Get College, Career, and Financial Aid Support at NYC's Public Libraries
As teens start to think about next steps, apply for financial aid for college, and brush up their resumes in preparation for entering the workforce, NYC's public libraries are here to provide support and clear information. Check out the latest offerings from The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library!
The New York Public Library (serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island)
The New York Public Library supports teens with assessing their options, making decisions, planning, applying, and more as they take their next steps towards the future, whether that's going to college or entering the workforce.
- Get assistance with financial aid applications for college, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), at virtual and in-person support sessions online and at branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island through March! These drop-in sessions are presented in partnership with CUNY FAST. Plus, find info-packed books about financial aid, scholarships, and paying for college that you can borrow from the Library.
- Register now for NYPL's annual Career Resources Fair for Teens! On Wednesday, March 5, the Library's annual career resources fair returns to NYPL's flagship location at 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue. Explore exciting career paths, learn about internship opportunities, and gain important job skills at this special event featuring an expo-style fair, workshops, activity stations, giveaways, and more.
- Get one-on-one counseling sessions with trained staff at one of the Library's college and career hubs, located at 40+ NYPL locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Our hub branches all carry a range of helpful books that you can read to find out more about applying and paying for college—as well as test prep help and advice on financial literacy.
- Book giveaway (while supplies last)! Visit one of NYPL's college and career hubs to get one of a selection of books about college, careers, financial aid, and test prep to take home and keep—but hurry, supplies are limited!
- Explore more free college and career programs for guidance on how to apply for financial aid for college, how to apply for jobs, important professional skills, and college applications, and add NYPL's College & Career Readiness Google Calendar to yours to stay up to date with important dates and events.
- Access online college and career resources using your NYPL library card, including Peterson's Test and Career Prep, Brainfuse, Career Cruising, Learning Express Library, LinkedIn Learning, and more. Get a library card today!
Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library offers paid volunteer and internship opportunities for high school students, plus online learning resources to support students of all ages.
- Register for a seminar about New York’s 529 College Savings Program. On Tuesday, January 28, Brooklyn Public Library is hosting a virtual workshop to help families learn about NY’s 529 savings plan.
- Explore BPL’s free online resources, including homework help, interactive learning tools and videos, and resources to help students research careers and colleges.
- View a list of paid internship opportunities that will build skills and boost resumes.
- Sign up to receive BKLYN Future, the Library’s monthly email newsletter featuring events, opportunities, and book recommendations for teens and young adults.
- Learn about Bard at Brooklyn Public Library, a tuition-free microcollege where students pursue associate’s degrees while taking advantage of academic advising, tutoring, continuing education seminars, and non-academic student services.
Queens Public Library
Queens Public Library’s College Readiness Program offers free services for students and their families to develop a post-secondary plan, explore college and career pathways, learn about financial resources to pay for college, and receive guidance with each step of the college admissions process.
- Register now for QPL's Summer Opportunities Fair for Teens! Join us at Central Library on Saturday, January 25, to learn about job, internship, and volunteer opportunities for young adults this summer.
- Queens Public Library offers in-person and virtual workshops for students, parents and guardians, and adults seeking guidance about college admissions, career exploration, and financial aid.
- Free one-on-one college coaching provides personalized, after-school sessions for students and their families at select branches and online. Coaches assist with developing college application strategies, writing essays, researching schools, and making informed college choices.
- Sign up for a monthly e-newsletter to stay up to date on workshops, college fairs, and community events at Queens Public Library locations. You may indicate interest in receiving College Readiness updates by selecting “Kids and Teen Programs” in the registration form.