.

• Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

WHERE: 2 Lafayette Street, 19th Floor New York, New York 10007

WHEN: From October to March for twenty-five weeks

DEADLINE TO APPLY: October 2nd, 2026

HOW: https://worklearngrow.yepsonline.org

THE MET INTERNSHIP (PAID)

WHO: High School grade 10 - 11 

WHAT: The Met’s High School Internship Program in Museum Education offers paid opportunities for students who are in grades 10 and 11 or are obtaining their High School Equivalency and who, on the application deadline date, attend a high school or home school in New York City. This program allows students to connect with art, museums, and creative professionals as they develop transferable skills, network, and gain work experience.

This spring, The Met’s High School Internship Program will introduce teens to Museum Education. The internship allows you to connect one-on-one and in small cohorts with museum professionals in a number of related fields, with a central focus on educational programming. The Met is offering internship placements in Teen Programs, Family Programs and the 81st Street Studio, Access Programs, Social Media Content and Editorial, Public Programs and Engagement, Creative Practice, and Community Partnerships.

WHERE: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10028

WHEN: From October to May

DEADLINE TO APPLY: October 16th, 2026

HOW: https://worklearngrow.yepsonline.org

CAE'S PACT ACTIVIST (PAID)

WHO: High School students between the ages of 16 and 19

WHAT: Siblinghood Academy is an afterschool program where young people are encouraged to explore their leadership skills and abilities through SNLP style classes. Each class is designed to have Nashers think about identity, womanism, important social concepts, building healthy relationships, and more, in creative ways. We offer a year-long in-person version, and a 10 week virtual version.

WHERE: 30 3rd Ave Brooklyn, NY 11217

WHEN: Meet once a week in person, on Thursdays from 4-6pm 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: October 16th, 2026

HOW: https://www.caeny.org/youth-power

SIBLINGHOOD ACADEMY (PAID)

WHO: Young women and gender-expansive youth in 9th - 12th 

WHAT: The Center for Anti-Violence Education works to dismantle and disrupt acts of violence in communities that experience xenophobia and all forms of racism through community programming and empowerment self defense practices. Our PACT Program, which stands for, Power, Action, Change for Teens, is our youth-based program that offers these same skills and tools for pre-teens and teens. PACT Activist is our high school level youth program. It is an incredible opportunity for teen girls and gender expansive and gender non-conforming youth to learn skills and tools through empowered self defense work and social justice practice in their community.

WHERE: 247 W 37th Street, Suite 705 

WHEN: You must be available once a week at our New York City office from November to May with a few absences (no more than 5). There are two cohorts that meet at the following times:

Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30 pm, in-person, November - May 

Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30 pm, in-person, November - May 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: October 16th, 2026

HOW: https://www.sadienash.org/siblinghood-academy

SADIE NASH LEADERSHIP PROJECT COLLEGE READINESS PROGRAM (PAID) 

WHO: High School students who identify as a young woman or gender expansive young person

WHAT: Sadie Nash Leadership Project’s mission is to strengthen, empower, and equip young women and gender-expansive* youth of color as agents for change in their lives and in the world. Operating at the intersection of love and rigor, we use popular education to build community, critical consciousness, and college and career readiness among participants, whom we call Nashers. Our vision is of a world that centers the experiences and leadership of young women and gender-expansive youth of color, building on their perspective, commitment, and brilliance to be a healthier, safer, and more just society for us all. 

Different Programs offered:

- ELLA Fellowship: Must currently be age 18-22

- Siblinghood Academy: Must currently be in 9 - 12th grade

- Leadership Scholars: Must currently be in 10th or 11th grade (class of 2027 or 2028)

- Nash U: Must currently be in high school or older

WHERE: 4 West 43rd Street, Suite 502. New York, New York 10036

WHEN: Based on program selected

DEADLINE TO APPLY: September 16th, 2026 (Based on program selected)

HOW:https://www.sadienash.org/our-programs

BROOKLYN MUSEUM LGBTQ+ ART & ACTIVISM (PAID)

WHO: High School students ages 14 -19

WHAT: In this paid internship, New York City LGBTQ+ teens ages 14–19 explore gender and sexuality in art through an activist lens, and work collaboratively to organize programs for other queer and trans youth.

InterseXtions teens:

• Learn about LGBTQ+ social movements and artists working today

• Meet educators, artists, and curators to learn about art and the Brooklyn Museum’s collections

• Share readings and analyze issues of representation in art and media

• Discuss topics such as feminism, sexuality, and social justice to make connections between art and our world

• Create art expressing their own interpretation of these topics

• Plan, organize, and promote a free, large-scale event for LGBTQ+ teens and their allies

• Connect with community organizations and emerging artists and performers

• Build affirming, joyful community spaces for other queer and trans youth

• Strengthen communication, collaboration, critical thinking, advocacy, time management, and media literacy skills

WHERE: 200 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, New York 11238-6052

WHEN: The next InterseXtions program takes place November 2025–June 2026. All participants must commit to the full work schedule:

             Tuesdays: weekly meetings, 5–7 pm

             Fridays and weekends: occasional teen staff events, field trips, and activities, to be determined

DEADLINE TO APPLY: October 18th, 2026

HOW: https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/careers/internships-fellowships/intersextions

TEEN COUNCIL MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE (PAID)

WHO: High School students ages 15 & up in 10-12th Grade

WHAT: Teen CTeen Council is a job development program for NYC teens interested in the media arts who want a behind-the-scenes look at how a media museum works. As a part of the Teen Digital Media Innovators program, Teen Council members curate and program public events for youth, including film festivals, media workshops, and more. This paid opportunity includes mentorship from museum media educators, filmmakers, actors, and museum programmers. MoMI’s Teen Council was created in 2015 as a workforce development initiative for youth that increases the presence of teen voices in the Museum’s programming and education offerings.ouncil is a job development program for NYC teens interested in the media arts who want a behind-the-scenes look at how a media museum works. As a part of the Teen Digital Media Innovators program, Teen Council members curate and program public events for youth, including film festivals, media workshops, and more. This paid opportunity includes mentorship from museum media educators, filmmakers, actors, and museum programmers. MoMI’s Teen Council was created in 2015 as a workforce development initiative for youth that increases the presence of teen voices in the Museum’s programming and education offerings. 

WHERE: 36-01 35 Ave, Astoria, NY 11106

WHEN: Wednesdays and Saturdays from November 2026 through May 2027

DEADLINE TO APPLY: October 23rd, 2026

HOW: https://movingimage.org/education/teen-council/

SYEP WLG INTERNSHIP (PAID)

WHO: High School students between the ages of 16 and 19

WHAT: WLG offers young people (between the ages of 16 and 20) from select NYC public schools an opportunity to strengthen work-readiness skills, explore careers, and receive academic support- including guidance on postsecondary education and the potential to earn a college credit. Participants may earn college credits through a partnership with CUNY’s Kingsborough Community College, where they will take courses (all while getting paid --- first a stipend and then $17/hour!)

WHERE: Remote/in-person depending on placement

WHEN: October 26 , 2026 - April 3 , 2027

DEADLINE TO APPLY: October 9th, 2026

HOW: https://worklearngrow.yepsonline.org/

DEMOCRACY READY NY YOUTH (STIPEND) 

WHO: High School Ages 16-21 

WHAT: A paid civic learning program that supports young people from urban, rural, and suburban districts across New York State as full members of the DemocracyReady NY Coalition. Youth members commit approximately five hours each month and receive a stipend of $300 for each semester of the 2026-27 school year. They are be expected to join at least one multigenerational working group and contribute to research, advocacy, and event planning as needed. Youth members attend virtual check-ins, working group meetings, and general coalition meetings.

WHERE: New York, NY

WHEN: From October to May

DEADLINE TO APPLY: October 25th, 2026

HOW: https://www.democracyreadyny.org/youth-cohort

THE BROTHERHOOD SISTER SOL (BROSIS) AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM 

WHO: High School Students

WHAT: ASTEP (After School Teen Enrichment for youth ages 13-18) operates 5-days-a-week from 3:00-7:00pm. Teens have access to a computer lab and Teen Lounge for study or chill time when not engaged in one or more of the following activities: Hip Hop/Studio Class, Writers Collective (WC), Bro/Sis Arts, Environmental Program

WHERE: 512 West 143rd Street New York, NY 10031

WHEN: After School Teen Enrichment for youth ages 13-18 operates 5-days-a-week from 3:00-7:30pm and on Saturdays.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: ASAP (Starts September 28th, 2026)

HOW: https://brotherhood-sistersol.org/programs/after-school-program/

QUEENS TEENS INSTITUTE FOR ART AND SOCIAL JUSTICE (PAID)

WHO: High School Students in 11- 12th grade 

WHAT: The goal of the Queens Teens Institute for Art & Social Justice (QTI) is to nurture thoughtful, independent young artists and the next generation of leaders in the arts and social change. Each year, QTI explores a unique theme, and for the 2025-2026 program, participants will explore how creative practices and grassroots organizing can transform public spaces into platforms for dialogue, resistance, and collective imagination. While also delving into the work of creative practitioners operating at the intersection of art, fashion, music and design. This year’s collaborations include partnerships with fashion brand Awake NY and electronic music company Marshall, offering participants hands-on opportunities to engage with innovative practices and leaders in these fields. Through a series of art-making workshops, leadership seminars, community service projects, and professional development training over the academic year, participants will gain experience as artists and leaders and access to networks, institutions, and mentors that will support their growth and practice. Accepted participants will receive a $1,000 stipend for their 9-month commitment to the program, along with a MetroCard to cover travel expenses. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to apply for other paid work opportunities at the Queens Museum, such as roles as workshop assistants, camp counselors, and more.

WHERE: Queens Museum - New York City Building Flushing Meadows Corona Park Queens, NY 11368

WHEN: Wednesdays we meet virtually, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

      Saturdays are in-person at the Queens Museum, 12:00-2:00 PM (snacks are provided)

DEADLINE TO APPLY: October 25th, 2026

HOW: https://queensmuseum.org/2025/09/17/queens-teens-institute-2025-2026-applications-now-open-deadline-10-15-25/ 

TEEN COUNCIL MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE (PAID)

WHO: High School students ages 15 & up in 11-12th Grade

WHAT: Teen CTeen Council is a job development program for NYC teens interested in the media arts who want a behind-the-scenes look at how a media museum works. As a part of the Teen Digital Media Innovators program, Teen Council members curate and program public events for youth, including film festivals, media workshops, and more. This paid opportunity includes mentorship from museum media educators, filmmakers, actors, and museum programmers. MoMI’s Teen Council was created in 2015 as a workforce development initiative for youth that increases the presence of teen voices in the Museum’s programming and education offerings.ouncil is a job development program for NYC teens interested in the media arts who want a behind-the-scenes look at how a media museum works. As a part of the Teen Digital Media Innovators program, Teen Council members curate and program public events for youth, including film festivals, media workshops, and more. This paid opportunity includes mentorship from museum media educators, filmmakers, actors, and museum programmers. MoMI’s Teen Council was created in 2015 as a workforce development initiative for youth that increases the presence of teen voices in the Museum’s programming and education offerings. 

WHERE: 36-01 35 Ave, Astoria, NY 11106

WHEN: Council Members meet November through May on select Wednesdays and Saturdays. Members must commit to all meeting dates, including one Friday afternoon/evening and on May 8, 2025. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, October 17, 2025

HOW: https://movingimage.org/education/teen-council/

ACE MENTORSHIP (UNPAID)

WHO: High school Students

WHAT: ACE GNY is a free after-school mentorship program that introduces high school students to careers in architecture, engineering, and construction management. Students are organized on teams set-up to emulate actual design teams. Mentors are industry professionals that guide the students through a mock design project while introducing them to the careers, industry vocabulary, and various roles companies play in the industry. Students learn about core principles of the industry, use design software, gain communication and technical skills, and go on construction site tours! ACE GNY also holds webinars on applying to college, essay writing, scholarship applications, internships and more.

WHERE: Virtual/in-person depending on group placement. Teams meet for about two hours after school at a host firm or university throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, White Plains, and Riverdale. There are also remote team options.

WHEN: November - May 2025

DEADLINE TO APPLY: October, 2026

HOW: https://www.acementorny.org/students/

QUEENS TEENS INSTITUTE FOR ART AND SOCIAL JUSTICE (PAID)

WHO: High School Students in 11- 12th grade 

WHAT: The goal of the Queens Teens Institute for Art & Social Justice (QTI) is to nurture thoughtful, independent young artists and the next generation of leaders in the arts and social change. Each year, QTI explores a unique theme, and for the 2025-2026 program, participants will explore how creative practices and grassroots organizing can transform public spaces into platforms for dialogue, resistance, and collective imagination. While also delving into the work of creative practitioners operating at the intersection of art, fashion, music and design. This year’s collaborations include partnerships with fashion brand Awake NY and electronic music company Marshall, offering participants hands-on opportunities to engage with innovative practices and leaders in these fields. 

Through a series of art-making workshops, leadership seminars, community service projects, and professional development training over the academic year, participants will gain experience as artists and leaders and access to networks, institutions, and mentors that will support their growth and practice. 

Accepted participants will receive a $1,000 stipend for their 9-month commitment to the program, along with a MetroCard to cover travel expenses. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to apply for other paid work opportunities at the Queens Museum, such as roles as workshop assistants, camp counselors, and more.

WHERE: Queens Museum - New York City Building Flushing Meadows Corona Park Queens, NY 11368

WHEN: Wednesdays we meet virtually, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

      Saturdays are in-person at the Queens Museum, 12:00-2:00 PM (snacks are provided)

DEADLINE TO APPLY: October 29th, 2025

HOW: https://queensmuseum.org/2025/09/17/queens-teens-institute-2025-2026-applications-now-open-deadline-10-15-25/ 

HIGH LINE FELLOWS: EMERGING LEADERS (PAID)

WHO: High school sophomores who live in or attend school in Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, or Hell’s Kitchen 

WHAT: The High Line Fellows: Emerging Leaders Program is a three-year, paid youth development program (sophomore through senior year of high school). You’ll earn $18/hour while also building leadership and life skills, learning about careers, and preparing for college and beyond. We aim to make the High Line Fellows Program the best first job that a teen can have! The program has four tracks that you can explore; we call them pathways : Arts & Culture, Civic Engagement, Horticulture, and Park & Visitor Experience. As a new Fellow to the program, you will select two pathways to explore and discover your interests and new topics. Successful graduates from the program walk away with a range of skills that better support future academic and work goals. Fellows also receive mentorship, networking support, and hands-on learning opportunities on the High Line and in the community. 

Commitment

Fellows are expected to remain in the program for three years, through high school graduation. Applicants should apply with the intention of committing to the full three-year program.

WHERE: Work locations include the beautiful oceanfront in the Rockaways, historic Coney Island, and the only floating pool in North America!

WHEN: The program is broken into Afterschool Workshops and Summer Residencies: Afterschool Pathway Workshops (January – June): 

• Two afternoons per week (Mon–Thu, 4–6 PM)

• Mondays - Civic Engagement 

• Tuesdays - Park & Visitor Experience 

• Wednesdays - Horticulture 

• Thursdays - Arts & Culture 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

HOW: https://apply.workable.com/thehighline/j/6067071D40/

THE RANGER CONSERVATION CORPS INTERNSHIP (PAID)

WHO: After school opportunity for identifying young women and gender expansive youth from 9 - 12th grade 

WHAT: A year-round paid afterschool and summer fellowship program for high school students who have a professional interest in theatre (no prior experience necessary,) and an interest in using theatre as a tool for building community and advocating for people and places in their city. Through weekly in-person and virtual meetings, field trips, guest speakers, attending live theatre productions and professional development opportunities. Participants in the Urban Explorers Theatre Fellowship program will learn about a variety of theatre techniques in  devising and writing original pieces from documentary to site-specific to forum theatre playwriting. The program will culminate with the creation of original work. Explorers will each receive a stipend of $300 for successfully participating in Semester 1, and a stipend of $500 for participating in Semester 2 (summer program), for a total of $800 if they participate in both semesters. Additionally, the program will provide academic career counseling and professional development, individualized mentorship, college and job recommendation letters, and a certificate of program completion. The program will also provide opportunities for fellows to prepare for entrance into additional theatre arts programs and collegiate programs. 

WHERE: 830 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10065

WHEN: each session lasts approximately eight (8) weeks. The program occurs one day a week, on a school day afternoon for 2 to 2.5 hours

DEADLINE TO APPLY: ROLLING

HOW: https://www.nycgovparks.org/programs/rangers/conservation-corps/contact