Paid Opportunities and More for Teens

Get the details about a writing contest, a scholarship just for NYC teens, and free arts programs!  

Sign up here for our teen newsletter to stay up-to-date about all of our opportunities for teens. You can also find info about our programs and internships at bklynlibrary.org/teens, and follow us on Instagram @bklynfuture. 

Freedom to Read Advocacy Institute
As an outgrowth of BPL's Books Unbanned project, PEN America and the Brooklyn Public Library are teaming up to co-host the first ever Freedom to Read Advocacy Institute this spring - for teens. This online, four-week educational and training program for high school students will help prepare the next generation of free expression advocates to combat book banning and to fight for the freedom to read in their schools, libraries, and communities across the country. The Institute will include interactive workshops designed to teach tangible skills and activities for students to dive deeper into censorship issues with their peers. Students who successfully complete the program will also be granted a certificate of professional achievement in freedom to read advocacy from PEN America and the Brooklyn Public Library. This program is FREE and available to all high school students anywhere in the US.  Apply here by January 12. 

Scholarship Plus
The Scholarship Plus program is a scholarship and community for New York City students who have demonstrated academic achievement. Scholarship Plus offers such students a competitive four-year scholarship PLUS individualized, wraparound support. More information about Scholarship Plus and a link to the application can be found here: www.scholarshipplus.org/apply. Applications must be submitted online by Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

Youth Communication: Teen Writing Contest
Youth Communication is sponsoring a writing contest for young people. Every three months, we will highlight five recent stories and ask readers to choose one and write a response to the author. We will choose three winners with prizes of $150 (1st prize), $75 (2nd prize), and $50 (3rd prize). 
Submit your entry here by January 6. 

Studio Institute: Teen Apprenticeship Program
The Teen Apprenticeship Program (TAP) is a dual program for teens age 16 years or older by July 1, 2023. They'll first train as apprentices with an artist instructor and learn how to teach art to younger children. The spring apprenticeship takes place on Saturdays and select Tuesdays in May from March 4 to June 3, 2023. Upon successful completion of the spring apprenticeship, they will qualify for a paid summer internship teaching art to young children at day camps from July 10 to August 18, 2023. Apply here by February 9, 2023. 

ArtsConnection: Free Teen Opportunities!
Applications for the below arts programs are now open and will stay open until all spots are filled. 

OnTRaC: Get paid to plan your career in the arts! OnTRaC is FREE with a $140 stipend. This college and career readiness program is specifically designed for young people interested in going into the creative industries. OnTRaC meets Tuesdays beginning February 14 and runs through May. 

Teens Curate Teens (Curators): An exhibition that is for teens and by teens. TCT brings together NYC high school artists and curators to produce a public, group art exhibition based on a subject selected by teens. This year’s theme is Body Positivity and Body Neutrality. TCT meets weekly beginning the week of February 13 and runs through May. 

Teen Reviewers and Critics (TRaC): is a FREE program for NYC teens to explore the arts. Participants spend ten weeks attending cutting-edge theater, dance, and music performances; visiting artist studios, galleries, and museums; mastering NYC’s subway system; learning the art of discussion and critical writing; producing media content; and so much more! TRaC meets weekly beginning the week of March 6 and runs through May. 

Pizza and a Movie (PaaM): Pizza and a Movie (PaaM) Night is a free monthly movie night, hosted at the 53rd Street branch New York Public Library. Teens (ages 14-19) can enjoy free pizza, meet students from all over NYC and watch a movie that they vote on from a themed three movie menu. Post movie, we talk about the winning film.  

Student Art Program: Exhibit your artwork, build your portfolio, each exhibiting artist gets a $100 Blick gift card. We curate from original artwork and take care of it and return It if unselected. If your work is selected, it is framed and installed in a group show of teen artists across NYC. Your artwork will be in our permanent online gallery. First deadline to submit: January 29 

Teens Curate Teens (Artists): Make a statement with your art. Your work will be viewed by Teen curators and if selected will be in a live exhibition of Teen artists and you will get a $100 Blick gift card. Connect with a community of creative teens like you who want to use their art as a voice of teens and to effect change.