Opportunities

The Safe Horizon Anti-Trafficking Program provides comprehensive legal and social services to survivors of labor and sex trafficking. Volunteers and advocates support the organization's mission to provide crisis intervention, promote justice, and help survivors restore their lives through intensive case management and community outreach.

City Harvest volunteers play a critical role in rescuing and distributing nutritious food to New Yorkers experiencing hunger across all five boroughs. Teens can participate in various activities, including food repacks at the Cohen Community Food Rescue Center, supporting Mobile Markets, and assisting with Greenmarket rescues.

City Harvest volunteers play a critical role in rescuing and distributing nutritious food to New Yorkers in need across all five boroughs. Volunteers participate in various activities, including repacking bulk produce into family-sized bags, supporting Mobile Markets, and assisting with food rescue operations to fight hunger and reduce food waste.

The Coalition for the Homeless is the nation’s oldest advocacy and direct service organization dedicated to helping homeless individuals and families through litigation, public education, and direct services. Volunteers support critical initiatives such as the Grand Central Food Program, which provides hot meals to thousands of New Yorkers in need every night.

BronxWorks community health advocates support the organization's mission to improve the economic and social well-being of Bronx residents. Volunteers assist in various programs, including health and wellness initiatives, youth development, and community outreach to help break the cycle of poverty.

The Immigrant Defense Project is a national nonprofit that works to transform unjust deportation laws and policies while providing education and advice to immigrants and their legal defenders. Interns gain exposure to the intersection of the criminal and immigration legal systems through policy research, impact litigation support, and community outreach initiatives.

New York Cares partners with schools and programs to provide essential academic support to students across the city. Volunteers help students build confidence and improve their proficiency in core subjects like math and reading through consistent, impactful sessions.

The NAMI-NYC Youth Council offers teens the opportunity to build community and advocate for mental health awareness. Participants can join tracks to become Youth Advocacy Ambassadors, who focus on policy and school-based advocacy, or Youth Peer Supporters, who receive training to facilitate mental health workshops for their peers.

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) seeks volunteers to support immigrant communities through activities such as legal clinic intake and application preparation, event logistics, and language access support. Volunteers play a vital role in helping the organization advocate for immigrant rights and provide essential services to New Yorkers.

Peer Health Exchange (PHE) is a national non-profit that trains near-peer health facilitators to deliver skills-based, trauma-informed health education to high school students in under-resourced communities. The program empowers young people to make healthy decisions by providing critical resources, identity-affirming support, and education on topics such as mental and sexual health.

The Ali Forney Center offers various volunteer opportunities to support LGBTQ+ homeless youth in New York City, including administrative tasks, meal preparation, workshop co-facilitation, and clothing closet maintenance. Volunteers play a vital role in assisting frontline staff and helping to create a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable youth.

Join a grassroots movement of students and community members working to end gun violence through advocacy, education, and legislative action. Volunteers help pass stronger gun laws, support gun-sense candidates, and promote a culture of responsible gun ownership in their local communities.

Brooklyn Public Library offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for teens to build skills, gain work experience, and support their local community. Programs range from homework assistance and shelf organizing to specialized roles like Teen Techies and BKLYN BookMatch, allowing students to contribute to library services while earning community service credits.

The Leaders Club is a youth-led group that focuses on community service and personal development. Teens organize local projects, mentor younger peers, and participate in leadership workshops. It provides a supportive environment for teens to grow and serve their neighborhoods.

This college access program provides support to students in grades 9-12. Volunteers help with college application prep, tutoring, and mentoring younger students. It is a great way to support peers in achieving their higher education goals.

This civic engagement program teaches teens about NYC government and policy development. Participants learn how to present ideas to community leaders and develop skills to become effective advocates. It is designed to foster leadership and community involvement among local youth.

Volunteers assist with community outreach and support services for homeless individuals and families. Tasks include organizing resources and providing direct support to those in need. This is a great opportunity for teens to engage in direct community service.

The Youth Council is a teen-led group focused on raising mental health awareness and improving youth programs. Members meet monthly to plan fundraisers, social events, and advocacy campaigns. Teens can choose tracks like Brand Ambassador or Advocacy Ambassador to tailor their experience.

Volunteers help distribute soup, prayer, and essential resources to individuals experiencing homelessness in Chelsea Park. This role involves direct interaction with community members and providing compassionate support. It is a hands-on way to address food insecurity in NYC.

This program offers job training and placement for youth who are not currently working or in school. Participants receive skill-building workshops, HSE preparation, and support in finding permanent employment. It is designed to help young adults gain financial independence.

This violence prevention program provides free sports and fitness activities for youth. Teens can volunteer to help organize events, coach younger participants, or assist with program logistics. It aims to provide a safe, productive environment for youth on weekend evenings.

Teen Night Out offers workshops and activities designed by and for teens. Volunteers help facilitate these sessions, which range from arts and crafts to life skills training. It is a great way to build community and gain leadership experience.

Volunteers assist in providing food and resources to the community in the Bronx. This role involves setting up mobile outreach stations and interacting with local residents. It is a direct way to support community health and wellness.

Volunteers help organize and distribute food to community members in need. This role involves packing groceries and assisting with pantry operations. It is a vital service for addressing food insecurity in the downtown area.

Volunteers deliver groceries to immigrant families and community members in Elmhurst and Corona. This service helps ensure that vulnerable populations have access to fresh food. It is a direct way to support community health and wellness.

This week-long intensive internship allows teens to explore museum education, art, and design through hands-on experiences. Participants develop public speaking and presentation skills by creating and leading a youth-friendly tour of a museum exhibition. The program culminates in a final event where interns showcase their work to the public.

This program offers competitive, paid summer internships with leading corporations, non-profits, and government agencies. Participants receive professional development, job support, and networking opportunities. It is designed for high-achieving students looking to jumpstart their careers.

Teens can undergo professional lifeguard training to become certified for summer employment. The program includes swim lessons, rescue techniques, and safety protocols. Upon completion, participants are eligible for paid lifeguard positions at city pools.

This year-round program supports high school juniors and seniors with academic assistance and work readiness training. Participants engage in service-learning projects and complete a paid six-week summer internship. It is specifically designed for students in temporary housing.

This program places NYC public high school students in paid internships at various arts and cultural organizations. Interns hone workplace and communication skills while receiving guidance on college essays. It provides a professional environment to explore careers in the arts sector.

TAP offers high school students the opportunity to teach art to children in NYC summer camps. Interns gain teaching experience, develop leadership skills, and work with professional artists. It is a unique program that combines arts education with community service.

SYEP provides NYC youth with paid summer work experiences across various industries. Participants explore career interests, build professional skills, and earn money during the summer months. It is the largest youth employment program in the country.

Teen Techies provides hands-on training in information technology and customer service. Participants gain experience by providing technical assistance to the public and leading peer-to-peer programs. The program prepares youth for future careers in the tech field through workshops and project-based work.

The Summer Institute provides intensive training on software, hardware, and customer service. Teens work on creative, project-based assignments and learn how to lead library programs. It is an excellent opportunity to build technical skills and gain public service experience.