Opportunities for Students (March 2025)

Published March 6, 2025

This March, opportunities for students are just springing up across the five boroughs.

With winter soon coming to an end, New York City students can start looking forward to the spring and summer seasons and begin planning how they will use their time outside of their classrooms, especially during the upcoming Spring and Summer Recesses. Fortunately, New York is chock full of spectacular student-focused programs and events that can provide young New Yorkers with the chance to pick up new skills, score invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities, make a bit of cash, and even have fun!

From free visits to some of New York's most iconic landmarks, to paid summer internships for high school students, there are hundreds of learning opportunities and activities available throughout March and beyond that City students can apply/register for and secure for themselves!

Check out the following list of student opportunities available to City families and students throughout March, see which ones put a spring in your step, and apply/register for them today!

Throughout the spring, New York's legendary Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum will be hosting GuggTeens Tuesdays, which are free weekly programs where City teens can expand their art-making skills and connect with other teen artists. Learn more from our description below, and make the Guggenheim one of your regular destinations this spring! (Photo by Charles Parker; original can be found on Pexels.)

Opportunities for Students in March 2025

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 these listings, please click through the corresponding links embedded in each entry.

Join NASA and Celebrate "Girls in Science and Engineering Day" for Free at the Intrepid Museum

For students of all ages; teens under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Event runs on March 8, 2025, 11:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M.
Cost: Free (with advance registration)
Contact: youthleadership@intrepidmuseum.org

Registration Deadline: ASAP

Stop by the Intrepid Museum in Manhattan on Saturday, March 8, 2025, to celebrate the 11th annual Girls in Science and Engineering Day! This free annual festival celebrates girls and young people who are actively engaging in STEM, and this year's event is part of NASA Explore Day, which encourages youth and their families to explore and connect with NASA missions through Museum-related content and NASA-generated educational activities.

Learn How to Be an Archive Detective at the Morgan Library & Museum

For students aged 15–19 years old
Event runs on March 13, 2025, 4:30–6:00 P.M.
Contact: Nicole Leist (nleist@themorgan.org)

Registration Deadline: ASAP; space is limited

The Morgan Library & Museum in Manhattan is offering youth between the ages of 15 and 19 years old the chance to attend a free workshop at their institution and discover how to use primary sources to explore subjects and uncover surprising discoveries through the detective work of reading old letters and files and conducting archival research. Participants are encouraged to bring a cell phone or a digital camera for the workshop; iPads will be available for any participant without a camera.

Visit the Morgan Library & Museum's Archive Detectives webpage, and register your interest in the workshop today, as seats will be limited.

Get a Paid Job This Summer Through SYEP

For NYC youth who will be 14–24 years old by July 1, 2025
Program runs up to 25 hours a week during summer 2025
Contact: SYEP Community Connect at (800) 246-4646

Application Deadline: March 14, 2025

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 them 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 the new extended deadline on March 14, 2025. 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.

Learn What it Takes to Run a Theater Production at the New York City Center

For students aged 14–18 years old
Program runs April 15–17, 2025; 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Contact: skutnowsky@nycitycenter.org

Application Deadline: March 14, 2025

Spend your spring break at the New York City Center exploring the many careers available in the arts! Learn how a theater production starts its journey to the stage and get a firsthand look at the variety of arts careers that are essential to the process!

Learn more about this "externship" program by visiting the New York City Center's official High School Externships webpage, and apply for the "Administrative Careers" program by March 14!

Teens: Tour the Staten Island Museum's Latest Exhibit for FREE

For NYC youth who are 13–19 years old with valid student ID
Event takes place on March 15, 2025, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
Cost: Free with registration
Contact: Jenya Frid

Register Before March 15

The Staten Island Museum invites NYC teenagers to tour its newest exhibition, Breakdown: The Promise of Decay, for free! Examine the life cycle of decay through the "eyes" of fungi and mold while learning about the impact microplastics are having on our ecosystems. Breakdown features contemporary artwork, objects from the museum's collection, and scientific innovations in the curious world of decomposition. After the tour, participants will be able to work together to create an exhibit-based zine, or a small artist's book, with folded paper, drawings, and personal notes.

Visit the Staten Island Museum's event page to register for the event.

Brush Up on Your Still Life Drawing Skills During a Free Drawing Workshop at the SI Museum

For NYC youth who are 13–19 years old with valid student ID
Event takes place on March 16, 2025, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Cost: Free with registration
Contact: Jenya Frid

Register Before March 16

In this free hands-on drawing workshop at the Staten Island Museum, participating teenagers can develop and/or improve their still life drawing skills for free! Participants will work from a dynamic installation that includes taxidermy, fungi, and other specimens from the museum's natural science collection.

Visit the Staten Island Museum's event page for more information and to register for the event.

Become an NYC Parks Lifeguard

For swimmers aged 16 or older
Candidates must pass qualifying test before Lifeguard Training begins

Must Pass Qualifying Test by March 16, 2025

Are you ready to rise to the challenge and help keep New Yorkers safe by keeping a close watch on our pools and beaches next summer?

Consider becoming an NYC Parks Lifeguard!

Qualified candidates are placed into NYC Parks' Lifeguard Training program, where you'll strengthen your swimming technique and endurance, learn crucial lifesaving techniques, and receive certification to become an NYC Parks Lifeguard. Candidates who successfully complete the training program will then be offered full-time positions at City beaches and pools this summer.

To learn more, visit NYC Parks' "Become an NYC Parks Lifeguard" webpage, and brush up on your swimming skills at one of their Swim Prep sessions before signing up for a qualifying test.

Learn How to Produce Podcasts at the Paley Center for Media

For students in grades 9–12
Available programs run in March, April, and May
Cost: Free
Contact: Susan Natoli (snatoli@paleycenter.org)

Application Deadlines: March 23 (5-Week Intensive Series) and March 31 (Spring Break series)

The Paley Center for Media is offering high school students the chance to learn how to produce podcasts, or audio recordings for storytelling. Participating students will have access to microphones, recorders, and digital audio workstations to record, write, and design their own audio stories, which can consist of interviews, music, sound effects, and field recordings.

Visit the Paley Museum's website to learn more about the program, and apply for either the 5-Week Intensive Series (Sundays beginning 3/30 through 5/4), the Spring Break series (4/14–4/17), or the free Talk Show Podcasting Workshops (3/29 and 4/27). But hurry; there are few slots remaining!

Improve Your Writing through Creative Workshops at Uptown Stories

For young people aged 8–18 years
Various workshops available at different sites through May 2025
Cost: Pay-What-You-Can; no proof of income required
Contact: Dorkys Ramos (dorkys@uptownstories.org)

Registration Deadline: ASAP

Expand your writing capabilities with Uptown Stories, an Uptown Manhattan-based nonprofit organization dedicated to offering afterschool, weekend, and summer creative writing workshops for children aged 8–18 years old. Participating students learn the art and craft of writing while also learning how to revise their work, give and receive constructive feedback, and finally, publish a paperback anthology.

Uptown Stories' tuition is "Pay-What-You-Can;" visit Uptown Stories' webpage to learn more about the workshops, and register for a class ASAP, as seats will be limited.

Discover New York City's Great Outdoors through the Urban Park Rangers

For students of all ages
Events run through May 2025
Cost: Free

Registration Deadlines Vary; See 'Events' page on NYC Parks' website

Since 1979, NYC Parks' Urban Park Rangers have helped New Yorkers and visitors of all ages discover and explore the City's natural world through environmental education, outdoor recreation, wildlife management, and active conservation.

Check out the Urban Park Rangers' Events webpage to learn about events happening at City parks near you, including Women's History Month-themed events taking place throughout March—sign up directly for your desired events through NYC Parks' webpage.

This spring, the Jewish Museum has a range of events and programs scheduled for students of all ages, including free movie screenings, afterschool programs for both elementary and high school-aged students, spring recess-based workshops, and even internships. Learn more about some of these events and programs below, or visit the Jewish Museum's Programs page for even more! (Photo by The Jewish Museum; original can be found on their website.)

Apply for The Cooper Union's Summer STEM Program

For students in grades 9–11
Three sessions available; Two 3-week sessions and one 6-week session (July–August 2025)
Cost: 3-week session = $1,950; 6-week session = $3,950 (Stipends and financial aid available for qualified applicants)
Contact: stem@cooper.edu

Application Deadline: March 26, 2025

This summer, the Cooper Union will be hosting in-person classes on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects, including Design Thinking in Engineering, Embedded Systems, Design and Drawing for Engineering, and more. This selective program is looking for curious, compassionate, and college-interested students who are either trying engineering for the first time or are looking to refine their existing skills. All classes will be held at the Cooper Union's campus at 41 Cooper Square in Manhattan.

Learn more about this program, including course descriptions and financial aid information, by visiting the Cooper Union's Summer STEM webpage.

Applying for Screened HS Arts Programs Next Year? Prepare for Them This Summer through the 2025 Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp

For NYC public school students entering grade 8 in fall 2025
Camp takes place August 4–15, 8:30 AM–1:00 PM, Monday through Friday
Contact: MSArtsBootCamp@schools.nyc.gov

Application Deadline: March 28, 2025
Auditions: April 5–6, 2025

Thanks to an ongoing partnership between NYC Public Schools and a group of leading cultural organizations, including Lincoln Center, the New York Philharmonic, and The Juilliard School, rising eighth grade students currently attending NYC public schools can apply for the 2025 Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp, a two-week, in-person intensive summer arts program for students who are planning on auditioning for NYC's screened arts-based high school programs in fall 2025.

Students may apply and audition for only one studio, and parents/guardians must grant their children permission in order for them to submit an application. All eligible students who submit a complete application by the deadline must also audition in person either on April 5 or April 6.

Visit our Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp application webpage to learn more about the program, and submit your application by 11:59 PM on March 28, 2025.

Keep Your Kids off the Couch This Summer with Summer Rising

For students in grades K–8
Program begins July 2, and ends on August 8 (grades 6–8) or August 15 (grades K–5)
Contact: summer@schools.nyc.gov

Application Deadline: March 28, 2025

Summer Rising is a free NYC summer program that connects students in grades K–8 with fun, hands-on experiences that strengthen their academic, social, and emotional skills all season long. Students in Summer Rising have access to both academic and enrichment programming over the course of a weekday, including field trips, arts activities, and outdoor fun. Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided to participating students, and students who require additional supports and services, such as a paraprofessional or targeted language instruction, will receive them during their time in the program.

Learn more about Summer Rising by checking out our previous post right here on The Morning Bell, and submit your application on MySchools by March 28.

Prepare for Careers in Media Industries through the Paley Center's Hearst High School Media Internship

For students in grades 10 and 11
Paid internship runs in July and August on select dates, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Contact: Rebekah Fisk (eduny@paleycenter.org)

Application Deadline: March 31, 2025

Through the Paley Center for Media's 2025 Hearst High School Media Internship, participating students will be able to be a part of a five week, paid internship program that will encompass media literacy and digital learning, media career development, and mentorship opportunities. The internship provides students with an understanding of media while offering meaningful educational and career readiness experiences that will prepare them to become the next generation of media industry professionals. Interns will gain skills in public speaking, production research, script and column writing, and audio editing/production, and they will be paid $16.50 per hour and be reimbursed for travel expenses during their program.

Visit the Paley Center for Media's official internship page to learn more about the program and apply, and submit your application by March 31, 2025.

Stop by the Cooper Hewitt Design Career Fair on April 1

For students in grades 9–12
Event runs April 1; 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
Cost: Free; signed parental waivers required for students under 18 years of age
Contact: Nadya Kim

Registration Deadline: April 1, 2025

Are you a high school student thinking about a career in design and are wondering where to start? Through the Cooper Hewitt Design Career Fair, students like you can speak with National Design Award winners, guest designers, and college representatives regarding any of the many pathways towards design. As a matter of fact, designers from every discipline, including fashion, architecture, product design, graphic design, UX, and more will be available to discuss everything from mentorship and colleges, to the future of design itself.

Visit Cooper Hewitt's official student registration webpage to learn more about the career fair, and complete your registration prior to attending the event. Also, note that a completed parental waiver will be required of all attendees under the age of 18.

Become an Intern at the Jewish Museum Throughout the 2025–26 School Year

For students entering grades 9–12 in fall 2025
Internship begins in fall 2025; training will take place in spring 2025
Contact: teenprograms@thejm.org

Application Deadline: April 4, 2025

The Jewish Museum is looking for students entering grades 9–12 to be a part of its year-long Teen Intern Program, where participating students will work with Museum educators to provide learning programs for families and other audiences, assist with special projects, and explore the Museum's art and cultural collections.

Interns who get accepted into the program will first participate in a training program in spring 2025; their internship will then begin during the 2025–26 school year. Interns will receive a stipend for their participation.

Visit the Jewish Museum's Teen Intern Program page for more information, and submit your application materials by April 4.

Learn How to Create Films During Spring Break at the Jewish Museum

For students in grades 9–12
Events run April 15–18; 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Contact: Jamie Auriemma

Registration Deadline: April 4, 2025

During the High School Video Workshop, participating students will work with a teaching artist to explore video as an artistic medium. Students will use video as a form of personal expression and will work in small groups to create films. The workshop wil also explore how to use video in creative ways, from pre-production and developing camera techniques, to video editing. No prior experience is necessary to participate in this program.

Visit the Jewish Museum's High School Video Workshop page to learn more about this spring recess program, and complete the registration application by Friday, April 4.

Join Justin Brannan's Campaign for NYC Comptroller as an Intern

For students aged 15 and up; need to be able to work 5–10 hours per week
Internship runs until June 24, 2025
Contact: Ronen Schatsky

Ongoing Registration; Apply ASAP

With New York City's primary election season coming up in June, current New York City Councilman, Justin Brannan, is seeking for "talented and motivated" interns who can help him run for New York City Comptroller this year. Interns will get the opportunity to work with seasoned political operatives while gaining skills that can help them make their mark on local politics and beyond. Interns will work 5–10 hours a week contacting potential voters. Previous campaign experience is not required.

Visit Justin Brannan's official "Internship: JB for NY" webpage to learn more about the opportunity and to apply.

Join Mark Levine's Campaign for NYC Comptroller as a Campaign Fellow

For students aged 15 and up
Fellowship runs until June 24, 2025
Contact: Annabel Lassally

Ongoing Registration; Apply ASAP

Current Manhattan Borough Present, Mark Levine, is running to be New York City's Comptroller this year, and he is seeking "Campaign Fellows" to help support his campaign's Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts ahead of the June 24 primary election. Campaign Fellows will work with the Levine campaign's Field Director, Communications Director, and Field Organizers to execute the campaign's GOTV plan and other voter contact strategies. Campaign Fellows will also receive direct guidance and professional development from experienced political organizers, strategists, and campaign leaders.

Learn more about the Campaign Fellowship by reviewing the campaign's official Fellowship Application, and submit your application as soon as possible.

Explore Art and Hang Out Afterschool at the Jewish Museum

For young people aged 13–19 years old
Events take place on March 18, April 1, April 29, and May 13; 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Contact: teenprograms@thejm.org

No Registration Required

The Jewish Museum is inviting City teens to visit during their Teen Art Hang events this spring to explore art and work with other teens to engage with different mediums and materials to create new art that explores topics most relevant to them. No registration is required to participate in these Teen Art Hang events; check-ins will take place at the Jewish Museum's lobby.

Visit the Jewish Museum's webpage to learn more about these events.

Level Up Your Arts Skills at the Guggenheim This Spring During GuggTeens Tuesdays

For young people aged 13–19 years old
Sessions take place select Tuesdays through May 27, 4:00 PM–5:30 PM
Cost: Free (includes free museum admission, MetroCards, and learning materials)
Contact: teenprograms@guggenheim.org

Reservations Encouraged; See Schedule for Details

GuggTeens Tuesdays are free weekly programs held at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan where teenagers can expand their art-making skills and meet other teen artists while taking inspiration from the museum's current exhibitions. No prior experience is needed to participate in this program.

Visit the GuggTeens Tuesdays webpage to learn more about the program, including event dates and topics, and RSVP your desired session(s) beforehand to save your spot!

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For more opportunities like these, check out 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 wonderful learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

Banner/teaser photos by Sam Lion. Both our hero banner and teaser photos can be found on Pexels .

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