Coastal Classroom

The City Parks Foundation Coastal Classroom internship is a hands-on environmental education opportunity for high school students in New York City. Coastal Classroom is the foundation's marine science program for middle school students, held in parks along the city's waterfront. Interns work with City Parks Foundation staff and help teach younger students, including leading marine ecology lessons. Program topics include water ecology, water quality, and the restoration and preservation of urban waterfronts. Activities can include collecting data on shoreline creatures, fishing, and rowing or canoeing. Fall after-school sites include Inwood Hill Park in Manhattan, Hallett's Cove in Queens, and Kaiser Park and Bushwick Inlet Park in Brooklyn. A summer institute for 5th to 8th graders runs in July and August at Kaiser Park.

Each year, the program looks for high school students who want experience working with kids and exploring environmental science education. Requirements and application details are posted with each new Coastal Classroom internship opening. Students interested in the next round should check the City Parks Foundation internships page for new postings.