Opportunities for Students (September 2025)

Published September 12, 2025

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The 2025–26 school year is only just getting started, and already, the opportunities are just piling up for NYC students!

This fall, scores of City organizations, nonprofits, and cultural institutions like the Morgan Library and Museum, the Brooklyn Public Library, the Guggenheim, the NYC Department of Buildings, and even the United Nations are seeking NYCPS students of all ages for a slew of free classes and workshops, outstanding paid internships, and networking events.

Take a look at the following list of opportunities available for City students this September, and start off the new school year right by taking advantage of all that New York City has to offer!

This fall, the historic Morgan Library & Museum will be hosting a number of events for City families. Learn more about these events below, and take the opportunity to experience the Morgan with your family! (Photo by Allison Meier; original photo can be found on Flickr. Used under Creative Commons license.)

Opportunities for Students in September 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.

Learn How to Become a Leader through the UN's Global Youth Excellence and Leadership Program

For students in grades 6–12
Virtual program takes place in fall, spring, and summer terms
Cost: $0–$5,500, depending on need
Contact: Robert L. Sventova at rob@un.gyel.org

Rolling Admissions; Deadline for Late Applications (Fall Term): September 12, 2025

The United Nations' Global Youth Excellence and Leadership Program (GYEL) provides talented and aspirational middle and high school students of all backgrounds with high quality leadership training and mentorship designed to bring out their very best for college and beyond. GYEL seeks to inspire and support future medical researchers, mathematicians, computer scientists, and Nobel Peace Prize, Pulitzer Prize, and Academy Award winners whose breakthroughs can uplift entire communities and completely redefine what is truly possible for future generations.

Learn more about GYEL, including its Needs-Based Assistance program, by visiting its official website.

Lead Climate Action on Behalf of NYC Schools as Part of the NYCPS Office of Energy & Sustainability's Youth Leadership Council

For students in grades 9–12
Council meets twice a month October 2025–June 2026; meetings to take place in-person or virtually
Cost: Free to apply; participants can earn community service hours
Contact: Kailyn Fox (kfox8@schools.nyc.gov)

Application Deadline: September 15, 2025

New York City Public Schools' Office of Energy & Sustainability is looking for inspired high school students to join its Youth Leadership Council for the 2025–26 school year. Over the course of their tenure, student council members will gain key leadership skills to kickoff climate action initiatives and events at their schools and communities while being a part of an inclusive network of students across the City. Participating students will earn community service hours, take field trips, and help plan citywide events, including the 2026 Youth Climate Summit, while making a difference in our city and schools.

Visit the Youth Leadership Council application webpage to learn more and apply.

Get Inspired by "Artivism" through the NYC Center's Free Art Lab for Youth

For young people aged 16–24
Program runs October 1–November 19, 2025; Wednesdays, 4–6 PM at the NYC Center
Cost: Free
Contact: Jordan Powell (jpowell@nycitycenter.org or (770) 861-1725)

Application Deadline: September 15, 2025

Develop your artistry and become a force for change in the world through the NYC Center's Artivism Lab! This free program offers select applicants eight sessions with historic and current "artivists" that will help expand their personal artmaking while leaving them with new confidence and capabilities for self-expression.

Sessions will take place at the New York City Center in Manhattan on Wednesdays beginning October 1. To learn more about this program and apply, visit the NYC Center's Artivism Lab webpage.

Become a MoMA Teen-in-Residence and Get Paid to Learn Art

For NYC students in grades 10–12
Program runs October 14, 2025–June 2, 2026; Tuesdays, 4:30–6:30 PM at MoMA's Cullman Education Center
Cost: Free; participating students receive a stipend upon program completion
Contact: momateens@moma.org or (212) 333-6543

Application Deadline: September 15, 2025

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is offering NYC high school students the opportunity to participate in a paid enrichment program that offers students the chance to dive into the inner workings of a world class art museum and the broader art world. The program, Teens-in-Residence, connects students with artists and museum professionals while giving them the chance to participate in hands-on workshops and help plan public programs. Teen Residents will gain real-world experience, build essential skills like communication and creative thinking, and contribute to MoMa's engagement initiatives while also exploring the role of art and museums in their communities.

Visit MoMA's official Teens-in-Residence webpage to learn more about this program, and submit your application by September 15.

Level Up Your Arts Skills at the Guggenheim During Teen Tuesdays

For young people aged 13–18 years old
Events take place once a month on Tuesdays; 4–5:30 PM
Cost: Free (includes museum admission, snacks, MetroCards and learning materials)
Contact: teenprograms@guggenheim.org

Reservations are Recommended; Next Event on September 16, 2025

Teen Tuesdays are free programs held at the iconic Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan that provide teenagers with the space and opportunity to expand their art-making skills while taking inspiration from the museum's current exhibitions. Participating teens will also get the chance to watch live performances and connect with other teen artists. No experience is needed to participate in Teen Tuesdays; just bring in your curiosity and imagination!

Teen Tuesdays are part of the Guggenheim's free Teen Circle Membership. Learn more about the next Teen Tuesdays event by visiting the Guggenheim's official webpage and reserving your spot for one or more sessions.

Learn How to Create a Pop-Up Book at the Morgan

For students aged 6 years and up
Workshop takes place Saturday, September 20, 1–4 PM, at the Morgan Library
Cost: Free access to the event with museum admission; admission free for children 12 years old and under
Contact: Talia BarNoy (familyprograms@themorgan.org)

Registration is Encouraged but Not Required

On Saturday, September 20, the historic Morgan Library & Museum will host an afternoon of pop-up books! Drop by the Morgan for artmaking, stories, and gallery activities, including read-alouds, and interactive demonstrations. Pop-up book artist, Paul Johnson, will also be there to discuss his creative process and show off his new pop-up book, "The Book of Morgan."

Access to this event is free with museum admission, and admission to the Morgan is free for children 12 and under. Visit the Morgan's official Family Program page for details, including registration information.

Learn How to Make Your Own Videogame

For students in grades 9–11
Classes meet 6 hours per week, October 2025–June 2026
Cost: Free
Contact: Charles Theonia (charles@urbanarts.org)

Apply for an Info Session by September 18, 2025

Urban Arts' Game Academy provides high school students with the chance to learn how to make their own videogames! Participating students learn coding, digital art, animation, music, and storytelling while also being eligible to receive help for applying to college. Students accepted into the program will be instructed in 2D game development.

In order to be considered for the program, students must first register for and attend one of the remaining virtual info sessions taking place on September 16–18.

Visit Urban Arts' Game Academy webpage to learn more about this design program.

Get to Know the Natural Side of NYC this Fall through the Urban Park Rangers

For students of all ages
Events run through the end of October 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 September and October in celebration of the Autumn Equinox, Climate Week NYC, and Hispanic Heritage Month—sign up directly for your desired events through NYC Parks' Urban Park Rangers webpage.

The iconic Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is offering City teenagers several learning opportunities and events this fall. See what's in store for students at the Guggenheim this month throughout this post! (Photo by Charles Parker; original photo can be found on Pexels)

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

For young people aged 8–18 years
Various workshops available at different sites during throughout fall
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 8–18 years old. Available workshops include: "Spoken Word," a workshop dedicated to helping young poets learn how to breathe life into their works through rhythm, rhyme, and improvisation; " The Elements of Fiction," where young writers between the ages of 8–12 can learn what it takes to develop great stories; and "Snobby Poetry" a challenging workshop where self-described "misfits" read, write, and share poems with one another that are filled with seemingly impossible comparisons and instructions.

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.

Join Cooper Hewitt's Design Hive and Learn How Design Shapes the Way We Experience Music

For students in grades 11–12
Program runs every Tuesday beginning December 2, 2025–May 19, 2026; 4:30–6:30 PM at Cooper Hewitt
Cost: Free to apply; students receive $2000 stipend for full participation
Contact: Nadya Kim (kimtn@si.edu)

Required Info Session Takes Place September 16, 2025; Registration Required

Cooper Hewitt's Design Hive provides select high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to delve deep into object design and processes in order to develop their own collaborative projects. This year, the Design Hive will focus on the connection between design and sound in objects like speakers and headphones, as well as in spaces like concert halls and amphitheaters.

Applicants do not need to be musicians to apply—just be creative and curious! Students selected for the Design Hive will receive a stipend of $2,000 for their participation.

To learn more about this program, register for the Design Hive's upcoming virtual information session scheduled for Tuesday, September 16 at 5:00 PM.

Bolster Your Architectural and Engineering Skills by Joining the NYC Department of Building's Next-Gen Program

For students in grades 9–12
Program runs on Wednesdays, October 8–December 15, 2025; 4:15–6:15 PM
Cost: Free
Contact: youthengagement@buildings.nyc.gov

Application Deadline: September 22, 2025; Applications May Close Early Once Capacity is Reached

Curious about how buildings are made, how City agencies work, or how design and safety intersect? The NYC Department of Building's (DOB) Next-Gen Program provides participating students the opportunity to hear weekly from DOB professionals regarding the City's built environments and public policies, as well as interact with other students in group discussions and activities while being exposed to real-world careers in construction, policy & code, sustainability, inspections, design & engineering, and architecture.

Learn more about the Next-Gen Program by visiting the program's official webpage, and submit your application ASAP, as this is a competitive, cohort-based program with limited seats that may close its application early once seats are filled.

Apply for the Brooklyn Public Library's BookMatch Internship Program

For students in grades 9–12
Trainings run in November–December 2025; internship runs 2–3 times a month, January–June 2026
Cost: Free to apply; interns will earn a stipend and service hours
Contact: Lisa Goldstein (lgoldstein@bklynlibrary.org or (718) 230-2434)

Application Deadline: September 22, 2025

The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is seeking high school students to participate in its BookMatch Teen internship program, where interns attend regular meetings at BPL's Central Library to receive training in readers' advisory and learn about related careers in librarianship, publishing, and writing. Once trained, the interns will then represent BPL as they offer book recommendations and personalized booklists to their fellow teens via email and in person during live events.

Participating students will receive a stipend, service hours, and resume-boosting experiences. Visit BPL's official BookMatch webpage to learn more and to apply.

Fight for the Freedom to Read through BPL's Teen Ambassador Program

For students in grades 9–12
Program runs Tuesdays, 5–6:30 PM at BPL's Central Library
Cost: Free to apply; participants will earn stipend for completing 40 hours
Contact: Emma Eriksson (eeriksson@bklynlibrary.org or (718) 230-2463)

Application Deadline: September 22, 2025

Brooklyn Public Library's Freedom to Read Teen Ambassador program provides teenagers a safe space to advocate for intellectual freedom while fighting censorship, book bans, and the like. Participating Ambassadors will meet in person every Tuesday at BPL's Central Library, as well as once a month for virtual Intellectual Freedom Teen Meetups on the third Tuesday of every month. Ambassadors will design media to support teens facing censorship issues as well as help select speakers and topics for monthly Intellectual Freedom Teen Meetups.

Visit BPL's official Freedom to Read Teen Ambassador webpage to learn more about the internship and to apply.

Learn about Careers and Student Opportunities at the Green Career and Club Fair

For current NYCPS students in grades 9–12
Event takes place October 1, 2025; 3–7:00 PM at Urban Assembly School for Global Commerce
Cost: Free
Contact: Kailyn Fox (kfox8@schools.nyc.gov)

Registration Deadline: September 26, 2025

NYCPS' Office of Energy and Sustainability invites NYC high school students, as well as their friends and families, for an afternoon of green careers and sustainable futures at the Green Career and Club Fair on October 1, 2025. Over 30 organizations and agencies will be represented at the fair, and attendees will have the chance to play fun environmental and sustainability-themed games while also learning about clubs and internships that may be available.

Register for the fair by Monday, September 26, and bring along family and friends who may also be interested in learning more about green careers and sustainability in NYC!

Make Your Writing Look Its Best with Free College Essay Coaching

For current high school seniors who are planning to attend college in fall 2026
Five hours of personalized essay coaching (via Zoom) throughout October 2025
Cost: Free
Contact: Ben Urwand (ben@realcollegeessays.com or (310) 861-7562)

Application Deadline: September 30, 2025

Current high school seniors who are looking to take their college essays to the next level should apply for the Real Voices Essay Coaching Award. Winners will receive five hours of free, one-on-one college essay coaching via Zoom with a published author and university-trained educator. Coaching will cover essay topic selection, idea organization, and making your writing sound like your best self.

Visit Real College Essays' official Coaching Award webpage to learn more about this opportunity, and submit your free application by Tuesday, September 30.

Get a Free 20-Hour Intro to Artificial Intelligence by the Mark Cuban Foundation

For students in grades 9–12
Virtual events take place on November 1, 8, and 15, 2025
Cost: Free
Contact: Kassandra Ayala (kassandra.ayala@markcubanai.org)

Application Deadline: September 30, 2025

The Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp program provides high school students with a free 20-hour introduction to artificial intelligence (AI). Open to all high school students regardless of their experience with computer science, the Bootcamp provides students the chance to learn about AI and other emerging technologies, create a capstone project, be mentored by local professionals, and explore entrepreneurial and career options, among other activities. All learning materials are designed for hands-on learning with technologies students will actually use, and students who complete the program will continue to receive mentorship and AI learning opportunities until they graduate from high school.

Check out the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp program webpage to learn more, and submit your application by Tuesday, September 30.

Looking for internships? The Brooklyn Public Library is offering a few internships to City high school students. Learn more about these opportunities throughout this post! (Photo by Gene Jackson. Used under Creative Commons license. Original photo can be found on Flickr.)

Savor Ice Cream While Experiencing Fresh New Art at the Guggenheim's Teen Fest

For young people aged 13–18 years old
Event takes place Friday, October 3; 4–6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Contact: teenprograms@guggenheim.org

Registration Recommended Before Event on October 3

Teen Fest, the Guggenheim Museum's free art event for teens, by teens, will take place on Friday, October 3, from 4–6:00 PM. Experience the museum's new exhibitions while being guided by teen artists and performers. Free snacks (including ice cream) and MetroCards will be provided to attendees, and everyone who officially RSVPs for Teen Fest will be entered into a giveaway to win art supplies, exhibition catalogs, and other prizes.

Visit the Guggenheim's Teen Fest registration page to save your spot, and tell your friends!

Stop By the Morgan Library for Family First Saturdays

For children aged 3–7 years
Takes place during the first Saturday of every month (10/4, 11/1, and 12/6), 11 AM–12 PM at the Morgan Library
Cost: Free access to the event with museum admission; admission free for children 12 and under
Contact: Talia BarNoy (familyprograms@themorgan.org)

No Event Registration Necessary; Tickets for Museum Admission Available Online

Explore the historic Morgan Library for an outstanding hourlong family program geared towards children! Family First Saturdays provide City families with inspired picture book read-alouds and related tours of the Morgan's impressive collections.

The next scheduled Family First Saturday will take place on October 4, 2025; visit the Morgan's related event webpage to learn more.

Support Early Literacy by Joining the Brooklyn Public Library's StoryTeen Internship

For students in grades 10–12
Internship takes place 3–5 hours per week from November 2025–May 2026
Cost: Free to apply; interns receive stipend and service credit
Contact: Karen Keys (storyteen@bklynlibrary.org or (718) 230-2798)

Application Deadline: October 4, 2025

The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is seeking interns for its StoryTeen Internship, where high school students learn about early literacy and early childhood development through hands-on work experiences, workshops and training. Over the course of the internship, participating interns will complete 20–30 hours of training in child development, literacy, and career skills, and complete 70–80 hours of hands-on work experience for a total of 100 hours. Interns can expect to support children's librarians during storytime, assist with a variety of children's-oriented programs, projects, and events at local libraries, and work on a creative project that connects to BPL's mission and early literacy goals.

Interns will receive a stipend and credit for service hours alongside their resume-building work experiences. To learn more about the StoryTeen Internship, visit BPL's official program webpage, and submit your application by Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Become a Librarian of Tomorrow through the Brooklyn Public Library

For students in grades 10–12
Internship takes place 3–6 hours per week from November 2025–June 2026
Cost: Free to apply; interns earn stipend and service credit
Contact: Rai-Vaughn Watson-Taylor (RWatson-Taylor@bklynlibrary.org or (718) 230-2406, ext. 12698)

Application Deadline: October 4, 2025

The Librarians of Tomorrow internship program by the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) connects teens with librarians to learn essential skills related to libraries, college readiness, and career development. Through the course of the internship, students will complete 20–30 hours of training and field trips that are focused on library, college, and career skills, as well as 70–80 hours of hands-on work experience, for a total of 100 hours. Interns will also be able to create a capstone project based on their special interests and assist with a variety of library programs, events, and projects.

Interns will receive a stipend and credit for service hours alongside their resume-building work experiences. To learn more about the Librarian of Tomorrow internship program, check out BPL's official "Librarians of Tomorrow" webpage, and submit your application by Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Help Organize Teen Takeovers of Public Programs for Teens in NYC

For youth aged 16–19 years
Internship runs October 2025–June 2026
Cost: Free to apply; interns receive stipend and service credit
Contact: Yosenex Orengo (yorengo@bklynlibrary.org or (718) 230-2237)

Application Deadline: October 4, 2025

The Teen Takeovers Branch Council is an internship program for high school students where they plan, organize, promote, and host after-hours public programs for other City teens. Interns participating in this program will learn about event planning, budgeting, and program marketing.

Interns will receive a stipend and credit for service hours alongside their resume-building work experiences. Check out BPL's official Teen Takeovers Branch Council webpage to learn more about the internship, and submit your application by October 4.

Join the Teen Collaborative and Work at the Guggenheim This School Year

For students in grades 9–12
Program runs in person select Tuesdays, November 2025–May 2026; 4–6:00 PM
Cost: Free to apply; participants will receive a stipend upon program completion
Contact: teenprograms@guggenheim.org

Application Deadline: October 6, 2025

The Guggenheim's Teen Collaborative is a free program for City high school students who are interested in the arts. Participating students will work with teens across the City and explore exhibitions, performances and museum careers while also amplifying teen voices at the Guggenheim. Participants will commit over 40 hours of service to the program over the course of the school year, and they will be expected to complete independent work and attend special events.

Students who successfully complete the program will receive a stipend, and MetroCards and snacks will be provided to all students during each visit. Visit the Teen Collaborative 2025–26 Application webpage to learn more about this program, and submit your application by Monday, October 6.

Learn How to Start Your Own Business in Science and Technology through the EFL Young Ambassadors Program

For NYC students in grades 9–12
Participants attend at least one in-person meeting and one virtual prep session (NYU Stern School of Business)
Cost: Free
Contact: Stella Miao (cjm739@nyu.edu) and Matt Myers (mdm9816@stern.nyu.edu)

Rolling Application closes October 6; apply ASAP for best chance of consideration

Endless Frontier Labs' (EFL) Young Ambassadors Program provides high school students with the opportunity to learn directly from business school students, science and technology startups, and EFL mentors about how to start and run their own businesses.

Visit EFL's official Young Ambassadors Program webpage to learn more about this opportunity, and submit your application by Monday, October 6.

Drop In for Songs and Stories at the Morgan

For children aged 5–10 years
Event takes places Sunday, November 9; 1–4 PM at the Morgan
Cost: Free access to the event with museum admissions; admission free for children 12 and under
Contact: Talia BarNoy (familyprograms@themorgan.org)

No Event Registration Necessary; Tickets for Museum Admission Available Online

On Sunday, November 9, the Morgan Library is hosting "Songs and Stories," an afternoon of medieval music and art for City families! Stop by the Morgan for artmaking, storytelling, gallery exploration, and live performances inspired by the Morgan's current exhibition, "Sing a New Song: The Psalms in Medieval Art and Life."

Learn more about the Morgan's Songs and Stories event by visiting the museum's official event webpage, and mark your calendar for Sunday, November 9!

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 AM and 4:30 PM

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 AM and 4:30 PM 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!

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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 and families a great start to the school year!

Banner/teaser photos by Mikhail Nilov. Original Nilov photo can be found on Pexels.

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