Department of Youth & Community Development311Search all NYC.gov websites
Jobs & Internships
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?
- 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
Document Library
- Ladders Participant FAQs
- Ladders Community Partners
- Ladders Document Checklist
- 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.