Employment Opportunities for Students

Gain skills and explore career interests through work readiness programs for youth.

Transition & College Access Centers (TCAC)

The NYC Public Schools Transition and College Access Centers are devoted to ensuring that students with disabilities are prepared for postsecondary life experiences. In addition to college readiness resources and support, these centers will also facilitate diverse work-based learning opportunities for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Training Opportunities Program (TOP)

Paid work based learning opportunity available to students with disabilities attending a NYC public high school. The program is administered by the NYC Public Schools Transition and College Access Centers.

Program Details: 

• TOP liaisons identify work locations where students with disabilities will work up to 15 hours per week
• Hours count towards Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential (CDOS)

Speak with your school’s Transition Coordinator/Leader or contact your local TCAC office for more information on how to apply to this program.

Ladders for Leaders

Paid summer internship program for high school and college students with high academic performance. Students are connected to internships with corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies.

Program Details and Eligibility:

• Students receive help with resume, cover letter writing, and interviewing skills
• Internships align with student career goals and interests
• For students ages 16 to 22
• Must be a resident in one of the five boroughs of NYC
• Prior paid or volunteer work experience (ex. SYEP)
• Legally allowed to work in NYC
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.00

For more about Ladders for Leaders and how to apply visit their website here. Speak to the school’s Transition Coordinator/Leader for help with applying.

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

Six-week youth employment program in July-August, that connects NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24* with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience.

Participants explore their career interests and pathways, develop workplace skills, and engage in learning experiences that will help to better prepare them for their future careers.

Program Details: 

• Young people 14-15 yrs old, considered younger youth (YY), participate in paid project-based learning activities.
• Young people 16-24* yrs old, considered older youth (OY), are connected to paid jobs in various industries based on their interests. 
• Youth are selected for SYEP by lottery or recruited by SYEP provider (for those eligible for special programming option).

Eligibility and how to apply for SYEP:

• Must reside in NYC and be legally allowed to work in the United States.
• Students attending a NYC public school can apply directly through their school. Speak to the school’s transition coordinator/leader or contact the TCAC office for your region for more information. 

*Note: Young people 22-24 yr who face employment barriers or reside in NYCHA developments may be eligible for special programming. 

Learn more about SYEP and special programming eligibility.

Work, Learn, and Grow Employment Program (WLG)

Youth employment program that builds on the experiences gained in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). WLG provides youth with career readiness training focusing on career exploration, financial literacy, conflict resolution, resume/cover letter development, and opportunities to continue education and social growth.

Program Details:

• From October to March, provides participants with career readiness training and paid employment opportunities. 
• Training and employment opportunities last for up to twenty-five weeks.
• Participants work in a variety of entry-level jobs including: government agencies, hospitals, non-profits, small businesses, law firms, museums, sports enterprises, and retail organizations

Eligibility and how to apply:

• Young person must be between the age of 16-19 
• Currently enrolled in a CareerReady WLG school 
• Must have participated in SYEP
• Youth can apply for the program online or at a community-based organization during the application period. Participants are selected by lottery.
• Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Learn more.