High School Internships & Scholarships
High School Internships
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_divisions/urban_park_rangers/youth_programs/pd_ur_rcc.html
The Ranger Conservation Corps (RCC) is an urban environmental internship for high school students. RCC
participants work on environmental restoration in Forever Wild sites located in our flagship parks. There are
two RCC sessions each year (fall and spring), and each session lasts a total of 10 weeks. The program is
offered every school day afternoon from 4-6 p.m. Students attend one day a week. There are openings for 900
students each year. RCC participants receive community service hours, and the experience looks great on a
college application. They also go on exciting field trips, such as trips on the Clearwater Sloop.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dycd/html/jobs/summer_youth_employment.shtml
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) provides New York City youth between the ages of 14 and
24 with summer employment and educational opportunities. In 2009 DYCD enrolled 52,255 participants and
placed them at 8,688 worksites. Participants work in a variety of entry-level jobs at government agencies,
hospitals, summer camps, nonprofits, small businesses, law firms, museums, sports enterprises, and retail
organizations.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dycd/html/jobs/nycladders_for_leaders.shtml
NYC Ladders for Leaders is an innovative program that offers high school and college students the
opportunity to participate in summer internships with some of the most dynamic corporations and businesses
in New York City. Participants receive pre-employment training before starting their seven-week summer
internships, and also attend regular workshops throughout the summer that focus on work readiness, college
orientation, health, and leadership development. NYC Ladders for Leaders is a partnership between DYCD
and the Commission on Women's Issues.
http://www.amnh.org/education/students/program.php?id=205
The Saltz Internship Program is based on the Museum's Saltz Expedition Centers--interactive centers that bring
to life the scientific concepts of the Museum's Halls. Key to the success of these Centers is a corps of talented
and engaging interns who encourage visitors to "think like scientists."
Interns use hands-on interactives and technologies, such as an infrared camera and digital USB microscopes, to
guide visitors of all ages in investigations of artifacts and specimens. In the Hall of Ocean Life, visitors might
examine a piece of baleen, use microscopes to observe live plankton, or conduct experiments to understand
how swim bladders allow fish to control their depth in the water. Lasers, telescopes and UV sensitive materials
are just a few of the tools that help visitors understand some properties of light and other principles of
astrophysics in the Hall of the Universe.
Working with the Saltz Expedition Centers is a great opportunity for high school students to meet Museum
scientists, explore scientific content, learn valuable skills for working with and teaching learners of all ages,
and have an impact on the experiences of thousands of Museum visitors.
http://www.amnh.org/education/students/program.php?id=519
The Science Research Mentoring Program is a free two-year program open to any New York City high school
student, entering the tenth or eleventh grade.
Students are linked to research mentors who are museum scientists and educators working in the fields of
anthropology, evolution, biodiversity, genetics and conservation biology. Students receive in-depth training
and support that enables them to take part in scientific research conducted at the Museum. The focus is on
students from groups traditionally underrepresented in science - women, minorities, and person with
disabilities, or who have lacked opportunities to pursue their scientific interests because of limited access to the
mentors and facilities.
This program is designed to expose high school students to different careers in the biological sciences and
anthropology, with an emphasis on scientific research, in order to prepare them and make them stronger
candidates for college science programs.
http://www.oneonta.edu/academics/biofld/INTERN/internships.htm
Research at the Biological Field Station (BFS) is sponsored by the local community, various governmental and
private agencies and the BFS itself. Most of the work is used in decision making regarding the management
and protection of our local resources. Research teams made up of faculty, staff, selected graduate and
undergraduate college students, and high school students focus on specific areas of concern such as water
quality monitoring, fisheries management, biological control studies and surveys. College-level internships
require 10 weeks (five days each week) of effort. High School internships last 9 weeks - also five days per
week. Students participating in each internship are responsible for organizing and executing a module of work
which may require the support of other team members to be summarized in a full report, which will be
published in the BFS Annual Report.
http://www.bwahec.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/SHIP-2010-App.pdf
The Bronx Westchester Area Health Education Center BW‐AHEC is committed to improving the health and health care outcomes of underserved communities in the Bronx and Westchester through the recruitment, retention and enrichment of the healthcare workforce. One of our main recruitment programs is the Summer Health Internship Program. The Internship allows students aspiring toward a career in the health professions the opportunity to work in a health care setting and interact regularly with health professionals.
http://www.cooper.edu/classes/summer/program.html
The Research Internship Program provides a great opportunity for high school students to tackle research problems in a college setting. Interns work in teams on applied research projects under the constant guidance of Cooper Union undergraduate teaching assistants. Each project is supervised and mentored by Cooper Union faculty and covers fields such as civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, biomedical and environmental engineering; mathematics, chemistry, physics and astronomy.
http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Colleges/HCLAS/SSE/index.html
Hofstra University's Summer Science Research Program offers high school students opportunities in
science research under the guidance of professionals in science and mathematics. Now in its ninth
year, HUSSRP provides selected research-oriented high school students the opportunity to work with
our science faculty during the summer in an on campus research program. The program runs from
Tuesday July 6, 2010 through Friday August 13, 2010 culminating in a science "poster session" in
early Fall where students display the work they performed during the summer. The poster session is
open to all students in the program and their teachers. Students will be selected for this program on
the basis of their high school science experience, a personal interview and, above all, the high school
teacher's recommendation. For an additional fee, SSRP students this year now have the opportunity to
live on campus, and to participate in some of the activities offered as part of our Pre-College
Program, including an SAT preparation and college search seminar and extra- and co-curricular
cultural and recreation activities.
http://www.msiahec.org/images/2010_A_SHIP_Application_1_.pdf
The Manhattan-Staten Island Area Health Education Center (MSI-AHEC) Summer Health Internship
Program (SHIP) is an intensive, six-week opportunity for high school and college students. This
program exposes students to a variety of careers in the health fields as well as to health issues
affecting their communities. The SHIP allows participants to interact regularly with health care
professionals. Students who successfully complete the MSI AHEC SHIP will emerge with newfound
connections, job readiness skills, and insight into the world of health care.
http://www.training.nih.gov/student/sip/info.asp
Summer programs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide an opportunity to spend a
summer working at the NIH side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world, in an
environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research. The NIH consists of the 240-bed Mark O.
Hatfield Clinical Research Center and more than 1200 laboratories/research projects located on the
main campus in Bethesda, MD and the surrounding area as well as in Baltimore and Frederick, MD;
Research Triangle Park, NC; Phoenix, AZ; Hamilton, MT; Framingham, MA; and Detroit, MI.
http://www.nsrconline.org/about_the_nsrc/Internship_program.html
National Science Resources Center Internship Program
http://seap.asee.org/program_details
The apprentice program is designed to encourage students to pursue science and engineering careers;
acquaint qualified high school students with the activities of Department of Defense (DoD)
laboratories through summer science and engineering research experiences; to provide students with
opportunities in and exposure to scientific and engineering practice and personnel not available in
their school environment; to expose those students to DoD research and engineering activities and
goals in a way that encourages a positive image and supportive attitude toward our defense
community; and to prepare these students to serve as positive role models for their peers by
encouraging other high school students to take more science and math courses. SEAP places
academically talented high school students with interest and ability in science and mathematics as
apprentices in DoD laboratories for eight weeks during the summer. These students work with
scientists and engineers who act as mentors. The program offers students a unique and positive
experience in their fields of interest, thus encouraging them to pursue careers in science and
engineering.
http://www.rockefeller.edu/outreach/
High school students and K-12 teachers who have been accepted through our competitive application
process will begin this summer on an adventure to attempt to discover new knowledge through a
method of teaching and learning that is as old as medieval guilds and remains the method of choice
for graduate training. Apprenticed to a mentor, you will learn the content, process, culture and ethos
of modern scientific research through total immersion in the process of scientific inquiry. The inquiry
process will guide you as you research areas where no one knows the answers - neither your mentor
nor your lab head.
http://www.stonybrook.edu/simons/
The Simons Summer Research Program gives academically talented, motivated high school students
who are between their junior & senior years the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in
science, math or engineering at Stony Brook University. Simons Fellows work with distinguished
faculty mentors, learn laboratory techniques and tools, become part of active research teams, and
experience life at a research university
http://www.roswellpark.org/Education/Summer_Programs/SummerOpportunitiesforHighSchoolStude
nts
Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) offers summer research experiences to students at different
levels of their academic development. During a typical summer, 25 high school students participate in
programs designed to give them an opportunity to learn and become active participants in cancer
research. The Summer of 2010 will be the 58th Anniversary of Roswell Park Cancer Institute’s
Research Participation Program for Young Scholars. This is a competitive program designed for
talented high school students throughout the USA, who will have just completed their junior year
(Class of 2011). The program will run from June 28-August 13, 2010. Admitted students must be
present for the entire 7-week program.
http://collegenow.cuny.edu/sciencefair/summer-program/
The New York City Science and Engineering Fair (NYCSEF) and College Now Summer Research
Program is an eight -week summer research internship program for high school students. The goal of
the program is to give rising high school juniors an introduction to scientific research under the
guidance of CUNY research faculty and enhance in scientific reading, writing and communication.
This summer program is sponsored by CUNY College Now, the Office of the Chancellor, and the
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.
http://www.wavehill.org/education/GeographicInformationSystemsInternship.html
Wave Hill and Lehman College collaborate to provide a summer job opportunity combined with academic studies in Basic Mapping Science, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Wave Hill’s Forest Project offers site visits to environmentally significant locations and oversees small work crews to prune or clear excess vegetation, plant native species, fortify hillsides, and repair woodland trails to prevent erosion along the Hudson River. Lehman College’s Department of Environmental, Geographic and Geological Sciences offers laboratory sessions and lectures by graduate students for three college credits, tuition-free.
http://www.cogito.org/Programs/programslist.aspx?internships
This program (scroll down to find it) introduces high school and undergraduate students from underrepresented groups (including Asian/Pacific Islanders) to drug abuse research through research placements with NIDA grantees. Students work with the grantees for 8-10 weeks. The experience may include formal courses, participation in meetings, data collection activities, data analysis, laboratory experiments, manuscript preparation and library research. The program exposes students to drug abuse research and encourages them to pursue careers in biomedical and behavioral research.
http://www.metmuseum.org/events/pdf/HSInternshipApplication.pdf
The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers an internship program that allows high school seniors with an interest
and/or background in art and art history to participate in projects and programs designed to broaden an
understanding of the Museum and deepen knowledge of art, meet members of the Museum staff, and work
behind the scenes. Interns meet for six weeks, Monday through Friday, during the months of July and August.
An application process is required. Interns participating in this program will receive a stipend. Please note that
space in this program is limited.
http://www.fbijobs.gov/2394.asp
The New York Office Volunteer Internship Program (VIP) offers high school, undergraduate students
who reside or attend a school within the Metropolitan New York City or New Jersey area; an exciting
insider's view of FBI operations and provides an opportunity to explore the many career opportunities
within the Bureau. The NY VIP brings students to work at the FBI New York Field Office located in
lower Manhattan in New York City. The internship usually begins on the first Monday in June and
ends on the third Friday in August. FBI Volunteer Interns can look forward to ten (10) extremely
rewarding and interesting weeks. You will be working side-by-side with Special Agents and
Professional Staff personnel on important cases and management issues. You will feel like you are
part of the Bureau... because you are.
http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/internships.htm
United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA), New York UNA-USA
awards a variety of part-time and full-time internships to highly motivated high school, undergraduate
and graduate students. Interns must possess a strong interest in international affairs, good writing and
research skills, and formidable knowledge of the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.
Media Relations and Public Affairs (High School Seniors, College, and Graduate Students) The
primary task of this office is to promote the Association and its work to the media and diplomatic
community. Typical intern duties include assisting the Manager of Media Relations: keeping UNA
staff and leadership informed of events at the United Nations; some Internet research on U.N. issues,
distributing documents and press releases, and responding to outside inquiries for information. There
are some opportunities for writing both for internal and external publication. Additionally, Media
Relations interns are charged with creating a daily "clippings hand-out" consisting of relevant articles
from several major periodicals, and distributing this packet to staff members each business morning.
National Membership (High School Seniors, College, and Graduate Students)
National Membership is responsible for the Association's nationwide network of 178 chapters and divisions,
the 145-member Council of Organizations, school programs and membership development. Interns assist with
training and support to UNA-USA's network of community-based chapters and statewide divisions, especially
in the areas of board development, goal-setting, fundraising, and membership recruitment and diversification.
http://iserp.columbia.edu/education-programs/high-school-internships
ISERP's summer high school internship program is designed to expose students to the work of social science
investigation and research. Interns are matched with ISERP-affiliated faculty and scholars with whom they
participate in the current, innovative research taking place at the Institute. In past summers, interns have
worked on projects concerned with the built environment of the city, an oral history of the Council for Foreign
Relations, and the allocation of community block grants in New York. In addition, interns take part in weekly
seminars. These seminars focus on ongoing research at the University and are led by the faculty and scholars
that are conducting the studies.
http://schools.nyc.gov/Teachers/guidance/PostSecondary/default.htm - (post everything from this webpage.)
Scholarships
http://highscholarships.com/ - A source for high school students in all grades to find scholarships. Website lists
scholarships that can be found by going through the link and searching for scholarships on individual websites.
http://www.scholarships4students.com/scholarships_for_high_school_students.htm - A source for scholarships
for high school students. Website also lists other scholarships in different fields.
http://www.scholarshipworkshop.com/highschool.html -The following awards and scholarships are general.
They can be used for most majors and career fields and a variety of students are eligible to apply for them.
http://www.free-4u.com/scholarships_for_high_school_students.htm - List of various scholarships designated
for high school students.
http://www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com/ - The Wendy’s High School Heisman Program recognizes the
nation’s most esteemed high school senior men and women for excellence in academics, athletics& leadership.
http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/hs_four_year_scholarship.jsp - ROTC - The high school Four-Year Scholarship
is for high school students planning on attending a four-year college program
http://www.imagine-america.org/scholarship/01-high-school-students.asp - Are you a high school student
trying to find money to pay for your career college education? Are you planning to attend any of over 500
participating career colleges across the country? The Imagine America high school scholarship program can
help.
http://www.apiasf.org/scholarship_apiasf.html - Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund.
Scholarship is open to high school seniors entering their first year of college.
http://www.latinocollegedollars.org/directory.htm - directory of scholarships designated for Latino students.
http://scholarships.hispanicfund.org/applications/ - Hispanic College Fund Scholars Program- scholarships
available for Hispanic students broken down by major
http://www.travelbigo.com/scholarships/SATW - The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), a non-
profit organization that promotes responsible journalism and encourages the conservation and preservation of
travel resources worldwide, is offering a scholarship to encourage teens to share their travel experiences in
words and images
http://www.nywici.org/foundation/scholarships New York Women in Communications Foundation awards
scholarships to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate and graduate students who intend to pursue
or further a career in communications. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, need,
and a demonstrated commitment to the field of communications.
http://www.blackexcel.org/200-Scholarships.html -list of scholarships available for minorities.
http://www.hesc.com/content.nsf/sfc/NYS_Scholarships_for_Academic_Excellence - NYS Scholarships for
Academic Excellence provide up to $1,500 per year for up to five years of undergraduate study in New York
State.
http://scholarships.fatomei.com/scholarships-for-hispanics.html - Latino scholarships, fellowships, internships
and grants for high school students, graduating high school seniors, and students in college and graduate
school
http://rmhc.org/what-we-do/rmhc-u-s-scholarships/ - Ronald McDonald House Charities scholarships to
students in financial need who have demonstrated academic achievement and community involvement.
http://stuy-pa.org/summer_opportunities/2009_internships.pdf - List of high school summer programs put
together by the Parent’s Association at Stuyvesant High School.
http://insideschools.org/index12.php?s=1&a=58
High school and College Prep
A Better Chance (ABC) places top middle and high school students of color in highly ranked independent day schools, boarding schools, and public schools. Students with at least a B+ average who are ranked in the top 10 percent of their class are eligible. Candidates must apply one year in advance.
Breakthrough New York at the Town School is a tuition-free, year-round enrichment program for highly- motivated middle school students with limited educational opportunities. There is a two-year commitment, including a rigorous academic summer program and enrichment classes, museum trips, mentoring, and high school placement guidance throughout the school year.
The Center for Leadership and College Preparation, affiliated with the Bank Street College of Education, offers educational opportunities both to high achieving students and to struggling students. The program serves kids in 5th through 12th grades, giving them access to a wide range of academic resources, college prep classes, counseling, mentoring, and activities, as well as individual attention and support. Students are admitted in the 5th, 7th and 9th grades.
The Development School for Youth introduces students to the worlds of finance, culture, communications and other leading industries through a series of 16 weekly workshops led by senior executives from some of New York City's leading corporations and law firms. Students, who must be at least 16, also learn public speaking, how to dress for success, and how to write a resume. All students who graduate from the program are placed in paid summer internships provided by sponsoring companies.
The Double Discovery Center at Columbia University houses two educational programs serving low-income and first generation college-bound students: Talent Search, is a career and college counseling program for students in 7th through 12th grade, and Upward Bound, is an intensive, year-round college preparatory program for high school students who have been underperforming. New applicants to Upward Bound must be in the 9th or 10th grade.
Harlem Education Activities Fund (HEAF) offers intensive academic enrichment courses, test preparation and social and personal development activities for students after school, on Saturdays, and during the summer. The
goal is to assist college-bound students from educationally and/or economically disadvantaged communities in developing intellectual and life skills. Programs are specific to middle school and high school aged students.
Monroe College Jumpstart allows high school juniors and seniors to earn three college credits for free. In a 15- week course, the students study with professors in a college setting and earn credits. Courses are offered in accounting, business, criminal justice, culinary arts, allied health professions, hotel and restaurant management, marketing, web design, and information technology. Students who complete the program are eligible for freshman scholarships if they choose to matriculate to Monroe for college, and the credits are transferable for students who go elsewhere.
The Oliver Scholars Program selects highly motivated African American and Latino seventh graders and offers them support and guidance to gain admission to some of the Northeast’s best independent schools. Support continues through the college admissions process.
The Posse Foundation identifies, recruits, and trains student leaders from public high schools to form multicultural teams called "posses." These teams are then prepared, through an eight-month pre-collegiate training program, for enrollment at top-tier universities and colleges nationwide. The Posse Program has placed 1,850 students into colleges and universities during the past two decades.
Prep for Prep, a non-profit group, helps high-achieving minority students attend top colleges, including Ivy League schools. There are programs for 5th, 6th, and 7th grade black, Latino, and Asian students. The program includes a seven-week summer session and weekly Wednesday and Saturday classes.
REACHPrep recruits academically talented black and Latino 4th grade students from the Bronx (and Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and prepares them for 5th and 6th grade admissions to competitive college preparatory independent schools in New York and Connecticut. Their goal is to comprehensively support students who want to be the first in their family to graduate from college. Only 20 students are admitted each year.
Summer on the Hill at Horace Mann is an enrichment program for academically talented public school students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Students start in the second grade and continue until placed in high school, participating in Saturday morning classes during the school year and a six-week summer session. They study language arts, math, and science and learn study skills. Summer programs include fine arts, recreation and an overnight trip to the John Dorr Nature Laboratory in Connecticut. Summer on the Hill continues to offer support through 12th grade.
Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) works with motivated youth to help them develop throughout high school, college and their careers. The organization provides services through three major programs: the Career Program, the Scholars Program, and Alumni and Philanthropy Programs.
Teak Fellows supports students seeking to gain admissions to top high schools and colleges. Students who are citizens or permanent residents, have proof of financial need, and have scored above 90 percent on tests and in class may apply by October of their 7th grade year. The program runs from the summer after 7th grade until college placement. Only 25 students are accepted each year.
United Neighborhood Houses has a complete list of neighborhood houses and community centers in New York City, many of which offer college counseling.
Arts
Alliance for Young Artists & Writers and its regional affiliates reach out to schools across the nation to identify accomplished artists and writers in grades 7 through 12. About 1000 students earn national awards, including more than $1.5 million dollars in scholarships. Student work is exhibited, published and presented to a national audience.
All Stars Project, Inc runs two 16-week programs for older students interested in leadership roles in the arts. Youth on Stage offers opportunities for students to create and perform in plays. The Production of Youth by Youth, also 16-weeks, shows students the world of producing culture through theater, television, museum, and other cultural events. There are behind the scenes visits and lectures, and a culminating project that produces a cultural forum and unpaid summer internships.
Cool Culture provides families who fall under federal poverty guidelines with a Family Pass, that provides free entry to more than 71 museums, botanical gardens, and zoos, and a subscription to Family Time, a quarterly borough-by-borough listing of cultural attractions, as well as a calendar of events geared toward families and young children.
Cooper-Hewitt's Lehman Scholars program for high school students in 11th and 12th grades introduces students to the fundamentals of design through hands on workshops and internships with design professionals. The program includes portfolio reviews, studio visits, and college visits to local and out-of-state schools. Juniors receive a stipend of $750 and seniors receive a stipend of $1,500.
The CUNY Creative Arts Team (CAT) Youth Theatre creates original productions from the ideas of its young members. They aim to amplify the collective voice of the group while creating social and culturally relevant theatre of the highest possible standard.
Eyebeam Art and Technology Center offers a drop-in workshops for teens 13-18, every Thursday, featuring video production, audio mixing and editing and video game design. Reservations are recommended but not required.
Free Arts NYC uses painting, dance, drama, writing, music, sculpture, photography, and other creative outlets to help children express themselves and gain confidence and self-esteem through Free Arts Days, Weekly Mentor Program, Parents and Children Together with Art (PACT), and Cultural Enrichment Opportunities.
High Five is dedicated to making the arts affordable for teens by offering $5 tickets to hundreds of dance, music, theater, film, museum, and spoken word events. Its Teen Reviewers and Critics Program (TRaC) includes weekly seminars and attendance at performances where kids learn how to evaluate and write about what they see.
Manhattan School of Music Summer Camp is free to New York City public school students completing 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade who demonstrate musical potential. The camp is a joint project with the New York City Department of Education.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers students a program of free classes held after school and on weekends. Both middle school and high school students study original works of art with museum instructors. Seniors attending New York City high schools may apply for a paid Saturday internship. Interns work behind the scenes, meet members of the museum staff, and participate in gallery, studio, and museum learning projects.
MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art) offers several programs for high schools students: MoMA After School encourages high school students' active engagement with works of modern and contemporary art. Students participate in studio projects, conversations, and debates with peers and museum staff, while learning about careers and practices within the visual arts. All programs are free, and MoMA provides the supplies and materials. In the Making: Summer at MoMA is a six week summer art-making program for high school students. Students participate in studio activities as well as conversations with artists and MoMA staff, field trips special tours of the museum's collection, writing exercises, and art instruction by MoMA educators. Student artwork is shown in a small culminating exhibit. Tenth through 12th graders may apply, and there is no need for previous art experience. The MoMA high school summer internship is a six-week paid program that exposes high school students to museum work and practical job skills. In addition to their work in a museum department, students attend lectures by museum staff and visit other arts organizations. There is limited space, with preference to students who have prior museum or administrative experience. Open to students of New York City public high schools who will be entering eleventh or twelfth grade in fall or who have recently graduated.
New York Pops Orchestra gives free Saturday music lessons to talented students. In addition, the orchestra invites students to its rehearsals at Carnegie Hall and offers an opportunity for students to speak with the conductor and musicians.
NYC Kids Arts, sponsored by the Alliance for the Arts, lists arts and cultural activities available to kids and families, including many neighborhood institutions, after school activities and more.
The Summer Arts Institute is a tuition-free, intensive, four-week arts program for New York City public school students entering 8th-12th grade held at Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan. Students major in dance, theater, vocal music, instrumental music, visual art, film, or photography. Admission is by application and audition.
Urban Word provides free and uncensored writing and performance opportunities to youth in all five boroughs of New York City. The workshops are designed to develop critical thinking skills, leadership, and to ignite a personal commitment to growth and learning which leads to heightened in-school performance and a greater interest in pursuing higher education.
Math/Science
The American Museum for Natural History offers more than 40 free after-school courses for high school students. Topics range from space exploration to the microscopic world of DNA and include classes in biodiversity, earth science, anthropology, genetics, and astronomy. Each course lasts for a five-week session and classes, which are held once or twice a week, usually include a field trip. The museum also offers scholarships and other programs for New York City students.
The Columbia University Science Honors Program (SHP) is a highly selective program for high school students with exceptional talent in math and science. Acceptance is based upon recommendations, grades, and a three-hour examination. Students attend Saturday morning classes at Columbia throughout the academic year. Instructors are math and science researchers at the university.
Cooper Union Research Internship allows high school sophomores and juniors to work in teams on applied research projects guided by Cooper Union undergraduate teaching assistants and mentored by faculty. The program covers civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, biomedical, and environmental engineering and mathematics, chemistry, physics, and astronomy. There are lectures, discussions and a series of workshops on oral presentations, technical writing, career choices, and college admissions. Each group presents its work to
an invited audience. Sophomores may also elect to participate in a second internship at the end of their junior year.
ExploraVision encourages kids to create and explore a vision of future technology. Students work in small groups simulating research and development teams, along with a team coach and an optional mentor. Students compete in regional competitions and the top 24 teams go to a national competition. Prizes include up to $10,000 in savings bonds.
Goddard Summer Institute of Robotics (SIR), for 9th to 12th grade high school students, is a two-week residential program at Morgan State University in Baltimore and is hosted in conjunction with NASA. SIR explores the science and technology of robot design and operation and is for urban high school students with an interest in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
Goddard Space Flight Center High School Internships offer a variety of opportunities for high school students, including recent graduates, at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland or at their other locations, including the New York City Research Initiative.
Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP) at Weill Cornell Medical College exposes high school sophomores and juniors to science-related activities. HPREP also teaches students about specific career fields and the steps needed to become a physician or other health care provider. The ten-week program for 10th and 11th grade high school students features lectures by physicians, health care professionals, and medical students from minority groups and small group workshops. Participants are also required to submit a short research paper on a pre-approved subject at the conclusion of the program.
The High School Student Internship Program at Cornell University immerses rising high school juniors and seniors in the new field of nanobiotechnology through a four-week summer experience on the Cornell campus in upstate New York. Students actively participate in designing and fabricating devices through teamwork with other high school students and college students. Accepted students will receive room, board and travel expenses up to $500.
Math and Science for Minority Students (MS)2 is a summer program in Andover, MA at the Phillips Academy preparatory school. Open to black, Latino and Native American students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the (MS)2 program spans three consecutive summers. Students apply in 9th grade and begin the program the following summer. The program helps put students on track for possible careers in engineering, science, medicine, computer technology and other technical fields.
MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Science) is a rigorous six-week residential, academic enrichment summer program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for promising high school juniors. This program stresses the value of pursuing advanced technical degrees and careers. Members of all races and ethnicities are considered but priority is given to students who must overcome significant odds to pursue their dream of becoming an engineer or scientist.
NASA PREP, a six-week program held at Capitol College in Maryland, is designed to strengthen the academic, study, and interpersonal skills of minority students interested in astronautical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering or software engineering. The program includes field trips to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and cultural trips to Baltimore and Washington, DC. Admission is limited to eight high school juniors and seniors, with preference to graduating seniors. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have completed two years of algebra, one year of trigonometry and three years of a laboratory science, have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 and at least a 500 in the math section of the SAT. Students who complete the program may qualify for a scholarship to Capitol College.
New York Hall of Science in Queens offers free admission September through June on Fridays from 2-5 pm and Sundays from 10-11 am.
The New York City Science and Engineering Fair (NYCSEF) is the city's largest high school research competition. Each year, more than 1,000 high school students from New York City present their research projects to a panel of judges and compete for a variety of prizes. The NYCSEF is an Intel International Science and Engineering Fair-affiliated regional fair.
Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) is a Saturday Discovery program that helps 9th to 12th graders in math, science, and technology. Students explore math, science and technology careers; visit college campuses; and prepare and present reports of scientific explorations. Many colleges and universities throughout the city and state host a STEP program, often with their own particular area of focus, and students apply separately to each program. STEP is funded by the New York State Department of Education, and parents are expected to attend at least four meetings during the year and are welcome to attend trips. The program begins in October and ends in May.
Essay Contests
Alliance for Young Artists & Writers and its regional affiliates reach out to schools across the nation to identify accomplished artists and writers in grades 7 through 12. About 1000 students earn national awards, including more than $1.5 million dollars in scholarships. Student work is exhibited, published and presented to a national audience.
Creative Communication sponsors essay and poetry writing contests for students in grades 4-12. Students compete against their peers in both age and location and winners share over $70,000 in prizes. Selected entries are published in a hard-bound anthology.
The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest looks for original essays written by high school students about an elected official who has demonstrated political courage by choosing to do what is right rather than what is expedient. Winning essayists receive awards totaling up to $8,500. The first-place winner is invited to accept the award at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. To encourage student leadership and civic engagement, the nominating teacher of the first-place winner receives a John F. Kennedy Public Service Grant for $500.
The National Peace Essay Contest promotes serious discussion among high school students, teachers, and national leaders about international peace and conflict resolution. Contest topics range from national to international conflicts. College scholarship awards of $1,000 are granted to a winner in each state and the writers of the top three essays nationally will receive scholarships of $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 respectively. All state winners are invited to an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. for the awards ceremony.
The United Nations of the USA National High School Essay Contest solicits essays from high school students on a different topic each year related to the international work of the United Nations. Students research the topic, form their own views and opinions and write an essay in response to the question. First prize is a $3,000 award and airfare and accommodations to the awards ceremony at the United Nations headquarters.
History, Politics, and Journalism
Children's Press Line produces journalistic stories created by students ages 8 to 18. Students act as a reporters and editors and learn to conduct research, interview, and edit.
The Educational Video Center offers several documentary film programs for New York City public high school students. These projects are academically rigorous and socially relevant, geared to impact not just the students but also their communities.
HarlemLive is award winning, critically acclaimed web magazine produced by teens from throughout New York City. It is a journalism, technology, and leadership program that teaches students ages 13 to 21 how to run an online newspaper. The publication includes news articles, investigative stories, opinion pieces, personal essays, poetry, photography and video documentaries. The students organize events, conduct workshops and sit on panels, increasing their networking and public speaking abilities.
Model New York City Council gives high school students the opportunity to step into the shoes of a New York City Councilperson and experience city government from the inside. During four intensive Saturday sessions, CUNY faculty mentors will guide students through the ins and outs of political representation, the legislative process and what it means to be an active member of city government. The students then put their knowledge and experience to use as they debate and vote on a piece of legislation during a "stated meeting" in the Council's actual chambers in City Hall. This is a College Now program, so students must first apply to College Now.
The North American Computational Linguistics Olympiad (NACLO) is modeled after similar Linguistics Olympiads held in Eastern Europe. In these events middle school and high school age students learn to solve linguistic problems from dozens of the world's languages. In solving the problems, students learn about the richness and diversity of language, while exercising natural logic and reasoning skills. No prior knowledge of particular languages or of linguistics is necessary.
Schomburg Center's Junior Scholars Program for ages 11-17 offers a Saturday school geared toward students of African descent. Its primary goal is to ground young people in the histories and cultures of the African Diaspora. The program is an intensive, 26-week series of Saturday sessions, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Junior Scholars have access to resources at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. For applications or more information contact Deirdre Hollman at (212) 491-2234.
Teens Take the City is a program of the YMCA of Greater New York through which 500 teens from all backgrounds get involved in local government, civics, and politics. The program is partly supported by the New York City Council, and each council member can nominate five students to participate.
The United Nations Association of the United States offers part and full-time internships. Interns must have a strong interest in international affairs, good writing and research skills, and extensive knowledge of the United Nations and other multilateral institutions. Interns are often able to attend various United Nations meetings, briefings, and special events.
The Collectors Club of New York sponsors a free Youth Stamp Club with monthly meetings for kids in grades 4 and up. The program welcomes experienced stamp collectors and introduces beginners to a hobby that also teaches about history, geography, famous people and events. Sessions are held Saturdays from 10-11:30.
Homework Help
The Boy's Club of New York charges boys ages 6 to 20 less than a dollar a year to participate in computer classes, attend summer camp, get homework help, and receive dental services(!). The club has three locations: one in Flushing (Queens) and two in Manhattan.
HomeworkNYC.org is a website run by the public libraries. The site is designed specifically to helps students in grades K-12th in every area of the New York City school curriculum and offers live, online assistance. Students and parents can also search for information on a varity of topics. The library site is also affiliated with the teacher's union Dial-A-Teacher, a helpline that allows students and parents to be able to talk directly with a city teacher Monday through Thursday from 4 to 7 pm: (212) 777-3380.
The Liberty Leaders program at Bank Street College provides support to 5th to 12th graders six days a week for 11 months. Students have access to a wide range of academic resources, college prep classes, counseling, and enrichment activities.
Environmental Studies
The Garden Apprentice Program at Brooklyn Botanic Garden provides students in grades 8 through 12 with training and volunteer placements focused on gardening, environmental issues, science, leadership, and career skills. Apprentices become an important part of the garden's education department.
The New York Botanical Garden's Explainer Program accepts middle and high school students between the ages of 13 and 17 who want to learn about plants, nature, and science and who enjoy the outdoors. The program offers the opportunity to learn about plants, develop new skills, and receive personal mentoring. Explainers also help younger children who visit the Everett Children's Adventure Garden.
MillionTreesNYC: Students and families can participate in citywide volunteer tree planting and tree care workshops. The program is a public-private initiative launched by the City of New York Parks Department and New York Restoration Project with the goal of planting one million new trees across all five boroughs over the next decade. To find out more visit http://www.milliontreesnyc.org/html/programs/toolkit.shtml.
Nordstrom Scholarship Program - Since 1993, Nordstrom has awarded college scholarships to hard- working high school students from across the country. Annually, we award 40 scholarships of $10,000. These scholarships are paid out in equal installments of $2,500 over four years to the college of the student’s choice. http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=211996&p=respscholarship
