The NYC Ladders for Leaders program is a competitive summer internship program run by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development that provides high school and college students with paid professional work experience. As part of the city’s larger Summer Youth Employment Program, it places selected students in internships with leading corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies across New York City. Participants go through a selective application process and complete around 30 hours of pre employment training focused on resume building, interviewing, workplace etiquette, and professional skills before being matched with employers. Internships typically last about six to ten weeks during the summer and span a wide range of industries, including business, technology, healthcare, and public service. The program emphasizes career exploration, skill development, and real world experience, helping students build a foundation for future academic and professional success while connecting them with a network of employers and alumni.
