Work, Learn & Grow

Employers can hire Work, Learn & Grow (WLG) participants for jobs and internships after school and on weekends at no cost. Students are matched into roles based on their age, skills, and interests and paid directly by the City of New York. Students enroll in college-level courses each fall to accelerate their academic careers and intern for employers across New York City in the winter and spring.

Employers can host WLG participants at no cost; students are paid local minimum wage directly by the City of New York. You also benefit by:

• Hiring students beyond the summer months
• Building supervisory experience in current employees
• Driving community engagement
• Strengthening future talent pipelines

Connecting with our diverse and talented students helps you continue to build a workforce that reflects our communities and allows your company to engage as leaders with the next generation.

Interested employers will be contacted within two to three weeks of submitting their application. We’ll meet with employers to:

• Confirm eligibility to serve as a worksite
• Identify participants for placement at the worksite

Internships typically occur for up to 12 hours per week when school is in session and up to 20 hours per week during school breaks, over the course of 3 to 4 months in the winter and spring. Schedules vary based on employer and student needs.

WLG is a work-based learning opportunity for high school students who are exploring their early career options. We help students strengthen their work readiness skills, explore careers, and receive academic support. Many participants have skills in areas such as Microsoft Office or social media and have access to professional and technical development opportunities during the program. When submitting a worksite application, employers can identify preferred skills or experience for their roles.

WLG participants can work in the following occupations:

• Architecture and Engineering
• Art, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
• Business and Financial Operations
• Community and Social Services
• Computer and Mathematical
• Educational Instruction and Library
• Food Preparation and Service
• Healthcare Support
• Legal
• Life, Physical, and Social Sciences
• Office and Administrative Support
• Personal Care and Service
• Sales and Related Occupations
• Transportation and Material Moving

Work, Learn & Grow can benefit employers who are interested in the following:

• Hire for 1 to 10 positions
• Hire for 11 to 100 positions
• Host interns
• Offer mentorship coaching

Employers large and small can participate in WLG. Jobs and internships can take place across the five boroughs or remotely. Students are typically placed with companies and organizations near their school or home.