Field Biology Internships (FBI)

The Field Biology Internships (FBI) at Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC) are hands-on outdoor science programs for high school students in Queens, New York City. Interns study plants and animals in their natural settings, visiting ecosystems in Alley Pond Park and other parts of Queens. Activities include biodiversity surveys, bird observation, soil and water quality sampling, macroinvertebrate identification, coastal seining, and planting native species. Interns also meet local environmental professionals and build skills in field data collection, record keeping, research, and public speaking. The internship is offered in fall, spring, and summer sessions. Fall and spring sessions meet on Saturday mornings, and summer sessions meet on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings. Accepted interns pay a $200 participation fee, and financial aid is available on request without documentation.

Students must be at least 14 years old and currently in high school. They must be able to do outdoor activities for at least 2 hours, attend 5 of 6 classes (not counting orientation), arrange their own transportation, and give a final presentation. Students apply with an online form, followed by a virtual interview. APEC lists application deadlines of August 1 for fall, January 2 for spring, and May 1 for summer.