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Department of Youth & Community Development


Jobs & Internships

After School
Family Support
Immigrant Services
Jobs & Internships
Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS)
Reading & Writing
Runaway & Homeless Youth

After School

Family Support

Immigrant Services

Jobs & Internships

Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS)

Reading & Writing

Runaway & Homeless Youth


About Ladders for Leaders

Ladders for Leaders is a nationally recognized program that offers outstanding high school and college students the opportunity to participate in paid professional summer internships with leading corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies in New York City. By hiring Ladders for Leaders interns, employers are matched with job-ready applicants that have been vetted and trained. Students undergo a competitive application process, and receive 30 hours of pre-employment training.

Ladders for Leaders is a component of NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program, the nation’s largest summer jobs program.

Why Ladders for Leaders?

Ladders for Leaders gives students a unique opportunity to explore their career and educational interests through:

Pre-employment Training: Receive help with résumé and cover letter writing, and interviewing skills. Learn essential workplace readiness skills and business etiquette.

Paid Summer Internships: Paid internship opportunities available in a variety of industries to accommodate student interests.

Opportunity to join our growing Alumni Network: Broad network of alumni, post-internship opportunities and networking events open only to past participants of the program

Who is Eligible?

Youth between the ages of 16—24 who are enrolled in high school or college

Resident of one of the five boroughs of New York City

Prior work experience, either paid or volunteer

Legally allowed to work in the United States

How to Apply

The deadline to submit the NYC Ladders for Leaders applications was 2/3/2025

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Ladders Success Stories

*The Department of Youth and Community Development is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.