15 Nonprofit Internships for High School Students in NYC
Nonprofit internships can be a great way for high school students to understand how organizations run when the goal is service rather than profit. If you’re interested in exploring careers in business, communications, or community leadership, interning at a nonprofit during high school can give you insight into how these fields connect with social impact. You will gain professional experience, build connections in your city’s nonprofit sector, and strengthen your college applications with meaningful work.
In New York City, you can find opportunities with nonprofits working in education, health, arts, environment, and economic development. Depending on the organization, you might take part in fundraising campaigns, community outreach, program support, or marketing projects. Each role helps you see how nonprofits balance mission and operations in one of the busiest cities in the world.
To help you get started, we’ve gathered 15 nonprofit internships for high school students in NYC!
15 Nonprofit Internships for High School Students in NYC
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by the program. Full financial aid is available.
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective program that places you with high-growth start-ups to work on real-world projects across industries such as health tech, AI/ML, marketing, consulting, and journalism. As an intern, you’ll collaborate directly with a manager while receiving additional support from a Ladder Coach, ensuring you develop both technical and professional skills. Past host companies have been founded by Y Combinator alumni and leaders with backgrounds at Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. In addition to project work, you’ll benefit from one-on-one coaching and cohort workshops in communication, time management, and leadership. By the end of the program, you’ll present your work to company executives.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: Varies by the program. There is need-based financial aid.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founders Lab is a start-up boot camp designed to give you the chance to build a revenue-generating venture while still in high school. Over four weeks, you’ll be guided by Harvard entrepreneurs and mentors from companies like Google, Microsoft, and X as you develop your own project from concept to pitch. Alongside building your start-up, you’ll participate in business ideation sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and skill-building workshops that cover essential business fundamentals.
3. NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) High School Automotive Internship Program
Location: New York City, NY
Cost: Paid internship; students earn hourly wages
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by year and school; placements are limited and coordinated through participating CTE programs.
Dates: Early July to mid-August; six-week summer internship
Application Deadline: Spring (typically March–April); exact dates vary by school and DOE coordination
Eligibility: NYC public high school students enrolled in Career & Technical Education (CTE) automotive programs
The NYC High School Automotive Internship Program connects CTE automotive students with hands-on experience maintaining and servicing the nation’s largest municipal fleet. Over six weeks, you’ll work alongside fleet experts at agencies such as the NYPD, FDNY, DOT, and Sanitation Department. You will learn to diagnose equipment, perform routine maintenance, operate automotive shop tools, and explore fleet and claims management. This paid internship not only strengthens technical skills but also offers exposure to the inner workings of city government and public service.
4. DOROT Academic Year Teen Internship
Location: Manhattan, NY; in-person at DOROT’s Upper West Side office and virtual options available
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective group interview process; cohort size varies by semester
Dates: Fall Semester: October 20 – December 12; Spring Semester also offered
Application Deadline: Rolling; students must complete an application and attend a group interview
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9–12
The DOROT Teen Internship Program connects high school students with older adults through structured intergenerational activities. You’ll volunteer one afternoon a week in roles such as home visits, tech help, or intergenerational chess, depending on your interests. Each track emphasizes skills in communication, mentoring, and community engagement, while fostering meaningful social connections. Training and support are provided, and participants earn Student Service-Learning (SSL) hours toward graduation. Virtual opportunities are also available through DOROT’s GENuine Connections program.
5. Student Historian Internship Program – New-York Historical Society
Location: In-person at the New-York Historical Society, Manhattan, NY
Cost: Free to participate; $700 stipend awarded upon successful completion
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size varies by semester and includes group interviews
Dates: Academic Year: October 29 – June 24; Summer: Early July – mid-August (dates announced in February)
Application Deadline: Academic Year: August 24; Summer: Opens early February; closes late spring
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12 who live in and attend school in the NYC metro area (includes the five boroughs, parts of NY State, NJ, and CT).
The Student Historian Internship immerses participants in historical research, digital humanities, and museum studies. You will conduct in-depth research on a yearly theme, currently Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America, and create digital projects that serve as public educational resources. The program develops skills in archival research, writing, communication, and digital media production. Weekly sessions include workshops with museum professionals, collaborative project development, and training in the tools of public history.
6. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Facilities Internship Program
Location: New York City, NY
Cost: Paid internship; students earn hourly wages
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by year; placements are limited and coordinated through participating CTE schools.
Dates: Summer; typically runs from early July through mid-August
Application Deadline: Announced via participating CTE high schools; students should inquire with their school or the DCAS CTE Coordinator
Eligibility: NYC public high school students enrolled in CTE programs such as building operations, facilities management, electrical, HVAC, or carpentry.
This DCAS program pairs CTE high school students with building professionals to maintain and operate NYC facilities. You’ll shadow and assist site teams on real tasks such as preventive maintenance, work-order tracking, basic repairs, safety walkthroughs, and energy efficiency projects. Along the way, you’ll develop workplace skills in communication, scheduling, and documentation while learning how large public buildings are managed. You will gain exposure to multiple trades, meet city staff and contractors, and may participate in site tours or tool demonstrations, which provide valuable networking opportunities that can lead to future apprenticeships or entry-level roles.
7. CLARIFY Youth Journalism Internship – City Limits
Location: New York City, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size varies by session and includes a group interview process
Dates: Summer sessions offered annually; academic year options may also be available depending on funding and scheduling
Application Deadline: Typically announced in spring; rolling updates posted on City Limits’ CLARIFY Youth Program page
Eligibility: NYC high school students (grades 9–12)
The City Limits Accountability Reporting Initiative for Youth (CLARIFY) is a paid public service journalism internship that trains high school students in reporting, research, and civic engagement. You will develop skills in news writing, interviewing, public speaking, and deadline management, while producing stories that explore pressing local issues. The program combines hands-on training with mentorship from professional journalists, enabling you to develop your critical thinking and media literacy skills. You will also learn how to communicate with public officials and community organizations, building confidence in civic participation. Alumni have gone on to contribute to major outlets like the New York Times, Politico, and NPR.
8. Bank of America Student Leaders® Program
Location: Multiple locations nationwide; includes a one-week, all-expenses-paid leadership summit in Washington, D.C. (July 21–26)
Cost: Free to participate. Paid internship; compensation varies by location. Travel, meals, and lodging for the summit are fully covered.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; over 300 students selected annually across the U.S.
Dates: Eight-week summer internship at a local nonprofit, including the D.C. summit
Application Deadline: Opens October 14; closes January 15
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors
The Student Leaders® program connects about 300 high school students nationwide each year to paid internships at local nonprofits while providing structured training in leadership and civic engagement. During the internship, you’ll work 35 hours a week on community projects at organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs or Habitat for Humanity, gaining insight into how nonprofits operate and serve their communities. The program also includes a week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll meet peers, engage with policymakers, and explore how businesses, governments, and nonprofits work to address local issues.
9. Youth Action Institute Fellowship – Center for Justice Innovation
Location: New York City, NY
Cost: Paid; fellows earn $15/hour for up to 5 hours per week
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; up to 20 fellows per program year
Dates: Fellows meet weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus one individual meeting per week. The program runs for one academic year
Application Deadline: September 7
Eligibility: NYC residents aged 16–21 who have attended at least one year of elementary, middle, or high school in New York City
The Youth Action Institute Fellowship is a public policy research program that engages students in exploring the intersections of law, youth justice, and community advocacy. As a fellow, you will be trained in qualitative research methods, anti-oppression frameworks, and New York City’s policy systems. You’ll contribute to research projects on public safety and legal equity, while collaborating with peers to design and propose solutions for systemic change. The fellowship prioritizes youth-led policy development, offering a platform for you to engage in justice reform, strengthen civic participation, and develop advanced analytical and communication skills.
10. Ladders for Leaders
Location: New York City, NY
Cost: Paid internship; students earn wages based on placement and provider
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; selective application process with pre-employment training required
Dates: Summer (typically early July through mid-August); exact dates vary by cohort and employer
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: NYC residents aged 16–24 who are enrolled in high school or college
Ladders for Leaders is a competitive NYC-based program that connects high-achieving high school and college students with paid summer internships at leading corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies. Before your placement, you’ll complete 30 hours of pre-employment training focused on résumé writing, interview skills, and professional conduct. Internships span industries like finance, tech, healthcare, law, and media, offering hands-on experience and a paycheck. The program is part of NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program and is managed by the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).
11. Tech Scholars – New-York Historical Society
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; selective by cohort
Dates: Year-round; summer cohorts (e.g., July 7–11, July 21–25, August 18–22) plus academic year offerings
Application Deadline: Varies by session; typically opens several months before program start
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 living in the NYC metro area (NYC boroughs, parts of NY State, Connecticut, and New Jersey)
Tech Scholars is a digital humanities program where you create projects like podcasts, websites, or games while learning coding, research, and digital storytelling. Each track emphasizes historical research and digital media production, allowing you to pair primary-source analysis with technical skills in HTML, CSS, podcast editing, or 2D game design. The program offers mentorship from museum staff and collaboration with peers, providing you with exposure to fields at the intersection of history, technology, and media. Past cohorts have produced digital games featuring museum collections, podcast seasons, and web projects that highlight underrepresented figures in U.S. history.
12. EnergyMag Virtual Internship Program
Location: Online/Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; varies by season and availability
Dates: Half-time: 2–8 weeks in summer (about 20 hours/week); Quarter-time: 1–9 months, year-round (about 8 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Rolling; summer half-time roles tend to fill earlier
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of 3.25+
EnergyMag offers flexible online internships focused on renewable energy storage research and analysis. High school interns work under the supervision of a mentor to investigate companies, technologies, or niche markets and produce a publishable research report. You will develop skills in scientific/business research, professional outreach, information synthesis, and technical writing, with your work credited on the EnergyMag website. The program is designed to provide students with early exposure to the energy and sustainability sector, while strengthening communication and analytical skills valued across various industries. Interns who complete their projects receive a formal Letter of Accomplishment summarizing their contributions.
13. Interns4Good – Nonprofit Internship Program
Location: Varies; internships are fully remote and available nationwide
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; selective placement based on nonprofit needs and applicant fit
Dates: Year-round; internship duration and weekly hours vary by placement and student availability
Application Deadline: Rolling; students may apply at any time and typically hear back within one week of submission
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9–12
Interns4Good is a national nonprofit platform that connects high school students (grades 9–12) with remote and local internships at mission-driven organizations. You can apply for roles in marketing, graphic design, communications, video editing, and social media management, among others. Once accepted, you’ll complete weekly assignments, submit progress reports, and receive structured feedback from nonprofit supervisors. Internships are flexible and skill-based, allowing you to build your résumé while earning verified service hours. Interns4Good also offers opportunities to contribute directly to its own initiatives, such as tutoring, blogging, and curriculum development.
14. American Psychological Association Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Paid and unpaid (academic credit) positions available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by department and session
Dates: Year-round cohorts (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution; applicants under 18 must submit a D.C. Work Permit; U.S. residents in eligible states
The American Psychological Association (APA) offers remote internships for students who want to apply psychology in non-clinical fields. Internships are available in areas like research, policy, communications, publishing, and education. Your work may involve data analysis, content development, or program evaluation. The program includes workshops, mentorship, and team projects to support professional growth. You also gain experience in nonprofit operations while contributing to APA’s mission of advancing psychological science and education.
15. GENuine Connections
Location: Online
Cost: Free; no fee to participate
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Cohorts typically include 24 participants (teens and older adults) per workshop series
Dates: Weekly recurring workshops; each series runs 3–6 weeks throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling; students must attend a virtual orientation before joining
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) and older adults (65+).
GENuine Connections is a virtual, intergenerational program where teens and older adults meet weekly to build friendships through games, storytelling, art workshops, current events, and chess. You’ll join a small breakout group within a larger cohort (about 24 participants plus a trained facilitator), which ensures meaningful interaction each session. Workshops are designed to strengthen communication, empathy, and teamwork while creating intergenerational community bonds. You will log volunteer hours and gain experience in mentorship and cross-generational dialogue.