Parsons Scholars Program for Art & Design!
(Free!!) (10th Grade) The Parsons Scholars Program is a 2-year college prep program that centers artists & students of color who are financially eligible! Parsons Scholars receive artistic, academic, emotional and financial support as they explore their own interests in art and design. Scholars have access to 8 college credits in art classes ranging from fashion to photography! And scholars receive dedicated professional support in developing an art portfolio, college applications & essays, and financial aid literacy.
Applicants MUST attend one mandatory Info Session at Parsons School of Design. Dates: 09/20, 09/30, or 10/04. RSVP for your Info Session Here!!
Dreamyard Creative Programs Are Back!!
(FREE!!) (9th-12th Graders!!)
Dreamyard's high school program offers a range of empowering and creative classes for future culture makers and leaders! Programs will begin the week of October 17th.
Fall Saturday Classes: Bronx Arts Collective, Bronx Acting Ensemble, Fashion Design, Dance & Movement, Game Design (Saturday’s 10am-3pm)
Fall Weekday Classes: BeatYard Music Production, Media Production, Illustration, Game Night!
Noguchi Museum Internship
(PAID!) (Current 11th-12th Graders)
TAB interns will focus their conversations around social justice and the empowerment of communities and cultures, considering the global influences in Isamu Noguchi’s life and work. TAB interns are paid a $750 stipend for the school year, receiving $375 at both the midpoint and end of the program. The Teen Advisory Board is open to 11th–12th graders attending high school in New York City. Application Link!
Youth in Cadet Program
(Ages 12-18) (Must enroll in Civil Air Patrol)
Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a non-profit civilian program of the U.S. Air Force. As a CAP cadet, you will participate in a year-round program where you fly, learn to lead, hike, camp, get in shape and push yourself to new limits. The program transforms youth into dynamic citizens and aerospace leaders through four elements: leadership, aerospace, fitness and character. Applications are accepted all year long!
General Information // Eligibility FAQ’s // Parent Info Page
The Door NYC Membership
(Free!!) (Ages 14-24)
The Door NYC memberships are open and free for anyone 14 years or older!! The Door is a recreation center with a number of creative classes & activities offered for members to access for free! Think youth clubs where you can socialize, be creative or active. The Door is downtown at 555 Broome St, New York, NY 10013
Current Offerings: Ceramics, Cosmetology, Learn to Crochet, Music Lessons, Painting & Sketching, Theatre for Social Change, Drama Club, LGBTQ Clubs, Weight Lifting, Indoor Open Gym
Current Class Schedule // More About The Creative Arts at The Door // Membership Interest Form
NYU's Tisch Future Arts Program Spring 2023!
(9th, 10th and 11th graders) - Tisch Spring Future Artists program offers many different art programs for young artists: game design, studio music, dance, film, theater, and dramatic writing and image making! To find more info about each program click here!!
This program requires a 14-week commitment on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET (hours vary by department but will fall within this time) from January 31, 2026 - May 9, 2026 and is taught by faculty from the undergraduate departments. Early Deadline: 11/01 Final Deadline: 11/10. Before you apply: Review these Application Requirements!! Application Link Here!
Studio Museum of Harlem Expanding the Walls Photography Program
(PAID!!!) (Photography Internship at Studio Museum) Do you want a $1000 stipend and a Canon EOS Rebel DSLR camera? Expanding the Walls is a free, 8-month program for teens enrolled in high school or GED program to learn about photography, history, and community. The program culminates with a celebration of the participants' work. Students will receive transportation fare to attend the program and awarded the stipend and camera at completion of the program & exhibition of student work.
Program runs from January 10–July 30, 2026 on Tuesdays, 4:00–6:30 pm and Saturdays, 11:00 am–3:00 pm. Starting June 30th, 2026, the program will meet three times a week: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 11:00am-3:00pm
STEM 2026 Institute @ City College of NY
(FREE!!!) (INCLUDES Classroom Supplies & Daily Lunch / Snacks) (Grades 6th - 12th) The STEM Institute at The City College of New York is excited to present an incredible educational opportunity for Spring 2026, where your students can attend classes at the City College of New York (CCNY) campus and participate in a unique learning experience that offers college credits and high school elective credits through hands-on, in-person courses.
Grades 10th through 12th grade can participate in the following subjects to receive 3-4 College Credits & 1 High School Elective Credit Course:
Financial Management
Intro to Journalism
Intro to Physics
College Algebra & Trigonometry
Precalculus (Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry)
Calculus I (Prerequisite: Precalculus)
A separate College Now application link will be shared with eligible students after completing the initial application.
Grades 9th through 12th grade can participate in the following subjects to receive 1 STEM Experimental Courses to receive 1 High School Elective Credit:
App Development & Entrepreneurship
Artificial Intelligence
Game Programming
Robotics, and Rocketry
See Charan in room 406 today and she can tell you more about the program!
NYCLU Teen Activist Project 2025-2026
(Paid!!) (Ages 14-21 ) (Limited Stipends Available: - Up to $600 available)
NYCLU's Teen Activist Project (TAP) is an exciting youth program that engages New York City teens as leaders and organizers on civil rights and civil liberties. If you are interested in advocacy issues including but not limited to students' rights, racial justice, the rights of pregnant and parenting teens, policing, LGBTQ rights, immigrants' rights, freedom of speech and religion - and more, then this is for you! TAP is a great opportunity for young people interested in law, health care, social justice issues and community organizing. TAP programming will be fully in-person. You must be available to mee on Mondays & one additional week day.
Youth Advocacy Training
(FREE!!!!) (Ages 16 - 23) Youth Leadership & Advocacy Training!!! The Ocean Project conducts a free 4-week virtual leadership & advocacy training program designed for youth who are looking to make a positive impact. Participants will have the opportunity to talk with experts, network and collaborate with their peers, and develop a strong foundation for all their future advocacy efforts. The next program starts in soon!
Session 1 – The Ocean-Climate Connection: Sat., Oct. 18th 2025 at 2pm
Session 2 – Social Media & Communications: Sat., Oct 25th 2025 at 2pm
Session 3 – Event Planning & Fundraising: Sat., Nov. 1st 2025 at 2pm
Session 4 – Campaign Organizing: Sat., Nov. 8th 2025 at 2pm
ACE Mentorship Program
(Free!!) (9th-12th Graders!) The ACE Mentor Program is a not-for-profit organization that helps prepare high school students for careers in architecture, engineering, and construction through mentoring by industry professionals. Students get to explore careers in architecture, engineering, and construction management.
ACE GNY is a full year program running from late October through May. Our program is split into teams, with each team having around 25 high school students and 15-20 mentors. Our teams meet throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, White Plains, and Riverdale. There are also remote team options!
PACT Activist 2025-2026 @ Center for Anti-Violence Education
(INCENTIVE BASED!!!) (All Grades!)
PACT Activist, an incentive based after-school program that trains and teaches ways to dismantle and disrupt community violence and work to build a practice of community and self care. All high school femme (cis and trans) and gender expansive youth students are encouraged to apply! This program is supported by the Center of Anti-Violence Education and will provide an incentive opportunity of a $100-$150 Visa Gift Card upon completion of the program.
Starting October 23rd, students selected into this program will meet once a week in person, on Thursdays from 4-6pm at the YWCA in Downtown Brooklyn.
About the Center for Anti-Violence Education // Flyer // Application for the Program
NYU STEP (Science Tech Ed Program)
(FREE!!) (9th-12th Graders) NYU's STEP Program is open!! This is a multi-year enriching opportunity for any student interested in science or technology career fields. What kinds of jobs are in STEM fields? Check out the job lists here to find out!
During your years at STEP, NYU will provided numerous opportunities for you to see these professions up close. Maybe one Saturday we will have arranged a panel talk with a brain surgeon, a bridge engineer, and a nuclear physicist. Or maybe you will join us for a day-trip to a laboratory at Rockefeller Center. One thing's for sure--you will leave STEP more knowledgeable about good, high-paying careers in cutting-edge fields, and be more motivated to pursue one yourself.
MoMA Open Art Space
(FREE!) (9th-12th Grades) LGBTQ+ and Allies!
MoMA's Open Art Space is a relaxed, weekly, drop-in program for LGBTQ+ high school students and their allies who are interested in thinking about, and making, art in a creative and welcoming environment. This program is free and open to all high school–age participants.
No previous art-making experience is necessary!! Time: Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Cullman Education Center at MoMA
4 West 54th St, NY, NY, 10019
Opening Act Youth Company
(FREE!!!) (For NYC High School Residents - Ages 14 - 19) Do you want to create and perform an original show on issues that matter to you & other youth around you? Would you also want to collaborate with peers across NYC in a supportive ensemble, while working with professional artists and receive résumé/headshot support? If you said yes, then this is the opportunity for you!
Opening Act is a nonprofit that has provided free, high-quality theater programs for NYC public high school students for 25 years where you will also get the chance to attend professional theater productions for free and build lasting connections and community with others that want the same thing. Apply today!! Group Auditions will be held Oct. 1st & 2nd! No preparations needed.
LIFE Financial Education Programs!
(Free!) (10th-12th Graders!) The LIFE Workshop Series covers six financial literacy topics over the course of a school semester. Meet new students & network with financial professionals while you learn about taxes, student loans, financial investing, credit and debt, and more!
The program starts in early October and runs through mid-December. Read more info here!! Application link here!
Student Photographers Needed for Dear NY
(FREE!!!) ($50 × 2 Gift Card for Winners!) (Open to All Students!!!) Do you have some in your life and/or in your community who deserves to be honored. This could be someone in your life, your neighborhood or your school. The Dear New York project is looking to host 300 submissions submitted by students for a two-week photography exhibition in Grand Central Terminal. Then they will be featured on dearnewyork.com in an online art gallery that will be constructed at the conclusion of the event. Use whatever camera you have available to you to take the shot that feels perfect to you and then complete the written statement.
Selected photographers will have their framed portrait mailed back to them along with two $50 gift cards to a local independent bookstore - one for you, and one for a person of your choice.
How to Enter??? Email your statement, including your honoree’s full name, to submissions@dearnewyork.com. Along with your statement, please attach ONE VERTICAL PHOTOGRAPH, and ONE HORIZONTAL PHOTOGRAPH. In the SUBJECT of the email please include your NAME, your GRADE, and the NAME OF YOUR SCHOOL. Remember to Submit by Sunday, Sept. 28th
Guidelines About the Written Statement & the Project Can Be Reviewed Here
FDNY Fire & EMS Explorer Program
(Free!) (Ages 14-20) Future Firefighters and EMS Workers Come Fourth!! The FDNY Exploring Program gives youth the opportunity to gain valuable insight into a career at the Fire Department, while simultaneously building plans for their futures. The innovative program helps participants gain work experience and assistance with educational and fitness requirements that are critical to successfully pursuing a career at the FDNY. Participants also develop contacts with FDNY Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics and others already on the job.
Requirements to Join:
At least 14 to 20 years of age and enrolled in a high school, college or general equivalency (GED) program.
Proof of ability to maintain satisfactory report card average.
Provide a doctor’s letter of good health.
Must be able to attend four meetings per month.
Pay an annual fee of $15 (to cover liability insurance and administrative fees)
More Information Here // Flyer // Application //
JREC Afterschool Swimming Lessons & Life Guard Training
(FREE!!! For All JREC Students!!) JREC Students who are interested is participating in the first cycle of swimming lessons and life guard training should apply!! JREC Afterschool Swim is offering classes after school between 3 - 5 pm from Monday - Friday with Black People Will Swim (BPWS). Classes start October 1st on site at JREC.
More About BPWS // Flyer // Application
Teen Project Studio 2.0 @ BRAC
(FREE!!!) (All H.S. Grades!) Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) Teen Project Studio (TPS) is a FREE year-long program for high school students who want to develop their artistic skills, explore new art forms, and build a professional-quality portfolio. No prior experience necessary. Students will work with professional teaching artists, collaborate with peers, and showcase their work at the end of the program.
See Charan in room 406 today!! She will help you complete the student registration forms for this amazing opportunity! You will also need some creative work samples (a drawing, design, craft, photo, poem, or other project) to upload with the application.
Design Hive Smithsonian Internship (PAID!)
(PAID) (11th & 12th graders)
Design Hive is a youth-led initiative at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. High school juniors and seniors dive deep into design objects and processes to develop their own collaborative projects. Students receive mentorship from working designers, and are offered access to the museum’s exhibitions, objects, and people. The group works together to design a world that is more responsible, equitable, and collaborative.
Tuesdays from November to May between 4:30–6:30 p.m at at Cooper Hewitt (2 East 91st Street, New York, NY 10128) in the UES.
Students are paid a stipend of $2,000 for the year long program.
You can learn more about the program and how to apply at the Virtual Q&A Session is Tuesday, September 17th.
Applications are due September 26th!
Reel Works: After-School Lab Programs
(Free!) (Ages 14-19) Future Filmmakers!! No experience needed!! Are you interested in learning how to produce an original short documentary, narrative or experimental film?? Reel Works programs connect teens with professional filmmaker-mentors so you can do just that! Watch these short films to see if this fits your interests!!
Reel Works for Beginning Filmmakers:
The Doc Lab: intro documentary filmmaking workshop. High school students are paired 1:1 with professional filmmaker mentors to plan, shoot, edit, and present a short personal film about their lives and communities. Workshop Dates: October 27, 2025 – May 8, 2026 (Mon and Tues from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM) Application deadline: September 27th
The Narrative Lab: (Ages 16-20) intro to narrative filmmaking workshop for young filmmakers to develop original short films. The course focuses on screenwriting, advanced camera and lighting, casting and directing actors, producing, and post-production of short films.
Workshop Dates: December 3, 2025 – June 18, 2026 (Weds & Thurs from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM)
Application due: November 3rd
Reel Works General Info // Documentary Lab Due: 9/27 Application // Narrative Lab Due: 11/3 Application Link // Reel Works Films//
Volunteers for Harlem Grown
(VOLUNTEER Opportunity!!!) Harlem Grown is seeking youth volunteers to help support their after school program. Harlem Grown's mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition. It is a 12-week commitment that would require the student volunteer to choose one day a week that works with their schedule to help with the following:
Set-up for class - basic food preparation and distributing snacks
Classroom maintenance - dishwashing and resetting teaching spaces
Breakdown after class
Various tasks as assigned
Application Information
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume with “Program Volunteer Program” in the subject line to rmarruffo@harlemgrown.org. Please specify which day of the week you would like to volunteer, why you are interested in this opportunity, and any relevant work experience. Applications will be accepted until 2-3 volunteer positions are filled. Selected applicants must pass a background check and get fingerprinted. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.
See Charan in room 406 today and she can tell you more about the program or you can check out their website HERE!
Vaughn College STEP Program
(PAID!!) (FREE!!) (ALL Grades) Vanghn College's Hybrid Saturday STEP 2025-2026 Program is NOW open!! This program runs from October - June for eligible students and exposes them to Vaughn’s aeronautical heritage, world class robotics championship teams and STEM-related fields in:
Advanced Flight
STEM 3D Design
Intro to Java
Intro to biomedical engineering
Human A&P for Engineers & Pilots
Students will also have access to tutoring, college credit course work for 11th & 12th graders, workshops, conferences & field trips. Students will receive a stipend after 18 attendance records are on file and towards the end of the school year.
More Program Info // Application for Returning Students // Application for NEW Students // Flyer
Cooper Union Saturday Art Program
(FREE!!!) (Grades 9 - 12) Cooper Union's Saturday Program is a free art and architecture program for New York City high school students founded in 1968. 9-12th grade students are taught by current Cooper Union undergraduate students, which allows high schoolers to learn from “near peer” mentors. 11th and 12th graders hoping to pursue art in college can apply for the Portfolio Prep classes, which are specifically designed to assist students with the creation of college-ready portfolios.
Classes run on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm throughout the school year, operating semesterly (Fall and Spring). The fall classes begin October 4th.
To be eligible, students must meet a combination of the following criteria which is considered on a case by case basis:
Come from low- or moderate-income household (See 2025 NYC Area Median Income)
Attend a New York City public or charter high school
Attend a school without a comprehensive visual art program
Qualify for public assistance
Sound+Science (Hip-hop & Science) Program
(FREE!) (9th-12th Grade) SCIENCE or ELECTIVE CREDIT Opportunity!!
Sound+Science is an innovative after-school program, research lab, and community in NYC for high school students interested in exploring the unique and deep connection between music, science, and technology. Through a unique curriculum, participants will explore modules like ‘The Hidden Codes in Electronic Music’, ‘From Hip-Hop to AI’, and Music Improvisation and the Evolution of the Mathematics of Computation Sound+Science, revealing the profound connections between music, technology, physics and mathematics.
When: After School Where: Civic Hall (E.14th Street near Union Square) Cost: Free Perks: Attend all sessions & earn Elective credit
Interns for Teaching Assistants @ Imogen Roche Foundation
(PAID!!!) (Seeking 11th & 12th Graders) The Imogen Foundation are seeking kind, talented and energetic high school students interested in education or childcare to help provide nurturing instruction to elementary school students after school. High school interns will work with a team of teaching assistants to support experienced teachers in implementing specialty classes, lead students in recreational and sports activities, supervise transitions (arrival, snack, dismissal, etc.) and help children feel connected and safe after school.
See Charan in room 406 today!! She will help you complete the application.
Personal Finance Class at Monroe YABC
Monroe YABC’s Personal Finance is a course designed to help students understand the impact of individual choices on occupational goals and future earnings potential. Topics covered will include income, money management, spending and credit, as well as saving and investing.
Gain or make-up high school credits at Monroe YABC!!
Class spaces are first-come, first-served so see Charan in room 406 today!! She will help you complete the student registration forms.
S1 Form // S2 Form // Admissions Page // How to get to Monroe //
Culinary Arts Course at Monroe YABC
Learn how to develop your skills as a chef in this exciting, hands-on Culinary Arts course. Learn how to impress your family and friends with the magic you can make in the kitchen!
Monroe YABC offers high school credit for a range of electives like culinary arts. Gain credit & explore your interests!!
Class spaces are first-come, first-served so see Charan in room 406 today!! She will help you complete the student registration forms.
S1 Form // S2 Form // Admissions Page // How to get to Monroe YABC
Piano Class at Monroe YABC
(FREE!) (9th-12th)
Learn how to play the piano on Saturday mornings and earn one high school elective credit at Monroe YABC!!
Classes are 1st come 1st serve! See Charan in room 406 to get your S1 & S2 application forms!
Note: You must submit your S1 & S2 forms in-person @
1300 Boynton Ave, Bronx, NY 10472. Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 3PM-7PM (Closed Fridays)
Admissions Page // S1 Forms // S2 Forms // Directions to Monroe YABC
NYPD Youth Explorer Program
(FREE!) (9th-12th Graders) Youth Explorers learn about correction law, conflict resolution, stress management, career readiness, discipline, ethics and life skills in a fun and supportive environment. The NYCDOC Youth Explorer program is affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America’s Law Enforcement Exploring program. See their Instagram photos here!
Want to learn more? Sign-up for the NYPD Youth Explorers mailing list here! Or call the Community Affairs Bureau's Youth Strategies Division at (718) 312-4471 to ask questions!
More Information // Application Link // Medical Form // Media Waiver Form
Wellness Ambassadors @ Brotherhood Sister Sol
(PAID!!!) (Grades 10th - 12th) An AMAZING program for youth interested in learning more about wellness and self-care. This is a training program that promotes mental, emotional and physical well-being. Participants will be compensated and provided with tools to help them become Wellness Ambassadors and support other youth in enhancing their own wellness practices. Group interviews start Friday, Sept. 26th & individual interviews will be held on Monday, Sept. 29th or Friday, Oct. 3rd. Wellness ambassadors meet every Monday & Friday beginning Oct. 10th.
What will you gain out of this program?
Increased knowledge and understanding of wellness and self-care
Strengthened leadership, communication, and team-building skills
Practice with planning and organizing different programs and events
Earned certifications that you can add to your resume and college applications
A stipend
See Charan in room 406 today!! She will help you complete the student registration forms for this amazing opportunity!
Youth Leadership Council W/ NYCPS Office of Energy & Sustainability
(FREE!!) (All Grades) NYCPS Office of Energy and Sustainability offers an exciting opportunity for high school students where they can gain the necessary skills to enter the growing green career workforce. Plan and host events with NYCPS such as their Climate Action Planning Event and their annual Youth Climate Summit.
See Charan in room 406 today!! She will help you complete the student registration forms.
Dept. of Buildings (DOB) Next Gen Program
(FREE!!) (All Grades!) DOB Next Gen Program explores NYC’s Built Environment & Public Policy from the Inside. DOB Next Gen is a free educational program hosted by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) Youth Engagement Team, designed for NYC high school students with an interest in:
Construction
Policy & Code
Sustainability
Inspections
Design & Engineering
Architecture
As part of the DOB Next Gen cohort, students will take part in a series of weekly, in-person sessions led by DOB professionals and the Youth Engagement Team. See Charan in room 406 and apply today!!
Sisters In Strength with Girls for Gender Equity
(Free!! Ages 14-18) (Girls/Trans/Non-Binary of Color)
Sisters In Strength (SIS) started as a program for cisgender and transgender girls of color to learn the basics of community organizing. Today, it has evolved into a survivor circle for youth survivors of childhood sexual abuse and their allies.
If you'd like to join the movement to end gender-based violence, sexual violence, and child sexual assault then review GGE’s website to see all the amazing work they are doing to end gender-based violence!
Learn more about GGE After School Programs // Application Here
Adler Youth Free Acting Program
(ALL GRADES) Free after-school theater program for poverty-impacted teens now accepting applications! Students train in voice, movement, improv, acting, and technique in a conservatory environment. Led by the Studio’s world-class faculty, students also engage with students in the full-time conservatory programs as well as alumni and international guest artists. While Adler Youth students are trained with the same intensity and integrity as conservatory students, this program is not concerned with creating professional actors, but rather empowering strong, confident, thoughtful, and empathetic human beings.
Monroe YABC Fall 2024 Classes!
Monroe YABC is a DOE campus that offers a range of classes throughout the year. Here is a way to get ahead on your high school credits, explore new interests, OR make-up credits!!
Fall 2025 Courses:
Music Production (Fundamentals of DJ Mixing)
Driver’s Ed (Must be 16 years old)
Forensic Science
Piano Class (No prior experiences required!)
Drone Piloting
Culinary Arts
Personal Finance
Class spaces are first-come, first-served so see Charan in room 406 today!! She will help you complete the student registration forms.
Admissions Page // S1 Forms // S2 Forms // Directions to Monroe YABC
DCTV YOUTH MEDIA Fellowship Program
(FREE!) DCTV Youth Media Fellowship is a free media arts training program for NYC youth. Designed for beginner to advanced filmmakers (ages 14-18), our programs provide positive, creative outlets for young people to address issues affecting their lives and their communities. Participants receive hands-on instruction in camera operation, interviewing, editing, and many other skills necessary to be effective storytellers. Info! Application!