Ladders for Leaders

NYC Ladders for Leaders is a paid summer internship program in New York City for rising high school seniors and college students ages 16 to 24. It is offered by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) as part of the city's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), and it places students in professional internships with companies, nonprofits and government agencies across the city. In 2026, internships lasted six weeks, and interns worked 25 to 40 hours a week depending on their employer. Pay was at least $16.50 an hour, and some employers paid more. There is no fee to apply or participate, although interns pay for their own transportation and meals. Participants may need to complete up to 30 hours of unpaid training on skills such as résumé writing, cover letters, interviewing and workplace etiquette before they are referred to a company.

High school applicants must be rising seniors, and college students are also eligible; all applicants must be 16 to 24. Students must live in one of the five boroughs, be legally able to work in the United States, and have prior paid or volunteer work experience. Selection happens in three phases: the initial application, pre-employment workshops with mock interviews, and interviews with employers. Students apply online and submit their application to the Ladders Community Partner of their choice, in any borough, along with a transcript, a résumé, and a personal statement, video, portfolio or cover letter. The deadline for the 2026 program was extended to January 16, 2026.