ARTS, DESIGN, & MEDIA

Current opportunities:

BOch Center

Deadline: October 13

Requirements: ages 14-18,. US work authorization / social security number is required.

Description: Specializing in an area of the performing arts (dance, music, or acting) to use the arts for social change in their communities. Teen Leaders will work collaboratively to create an original performance presented as a Final Showcase, and arts-based interactive workshops on a social justice topic. Teen Leaders will deepen their job readiness skills, practice facilitating groups while engaging community members in a meaningful dialogue; and operate as agents of change in their communities. They will receive arts and leadership training in preparation for the performance and workshop tour.

Commitment/Cost: Teen Leaders will be paid minimum wage ($15) for up to 10 hours per week meeting on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in person at the Boch Center, located in Downtown Boston, from 4pm – 6:30pm. The program will start on Tuesday December 2nd, 2025 and go through Thursday April 30th, 2026.

ACE mentor Program (Architecture, Construction, Engineering)

Deadline: mid-October

Requirements: Grades 9-12. You do NOT need a Social Security number to participate. The program is conducted mostly in English, but is open to students who are still learning English.

Description: This free, hands-on after-school program introduces high school students (grades 9–12) to careers in architecture, construction, and engineering through mentorship and a team design project. Meeting once a week from October through March, students gain real-world experience, explore career pathways, and connect with professionals in the field.

Last year, more than 125 students from 35 schools completed the program, and $264,000 in scholarships were awarded to 27 graduating seniors.

Commitment/Cost: FREE program - students meet once a week after school, and may have the opportunity to earn a scholarship as a senior.

Read more and apply here: https://acegreaterboston.org/find-out-more-2/

Or attend the Kickoff Event on Thursday, October 9 from 6-8pm at Wentworth Institute of Technology. Email Ms. Paquette at opaquette@bostonpublicschools.org or text her at 617-855-5373 to join the CHS group going to the Kickoff!

ICA TEEN Programs

Deadline: Various deadlines during the year

Requirements: Ages 14 and older, in grades 9-12. US work authorization / social security number is required.

Description: The ICA offers teen programs throughout the year in visual arts, music production, video, and more. They are currently accepting applications for Fast Forward (video/film production) and Photography Collective, where you can get paid!

More info: https://www.icaboston.org/ica-teens/ica-teens-programs

Jovenes en Accion (Hyde Square Task Force)

Deadline: Apply now for waitlist

Requirements: Grades 8-12. You do NOT need a Social Security number to participate.

Description: JEA is an afterschool and summer program where 8th-12th graders have the opportunity to:

Train in an Afro-Latin art form (either Dance, Music, or Theatre)
Receive free access to Mentoring and Tutoring and College/Career Exploration
Participate in Civic Engagement Workshops
Experience Optional Socio-Emotional Support
Get access to free resources such as (Hygiene & Menstrual products, Perishable food items, Household Necessities, Holiday Resources, and other personal or family needs as they arise)

Commitment/Pay: In Person (30 Sunnyside St, Jamaica Plain). The program is free in the school year, and students get paid in the summer.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.hydesquare.org/join-jovenes-en-accion/

YouthBuild Designery

Deadline: Coming soon

Requirements: Grades 9-12, US work authorization (Social Security Number) required

Description: YBB’s Design Programs include after school and summer sessions, and offer architecture and design exposure for high school students. Participants engage in the design process and learn how design can drive social change and empower communities. Through hands-on projects and mentorship, students explore various design fields, including architecture, urban planning, interior design, and construction

Commitment/Pay: The after school design program lasts 5 weeks and is offered several times throughout the school year. The summer program lasts 7 weeks. Students receive a stipend.

Apply: Read more here, then click on the button to complete the interest form and receive an email notification when the application opens.

Zumix Music Programs

Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

Age/Requirements: Ages 12-18

Description: Free Music Programming: ZUMIX offers free group programming for students age 12-18. These classes include audio/visual technology, songwriting & performance, radio, dance, and rock band courses. Some programs can lead to paid positions. More info and application link at https://www.zumix.org/programs/

Commitment/Pay: Depends on program

Apply at: https://www.zumix.org/register/

Artists for humanity

Deadline: Ongoing until spots are filled

Requirements: High school students who are at least 14 years old. You must have a Social Security Number/ US work authorization

Description: Artists For Humanity (AFH) employs Boston teens to work with Painting, 3D Design, Graphic Design, Creative Technology, Video Production, Photography, or Print Making. In collaboration with artist/designer mentors, teen apprentices learn new skills, make art and provide creative design services for clients. No artistic experience is necessary, just passion for being creative and learning on the job.

Commitment/Pay: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. during the school year; Monday – Friday from 12:00 noon – 5:30 p.m. during the summer. In person at 100 West 2nd Street, Boston, MA 02127 (3-minute walk from Broadway stop on Red Line).

After a 36-hour unpaid apprenticeship period, teens are paid $15/hour plus commissions to do projects. Here are some examples of things our teens have created.

Apply: Go to AFHBoston.org/teen-jobs and attend an Open House! Location: 100 W 2nd St, South Boston (3-5 min walk from the Broadway T-stop on the red line)

Grub Street Teen Writing Classes

Requirements: Ages 13-18. You do NOT need a social security number to participate.

Description: Teen writers, are you looking for some craft inspiration and new writer friends? Join one of GrubStreet's Saturday writing classes and experience a workshop filled with creativity, community, and the art of storytelling.

Commitment/Pay: Free on Saturdays in person at the GrubStreet center in the Seaport

More information: Visit https://grubstreet.org/write/yawp to read more and apply. The page will be updated as programs become available.

Museum of Fine Arts - Teen Art classes

Requirements: Age requirements depend on the class. You do NOT need a social security number to participate.

Description: Join a class at the Museum of Fine Arts, either online or in person, to build your skills in visual arts. Click here to see the class options.

Cost: You can apply for financial aid to cover the cost of a studio art class by following the instructions here: https://www.mfa.org/programs/studio-art-classes/studio-art-scholarship-application

Read more about the MFA's teen programs here: https://www.mfa.org/programs/teen-programs

Artward Bound

Deadline: January 20 for spring semester (grades 9-11), May for summer program (grade 8)

Requirements: Grades 8-10, Income-Eligible

Description: Artward Bound is a free, four-year college prep program for Boston high school students interested in a college education focused on art and design. Students participate in art classes, career workshops, academic tutoring, visits to museums and artist studios, and more. Each summer, Artward Bound students are immersed in six weeks of artmaking and academics on MassArt’s campus.

Commitment/Pay: Program is free! Students in good standing are eligible for financial stipends and can earn college credit after completing a full year with Artward Bound.

More information and application: https://massart.edu/artward-bound/

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