Top 15 Best High School Internships in Brooklyn, NY 2026

Contents

Introduction

Discovering internships for high school students in Brooklyn opens doors to exceptional career exploration opportunities in New York City’s most populous borough and a global hub of creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity. From cutting-edge STEM programs at NYU Tandon School of Engineering in downtown Brooklyn, legal profession exposure at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, accessible youth employment through NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)—the nation’s largest youth employment program, advanced manufacturing at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, to arts and museum experiences at the Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn offers diverse paid internships and summer jobs for teens designed specifically for high school students.

Whether you’re passionate about technology and engineering at NYU Tandon, justice and law at the DA’s office, cultural institutions in Prospect Heights, green infrastructure and urban planning along the waterfront, or creative industries in Williamsburg and DUMBO, Brooklyn delivers comprehensive student opportunities that strengthen college applications and launch professional careers. The borough’s combination of world-class universities, thriving tech sector, vibrant arts scene, historic institutions, and massive city-sponsored youth employment initiatives creates an unmatched landscape for ambitious teens seeking real-world work experience.

Top High School Internship Programs in Brooklyn 2026

Below are 15 verified and current internship opportunities for high school students in Brooklyn. All information has been confirmed for the 2026 application cycle with updated deadlines and program details.

1. NYC Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

Organization: NYC Department of Youth & Community Development
Description: Nation’s largest youth employment program placing 100,000+ NYC youth annually including thousands in Brooklyn. Work with employers across all industries with structured career exploration and professional development.
Eligibility: Ages 14-24, NYC residents (all boroughs including Brooklyn), legally allowed to work in U.S.
Duration: 6 weeks (Summer), 25 hrs/week
Compensation: Paid – $16.50/hour (NYC minimum wage)
Deadline: Opens Winter 2025/2026; deadline March 14, 2026
Apply: Apply Here

2. Brooklyn Navy Yard Internship Program

Organization: Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation
Description: Eight-week paid internship with 400+ businesses at historic industrial complex. College-bound high school seniors placed in manufacturing, design, tech, food production, film/media, and green energy companies.
Eligibility: College-bound high school seniors, NYC residents
Duration: 8 weeks (Spring, Summer, or Fall sessions)
Compensation: Paid – competitive hourly rate
Deadline: Rolling admissions by session
Apply: Apply Here

3. Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office Internship

Organization: Kings County District Attorney
Description: Highly competitive legal internship in prosecutor’s office. Work in trial zones or specialized bureaus assisting with investigations, attending trials, legal research, and community outreach programs.
Eligibility: High school students & college students, competitive application
Duration: Summer, Fall, or Spring semesters, varies
Compensation: Unpaid (academic credit available)
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Apply: Apply Here

4. NYU Tandon School of Engineering Programs

Organization: NYU Tandon – MetroTech Center, Downtown Brooklyn
Description: STEM programs including Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) and other engineering/computer science opportunities. Work in university labs on cutting-edge research projects.
Eligibility: High school students (all grades), strong STEM background, competitive application
Duration: Varies by program, typically summer sessions
Compensation: Varies – some paid positions
Deadline: December-February (check specific programs)
Apply: Visit NYU Tandon Student Programs

5. Brooklyn Museum Teen Programs

Organization: Brooklyn Museum – Prospect Heights
Description: Multiple teen opportunities including Museum Apprentice Program (9-month, Nov-Aug), Creative Practice paid internship (assist teaching artists), and summer internships in museum operations, education, and curation.
Eligibility: Ages 14-18, NYC area, interest in arts/museums
Duration: Museum Apprentice: 9 months; Creative Practice & Summer: varies
Compensation: Paid – hourly rate varies by program
Deadline: Museum Apprentice: October; others rolling
Apply: Apply Here

6. Brooklyn Botanic Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)

Organization: Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Prospect Park
Description: Nine-month paid horticulture, conservation, and education apprenticeship (March-November). Hands-on garden maintenance, plant science, educational programming, and urban ecology with tiered advancement system.
Eligibility: High school students (all grades), NYC area, 9-month commitment
Duration: 9 months (March-November), includes spring training, summer full-time, fall part-time
Compensation: Paid – stipend provided
Deadline: Applications open Fall 2025; deadline December 8, 2025
Apply: Apply Here

7. NYC Department of Education Work-Based Learning

Organization: NYC DOE – Multiple Brooklyn Schools
Description: School-coordinated internships placing students with local employers through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Includes college/career readiness support and academic credit opportunities.
Eligibility: NYC public high school students, varies by school
Duration: Semester or academic year, varies
Compensation: Varies – many paid positions
Deadline: Rolling through school CTE coordinators
Apply: Contact your school’s CTE office

8. Brooklyn Public Library Teen Center Programs

Organization: Brooklyn Public Library – Central Library & Branches
Description: Youth services and library operations internships across Brooklyn’s 60+ library locations. Work on teen programming, technology support, literacy initiatives, and community engagement.
Eligibility: Ages 14-18, Brooklyn residents preferred
Duration: Academic year or summer, 8-12 hrs/week
Compensation: Paid – $15-16/hour
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Apply: Apply through BPL Careers

9. Pratt Institute Pre-College Programs

Organization: Pratt Institute – Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Description: Architecture, design, art, and creative industries programs for high school students. Access to professional studios, equipment, and Pratt faculty mentorship on portfolio development.
Eligibility: High school students (rising juniors/seniors), interest in art/design/architecture
Duration: Summer intensive programs, 2-6 weeks
Compensation: Tuition-based (financial aid available)
Deadline: January-March 2026
Apply: Apply Here

10. Studio Institute Bloomberg Arts Internship

Organization: Studio Institute – Multiple NYC Locations
Description: Arts management and creative careers internship with paid placement at museums, galleries, theaters, and cultural organizations throughout Brooklyn and NYC.
Eligibility: High school students, NYC area, interest in arts
Duration: Summer program, full-time
Compensation: Paid stipend provided
Deadline: Applications open January 2026
Apply: Apply Here

11. Brooklyn Children’s Museum Youth Programs

Organization: Brooklyn Children’s Museum – Crown Heights
Description: Museum education and youth programming internship. Work on exhibits, educational programs, STEAM activities, and visitor engagement at world’s first children’s museum.
Eligibility: Ages 14-18, Brooklyn/NYC area
Duration: Academic year or summer, flexible hours
Compensation: Paid – $14-15/hour
Deadline: October 2025 & February 2026
Apply: Contact Museum Education Department

12. NYC Parks Youth Programs – Brooklyn

Organization: NYC Department of Parks & Recreation
Description: Environmental stewardship and recreation internships across Brooklyn’s 500+ parks. Work on park maintenance, environmental education, recreation programs, and community greening initiatives.
Eligibility: Ages 14-21, NYC residents, Brooklyn placements available
Duration: Summer or year-round, varies
Compensation: Paid – varies, typically $15-16/hour
Deadline: Opens January 2026
Apply: Apply through NYC Parks Jobs

13. Barclays Center / BSE Global Internships

Organization: Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment – Atlantic Terminal
Description: Sports business, arena operations, and entertainment management internship with Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty, and Barclays Center. Work on game day operations, marketing, fan engagement.
Eligibility: High school seniors & college students, NYC area, interest in sports/entertainment
Duration: Summer or semester, varies by department
Compensation: Paid – competitive rate
Deadline: December 2025-January 2026
Apply: Apply through BSE Global Careers

14. NYS Senate/Assembly Internships – Brooklyn Offices

Organization: New York State Legislature – Brooklyn District Offices
Description: Government and public policy internships with Brooklyn-based state legislators. Work on constituent services, legislative research, community outreach, and policy analysis.
Eligibility: High school students & college students, Brooklyn/NYC area
Duration: Summer or semester, 15-20 hrs/week
Compensation: Varies – some paid positions
Deadline: October-January for Spring/Summer
Apply: Apply Here

15. Brooklyn Workforce Innovations Career Pathways

Organization: Brooklyn Workforce Innovations
Description: Comprehensive youth workforce development placing Brooklyn teens with employers across healthcare, technology, hospitality, and retail. Includes job readiness training and case management support.
Eligibility: Ages 16-24, Brooklyn residents, may have income eligibility
Duration: Year-round placements, varies
Compensation: Paid – varies by employer
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Apply: Apply Here

How to Apply for Internships in Brooklyn

Successfully securing internships for high school students in Brooklyn requires strategic planning and thorough preparation. Here’s your complete guide to navigating the application process in New York City’s most populous borough.

Application Methods

Online Application Portals (Most Common)

Most Brooklyn internship programs use digital application systems where you’ll:

Create secure account with email and password
Complete forms with personal, academic, and contact information
Upload resume and cover letter as PDF files
Answer essay questions about interests, goals, and qualifications
Provide 2-3 references (teachers, counselors, employers)
Submit transcripts showing current GPA and coursework
Track application status through the dashboard

Programs using online portals: NYC SYEP, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn DA’s Office, NYU Tandon programs, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Studio Institute, NYC Parks, NYS Legislature, Brooklyn Workforce Innovations

Through School Counselors and CTE Coordinators

Many Brooklyn programs coordinate through schools:

Meet with the school counselor or CTE coordinator in early fall to discuss internship goals
Request teacher recommendations 3-4 weeks before deadlines
Have counselors submit official transcripts or nominations
Coordinate through NYC DOE Work-Based Learning programs
Obtain working papers through school (required for minors under 18 in New York)

Programs coordinating through schools: NYC DOE Work-Based Learning, some NYC SYEP placements, school-specific partnerships

Direct Contact Methods

Cultural institutions may prefer email or phone contact:

Email professional inquiry: “Summer 2026 Internship Application – [Your Name]”
Attach labeled resume and cover letter PDFs
Include 3-4 sentence introduction in the email body
Follow up after one week if no response
Be prepared for quick interviews

Programs accepting direct contact: Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, some Brooklyn Museum positions, and cultural organizations

Required Documents Checklist

Prepare these materials before starting applications:

□ Resume – One page highlighting academics, activities, volunteer work, leadership, and prior employment. Students exploring New York opportunities should review internships for high school students in New York for additional statewide programs.

□ Cover Letter – Customized 250-400 word letter explaining specific interest in each program and relevant qualifications

□ Transcripts – Unofficial copies showing current courses and GPA (official may be required later)

□ References – Contact information for 2-3 adults who can speak to your abilities and character

□ Personal ID – Birth certificate, state ID, or passport proving age and identity

□ Proof of NYC Residency – Document showing Brooklyn/NYC residency (many programs require NYC residency)

□ Working Papers – New York requires employment certificates for workers under 18; obtain from school with parent signature and medical certificate

□ Background Check – Some positions (courts, youth-serving organizations) require background screening

□ Essays/Writing Samples – Competitive programs request 300-500 word responses on career goals or challenges overcome

□ Portfolio – Art/design programs (Pratt, Brooklyn Museum, Studio Institute) may require creative work samples

Application Timeline

September – October: Research programs across Brooklyn and begin preparation. Students considering other NYC boroughs should explore internships for high school students in Manhattan or internships for high school students in Queens for additional opportunities.

November – December: Early deadlines: Brooklyn Botanic Garden GAP (December 8), Barclays Center/BSE Global (December-January), NYU Tandon programs begin opening (December). Finalize resume and cover letter templates. Request recommendation letters before winter break. Meet with CTE coordinators to discuss placements. For students interested in other major Northeast cities, consider internships for high school students in Boston.

January: Major openings: Studio Institute Bloomberg Arts (January), NYC Parks (January), NYS Legislature applications (October-January deadline), Pratt Pre-College (January-March). Submit competitive applications early. Students exploring Mid-Atlantic opportunities should consider internships for high school students in Philadelphia or internships for high school students in Baltimore.

February: Key deadlines: NYU Tandon programs (December-February), Brooklyn Museum summer positions (February), Brooklyn Children’s Museum (February for summer). Prepare for interviews as notifications begin. For Midwest opportunities, explore internships for high school students in Chicago or internships for high school students in Cleveland.

March: Peak season: NYC SYEP opens and closes (deadline March 14, 2026), Brooklyn Botanic Garden GAP begins (March start), Brooklyn Public Library hiring (March). Complete all remaining applications. Students considering Southern programs should review internships for high school students in Charlotte or internships for high school students in Atlanta.

April-May: Most competitive positions filled; focus on rolling admission programs like Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn Workforce Innovations, NYC DOE Work-Based Learning. For West Coast opportunities, explore internships for high school students in San Francisco or internships for high school students in San Diego.

June – August: Attend orientations, obtain working papers, and begin summer internships across Brooklyn.

Tips for Stronger Applications

Emphasize Brooklyn/NYC Connection: Many programs prioritize NYC residents, especially Brooklyn. Highlight your neighborhood ties, years in Brooklyn, community involvement, knowledge of borough’s diversity and culture. Reference specific Brooklyn characteristics (creative energy, immigrant heritage, neighborhood pride, waterfront renaissance) to demonstrate authentic connection.

Demonstrate Field-Specific Interest: Research organizations thoroughly. For STEM programs (NYU Tandon, Brooklyn Navy Yard manufacturing), mention relevant coursework and projects. For legal programs (Brooklyn DA), discuss interest in justice system and criminal law. For arts (Brooklyn Museum, Pratt, Studio Institute), include portfolio or creative achievements. For environmental work (Brooklyn Botanic Garden, NYC Parks), share sustainability interests and outdoor experiences.

Highlight New York City Hustle: Brooklyn employers value ambition, resilience, independence, and strong work ethic. Emphasize initiative, ability to navigate complex environments, problem-solving skills, and examples of overcoming challenges in urban settings.

Address Brooklyn’s Diversity: Brooklyn is one of America’s most diverse places with 2.7 million residents from every culture. Programs highly value cultural competency, multilingual skills, and authentic perspectives from diverse backgrounds. Share your unique story and commitment to working across cultures.

Quantify Your Achievements: Use specific numbers. Replace “member of robotics team” with “collaborated with 15-person team to design competition robot, placing 3rd at NYC regional championship among 60 schools.” Change “volunteered at senior center” to “provided technology support to 50+ seniors weekly, teaching smartphone and internet skills across 8-week program.”

Apply Strategically Across Selectivity Levels: Competition varies widely. Apply to 10-15 programs spanning highly selective (Brooklyn DA, NYU Tandon, Brooklyn Navy Yard specialized positions), moderately competitive (Brooklyn Museum, Pratt, Studio Institute, Barclays), and accessible (NYC SYEP, Brooklyn Public Library, NYC Parks, Brooklyn Workforce Innovations).

Customize Everything: Never submit identical applications. Tailor each cover letter referencing specific Brooklyn neighborhoods, organizations, or borough characteristics. Generic applications are immediately obvious to NYC reviewers who see thousands.

Leverage Brooklyn Geography: Brooklyn is large with distinct neighborhoods. Consider opportunities across the borough from Downtown Brooklyn to Sunset Park, Williamsburg to Canarsie. Public transportation connects most areas via extensive subway and bus networks.

Interview Preparation

Many competitive Brooklyn programs conduct interviews:

Research organization’s mission, recent news, and current projects
Practice common questions: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why this internship?” “What do you know about Brooklyn?”
Prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions about responsibilities, mentorship, or skills development
Dress professionally (business casual to business formal depending on organization; NYC maintains high professional standards)
For video interviews, test technology, ensure good lighting and clean background
Arrive 15-20 minutes early for in-person interviews (always factor in subway delays)
Send thank-you email within 24 hours
Be prepared to discuss your Brooklyn/NYC knowledge and commitment to serving diverse communities

Students considering opportunities in other major East Coast cities should review internships for high school students in Washington DC or internships for high school students in Buffalo.

External Resources

NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD)
Youth programs, SYEP information, workforce resources – nyc.gov/dycd

Brooklyn Workforce Innovations
Brooklyn-specific workforce development and career services – bwiny.org

NYC DOE Work-Based Learning
School-coordinated internships and CTE programs – schools.nyc.gov

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
Business connections and youth employment initiatives – ibrooklyn.com

U.S. Department of Labor – Youth Rules
Federal guidance on child labor laws and teen employment rights – youthrules.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there paid internships for high school students in Brooklyn?

Yes, approximately 75-80% of Brooklyn high school internship programs offer monetary compensation ranging from $14-20/hour. NYC SYEP provides accessible paid positions for 100,000+ youth ages 14-24 citywide at $16.50/hour (NYC minimum wage).

When should I apply for summer internships in Brooklyn?

Apply between December and March, with Brooklyn Botanic Garden GAP (December 8 deadline) and NYC SYEP (opens winter, deadline March 14). Most competitive programs have January-February deadlines, while rolling admission programs like Brooklyn Navy Yard and Brooklyn Workforce Innovations accept applications year-round.

Do I need work experience to get a Brooklyn internship?

No, most programs are designed for students new to professional work. NYC SYEP, Brooklyn Workforce Innovations, Brooklyn Public Library, and NYC Parks welcome first-time workers with training, while competitive programs like Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn DA, and NYU Tandon prefer demonstrated skills or strong academics.

What parts of Brooklyn have the most internship opportunities?

Downtown Brooklyn (NYU Tandon, courts, Brooklyn Navy Yard across East River), Prospect Heights/Park Slope (Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Public Library Central), and Williamsburg/DUMBO (creative industries, tech companies). Opportunities exist borough-wide through NYC SYEP placements across all neighborhoods.

Can I do internships during the school year or only summer?

Both exist with approximately 60% operating summers (June-August) and 40% offering academic year options. School-year programs include Brooklyn Museum Apprentice (9-month Nov-Aug), Brooklyn Botanic Garden GAP (9-month March-Nov), NYS Legislature (semester-long), NYC DOE Work-Based Learning (academic year), and Brooklyn Public Library (year-round).

How competitive are Brooklyn internship programs?

Competition varies significantly from highly selective Brooklyn DA and NYU Tandon programs (10-20% acceptance) to moderately competitive Brooklyn Navy Yard, Museum, and Pratt (25-40%) to accessible NYC SYEP lottery system and Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (most qualified applicants placed).

What industries are strongest for Brooklyn high school internships?

Brooklyn’s top internship industries include Arts & Culture (Brooklyn Museum, Pratt, Studio Institute, cultural organizations), Technology/Engineering (NYU Tandon, Brooklyn Navy Yard tech companies), Manufacturing (Brooklyn Navy Yard’s 400+ businesses), Legal Services (Brooklyn DA), Entertainment/Sports (Barclays Center), Education (libraries, children’s museums), and Environmental Science (botanic garden, parks).

Can I earn school credit for Brooklyn internships?

Yes, NYC public schools offer academic credit through Work-Based Learning coordinators and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Many Brooklyn internships qualify for credit including paid and unpaid positions, with requirements varying by school but typically including supervisor evaluations, reflection assignments, and minimum hours.

How do I manage transportation for Brooklyn internships?

Brooklyn has excellent public transportation with 170+ subway stations and extensive bus service throughout the borough. Most major internship sites (Downtown Brooklyn, Prospect Park area, Williamsburg) are highly accessible via subway/bus, and many organizations are within walking distance of multiple transit lines.

Do Brooklyn programs accept students from other NYC boroughs?

Yes, most Brooklyn programs accept students from all five NYC boroughs (Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn). NYC SYEP explicitly serves all NYC youth, and most cultural institutions, educational programs, and workforce initiatives welcome applicants citywide, though some may give preference to Brooklyn residents.

Explore More Internship Opportunities

Expand Your Search Beyond Brooklyn

Looking for additional opportunities or considering programs in other regions? Explore these resources:

Internships for High School Students in New York – Statewide programs across New York
Internships for High School Students in Manhattan – New York City opportunities
Internships for High School Students in Queens – Queens borough programs
Internships for High School Students in Bronx – Bronx opportunities
Internships for High School Students in Buffalo – Upstate New York programs
Internships for High School Students in Boston – Northeast education hub
Internships for High School Students in Philadelphia – Mid-Atlantic opportunities
Internships for High School Students in Washington DC – Nation’s capital
Internships for High School Students in Baltimore – Maryland programs
Internships for High School Students in Chicago – Midwest major metro
Internships for High School Students in Atlanta – Southeast opportunities
Internships for High School Students in Charlotte – North Carolina programs
Virtual Internships for High School Students – Remote opportunities nationwide
Browse All High School Internship Locations – Complete national directory

Final Thoughts

Securing internships for high school students in Brooklyn provides transformative opportunities in New York City’s most populous and diverse borough, combining world-class cultural institutions like the Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, cutting-edge STEM programs at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, accessible employment through NYC SYEP serving 100,000+ youth annually, legal profession exposure at the Brooklyn DA’s Office, and innovative manufacturing at the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard. Brooklyn’s unique blend of creativity, diversity, waterfront renaissance, and unmatched public transportation creates pathways for students from every neighborhood—from Williamsburg to Canarsie, Park Slope to East New York, Bay Ridge to Bushwick.

Start your application process early with critical deadlines beginning in December (Brooklyn Botanic Garden) and peaking in March (NYC SYEP). Apply to 10-15 opportunities spanning different selectivity levels and industries across Brooklyn’s diverse landscape. Customize applications emphasizing your NYC hustle, Brooklyn connections, and commitment to serving the borough’s incredibly diverse communities while leveraging the nation’s best public transportation system and world-class cultural and educational institutions.

Questions about applications or need guidance? Contact your school’s CTE coordinator, reach out to program coordinators listed above, visit Brooklyn Workforce Innovations, or call NYC DYCD at 800-246-4646 for support services available to all NYC students.

Top 15 Best High School Internships in Brooklyn, NY 2026

Introduction

Top High School Internship Programs in Brooklyn 2026