Looking for opportunities for teens in the Bronx? While we usually try to post information about applications when they go live, we wanted to create a handy guide for you to be able to access year-round. There are a surprising number of free programs, paid internships, jobs, arts opportunities and leadership programs for young people around the borough.
Some are specifically for Bronx teens, while others are open to young people throughout NYC. I’ll keep updating this page as new opportunities come up and application dates change.
Paid jobs and internships
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
Ages: 14–24
Cost: Free
Paid: Yes
When to watch: Usually January–February
NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program is one of the biggest opportunities for young people looking for summer work. Teens ages 14–15 can participate in paid project-based activities, while older teens and young adults ages 16–24 can get paid summer work experience in a variety of fields.
Applications typically open early in the year for the upcoming summer, so this is one to put on your calendar as soon as January rolls around.
Applications usually open in January.
When to check: January
WCS Youth JIVE at the Bronx Zoo
Ages: 14–26
Cost: Free
Paid opportunities: Yes
When to watch: January–February
The Wildlife Conservation Society’s annual Youth JIVE — Job, Internship and Volunteering Expo — is a great one for teens interested in working with animals, zoos, aquariums, conservation or environmental organizations.
The event brings young people together with WCS staff and hiring managers to learn about jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and New York Aquarium.
The event is usually held in early February.
When to check: January
NYC Parks lifeguard opportunities
Ages: Varies by certification requirements
Paid: Yes
When to watch: Fall through spring
If your teen is a strong swimmer, becoming an NYC Parks lifeguard can be a good summer job and a useful certification to have.
The recruitment season often begins in October, with qualifying tests beginning later that month, so don’t wait until summer to start looking.
When to check: Start looking in October and continue through the winter.
Arts, photography and creative programs
Bronx Museum Teen Council
Ages: 14–19
Cost: Free
Paid: Yes
When to watch: Fall, spring and summer cycles
The Bronx Museum’s Teen Council is a paid program for NYC high school students interested in art, museums and creative projects.
Teens work together on projects that can include interviewing contemporary artists, curating exhibitions, making a zine and exploring the museum’s exhibitions.
The museum offers Teen Council sessions during different parts of the year, so it’s worth checking even if you’ve missed one application period.
The Fall deadline is typically early October, with the session running from late October through mid-February. There is also a Spring program.
When to check: January/February and August/September
ICP @ THE POINT photography programs
Ages: Pre-teens through teens
Cost: Free
Paid: No
When to watch: Year-round
This is one of the opportunities I would bookmark rather than waiting for an annual announcement.
ICP at THE POINT is a year-round collaboration between the International Center of Photography and THE POINT CDC in Hunts Point. The program teaches photography, visual storytelling, critical thinking, writing and public speaking. Students have access to a studio, gallery and black-and-white darkroom, and cameras and supplies are provided.
Registration is ongoing, with courses offered throughout the year.
The teen photography classes have included black-and-white photography, film processing, darkroom printing and visual storytelling.
When to check: Anytime
Bronx Documentary Center Youth Photo League
Grades: 6–12
Cost: Free
When to watch: Late summer/early fall
The Bronx Documentary Center’s Youth Photo League is another one to keep on your radar if your child is interested in photography, filmmaking or storytelling.
The free after-school program teaches documentary photography and filmmaking and includes college preparation. Cameras are provided and no previous experience is required.
Applications typically close in September, with the program beginning in October.
When to check: August–September
Bronx River Art Center youth programs
The Bronx River Art Center offers youth arts programming, including classes and creative projects in areas such as visual art and digital media.
The exact programs and ages can change from season to season, so this is one to check rather than assuming the same teen program will return every year.
When to check: Before each fall, winter/spring and summer session
Environmental, STEM and hands-on programs
Rocking the Boat
Best for: High school students
Cost: Free
Paid opportunities: Some program and apprenticeship opportunities are paid
When to watch: Late summer/early fall
Rocking the Boat is one of the most unique youth programs in the Bronx. Based in Hunts Point, the organization works with young people through boatbuilding, sailing and environmental science.
Students can learn to build wooden boats, study the Bronx River, learn sailing and develop skills that can lead to apprenticeships and other paid opportunities. The program also provides college and career support.
Rocking the Boat’s youth programs typically recruit students around the beginning of the school year, so late summer and early fall are good times to check.
When to check: August–September
New York Botanical Garden teen opportunities
NYBG periodically offers teen internships, environmental education and career-oriented opportunities connected to horticulture, science and the environment.
Because these programs and eligibility requirements can change, check NYBG’s teen and youth opportunities before each season rather than relying on an old deadline.
When to check: Winter through spring for summer opportunities
Wave Hill teen opportunities
Wave Hill has offered youth employment, internships and arts/environmental opportunities for teens and young adults.
These programs can vary from year to year, so this is another one to watch seasonally.
When to check: Winter–spring
Leadership, media and community opportunities
THE POINT youth programs
Beyond ICP photography, THE POINT CDC has a larger youth development program serving young people throughout the year.
Its youth programming includes arts, leadership, service learning and youth organizing, as well as programs connected to photography and the arts.
If your teen is interested in getting involved in the community, this is an organization worth checking throughout the year.
When to check: Year-round
DreamYard
DreamYard is another Bronx organization worth keeping on your radar for young people interested in arts, design, media, leadership and social justice.
Programs change by school year and season, so check its current offerings rather than relying on an old program name or deadline.
When to check: Throughout the year, especially before the school year and summer
BronxNet
BronxNet has offered media and technology opportunities for Bronx youth, including opportunities to learn about television, video production and media.
If your teen is interested in broadcasting, filmmaking or digital media, it’s worth checking its current youth programming.
When to check: Year-round
A few more places worth watching
There are also organizations that don’t necessarily have one big annual teen application but regularly offer programs, jobs, internships, leadership opportunities or activities for young people.
Keep an eye on:
- NYPL Bronx branches for teen programs, college and career resources, workshops and seasonal opportunities
- South Bronx United for youth leadership, soccer and career-related opportunities
- Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center for dance, music, theater and other arts programs
- Renaissance Youth Center for youth enrichment and leadership programs
- The Door Bronx Youth Center for free services and opportunities for young people
- Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club for teen programming and leadership opportunities
These are worth checking throughout the year rather than waiting for one specific annual application.
This list will keep growing. If you know of a Bronx program, internship, job, arts opportunity or youth organization that should be included, send it my way and I’ll add it.
I’ll also continue posting individual announcements when applications open, so you don’t have to wait for this page to be updated to find out about a deadline.