Learn about programs, events, internships, scholarships, and much more for students your age. Find out how to post your opportunities on the student opportunities page.
All Schools
Summer Creative Writing & Art Workshops at Uptown Stories
Event/Deadline: Registration open up to each workshop start date (workshops are March - August)
Contact: Dorkys Ramos, dorkys@uptownstories.org | 929-277-8679
Come write the world with Uptown Stories! Every week brings new ideas, new friends, and an incredible teaching artist ready to spark your imagination. Uptown Stories gives young people ages 8-18 the tools they need to tell their own stories and develop a love of writing. We provide our students with the space to explore the craft of writing, engage their imaginations, and connect with a community of writers. We have amazing teachers, small class sizes, and an inspiring curriculum. Don’t wait to register; these workshops fill up fast! And as always, every workshop for every family is Pay-What-You-Can. Register today at: https://www.uptownstories.org/workshops.
American Museum of Natural History Discoverer Membership
Event/Deadline: Ongoing
Contact: membership@members.amnh.org | 212-769-5606
Beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in New York State are now eligible to receive a complimentary membership to the American Museum of Natural History. Called the Discoverer Membership, benefits include free general Museum admission plus one free ticketed exhibition—including the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, the Invisible Worlds immersive experience, and the Hayden Planetarium Space Show, among others—on every visit for each New York SNAP EBT cardholder and up to four of their guests. Explore Discoverer Membership details for SNAP recipients. And remember, the American Museum of Natural History offers pay-what-you-wish General Admission to all New York State residents (with ID). Plan your visit today!
Elementary School
Elementary School Educators Can Apply Now for the Service in Schools Youth Service Summit!
Deadline: April 27, 2026
Event: May 22, 2026
Contact: ServiceinSchools@schools.nyc.gov
Would you like to learn how to make a difference in your community? Ask your teacher to apply for your class to participate in the Service in Schools Youth Service Summit! The Youth Service Summit will be an extraordinary day of service that will inspire, equip, and mobilize youth from schools across the city to become agents of change in communities near and far. Students in grades 3–5 from all over New York City come together with high school leaders in service for a day of service-learning. Students will complete service projects to impact local and global issues including animal welfare, housing and homelessness, fast fashion and fabric waste, and disability rights. Learn more and ask your teacher to apply today.
Middle School
We Invite Your School to the Museum of Jewish Heritage
Event/Deadline: Ongoing
Contact: Rebecca Clark | groupvisits@mjhnyc.org | 646-437-4207
The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, located in Lower Manhattan, would like to invite your 8th grade class to come and visit this academic year! Thanks to the Gray Foundation, all 8th grade groups from NYC public and charter schools can come for a guided tour or to hear testimony from a member of our Speakers Bureau for free. We are also able to provide free transportation to and from the Museum if needed. Bringing your class to the Museum complements what students are learning in their social studies curriculum. It provides students the opportunity to step outside of the classroom to see artifacts and hear testimony that will enhance their understanding of what happened during the Holocaust and World War II. To learn more about what opportunities we have to offer, please visit our website: Student Groups Grades 4-12 and Speakers Bureau.
Middle and High School
Apply Now: The Wooster Group Summer Institute (Free Performing Arts Program)
Deadline: April 22, 2026
Event: July 6–25, 2026
Contact: Ariana Smart Truman or Tamia Aiken | si@thewoostergroup.org
Apply now—space is limited for NYC public school students entering grades 7–12 to join The Wooster Group Summer Institute, a free, three-week intensive in experimental theater and performance. Students work with professional artists in acting, movement, design, and video while collaborating with peers from across the city. No prior experience is required—just curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to take creative risks. Priority is given to students whose families receive public assistance. Students are invited to return each summer through high school, with opportunities for paid internships after graduation. Participants create original work and perform in a final public showing at The Performing Garage. Lunch is provided, and transportation costs are subsidized if needed. The Institute runs Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, with final performances on July 24–25 at The Performing Garage, 33 Wooster Street, New York, NY. Learn more and apply at https://www.thewoostergroup.org/summer-institute.
Youth Climate Summit
Deadline: May 15, 2026
Event: Wednesday, June 10 or Thursday, June 11, 2026
Contact: sustainability@schools.nyc.gov
Ask your teacher to register for the 2026 Youth Climate Summit! Enjoy a day outside on Governors Island, learn about climate and sustainability careers, leadership and environmental justice, and climate-related activities and resources for the summer. The Youth Leadership Council, a group of high school students from across NYC, co-lead the Summit in collaboration with the Office of Energy & Sustainability. School groups can choose to attend either June 10 or 11. Learn more at on.nyc.gov/YouthClimateSummit.
Free Tutoring with a Columbia Undergraduate Student!
Event: Ongoing
Contact: Helen Zheng | sciinspire@columbia.edu
Get tutoring support from Sci-Inspire, a free tutoring service run by Columbia University undergraduate students passionate about education for middle and high school students! We offer weekly one-on-one tutoring for a wide-range of subjects, ranging from pre-calculus to college application writing. Sign up for support now using Sci-Inspire Student Intake Form. Visit the Sci-Inspire website to learn more.
A Peaceful and Just World Visual Arts Contest
Deadline: April 17th, 2026
Contact: xgao3@schools.nyc.gov
Collaborating with the United Nations Visitor Center, high school students in grade 9-12 are invited to submit original artwork that reflect the theme of UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) around reduced inequity and peace, justice and strong institutions. This contest is designed especially to uplift and showcase the voices, perspectives, and creativity of multilingual learners. This prompt is open to your creative and artistic interpretation. All images and content must be the student’s own original work and free from copyright restrictions. Winning artworks will be displayed at the United Nations Visitor Center. Please use Contest Submission Form to submit your artwork. More information and guidance for the submissions can be found in 2026 NYCPS Visual Arts Contest materials available in 13 DOE languages.
Literacy Unbound Summer Institute
Deadline: Applications due April 21
Event: July 13-17, 2026 (more info on the Columbia University website)
Contact: Adele Bruni Ashley | literacyunbound@tc.edu
Want to reimagine a classic play your way? Join the Literacy Unbound Institute at Columbia University this summer! Dive into Arthur Miller's The Crucible alongside professional artists, educators, and creative students to build an original live performance. This isn't your typical literature class—you'll experiment with drama, visual arts, and storytelling to bring the text to life. Over five days, you'll collaborate, take creative risks, and develop critical thinking, communication, and artistic expression skills. This work culminates with a live performance on July 16. There is no fee to apply. Students accepted into the program will be required to pay a $100 registration fee by May 1, 2026. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available to cover this fee. To learn more and apply, visit the Literacy Unbound website.
Teen Workshop | P.O.V. Who Tells the Story?
Event: Thursday April 23, 2026, 4:30pm – 6:00pm
Contact: schools@themorgan.org
Teens, join the Morgan Library & Museum for an afterschool workshop in partnership with House of SpeakEasy! Explore the exhibition Come Together: 3,000 Years of Stories and Storytelling and discover inspiration for your own stories. Teens will experience an interactive tour of the exhibition led by an author and educator, and enjoy creative writing activities inspired by the theme of storyteller POV. Participants will consider what defines a story, who tells it, and how it can be expressed through different media. House of Speakeasy is a literary nonprofit dedicated to supporting writing, writers, and public participation in literary culture. No experience required and all program materials will be included. This program is intended only for teens aged 15 to 19 years.
Auditions for City Center's Preludes! Summer Teen Theater Intensive
Deadline: May 1, 2026
Event: May 1 - 8, 2026
Contact: slaidlaw@nycitycenter.org
This free, week-long intensive provides passionate young artists, chosen from auditions held in all five boroughs, with foundational workshops in acting, singing, and dancing. All participants also receive a professional headshot. Current guests include Tiffany Mann and James Jackson, Jr.; with more to be announced. More details and sign up at nycitycenter.org/preludes.
Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism (ARAS) Teen Summer Program
Deadline: May 1, 2026
Event: July 13 - 24 (5 days a week; 2 week)
Contact: Benjamin Stevens | arasarchiveb@gmail.com
The ARAS Teen Summer Program is a free, small‑group program (about 8 students) for teens ages 14–17, held at the ARAS Library in Midtown. It helps teens build a personal relationship with art by exploring stories, myths, and images through art-making, artist visits, and museum trips. Focusing on symbolic meaning, the program empowers students to interpret art through their own experiences rather than prescribed art‑historical narratives. Since its launch in 2014, the program has been a transformative experience for many teens, and we look forward to continuing this exploration of symbols this summer.
Behind the Curtain: Technical & Design Careers
Deadline: Friday, May 29, 2025 at 11:59pm
Event: June 29, 30 & July 1 2026, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Contact: Skutnowsky@nycitycenter.org | 212-763-1223
Students ages 14-18 are invited to kick off their summer at New York City Center exploring the many careers available in the arts! Explore the design process from concept to reality through practical, hands-on exercises with professional designers and stagehands. The program is free and includes lunch. Learn more and register for the program on our website.
Youth Alliance for Writers and Poets Annual Contest
Deadline: Rolling
Event: Ongoing
Contact: yawpliterary@gmail.com
Calling all high school student writers! The Youth Alliance for Writers and Poets is hosting our free annual writing contest and exchange. Students are invited to submit writing of any genre up to 3,000 words, and anonymously read works from other young writers across the country. Every single submission will receive peer feedback and join our community of writers, and winning works will get publication, a certificate, and possible networking opportunities. We’re accepting submissions until Sunday, May 31st. It is completely free of charge to submit. After we receive submissions, each entrant will be a student judge. Once judging is complete, we’ll announce our winners in June! To submit, please fill out the submission form. Rules for submission and information about student judging are in this document. To learn more, go to yawpliterary.com.
NYU Stern – EFL Young Ambassadors Program
Deadline: Rolling
Event: Ongoing (October 2025 – May 2026)
Contact: Stella Miao, cjm739@nyu.edu | Matt Myers, mdm9816@stern.nyu.edu
Are you a high school student in NYC curious about startups, science, or business? The EFL Young EFL Young Ambassadors Program Program at the NYU Stern School of Business is a free opportunity to join real-world startup conferences, shadow NYU MBA mentors, and learn directly from founders, investors, and scientists. Students selected will attend at least one full EFL meeting day and one virtual prep session. Participants will receive an official letter confirming attendance, which can be used for school excuse purposes. This program is completely free of charge and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. Apply to EFL Young Ambassadors 2025-26.
Youth Action 50 (YA50)
Deadline: Rolling
Event: Ongoing (October 2025 – June 2026)
Contact: Stuart Davis, StDavis@cityhall.nyc.gov
Youth Action 50 (YA50) is a citywide leadership program that empowers NYC public high school students to take action on the issues that matter most to them and their communities. Students meet regularly with peers and adult facilitators to build leadership skills, plan community service projects, and make their voices heard. YA50 members will gain hands-on experience in civic engagement, community organizing, and teamwork — while earning community service hours and contributing to positive change in New York City. Apply now to join a YA50 site and become part of a citywide network of young leaders! Visit the NYC Service website for more information.
Queering New York FREE Video Series Focused on Sites Connected to LGBTQ History
Deadline: Ongoing
Contact: info@nyclgbtsites.org
Check out Queering New York—a free video series with short, fun clips (all under 7 minutes) you can watch on your phone. Each video takes you to a real NYC site tied to people, events, and movements—from James Baldwin’s home to the Oscar Wilde Bookshop to the Gay Activists Alliance Firehouse. They connect right back to what you’re learning in humanities and social studies. Explore free classroom tools for teachers.
Transportation Alternatives Youth Activist Committee (TAYAC)
Deadline: Rolling
Event: Last Friday of the month, 4:30 - 6:00pm (subject to change)
Contact: Lauren Newman, Youth & Schools Organizer | lauren.newman@transalt.org
Join a community of teens to advocate for car alternatives in New York City with a focus on issues that matter to youth! Join us for monthly meetings, social events, or helping out with a campaign. No experience is necessary to join, all you need is a passion for improving public transit, biking, or walking in the city you love. Open to all NYC youth (students and recent graduates)! Learn more on the Transportation Alternatives Youth Activist Committee website.
Teen Workshop | P.O.V. Who Tells the Story?
Deadline/Event: Ongoing
Contact: gradgift@tdf.org
Seniors graduating in spring 2026 from all New York City public and charter high schools are eligible to sign up for a free TDF Graduation Gift Membership. TDF Graduation Gift Members get exclusive Broadway deals for just $22 per ticket! You also have access to general TDF Member offers that range from $11 for Off-Off Broadway shows to $62.50 for Broadway musicals. For more information and FAQs, visit tdf.org.