Special Edition: Summer 2026 Opportunities

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We’re bringing you a special edition of The Inkling with a round-up of student opportunities that are still open for this summer in journalism, media, research, advocacy, and civic engagement.

The list includes programs for both high school and college students, organized by application deadlines.

Please note: we aim to help you explore what’s out there, and this does not constitute an endorsement of any organization.

Open to High School & College Students

YA-YA Network: Summer Institute
Application Deadline: Monday, April 6
Open to: NYC residents ages 15-19
A seven-week training program in anti-oppression, community organizing, and political education through workshops and visits to city-wide organizations fighting for change. Participants will receive a stipend.

Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center: Summer Internship
Application deadline: Monday, April 13
Open to: Ages 14-21
A six-week internship in research, media, and public speaking focused on folk culture and heritage. Interns will hone research and interview techniques; practice photo and video documentation and editing; develop archiving and document-preservation skills; practice public speaking and multimedia presentation; and learn about and meet artists and community leaders. Participants will receive a stipend.

DCTV Youth Media: Summer Media Intensive
Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 15
Eligibility: NYC students ages 14-21
A four-week, hands-on learning experience in filmmaking. Students build skills in pitching, camera operation, interviewing, editing, and media literacy from pre-production to post-production. The culminating screening features documentary, narrative, animation, and experimental films.

Girls Write Now: Summer Journey
Application Deadline: Thursday, April 30
Open to: Ages 14-24
Each “journey” is a package of writing course content, mentorship, and community experiences. Journeys can be light touch or intensive, short or long-term, asynchronous or in real time.

Earth Matter: Youth Internship
Application Deadline: Friday, May 1
Open to: Ages 16-18
80 hours of hands-on skill-building related to composting, animal care, farming, resource recovery, and conservation. The internship takes place at various sites on Governors Island, guided by Earth Matter staff and adult volunteers.

Open to only High School Students

Let’s Talk Democracy: Youth Talk Democracy
Application Deadline: Friday, April 10
Open to: Rising 8th-12th grade students
In collaboration with Queens College, a six-week think tank highlighting the youth vision for the U.S.A. Students will meet twice a week to research and analyze policy issues, engage with local leaders, collaborate with peers and participate in service opportunities.

Columbia University’s Double Discovery Center: Summer Academy
Application Deadline: Sunday, April 12
Open to: 9th-10th grade NYC students whose parents did not graduate from college in the US
A four-week academic enrichment program for an immersive college-campus experience, with academic enrichment courses and wellness-focused workshops.

UCLA Center for Scholars & Storytellers: Youth Media Representation (YMR) Program
Application Deadline: Sunday, April 19
Open to: Ages 13-18
A virtual, 10-week program designed for teens interested in media research, learning and storytelling. Participants engage with content creators, learn in research workshops, and develop a project based on your own research topic in media.

National Museum of the American Latino: Young Ambassadors Program (YAP)
Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 24
Open to: Rising 12th grade students
A leadership program for students interested in Latino arts, sciences, and humanities. Participants travel to Washington, D.C. for a week-long seminar at the Smithsonian, where they are exposed to a wide array of academic disciplines promoting higher education, an exploration of Latino history and culture, and an understanding of civic and community engagement. After the seminar, students participate in a virtual community practicum in their local region.

Press Pass NYC: Student Editor Bootcamp
Application Deadline: Monday, April 27
Open to: Current 9th-11th grade NYC public school students working on school newspapers
For one week in August, students learn strategies to enhance their school newspapers and attend trips to a variety of news organizations. Students receive a stipend and lunch.

Wayfinder’s Future-Ready Storytelling Challenge
Application Deadline: Friday, May 1
Open to: 9th-12th grade students
Create a short video (1-3 minutes) with your personal take on how your generation can positively impact the future. Winners receive cash prizes and recognition.

American Folk Art Museum: Youth Art Connection
Application Deadline: Friday, May 8
Open to: Current 10th-12th grade NYC students
A three-week program in July for NYC high schoolers interested in art and museum careers.

The Bell: Summer Youth Podcast Academy
Application Deadline: Sunday, May 17
Open to: All NYC public high school students and recent graduates
A three-week immersive workshop for students to create original podcast episodes and receive mentorship from industry professionals. Students receive a stipend and daily lunch allowance.

New York Historical: Tech Scholars- Podcasting
Application Deadline: Sunday, May 17
Open to: 9th-12th grade students in the NYC metro area
For one week in July, collaborate with other teens to create a season of the New York Historical teen podcast, Through Fresh Eyes. Students will hone skills in history, storytelling, and technology as you research a topic; interview an expert; and write, record, and edit your own podcast episode.

Open to only College Students

Project Censored: Summer Internship
Application Deadline: Monday, April 6
Open to: Undergraduate students
A remote, 8-week summer internship for students to engage in the Project’s daily work, which includes identifying and vetting independent news stories, researching current news topics and issues in press freedom, communicating with partner organizations, and promoting the Project’s work. No previous experience in journalism is necessary. Interns receive a stipend.

Democracy House: Young Leaders Summer Institute
Application Deadline: Sunday, April 19
Open to: Ages 18-23
A remote, civic education program designed to prepare rising generations to defend, strengthen and improve democracy. This is meant to be completed alongside existing summer plans such as jobs, internships, or research.

New York Post: Summer Internships
Application Deadline: Rolling
Open to: Undergraduate and graduate students
A 10-week paid internship, including practical on-the-job training, a series of Masterclass workshops, and opportunities to be published. Undergraduate juniors and seniors are prioritized but applications are accepted from all backgrounds and experiences.

Honorable Mentions

The New York Public Library hosts free teen programming year-round, from tech workshops to arts and crafts, book discussions, and TeenLIVE author talks.

The Met Museum hosts free teen programming year-round, such as Saturday Sketching and Teen Fridays.

The Brooklyn Museum hosts Teen Nights on select Fridays throughout the year.

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