NYC Ladders for Leaders Frequently Asked Questions for Employers

What is NYC 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.

Who are our participants?

Our participants are high-achieving high school and college students between the ages of 16-22 and residents of New York City. They come from prestigious educational institutions including Brooklyn Technical High School, Stuyvesant High School, The Bronx High School of Science, Columbia University, Cornell University, Harvard University, New York University, and many CUNY and SUNY schools throughout the City and State of New York.

How are our participants selected?

NYC Ladders for Leaders participants are selected into the program through a rigorous application, interview, and pre-employment process.

Do the participants have work/ volunteer experience?

NYC Ladders for Leaders requires our participants to have prior work/ volunteer experience to be eligible for the program.

How long is the summer internship?

The program typically starts the first week in July and participants work 25-40 hours per week for a minimum of 6 weeks. However, many employers have extended offers to their interns to continue on past the 6 weeks.

Are the internships paid?

All internships are paid and the salaries are set at employer's discretion at New York State minimum wage or higher.

Do employers have the opportunity to interview your participants?

Many employers conduct interviews with the participants and make final selection decisions. Students are referred to employers based on their needs and participants' skills and interests.

How can your business support Ladders for Leaders?

• Providing structured summer internship opportunities for high school and college students
• Donating funds to support program costs
• Offering in-kind donations or opportunities

How have other employers developed their internship program for our participants?

Our partners provide interns with meaningful and supervised work experiences including but not limited to the following:

• Incorporating Ladders interns into existing summer internship programs
• Assigning special projects in addition to day to day responsibilities
• Exposing their interns to client meetings, participating in a department-wide activities, field trips, and team building opportunities
• Provide opportunities for interns to hold informational interviews with Senior Managers
• Provide administrative support to their assigned departments