Though the mid-winter break ended only a day ago, Harrisites already have summer on the mind. For many, now is the time to start applying for summer programs and internships.
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a popular option with Harrisites. According to its website, SYEP “is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer.”
Junior Puja Biswas said, “The application process is quite easy and simpler than other programs. I worked at daycare last summer, and I got a lot of new perspectives, which I’m looking to experience again this summer through a job provided by SYEP.”
Junior Max Wong is also planning to work through SYEP. He said, “I’m helping my tennis coach and working for her through SYEP at Commonpoint. I’ll be helping to teach the kids who sign up for camp.”
Other programs have more involved applications.
Puja, who is also applying to the Dorot teen internship and Bronx River EELS internship programs, said, “The other programs I am applying to are really heavy with short responses, which ask why I’m applying to their program, my future career goals, and how their program will benefit me in the future. The questions are specific to me as a person, which makes it hard to find answers for.”
Likewise, sophomore Bianca Chen is applying to the NYC Vote Ambassador program alongside SYEP. She said, “For SYEP, it’s very simple, and you can apply online. But, the NYC Votes program is more complicated, as it requires you to answer questions about your skills and qualifications. If selected, you’ll have to go through two interview processes.”
Junior Zuzia Smolaga is applying to the Hutton Fisheries Biology program. In this program, participants are paired with a mentor, typically a scientist or researcher in their area to partake in research activities.
Zuzia said, “The process wasn’t incredibly difficult, but it still required lots of work. I had to have three short essays based on prompts that were given to us, one teacher recommendation, and the grades needed to apply.”
Sophomore Ananna Ali is applying for the Wave Hill Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship Program, which is a 14-month paid program that provides high school students with a chance to learn about ecology in-depth and take part in practical fieldwork and natural science research.
Junior Angel Rahman is applying for the NYU Arise program. In this program, selected applicants conduct hands-on work in research labs, covering topics in biology, molecular engineering, chemical engineering, and computer science.
Angel said, “I’m preparing to get more experience in the summer by looking at internships that will help with the field I would like to work in. Since I want to go into the medical field, I’m looking at medical and hospital-related internships.”
Sophomore Kaylie Zhou is planning to intern at a doctor’s office. She said, “I was looking for an internship in the medical field as that’s what I want to do as a career.”
Other students are focusing on working a job over the summer instead of applying for a specific program or internship.
Junior Oscar Shi plans to work at a summer camp for table tennis. He said, “I am trying to get a part-time job to help kids in a program for table tennis. The application process needs a letter of recommendation from either coach or gym teacher.”
Additionally, Senior Mikayla Robinson said, “Over the summer, I’m planning to work at a movie theater to gain working experience and save up money for the future.”
