Youth Leadership Programs
The Central Park Conservancy's Youth Leadership Programs provide a fun way for high school students in grades 9 - 12 to learn about the environment, meet teens with similar interests, discover the variety of career opportunities that are available in the field of parks and recreation, develop leadership skills, and foster a sense of stewardship for Central Park and other natural environments. Youth Leadership Programs meet school community service requirements.
For more information or to inquire about an application, please contact Vanessa Francisco at 212-360-1439 or e-mail youth@centralparknyc.org.
Fall Semester:
Project 843
Application Deadline: September 30
Program Months: October - December
Program Days: Mondays and Wednesdays
Program Hours: 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Program Location: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
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Fall semester students work on Project 843, a documentary series on the cultural impact of Central Park on New York City and the world. Topics include the history of Central Park as well as pre-Park history; the landscapes and wildlife found in Central Park; the actors, artists, musicians and other entertainers that use Central Park as their inspiration and stage; as well as the millions of people who enjoy Central Park every year. Project 843 is a multi-media project shot in HD that also includes a website with photos, videos, filmmakers' blogs, and more. Under the guidance of experienced filmmakers, students are involved in filming, directing, editing, sound mixing, web design, marketing, promotion, event planning, and screenings. For more details, please visit www.project843.org. |
Spring Semester:
During the spring semester, there are a variety of programs from which to choose.
Media Outreach: Project 843
Application Deadline: January 30
Program Months: March - May
Program Days: Mondays and Wednesdays
Program Hours: 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Program Location: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
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Students serve as the teen voice of Central Park to other young people through various media. This spring, students will continue to work on Project 843, a documentary series on the cultural impact of Central Park on New York City and the world. For more details please visit www.project843.org. |
ROOTS (Restoration of the Outdoors Organized by Teen Students)
Application Deadline: January 30
Program Months: April and May
Program Days: Mondays and Wednesdays
Program Hours: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Program Location: Hallett Nature Sanctuary
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Students participate in the ecological restoration of the Hallett Nature Sanctuary, a 3.5-acre preserve set aside for wildlife and closed to the public since 1934. Projects include the removal of invasive plants, planting native plants, and the construction and maintenance of woodchipped trails. |
Teen Docents
Application Deadline: January 10
Program Months: February - October
Program Days: Saturdays
Program Hours: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Program Location: The Arsenal
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Students study Central Park history, ecology, restoration and management, and apply this knowledge to write guided walking tours for other youth groups and the general public. The Teen Docent Program is only open to returning students who have already participated in at least one semester of Youth Leadership. |
Summer Semester:
Application Deadline: April 30
Program Months: July and August
Program Days: 5 days a week
Program Hours: 30 hours a week
Program Locations: Park-wide
The Summer Internship Program provides full-time summer jobs with the Central Park Conservancy for high school students. There are a variety of positions available, including horticulture, visitor centers, camp, recreation, operations, and administrative support in the marketing, development, and education departments.
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Summer Interns work 5-day, 30-hour weeks and are paid a competitive wage. Individual schedules vary depending on the needs of the position. Every Friday, all interns take field trips to other parks and environmental organizations to learn about current environmental issues, meet other young people who are engaged in similar internship programs, and challenge themselves in new situations. Trips have included High Rock Park, Alley Pond Environmental Center, Wave Hill, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Rocking the Boat, and overnight trips to Black Rock Forest. While all high schools students are eligible to apply, spots are limited and preference is given to students who have participated in the fall and/or spring semesters of the Youth Leadership Program. |
For more information on our Youth Leadership Programs or to inquire about an application, please contact Vanessa Francisco at 212-360-1439 or e-mail youth@centralparknyc.org.
Central Park Conservancy Youth Leadership Programs are generously supported, in part, by grants from the Levitt Foundation, the Fund for the City of New York, and the Daniele Agostino Foundation.
