Summer Programs 2025
New opportunities will be posted at the top of this list as we hear of them.
Experiment Digital: Youth Leadership & Community Service virtual exchange program at World Learning
Timbuctoo Climate Science and Careers Institute
The Timbuctoo Climate Science and Careers Institute provides high school students ages 14-17 and living in the five boroughs of New York City with two separate summer programs exploring the foundations of climate science and the careers dedicated to and intersecting with the environment. Students will collaborate with faculty from SUNY ESF and Medgar Evers College.
Adirondack Program:
Three, two-week traveling sessions, time spent in Brooklyn, Kingston, Syracuse and the Adirondacks (Newcomb)
Compensation: Two weeks of room and board plus a stipend of $640.00 a week, $1,280.00 total upon completion of the Institute program.
Brooklyn Program:
Six, one-week sessions based entirely in Brooklyn
Compensation: $17 per hour, ~40 hour work week (5 days)
More Information: https://www.esf.edu/timbuctoo/
ICP Teen Academy Summer Courses
This summer, ICP is hosting a variety of courses for teenage imagemakers. Register before April 1st for an early bird discount of 15% off tuition costs.
Teen Academy Summer Courses
Demystifying the White Box Gallery Section 1 with Néstor Pérez-Molière, July 11-25, Meets on Fridays, 1PM-4PM
Creating Handmade Photobooks with Alexis Lambrou and Sean Sirota, July 14-18, Meets Monday-Friday, 10AM-4PM
Telling Stories of Climate Change with Bayeté Ross Smith, July 21-August 1, Meets Monday-Friday, 10AM-4PM
Bilingual Photo 1 in B&W (Spanish & English) with Néstor Pérez-Molière, July 28-August 8, Meets Monday-Friday, 10AM-4PM
Demystifying the White Box Gallery Section 2 with Néstor Pérez-Molière, August 2-30, Meets on Saturdays, 1PM-4PM
The Art of Mobile Visual Storytelling with Shweta Gulati, August 4-8, Meets Monday-Friday, 10AM-4PM
DNA Learning Center Science Camps
Baruch STEP Summer Program
For middle and high school students.
Students will participate in one STEM enrichment or research-based course for the duration of the program. The course descriptions are abbreviated, please review the application for more information.
Springboard to Design
Springboard to Design encourages and mentors high school students from underrepresented populations to explore the process of theatrical collaboration and the many avenues of American Theatre design.
Led by renowned members of the contemporary theatre in the heart of NYC, the Springboard to Design curriculum includes workshops, seminars, and access to important work on and off Broadway. Instructors will consist of award-winning artists who will create a collaborative environment for students, as they explore costume, set, lighting, projection, and sound design.
Springboard to Design aims to provide students with access to theatre education they may not otherwise receive. Therefore, no prior experience is required to participate. Applicants with an interest in sewing, fashion, drawing, painting, building, creating, and storytelling are highly encouraged to apply. Students who already have a love for theater but don’t know where they fit in are also encouraged.
Deadline to apply: March 15
NYRR Run for the Future
New Country Day Camp Counselor
SOCAPA City Cinema
SOCAPA City Cinema, a fully-funded, tuition-free program that offers specialized training for students interested in filmmaking and acting, centered around workshop classes and short film productions. After a successful launch we’re thrilled to announce that applications are now open for our 3-Week Summer Courses! We’re offering the following courses, which will begin the week of June 30th, 2025.
SUMMER 2025 COURSES
Actor’s Lab (Offered Session 1 & 2)
The Actor's Lab introduces SOCAPA City Cinema’s innovative "toolbox" approach to acting, allowing students to explore a variety of techniques and discover what resonates most with their unique style. Participants will actively engage with these methods through scenes curated by the instructor, and they will have the chance to apply their skills in student short films produced by their filmmaking peers. This immersive experience fosters creativity and collaboration, empowering students to develop their craft in a dynamic environment. Apply now.
Writer’s Room (Only Offered in Session 1)
This crash course in screenwriting immerses students in the fundamentals of narrative structure, character development, and crafting authentic scenes. Designed for aspiring writers, this course provides hands-on experience in writing short screenplays and developing treatments for feature films or TV pilots. Alongside writing exercises, you’ll gain insight into the industry’s inner workings, preparing you for the dynamic world of film and television writing. Apply now.
Film Launch (Only Offered in Session 2)
An exciting introduction to the world of digital media and cinematic storytelling, Film Launch takes students through the evolution of film—from early moving images to the content we consume on our phones today. This course emphasizes the power of stories to drive change, with a special focus on revolutionary filmmakers rooted in New York City. As the storytellers of tomorrow, students will gain hands-on technical experience, culminating in a collaborative project where teams will write, direct, and produce short films together. Apply now.
Please note: all of these courses welcome students with varying experience levels—from beginners to advanced performers and filmmakers. The curriculum thrives on a diverse student body, where each individual’s skills and perspectives enhance the learning experience for everyone.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Early Decision Deadline: March 15, 2025
Regular Decision Deadline: April 15, 2025
Cinema Kidz Paid Summer Internship
Youth Internships at Wave Hill
Deadline: February 28, 2025
Contact: Wave Hill Education Department
Apply now to participate in paid internships at Wave Hill public garden in the Bronx. Three separate internships are available for youth seeking hands on experience in ecological restoration, research methods, community engagement, and arts education. The Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship internship is a14-month experience offering the unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of ecological principles and science research methods. The Forest Project internship offers the opportunity to learn about ecological restoration and urban ecology through hands-on field experiences and dynamic, field-based coursework. The Art, Community, Education and Science internship is a year-long program that explores the connections between community engagement and science-informed, informal arts education. All programs begin in late June or early July. Visit the Wave Hill website for more information and application details.
NYU Democracy Scholars Program
New York Historical Society Summer Internship
Student Historian Internship
Summer 2025
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday July 8th- August 14th, 2025
10am-4pm ET
Conduct research and create digital projects with the mentorship of professional staff. Learn about the digital humanities, museum, and history fields. Collaborate with fellow students to develop historical thinking, communication, and digital media skills to gain a deeper understanding of American History!
This program is open to high school students entering grades 10, 11, or 12 who live in and attend school in the New York city metro area (includes the five boroughs of New York City, as well as areas of New York State, Connecticut, and New Jersey). All interns will receive a $700 stipend upon successful completion of the internship. Participation in this program can be used to fulfill the extracurricular requirement for the NYSED Seal of Civic Readiness.
Apply here by March 30, 2025! Have questions? Email us at teens@nyhistory.org.
Earth Matter Summer Youth Internship
Girls Who Code Summer Programs
Two options:
The Summer Immersion Program, a two-week experience to learn game design in live virtual classrooms while making friends and gaining practical college and career advice from industry leaders.
Pathways, a six-week opportunity to explore some of the biggest topics in tech independently
For more information: https://girlswhocode.com/programs/summer-immersion-program
New Resource for Summer Programs and Internships
Columbia University Pre-College Summer Programs
Cooper Union Summer Arts Institute
The Cooper Union Summer Arts Institute offers high school students (rising sophomores to rising seniors) the opportunity to immerse themselves in art making in an art college environment with professional instruction alongside classmates who share their passion for art and design.
Students that are currently attending a New York City public high school within the five boroughs (Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island), are between the ages of 15–18, and are rising sophomores–rising seniors, are eligible to apply to the Jeff and Paula Gural Merit Scholarship for New York City Public School Students. The Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive is profoundly grateful to Jeffery and Paula Gural for their generous contribution. For more information about the scholarship and it's requirements, click this scholarship button.
Pre College Creative Writing Summer Programs
Summer Arts Institute 2025
Read about it here: https://sites.google.com/schools.nyc.gov/summerartsinstitute2025/home
Deadline to apply is February 26, 2025
The School of the New York Times
Great Jewish Books Summer Program
Dates: July 27-August 1, 2025
Apply by March 3
At the Great Jewish Books Summer Program, participants read selections from important works of modern Jewish literature and consider how they speak to the opportunities and challenges we face today. Great Jewish Books is a lively program full of social, cultural, and recreational opportunities—and no grades—for students who read for the love of reading and who are eager to discover the treasures of the Jewish canon.
Sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Every admitted participant receives a scholarship for the full cost of tuition, room, board, books, and special events. Learn more here.
Summer Programs 2024
Sounds of Freedom
FREE Summer Program for Activist Musicians in Grades 9 and 10 (rising)
IRT Westside Experiment
DNA Learning Center Summer Camps
Youth Communication - Summer Writing Workshop
https://youthcomm.org/teens-write-for-us/
Apply by May 6th: https://youthcomm.org/teens-write-for-us/#app
Participate in writing lessons, discussions, and group activities. Explore the personal and sociopolitical factors that influence your idea of community.
Our workshop is a safe space for open conversations. Guest speakers and field trips will deepen our understanding of these topics. No prior writing experience is required, but you must be able to attend for all six weeks and will be expected to complete at least one publishable story. The writing process is rigorous, involving many drafts, but with lots of support and guidance from an editor. We will provide laptops and writer notebooks.
Lifeguard Training Program
The City College of New York STEM Institute
FREE Summer 2024 program
Important Dates
May 6, 2024: Application Deadline For Summer Registration
May 11 & 25, 2024: Math Placement Exam for Math courses
May 31, 2024: Acceptances from Institute & Orientation Video Sent
June 14, 2024: Official Withdrawal Deadline; Selection of waitlisted students
July 8, 2024: Classes Begin
August 8, 2024: Classes End; Closing Ceremony & Research Symposium
Apply here: https://steminstitutenyc.org/summer2024/
Fordham University STEP Summer Program
Programming includes math and science enrichment classes, free tutoring, community building activities, a social justice project, a health careers conference, a law symposium as well as personal and professional development courses like Forensic Science and Leadership and Entrepreneurship.
https://www.fordham.edu/academics/academic-resources/step/
Apply online HERE
Priority deadline May 3rd - Deadline May 31st
Brains and Motion Summer Camp
Brains & Motion, an educational enrichment provider, is offering exciting and educational STEM, Arts, and Sports Summer Camps held at New York University for grades 2-8 this year. They offer $100 off as an early bird special expiring on April 15.
Barnard Architecture + Design Summer Institute
Open to rising sophomores, juniors and seniors this summer from lower income backgrounds in the upper Manhattan/Harlem communities. The program introduces high school students to higher education and careers in architecture and related fields that contribute to the design of our city. Led by Barnard architecture faculty, this three-week, free, non-residential program includes on-campus work in the architecture design studio, computer lab, and the Barnard Design Center, as well as field trips throughout the city to see design offices, construction projects, and exhibitions.
https://architecture.barnard.edu/barnard-architecture-design-summer-institute
YVote’s 2024 Summer Programs
YVote is offering three (free!) programs this summer: Democracy Camp, Change Makers Institute, and Next Gen Civic Fellowship. These are great opportunities for teens (both in NYC and across the US!) to connect with peers, build community, dive into political and social issues they care about, and strengthen their leadership skills.
Read more and apply here: https://yvoteny.org/summer-apply/
Literacy Unbound - The Ultimate Book Club
Remix and reimagine literature
Our exciting Summer Institute returns for its tenth year to support a new cohort of players as they discover creative ways to engage with literature through shared, artistic storytelling. We'll use this year's selected text -- Macbeth by William Shakespeare — as a way to enter into a conversation with historical and philosophical texts, contemporary fiction and poetry, and current events.
Pratt Summer Scholars
Summer Scholars is excited to launch a program of art and design studio classes for middle and high school students for two-weeks in July.
Students are eligible to apply to the Summer Scholars program who:
For middle school classes, will be entering the 7th or 8th grade in the 2024-2025 school year
For high school classes, will be entering the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the 2024-2025 school year
Demonstrate an interest in art and design
Commit to attending the whole program
More info HERE
Earth Matter's 2024 Youth Internship Program
Youth participants (ages 16-18 yrs.) will acquire hands-on, practical skills related to composting, animal care, farming, resource recovery, and conservation and will build leadership, environmental stewardship skills, and peer relationships. All interns will complete a community service project / volunteer hours in their community or school. Deadline to apply is Sunday, May 19 at 5 pm.
For more information, please check out our website:
https://earthmatter.org/participate/adult-apprenticeship-program/
Counselors Needed at New Country Day Camp
Hearst High School Media Internship at The Paley Center for Media
The Hearst High School Media Internship at The Paley Center for Media is a 5-week, paid, best-in-class media-focused summer internship for rising 11th and 12th grade students. The program will encompass Media Literacy and Digital Learning, Media Career Development, and Mentorship. The program offers students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and network necessary to prepare for college and to break into the media and entertainment industry.
Apply HERE
AI Camp Scholarship
Open to middle and high school students, the AI Camp Scholarship—ranging from full to partial—is designed to make AI Bootcamp accessible to all. Scholarships are awarded on a first come, first served basis. The deadline for applications is March 10, 2024. Act fast, as spots for this program are filling up quickly!
Summer Scholarship to FIT with Creatives Want Change
CWC Fellows must be current high school students who self-identify as Black, African-American, or of African descent. CWC Pre-College scholarships will cover the full tuition of the Pre-College Programs offered at FIT, including any application fees, as well as a stipend for necessary supplies.
Eligible Students:
Open to high school students who self-identify as Black, African-American, or of African descent, that have completed one year of high school.
Scholarship Deadline: March 5th, 2024 (extended deadline)
For more information, email Creatives Want Change
Sixth Street Teen Climate Justice Program
Are you interested in
- lobbying for climate legislation
- learning how to garden
- cooking with a group
- practicing public speaking
- distributing food and mutual aid to the community
- exploring the Lower East Side
Then this is the perfect program for you!
Check out this article written by one of our teen activists about Sixth Street and the experience in last year's summer program!
Program runs Mondays-Thursdays, 10am-3pm
638 E 6th Street, Manhattan
Session 1: July 8-25
Session 2: July 29-August 15
Questions + applications: anna@sixthstreetcenter.org
http://www.sixthstreetcenter.org/teen-summer.html?mc_cid=dc33077c95&mc_eid=b83cd02117
Sadie Nash Leadership Project
See this link for more info: https://www.sadienash.org/summer-institute
Project True Research Field Assistant
This summer program is open to current high school sophomores and juniors who live in the Bronx. Participants receive a stipend and perform a range of duties including contributing to ongoing research that improves understanding of NYC wildlife. Apply by February 24.
Bard Microcollege
In addition to its partnership with early college high schools in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens, Bard College, offers a microcollege program, where students can earn a college degree by taking tuition-free courses at local NYC organizations. Read about the application process and attend an information session.
Summer Arts Institute
The city's Summer Arts Institute is a free, four-week program open to NYC public school students in grades 8 to 12. It will be held at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens. Students may major in dance, theater, instrumental music (band), string orchestra, vocal music, film, or visual arts. The program is designed for students at an intermediate or advanced level of study in their chosen discipline. An audtion is required. Apply by February 23.