Ladders for Leaders is a nationally recognized program that offers outstanding high school and college students the opportunity to participate in paid professional summer internships with leading corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies in New York City.Â
By hiring Ladders for Leaders interns, employers are matched with job-ready applicants that have been vetted and trained. Students undergo a competitive application process and receive 30 hours of pre-employment training.
Ladders for Leaders is a component of NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program, the nation’s largest summer jobs program.
WHO: Ladders for Leaders (of NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program)
WHAT: Hiring for 2026
WHEN: Completed application must be submitted by January 9, 2026
DETAILS: 2026 Ladders for Leaders Application
This is the Ladders for Leaders application and not an application for the Summer Youth Employment (SYEP). Submitting an application does not guarantee placement in the Ladders for Leaders program.
Accepted students are required to complete up to 30 hours of pre-employment training and must interview with potential employers without guarantee of receiving an internship offer. Those interested in applying to SYEP must submit a separate application when the application becomes available.
Please read all of the requirements on the official application page.
INFO: Learn more HERE
Deadline to apply is January 9, 2026