Opportunities for Students (May 2025)

Published May 7, 2025

Like the weather these days, opportunities are starting to heat up for NYC students...

With May in full swing, families across the five boroughs are solidifying their summer plans. From potential vacation plans to Summer Rising programs, many City families are facing major decisions about what to do after the last day of the school year (Related: Don't forget to confirm your Summer Rising offers by May 8).

Well, thanks to cultural institutions like the Jewish Museum, community organizations like the Police Athletic League (PAL), and local businesses like Gotham Writers, students and families have even more solid choices to factor in when considering their late spring and summer plans:

Want to earn a bit of money as an intern or apprentice while picking up new skills, contacts, and work experience?
Looking to spend time this summer improving your creative skills?
Need to touch grass and explore New York City's Great Outdoors and unique places of interest?

Take a look at the following list of opportunities available for City students beginning this May, and see which ones make you want to reconsider your seasonal plans, and register/apply today!

STEM Matters NYC is offering exciting hands-on opportunities in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics for students in grades 1–12 who are seeking brief weeklong or two/three week camps this summer. Visit STEM Matters' program webpage to learn more, and submit your application by Friday, May 9!

Opportunities for Students in May 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.

Hone Your Creative Writing Skills at Camp Gotham This Summer

For students aged 13–17 years
Two week-long sessions available (July 14–18 and August 4–8); M–F, 10 AM–4 PM at Gotham Writers' HQ
Cost: $899 for each session
Contact: contact@gothamwriters.com or (212) 974-8377

Rolling Registration: Enroll before May 8 for a $50 discount

For the first time ever, Gotham Writers is offering a week-long Teen Creative Writing Camp where young writers can unleash their creativity while learning some tricks of the trade. There are no grades, exams, or wrong answers at Camp Gotham—just writing. The camp will run Monday–Friday, six hours each day, and will end with a reading where students will be able to share their work with family and friends.

There will be two sessions of Camp Gotham this summer: the first session will take place July 14–18, 10 AM–4 PM, while the second session will meet August 4–8, 10 AM–4 PM Both sessions will take place at Gotham Writers' headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, and tuition is $899 for each session.

Learn more by visiting the Camp Gotham Teen Creative Writing Camp webpage.

Explore STEM Careers This Summer through STEM Matters NYC's Week-Long or Multi-Week Camps

For students in grades 1–12
Programs will run between July 7 and August 15
Cost: Free
Contact: STEMMattersNYC@schools.nyc.gov

Application Deadline: May 9, 2025

STEM Matters NYC is offering NYC students who are interested in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) subjects and careers with exciting and hands-on STEM-based career exploration programs this summer.

Students who are entering grades 1–9 in September 2025 can participate in a week-long camp, while students entering grades 10–12 in September 2025 can participate in two-or three-week programs this summer. Programs will run in all five boroughs during various weeks this summer between July 7 and August 15.

If you're a student (or are the parent of a student) who is interested in STEM subjects like animal science, aerospace, marine biology, mechanics, ecology, or engineering, among many others, then consider applying for STEM Matters NYC's summer programs, and submit your application by Friday, May 9!

Sign Up for Free Online SHSAT Test Prep

For students who will be entering grades 7–9 in fall 2025
Takes places online via Zoom on Sunday mornings in July and August 2025, 10 AM to 1 PM
Cost: Free
Contact: classroom@deltaprep.org

Application Deadline: ASAP; first-come, first-served

Delta Prep SHSAT is offering students who will be entering grades 7–9 in fall 2025 the chance to receive free online test preparation (via Zoom) for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) that is used for admission to the City's Specialized High Schools.

The program, which will run from July 13 through August 31, 2025, will take place on Sunday mornings (10 AM – 1 PM) via Zoom across 8-10 sessions; students who are selected for the program will be highly encouraged to attend every session.

To learn more about Delta Prep's SHSAT Program, visit their official program webpage, and submit your online application as soon as you are able, as enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority going to students from immigrant families or socioeconomically challenged backgrounds.

Take in the Great Outdoors this Spring and Summer through the Urban Park Rangers

For students of all ages
Events run through Summer 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 events taking place throughout May in celebration of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month —sign up directly for your desired events through NYC Parks' Urban Park Rangers webpage.

Explore Art and "Hang" Out Afterschool at the Jewish Museum

For young people aged 13–19 years old
Event takes place May 13; 4–6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Contact: teenprograms@thejm.org

No Registration Required Prior to May 13 event

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 Events webpage to learn more about opportunities like this and more.

Explore How to Make and Create Art through the Jewish Museum's Art Explorers Events in May

For students in grades Pre-K through 5
Events take place on May 13 and May 27, 2:30–4:30 PM at the Scheuer Auditorium
Cost: Free
Contact: info@thejm.org

No Registration Required, but Recommended for Both May 13 (Found Object Portraits) and May 27 (Cityscape Paintings) events

The Jewish Museum is inviting children currently in grades Pre-K through five to stop by their After-School Art Explorers events this month to explore a bit of the museum's collection and create artwork inspired by their visit. This month, the Jewish Museum will be hosting two After-School Art Explorers events: one on May 13 for Found Object Portraits, and a second one on May 27 for Cityscape Paintings.

Visit the Jewish Museum's After-School Art Explorers webpage to learn more and to RSVP your child's slot.

The Jewish Museum is providing students with the opportunity to explore their collections, free of charge, throughout May. Check out the opportunities listed above to learn more! (Photo credit: The Jewish Museum)

Win Free One-on-One College Essay Coaching from Gotham Writers

For students of color who are currently in grades 10–12
Scholarship for free five-hour package of essay coaching (via Zoom)
Cost: Free
Contact: contact@gothamwriters.com or (212) 974-8377

Application Deadline: May 15, 2025

Gotham Writers is offering high school students of color in grades 10–12 with the opportunity to earn a free scholarship towards a five-hour package of college essay writing and training with one of Gotham Writers' essay coaches via Zoom.

Visit Gotham Writers' Essay Coaching Scholarship page to learn more and apply by Thursday, May 15.

Become a Police Commissioner for a Day and Win $750 for You and Your School

For students in grades 9–12
Ceremony for winners takes place June 4, 2025
Cost: Free; just need to know your local police precinct to apply
Contact: (800) PAL-4KIDS (800-725-4543)

Submission Deadline: May 16, 2025

The Police Athletic League (PAL) is offering City high school students (grades 9–12) the opportunity to enter PAL's annual PAL/NYPD Police Commissioner for a Day essay contest for a chance to spend a day with top officials from the New York Police Department (NYPD), and win $500, a personalized plaque, and even a $250 donation to their school. This year's essay topic is:

"As Police Commissioner for a Day, what steps would you take with MTA officials to prevent and deter young people from participating in 'subway surfing?'"

Visit PAL's official essay contest webpage to learn more about the contest and to submit your essay by May 16, 2025

Level Up Your Arts Skills at the Guggenheim Through GuggTeens Tuesdays

For young people aged 13–19 years old
Last spring 2025 session takes place on Tuesday, May 27, 4–5:30 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.

This month's GuggTeens Tuesday, which takes place on May 27, will feature experimental figure drawing in the style of the renown artist, writer, and activist, Faith Ringgold

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

Submit a Winning Entry to the Very Short Story Contest for a Free Gotham Writers Class

For students aged 13 and up
Winner receives Gotham Writers class of their choosing
Cost to Apply: Free
Contact: contact@gothamwriters.com or (212) 974-8377

Submission Deadline: May 30, 2025

Entries are open now for Gotham Writers' annual "A Very Short Story Contest," which is based on the tale behind Ernest Hemingway's six-word story, "For Sale. Baby Shoes. Never Worn." The challenge? Write a story in ten words or fewer, and submit it online via Gotham's website by 11:59 P.M. EST, on Friday, May 30. The best story will be published on Gotham's website, and the winner will receive a Gotham class of their choosing.

Visit Gotham Writers' "A Very Short Story Contest" webpage to learn more.

Apply for the Summer Design Institute

For high school students (grades 9–12) with an interest in media and design, technology, engineering, or fashion
Program runs July–August 2025 at four different school sites; see school site pages for details
Students who complete their projects are eligible for a stipend
Contact: Trishia Higgins-Harry at thigginsharry@schools.nyc.gov

Application Deadline: June 1, 2025

The Summer Design Institute is a five-to-six week summer program for NYC high school students with an interest in media and design, technology, engineering, and fashion. During the program, students connect with industry professionals to develop and practice career skills and complete hands-on projects that address real-world issues.

The program, which is open to both Career and Technical Education (CTE) students and non-CTE students, will be offered at four different school sites: Staten Island Technical High School (for Computer Science, Engineering, or Media Arts); Art & Design High School (Media Design); Thomas A. Edison High School (Game Design and Development or Drone Operation); and Fordham High School for the Arts (Fashion Design and Game Design).

For more information, check out the Summer Design Institute's official bulletin, and apply directly to your preferred program by using the embedded links. Note that you may have to sign in to your school-based Google account to submit your application.

Make Your Mark at the Noguchi Museum This Summer

For students who will be in grades 11–12 in fall 2025
Program runs July 7–August 11; M–Th, 11 AM–4 PM at the Noguchi Museum in Queens
Cost: Free; MetroCards and art supplies provided
Contact: education@noguchi.org

Application Deadline: June 2, 2025

The Noguchi Museum's Making Your Mark program is a paid studio art-making intensive for rising junior and senior City public high school students. Participating students will learn about Isamu Noguchi, the namesake and founder of the Noguchi Museum, including his life and artistic practices, while also learning interdisciplinary approaches to sculpture. Students will also explore aspects of their own identity, creativity, and self-discovery while creating their own artwork, which will be shown in a public exhibition of student artwork at the museum's Education Studio.

Visit the Noguchi Museum's Marking Your Mark program page to learn more and to apply by Monday, June 2 at 11:45 PM, EST.

View of a group of elementary-aged children inside a colorful exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History — Learn how you and your family can get free access to the American Museum of Natural History this summer by checking out some of the opportunities below! (Photo credit: American Museum of Natural History)

Apply for BPL's Teen Techies Yearlong Internship

For young people aged 14–18 years old
Internship would begin Summer 2025 and run through June 2026
Stipends awarded following successful completion of training and library service hours
Contact: Jackson Gomes at jgomes@bklynlibrary.org

Application Deadline: June 19, 2025

Love technology and enjoy visiting your local library? Want to make a difference in your community while building your resume and gaining valuable work and leadership experiences?

Consider applying for the Brooklyn Public Library's Teen Techies internship program!

Through the program, participating interns will learn new computer skills in a two-week training institute in the fall, and then use those skills to help BPL patrons use library computers throughout the year. Interns will also be assisting BPL's adult librarians by working as lab assistants and assisting library patrons with their research and technology needs.

Interns who participate in the internship will receive stipends both for completing their initial training as well as for completing their library service hours. In addition, interns will also receive community service credits.

Visit BPL's official Teen Techies internship page to learn more, and submit your application by Thursday, June 19.

Get Introduced to Columbia University's Cancer Research and Learn How You Can Make Your Mark on Public Health

For students in grades 7–12
Program takes place online (via Zoom) in July 2025 on Mondays–Wednesdays, 4–5:30 PM
Cost: Free
Contact: canceredu@cumc.columbia.edu

Registration Deadline: June 23, 2025 (or whenever program hits capacity, whichever is first)

Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center's (HICCC) YES in THE HEIGHTS program is offering high school students and interested middle schoolers the chance to join the Scientific Enrichment Month (SEM) Program, a free virtual summer program that takes place in July and focuses on cancer education, public health, scientific enrichment, and professional development. In addition, registered students can join public health working groups that are focused on educating other students and their families about a number of public health-related topics.

The program runs July 1–31 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays on Zoom from 4:00 – 5:30 PM, EST. To learn more, visit the Scientific Enrichment Month program page, and submit your registration before this free program hits capacity!

Get Mentored by a STEM Professional Throughout the 2025–26 School Year

For students in grades 10–12 who are interested in pursuing education in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
Mentorship would run from August 2025–May 2026
Cost: Free
Contact: cleardirectionmentoring@gmail.com

Application Deadline: July 13, 2025

Through Clear Direction Mentoring, high school students (Grades 10–12) who are interested in STEM careers can become Fellows and obtain mentors who are STEM professionals working for local City-based research institutions. Throughout the year, fellows and mentors stay in communication with one another while attending career panels, college open houses, tours of scientific laboratories, virtual reality centers, museums, tours of local tech companies, and more.

Learn more about becoming a Clear Direction Fellow by visiting Clear Direction Mentoring's official webpage, and submit your application by July 13, 2025.

Develop Your Writing or Drawing Skills through Uptown Stories' Hands-On Workshops

For young people aged 8–17 years
Various workshops available at different sites during summer months
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 and illustration workshops for children aged 8–17 years old. Available workshops include: "The Nature of Poetry," a workshop dedicated to helping young poets establish a deeper connection to nature while honing their writing skills; "The Elements of Fiction," where young writers between the ages of 8–12 can learn what it takes to develop great stories; and "Creating Otherwords," where young writers will learn to build literary worlds of their own creation that are only limited by the scope of their imaginations.

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

Receive a Free "Discoverer" Membership to the American Museum of Natural History

For beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Membership includes free general admission to AMNH
Contact: membership@members.amnh.org or (212) 769-5606

Enroll anytime at AMNH's Member Desk between 10:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M.

Are you currently enrolled in New York State's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?

If so, you're eligible to receive a free one-year Discoverer Membership from the world-class American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)! To enroll, simply stop by the museum's Member Desk between 10:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. and speak with a representative about enrolling—you'll then receive a digital membership card that you'll be able to begin using right away.

In addition to free general admission to AMNH, you'll also be able to gain free entry to one ticketed exhibition on every visit, and you'll be able to take advantage of the museum's extended operating hours for members, among other benefits.

Visit AMNH's official "Discoverer" membership page to learn more about these free memberships!

Discover Your City with Culture Pass

For City library cardholders (includes NYPL, BPL, and QPL)
Free admission to over 100+ NYC cultural institutions
Contact: Visit their official "Contact Us" webpage

Check listings to see what's available!

Explore local museums and other City attractions with Culture Pass, New York City's free discovery program for City library cardholders. If you have a library card from either the Brooklyn Public Library, the Queens Public Library, or the New York Public Library, you can reserve a Culture Pass online for any of 100+ cultural institutions across the five boroughs.

Visit the official Culture Pass webpage and click on the "Reserve a Pass" button to identify which library card you currently hold, and you're on your way!

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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 George Pak. Original by Pak can be found on Pexels.

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