http://insideschools.org/free-programs
HUMANITIES
Students interested in the history, politics, journalism and other subjects in the humanities may choose from an abundance of free programs in the city.
Programs include the Model New York City Council, an apprenticeship with the Museum of Jewish Heritage, and a 26-week Black studies program at the Schomburg Center. Practice writing, public speaking, and critical thinking skills in one of the city’s many free humanities programs.
This list is not exhaustive, and we welcome your feedback and additions. Send your suggestions to info@insideschools.org.
THE BELLA ABZUG LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (BALI)
WHAT
A free 2-week summer debate and leadership training program led by Impact Coalition, Inc. for high school students
WHO
Young women in high school and college
DETAILS
Build leadership skills by working with accomplished female leaders in the fields of law, business, politics, government, the nonprofit sector, and academia
TIP
The 2-week program is followed by ongoing mentoring for participants
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
There are two rounds of applications. The first is due in April and the second in June
CHILDREN’S PRESSLINE
WHAT
Workshops that engage children in reporting and journalism during the school year
WHO
Children ages 8-18
DETAILS
Learn to conduct research, do interviews, edit, and other skills related to reporting
TIP
Check out the Children’s PressLine Youtube page
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
CREATIVE COMMUNICATION
WHAT
Essay- and poetry-writing contests
WHO
Students in grades 4-12
DETAILS
Students compete against their peers in both age and location
TIP
The winners share more than $70,000 in prizes and selected entries are published in a hardbound anthology
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Spring submissions are due in April, Summer in August, and fall in December
THE DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL FOR YOUTH
WHAT
A 16-week series of workshops that introduce students to the worlds of finance, culture, and communications during the fall and spring semesters
WHO
Students 16-years-old and older
DETAILS
Learn about finance, culture, and communications while improving your public speaking skills and learning to write a resume
TIP
All students who graduate from the program are placed in paid summer internships at sponsoring companies
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Rolling admissions
DOROT’S SUMMER TEEN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
WHAT
DOROT’s Summer Teen Internship Program offers two four-week sessions each with unique tracks. Teen interns provide direct services to DOROT’s elders. Through ongoing training, interns learn about the challenges of aging through workshops and field–based experiences. As they provide services and befriend the frail elderly, they help alleviate loneliness and isolation.
WHO
High school students entering 10th grade through graduating seniors
DETAILS
Teens will help to bridge the generation gap and alleviate social isolation for seniors through friendly visits, birthday deliveries, computer tutoring, and much more. In addition, Teen Interns will have the opportunity to take part in an Intergenerational Theater Program, Documentary Film Making, Cooking & Dining with a Senior, and Intergenerational Photography.
TIP
There will be 18 students chosen for each session.
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Early online application submissions are highly encouraged for admission to this competitive program. The deadline to apply is May 15th. For more information and to apply, go here.
DOCUMENTARY WORKSHOP @ THE EDUCATIONAL VIDEO CENTER (EVC)
WHAT
A 15-week after school course that teaches students to collaboratively research, shoot, and edit documentaries that explore issues that are important in their lives
WHO
High school students from underserved communities across NYC
DETAILS
Past subjects of documentaries include youth violence, overcrowded schools, homophobia, and environmental pollution
TIP
Students earn school credit by attending the workshop at EVC’s facilities for 3 hours, 4 afternoons each week
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are available starting in the winter; interviews take place in September
ENRICHMENT ZONES @ NY PUBLIC LIBRARY
WHAT
A free after-school homework help program at NY Public Library sites
WHO
Students in grades 1-8
DETAILS
Work with a tutor in core academic areas and get get your daily homework assignments done
TIP
Students also work on projects with their tutors and go on field trips
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
FIRST TAKE HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM WORKSHOP
WHAT
A free 8-week program run by the New York Association of Black Journalists that meets on Saturdays in the fall
WHO
High school students interested in news careers
DETAILS
Learn about reporting, video editing, photojournalism, interviewing, and audio production
TIP
There are limited spots available, so apply early
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due in September
FRESH AIR FUND SUMMER CAMPS
WHAT
Five free summer camps in Fishkill, NY for children of different ages that include sports, crafts, and leadership activities
WHO
Children between the ages of 9-15 from low-income families
DETAILS
Have fun at summer camp while learning to develop self-confidence, independence, and teamwork skills
TIP
About 3,000 children attend a Fresh Air Fund camp each summer
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Attend an open house in January to start the application process
GIRLS WRITE NOW
WHAT
Girls Write Now offers two year-long mentoring programs: the Writing and Mentoring Program and the Digital Media Mentoring Program
WHO
Girls in grades 9-12 in NYC public schools
DETAILS
Form a one-to-one mentoring relationship with a professional woman writer and media makers and attend monthly, half-day writing workshops that feature guest speakers who are published authors in all genres
TIP
Participants also receive college prep support and get the opportunity to publish work in our annual, award-winning anthology and other media
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due in June
GODDARD RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
WHAT
Broken up into two portions (Goddard Scholars for 9th and 10th graders and Goddard Pioneers for 11th and 12 graders), The Goddard High School Leadership centers on equipping New York City youth with the tools to be exceptional and contributing members of society. This is done by exposing to college courses, leadership development, rites of passage programming, professional mentoring, and project-based learning.
WHO
The Goddard Riverside High School Leadership Program is recruiting rising 9th Graders. This would be your current graduating 8th graders.
DETAILS
TIP
If you are interested, please email G.R.C.C. Beacon at beacon@goddard.org or give a us a call at 1-212-866-0009.
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
By May 15th, 2015
HARLEMLIVE
WHAT
An award-winning, critically acclaimed web magazine produced by teens across NYC during school year
WHO
Students between the ages of 13-21
DETAILS
Learn about journalism, technology, and leadership skills by contributing to an online newspaper
TIP
For more information, call 212-222-4681
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
INNOVATION LABS @ NY PUBLIC LIBRARY
WHAT
A free after-school program at select neighborhood libraries that allows students to research issues that are important to them
WHO
Students in grades 7-10
DETAILS
Research problems that interest you and work on solutions to those issues using video games, podcasts, and blogs
TIP
Time is dedicated in each session to homework
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
JOHN F. KENNEDY PROFILE IN COURAGE ESSAY CONTEST
WHAT
An essay contest for students who have written about an elected official who has demonstrated political courage
WHO
High school students
DETAILS
Write an essay about an elected official who chose to do what is right rather than what is easy to enter this contest
TIP
Winning essayists receive awards totaling up to $8,500, and the first place winner is invited to accept the award in Boston
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Submissions are due in January
JUNIOR SCHOLARS PROGRAM @ THE CENTER FOR JEWISH HISTORY
WHAT
A free, non-denominational, two-week program giving high school students the opportunity to develop research skills, work with historical material and explore behind-the-scenes operations
WHO
Rising high school juniors or seniors
DETAILS
Students will learn how to shape research projects, evaluate pieces of historical evidence and pursue their own academic interests
TIP
Students will complete a modest independent research project that speaks to the theme and/or to their own family history
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due in June
LITERACY LEADERS PROGRAM @ NY PUBLIC LIBRARY
WHAT
A free after-school program that gives academic credit to students in grades 11-12 for learning how to teach children in grades 1-2 how to read
WHO
Students in grades 11-12
DETAILS
Teach children how to read 2-3 afternoons each week at NY public libraries
TIP
Teens who complete the training may apply for a paid internship tutoring first and second graders at an after-school program at the library
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
MODEL NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL
WHAT
A 4-session model City Council that allows students to step into the shoes of a City Councilperson during Saturday sessions in the fall
WHO
High school students
DETAILS
Participating students put their 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
TIP
This is a College Now program, so students must first apply to College Now.
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due in September
MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
WHAT
A summer apprenticeship program that teaches students about Jewish heritage and museum work
WHO
NYC public high school students of all backgrounds
DETAILS
Work at the Museum full-time during the summer, leading tours and learning about the curatorial, educational, administrative, and operational elements of museum work
TIP
Apprentices are paid for their participation
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due in November
NATIONAL PEACE ESSAY CONTEST
WHAT
An essay contest to promote serious discussion about international peace and conflict resolution
WHO
High school students
DETAILS
Contest topics include national and international conflicts
TIP
College scholarship awards of $1,000 are granted to a winner in each state, and the writers of the top three essays nationally receive scholarships of $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500 respectively
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Submissions are due in February
THE NEW YORK CITY URBAN DEBATE LEAGUE
WHAT
The city’s largest scholastic debate organization during the school year
WHO
There are programs for elementary, middle, and high school students
DETAILS
The Debate League provides free tournaments, resources for debaters, debate teachers and coaches, and comprehensive debate education to all NYC schools and students
TIP
To join the Debate League, register your school online at the League’s website
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
NEW YORK COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE SUMMER INTERNSHIP
WHAT
The New York County District AttorneyÕs High School Internship Program is a rigorous six-week internship that provides students with an insider's view of the criminal justice system. Every intern is assigned to a unit within the office and helps Assistant District Attorneys and other staff members with their work. Interns also attend presentations and trips and participate in a mock trial competition
WHO
Applicants must be sophomores, juniors or seniors in high school who live or attend school in Manhattan
DETAILS
Applicants must commit to attend the entire program from July 6, 2015 - August 14, 2015, Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applicants must submit the following application materials by Friday, March 27, 2015
THE NORTH AMERICAN COMPUTATIONAL LINGUISTICS OLYMPIAD (NACLO)
WHAT
NACLO hosts events all year in which students solve linguistic puzzles and learn about the richness and diversity of language
WHO
Middle and high school students from all over North America
DETAILS
Solve linguistic problems from dozens of the world’s languages at contests hosted at various universities listed on the NACLO website
TIP
No prior knowledge of particular languages or linguistics is necessary
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Register online prior to the event in which you intend to compete. Some events allow walk-ons
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY SUMMER JOURNALISM PROGRAM
WHAT
A free ten-day summer journalism seminar on the Princeton campus
WHO
Incoming high school seniors from low-income backgrounds, with excellent academic records and a desire to pursue a career in journalism
DETAILS
Attend classes taught by reporters and editors from The New York Times or the Washington Post; cover a professional sports event; cover news events in the Princeton area; film and produce a TV segment; conduct an investigative project; author a group blog; and report, write, edit and design your own newspaper
TIP
About 25 students from around the country are accepted each year
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due in February
SATURDAY ACADEMY @ THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
WHAT
A free 6-week program for students interested in American history or SAT preparation
WHO
Students in grades 8-12
DETAILS
Attend courses on topics ranging from photography in America to the history of the labor movement
TIP
Enrollment is first-come, first served. There are a limited number of spaces reserved for students who live and/or attend schools in East and Central Harlem
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due in February for spring classes and in late summer for fall classes
SCHOMBURG CENTER’S JUNIOR SCHOLARS PROGRAM
WHAT
A free 26-week pre-college black studies program on Saturdays
WHO
Students between 11-17 years old who are of African descent
DETAILS
Learn about the histories and cultures of the African Diaspora through film screenings, cultural arts performances, research projects, and field trips
TIP
One-hundred students are selected to participate each year
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due in September
SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS @ THE ALLIANCE FOR YOUNG ARTISTS AND WRITERS
WHAT
National awards given to accomplished student artists and writers
WHO
Students in grades 7-12
DETAILS
Student work is exhibited, published, and presented to a national audience
TIP
About 1,000 students earn national awards, including more than $1.5 million in scholarships
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Submissions are due in January
SUMMER CAMPS @ RANDALL'S ISLAND PARK
WHAT
Free summer camps at Randall's Island Park for children from neighboring communities
WHO
Boys and girls ages 12–17
DETAILS
Week long camps learning soccer, softball & baseball, or outdoor/green industry careers
TIP
Priority admission given to children within neighboring communities surrounding Randall's Island Park, though all children are invited to apply and attend
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due by end of June
TEENS TAKE THE CITY
WHAT
A leadership development program of the YMCA during the school year
WHO
Teenagers throughout the city
DETAILS
Work in small groups to identify issues affecting your community and develop policy proposals to address the issue
TIP
The program is partly supported by the New York City Council, and each council member may nominate five students to participate
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Application deadlines vary by YMCA branch
THE URBAN JOURNALISM WORKSHOP @ NYU
WHAT
A 10-day summer journalism course at the NYU Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute
WHO
High school juniors and seniors in the NYC metro area (including New Jersey, Connecticut, and Westchester)
DETAILS
Learn to report, write stories, shoot photos, live in an NYU dorm, get college advice, and create your own multimedia website and print paper
TIP
Twenty students are selected to participate
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
The application is due in April
YOUTH STAMP CLUB @ THE COLLECTORS CLUB OF NEW YORK
WHAT
Monthly stamp collecting meetings during the school year
WHO
Students in grades 4 and up
DETAILS
Learn about history, geography, famous people, events, and almost every imaginable topic through stamp collecting
TIP
Sessions are held on Saturdays once a month
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
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