Opportunities for Students (March 2024)

Published March 15, 2024

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This spring, NYC students have plenty of ways to sow the seeds of their own success.

GIF of five seedlings beginning to grow out of a pot of soil.

Throughout March and beyond, organizations across the five boroughs are taking applications from City students for grants, scholarships, and incredible learning and work opportunities scheduled to take place over the next several months. Thanks to institutions like the Cooper Union, the New-York Historical Society, and Columbia University, as well as organizations like Girls Who Code and Bottom Line, students throughout the City will be able to explore their personal interests, develop critical life skills, and even discover new career paths.

Check out the following list of opportunities available to City students in March 2024—click through any of the embedded links to learn more!

Opportunities for Students in March 2024

The opportunities listed below are ordered by their submission/registration deadline dates, with the most urgent deadlines listed first. For more information about any of their listings, please click through the corresponding links embedded in each entry.

Get a Paid Job This Summer Through SYEP

For NYC youth who will be 14–24 years old by July 1, 2024
Program runs up to 25 hours a week, July 1–August 16, 2024
Contact: SYEP Community Connect at (800) 246-4646

Deadline to Apply: March 15, 2024

Discover new career possibilities this summer by signing up for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), the nation’s largest youth employment program. Through SYEP, City youth between the ages of 14 and 24 can get paid work experiences this summer in structured project and work-based opportunities that help prepare them for future careers in a variety of industries across the five boroughs. Participating students will be able to explore different interests, develop productive and positive workplace habits, earn paychecks, and engage in learning experiences that strengthen their social, civic, and leadership skills.

To be considered for placement within SYEP, students must submit an application by March 15, 2024. Once the application closes, students will be selected for SYEP by lottery. Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee an offer.

To learn more about SYEP, visit the Department of Youth and Community Development’s dedicated SYEP webpage. Note that students who are 14–17 years old must get an employment certificate, otherwise known as “working papers,” from their school. Visit our official “Working Papers” webpage to learn more.

Remember—the SYEP application closes on March 15, 2024—don’t delay; apply TODAY!

Win Up to $250 in NYPL's Frankenstein Short Story Contest

For students aged 13–15 and 16–19 years
Contact: youngadultservices@nypl.org

Deadline to Apply: March 17, 2024

The New York Public Library (NYPL) is calling on City teenagers to write or illustrate a short story based on their dreams (or nightmares)! Through NYPL's Frankenstein Short Story Contest, City teenagers in two age categories, 13–15 and 16–19 years old, have the chance to submit written works (up to 2,000 words) or illustrations (including comics or narrative art) in the spirit of young Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, who wrote her legendary novel following a terrible dream she had of a scientist creating a monster when she was a teenager.

Five winners will be selected in each of the two age categories, and one winner in each category will be awarded $250; one runner-up will be awarded $100 in each category, and three honorable mentions in each category will be awarded $50 each.

Learn more about the contest by reviewing NYPL's official Frankenstein Short Story page, and submit your entry by March 17, 2024!

Learn about Law Careers through the Kings County District Attorney's Office

For youth ages 13 and up
Runs on 3/26, 4/9, 5/7, 5/21, and 6/4; 4:30 p.m.—6:00 p.m.
Contact: Visit nyexploring.org/contactbusinessexploring

Register today to reserve a spot

The Kings County District Attorney's Office is inviting students to visit and gain insight into law careers directly from people currently in the industry. Every week, students will be able to participate in different interactive activities that help them better understand what it is like working in law.

Check NYC Exploring's program calendar for more details about the sessions available at the Kings County District Attorney's Office.

Discover Aviation Careers through the Exploring Program at LaGuardia Airport

For youth ages 13 and up
Runs on 3/21, 4/18, and 5/16; 4:30 p.m.—6:00 p.m.
Contact: Visit nyexploring.org/contactbusinessexploring

Register today to reserve a spot

Interested in learning more about aviation? Then register for NY Exploring's program at LaGuardia Airport! Through the program, students can get a tour of LaGuardia's runways, control tower, snow equipment, the American Airlines hangar, police and fire protection, and more!

Check NYC Exploring's program calendar for more details about the sessions available at LaGuardia Airport.

Gain Computer Science and Tech Skills This Summer through Girls Who Code

For students in grades 9–11 who identify as girls or are non-binary
Programs run June 14—August 9; exact schedule depends on chosen program
Contact: summer@girlswhocode.com

Deadline to Apply: March 22, 2024

Girls Who Code is offering high school students who identify as girls with the opportunity to gain computer science skills, learn about tech jobs, and meet industry leaders this summer. Participating students obtain great personal connections, financial grants, tech support, and more—and no previous computer science experience is required!

Students will be able to participate in either a two-week Summer Immersion Program to learn game design in live virtual classrooms, or they can join a six-week Self-Paced Program to explore some of the biggest topics in tech on their own.

Learn more by visiting Girls Who Code's Summer Program webpage, and submit your application by March 22.

Through NY Exploring, students aged 13 and up can register for a tour of LaGuardia Airport (taking place on 3/21, 4/18, and 5/16) and see the airport's runways, control tower, equipment, and hangars up close and in person! (Photo by Tom Fisk via Pexels)

Develop Your Interests in Engineering and the Social Sciences through Columbia Engineering

For students currently in grade 11
Program runs July 8—August 16; Monday—Thursday
Contact: engineeringoutreach@columbia.edu

Deadline to Apply: March 26, 2024

Columbia Engineering's Engineering the Next Generation (ENG) program is a six-week summer research program for academically competitive high school juniors who wish to hone their interests and skills in engineering and the social sciences, regardless of their level of experience or knowledge. Participating students gain practical research experience, collaborate with research faculty, staff members, and other students, practice new skills, and take part in multi-level mentorships. Students are also provided with a stipend to support them over the summer.

Visit Columbia Engineering's ENG webpage to learn more, and submit your application by March 26, 2024.

Take Engineering Classes through the Cooper Union's Summer STEM Program

For students in grades 9–12
Sessions run July 8–August 16, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: Three-week classes = $1950 ; six-week classes = $3950 (financial aid available)
Contact: stem@cooper.edu

Deadline to Apply: March 27, 2024

The Cooper Union Summer STEM program offers design and engineering classes for students who are either seeking to try engineering for the first time or are looking to dive deeper into engineering principles and practices. This selective program encourages all curious, compassionate, and college-interested students to apply regardless of prior engineering experience. Financial aid is available for applicants from low and middle income households, and there is even a separate internship program called Cooper Next Scholars that can be attained by students from low and middle income households who are applying to the six-week STEM program.

Students applying for the program will need to complete the online application (including the financial aid form, if applicable) and submit a recommendation letter along with it.

To learn more and start your application, visit the Cooper Union’s Summer STEM webpage. Remember; the application closes on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 5 p.m., E.S.T.!

Enhance Your Knowledge of Mathematics and the Sciences through Columbia University's Science Honors Program (SHP)

For students currently in grades 9–11
Program runs on Saturday mornings throughout school year beginning September 2024
Cost: $600 per year; financial aid available
Contact: shp@columbia.edu

Deadline to Apply: March 27, 2024
Recommendation Letters and Transcripts due April 10, 2024

Columbia University's Science Honors Program (SHP) is a highly selective science and mathematics-based learning program for high school students who will be in grades 10–12 beginning fall 2024. SHP's classes, which are held at Columbia University's Morningside Campus, take place on Saturdays throughout the academic year. SHP courses are primarily in the physical, chemical, biological, behavioral, and computing sciences, and they are led by instructors who are scientists and mathematicians actively engaged in university research.

Learn more about SHP on Columbia Engineering's official SHP webpage, and submit your application online by March 27.

Prepare for College and Beyond with the Freedom and Citizenship Program

For students currently in grade 11, with preferences for low-income and/or first generation college families
Four-week summer seminar, school year-long civic leadership program
Contact: jessica.lee@columbia.edu

Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2024

Freedom and Citizenship is a Columbia University program for City high school juniors who are entering their senior year next school year (2024–25). The program, which starts with a four-week intensive summer seminar in July 2024 and continues in September 2024 through May 2025, provides packed lessons that will test students' academic endurance.

Learn more about the Freedom and Citizenship program by visiting its official website, and apply by March 31.

Get into College, Earn a Degree, and Launch Your Career through Bottom Line

For students who will be in grade 12 and students who will enroll in college by fall 2024
Year-round support from advisors
Contact: info@bottomline.org

Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2024

Bottom Line, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping improve graduation rates for first-generation college students, is offering rising high school seniors (students currently in grade 11) and current high school seniors who are enrolling in college in fall 2024 with the opportunity to apply for either of their two college preparation programs.

The Access Program for Rising Seniors provides current high school juniors with free and personalized support from an advisor throughout their college application process in senior year. The Success Program for Current Seniors supports incoming college freshmen of select Target Colleges in their journeys to college graduation and the launch of their careers with a free advisor who can provide support for obtaining college degrees, employment, financial aid, and life in general.

Visit Bottom Line's website to learn more about either the Access Program and the Success Program, and submit your application by March 31.

$Male student solving for the sine and cosine of a triangle.$

Through Columbia University's Science Honors Program (SHP), high school students who will be in grades 10–12 by fall 2024 can participate in a highly selective science and mathematics-based learning program at Columbia University's Morningside Campus, on Saturdays throughout the 2024–25 academic year. (Photo by Karolina Grabowska via Pexels)

Become a Student Historian through the New-York Historical Society

For students entering grades 10–12 in fall 2024
Internship runs July 9—August 15; Tuesday—Thursday, 10:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
Contact: hs.internships@nyhistory.org

Deadline to Apply: April 7, 2024

The New-York Historical Society (N-YHS) is accepting applications for its Student Historian Internship Program, where students use N-YHS resources to conduct research and to share what they've learned through creative digital projects. Interns will meet with professional staff members to learn about careers available within the museum, library, and history fields. They will also work collaboratively with fellow students to develop their public speaking and leadership skills, and engage in hands-on work to deepen their understanding of American history. The theme of the internship is, "Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass' America."

To learn more about the internship, including application requirements and other information, visit the Student Historian Internship Program's webpage, and submit your application by the deadline on April 7, 2024.

Earn the Chance to Study Cyber Security for Free This Summer

For students in grades 9–12
Three-week program; Monday—Friday, 9 a.m.—4 p.m. beginning July 15 and ending August 9
Contact: university.programs@nyu.edu

Deadline to Apply: April 14, 2024

New York University's Tandon School of Engineering is offering NYC students currently in high school (grades 9–12) the chance to participate in their Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS) summer program, a three-week summer program that introduces students to the fundamentals of cybersecurity and computer science, regardless of prior experience. During the program, students will learn topics including "white-hat" hacking, cryptography, steganography, digital forensics, privacy, data usage, and other, cyber-related issues. Students will also learn how to use various software tools and behavioral science techniques used to detect cyber threats and investigate their origins and purposes.

Visit NYU's official CS4CS page to learn more about the summer program, and apply by April 14 to be considered for placement.

Learn How to Receive Key Investments for Your Business Ideas

For grade 11 students who identify as young women
Runs year-round
Contact: hello@seedsoffortune.org

Register by April 17, 2024

The Girls Start Up Accelerator by Seeds of Fortune is a one-year program that helps qualified high school students access the tools, resources, and networks necessary to supercharge their social impact ideas with venture capital investments. Through the program, students are provided opportunities to formulate their business ideas, develop their skills, and obtain key feedback and funding streams that can turn their ideas into action.

Visit the Girls Start Up Accelerator program page to learn more and apply by April 17, 2024.

Fast-Track Your Coding Skills through All Star Code's Summer Coding Program

For students in grades 9–12 who identify as young men of color
Choice between a three-week program and a six-week one; July 8—August 16 (both sessions)
Contact: apply@allstarcode.org

Deadline to Apply: April 19, 2024

The organization, All Star Code, is seeking high school-aged students who identify as young men of color to participate in their Summer Coding Program taking place from July 8—August 16, 2024. Through this program, participating students will develop a solid foundation in coding and gain insights into the tech industry, regardless of prior coding experience.

Applicants have the choice between two cycles for this program: a three-week sprint (July 8—26 or July 29—August 16) aimed at students who are seeking a quick, immersive dive into coding and tech; or a six-week marathon (July 8—August 16) that delves further into coding and enables students to develop comprehensive coding skills, complete a significant project, and gain access to industry experts for advice and mentorship.

Visit All Star Code's Summer Coding Program webpage to learn more, and apply online by April 19.

Apply for the Cooper Union's Jeff and Paula Gural Merit Scholarship for NYC Public High School Students

For students who will be in grades 10–12 by fall 2024
Session runs July 8–August 1; Mondays—Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
Scholarship pays for The Cooper Union's Summer Art Intensive 2024
Contact: summerartintensive@cooper.edu

Deadline to Apply: May 6, 2024

The Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive 2024 offers 16 high school students who are currently in grades 9–11 with the opportunity to be a part of a college environment where they can immerse themselves in the arts alongside other students who have a passion for art and design. Students in the program can take courses in Drawing, Animation, Digital Photography, Graphic Design, and Studio Practice (for rising seniors).

While the Summer Art Intensive program typically charges tuition ($4,000, along with a $240 registration fee), the Jeff and Paul Gural Merit Scholarship for NYC Public High School Students is a merit-based scholarship program that provides students of NYC Public Schools with the outstanding chance to attend the Summer Art Intensive at no cost. Applicants are required to complete an application and upload up to 5 images of artwork made within the last two years.

Learn more about the Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive by visiting the program's website, and see all details about the Jeff and Paula Gural Merit Scholarship on the the official webpage.

Through Seeds of Fortune's Girls Start Up Accelerator program, high school students who identify as women can gain access to tools, resources, and networks in order to come up with business ideas, obtain feedback, and funding for their proposals. (Photo by Christina Morillo via Pexels.)

Join a Fellowship of Innovation Research

For students currently in grade 10
Runs throughout grade 11 and 12
Contact: hello@seedsoffortune.org

Deadline to Apply: May 8, 2024

Gain leadership skills and make a positive impact in your community through Seeds of Fortune's Innovation Research Fellowship for current high school sophomores. Through this hybrid program, students will be matched with Fortune 500 companies alongside other students to research and advocate for their communities while also helping corporations engage more deeply with local communities.

Students accepted into the program will create virtual consultant groups with a partner corporation for 10 weeks in the spring and summer of their junior year. In the fall and spring of senior year, students will receive assistance with the college application process.

Industries that will be represented throughout this fellowship include healthcare, beauty, tech, finance, and more.

Visit Seeds of Fortune's Innovation Research Fellowship webpage to learn more about the program, apply by May 8, 2024.

Join the First Tech Fund High School Fellowship

For students in grades 10–12
Fellowship runs September 2024—June 2025
Contact: info@firsttechfund.com

Deadline to Apply: May 12, 2024

The First Tech Fund is recruiting students for their free yearlong high school fellowship program. Fellows will participate in weekly virtual workshops around careers and foundational digital skills for the future, be eligible to receive free technology depending on their needs (laptop and/or Wifi hotspot), and can opt into mentorship with a young professional.

Learn more and apply on the First Tech Fund Fellowship Program's webpage.

Prepare for Careers in Medicine and STEM This Summer Through S-PREP

For students in grades 7–12
Summer session runs in July, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.—3 p.m.
Contact: sprep-ps@cumc.columbia.edu

Deadline to Apply: May 15, 2024

Columbia University's State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) is a free high school and college preparatory program designed for students in grades 7–12 who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine or in related STEM fields. Courses include, but are not limited to anatomy, biochemistry, organic chemistry, brain and cognitive science, pre-med, physics, psychology, algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics. In addition, students admitted to S-PREP are eligible to apply for summer research programs for high school students that are run by the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute and the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center.

To learn more about the program, including eligibility requirements, visit S-PREP's webpage. Apply by May 15 in order to be considered for this free program.

Get Introduced to Architecture through the Cooper Union's Online Summer Program

For students currently in grades 10–12
Online sessions run July 8–August 9, Monday–Thursday, 9 p.m.—4 p.m.
Cost: $2,980, with a $40 application fee. Scholarships/aid not available.
Contact: architecture.summer@cooper.edu

Deadline to Apply: June 1, 2014 (early applications are encouraged!)

The Cooper Union's Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture is offering a five-week summer intensive program designed to familiarize high school students with architectural thinking and design while developing a portfolio of completed projects. The program, which takes places online, includes lectures, workshops, and tutorials by Cooper faculty. Students will receive instruction in various tools and media, including digital drawing and model-making techniques, analysis and representation, computer modeling and fabrication.

Students interested in this program will need to complete an application. Note that this program is evaluating and accepting applicants on a competitive rolling basis as space allows—so applying as early as possible is encouraged. Also, please note that students accepted into this program are required to have access to a PC or a Macintosh computer for the duration of the program.

To learn more and start your application, visit the Cooper Union's official Introduction to Architecture for High School Students Online page.

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For more opportunities like these, stop by right here on The Morning Bell every month during the school year—and don't forget to share this post with your friends, family, and colleagues!

On behalf of NYC Public Schools, we wish all of our students success as they pursue these outstanding opportunities all spring long!

Banner photo by RDNE Stock Project. Original can be found on Pexels. Supplemental banner photo by Karolina Grabowska. Original can be found on Pexels. Sidebar/Square teaser photo by RDNE Stock Project. Original can be found on Pexels.

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