Volunteering & Community Programs
VOLUNTEERING & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH:
Click on the links below to learn more about these great opportunities!
TIDES (Teens Interested and Dedicated to Environmental Stewardship) – Apr 8th – June 3rd, 2021 (4-6pm). Applications are now being taken for students 14-18. Visit website for info. Brooklyn Bridge Park Waterfront, Downtown.
Teen Reviewers and Critics (TRaC) Program – The Teen Reviewers and Critics (TRaC) Program is a FREE afterschool opportunity for high school students to explore the arts in NYC. Participants spend ten weeks attending cutting-edge theaters, 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! For more information and apply, visit the Arts Connection website. Link: https://teens.artsconnection.org/trac/
Volunteer at Masbia’s Kitchen & Food Pantry – Masbia of Flatbush (1372 Coney Island Avenue) is seeking volunteers to help feed the hungry in the Cafe and hand out staple foods at the Food Pantry. Cafe volunteer hours are available Sunday-Wednesday evenings until 9 PM and on Thursdays from 6 AM until 8:30 PM. Click here to see Volunteer Flyer with more information. To sign up as a volunteer, please call Volunteer Coordinator Laura Allen at 718-972-4446 x. 209.
Volunteer to be a Girl Scout Leader – Would you like to help young girls explore their interests, skills, goals, and dreams? You can! Girl Scouts of Greater New York is seeking troop volunteers to help build girls of courage, confidence and character. Troop volunteers are an integral part of our organization, and our Girl Scouts need you! Before meeting with a troop, new volunteers must attend trainings. Girl Scouts of Greater New York provides all volunteers with trainings and enrichment sessions that allow adults to learn and grow into their roles and get the most out of the Girl Scout experience. Your specialist will help you start this with the Getting Started training. All other trainings with locations and times, can be found at girlscoutsnyc.org. For more information, click here to see Volunteer flyer or contact Jenna Palermo at 212-645-4000 x 387 or jpalermo@girlscoutsnyc.org.
Be A School Year Book Buddy! Volunteer at the Brooklyn Public Library and be a role model for kids. If you are between the ages of 12-18 years old, you can assist librarians with cool youth programs. If you have an interest in reading aloud to younger children, have a friendly manner and strong commitment to working with kids, and if you have a desire to create book displays and assist staff with children’s programs including arts and crafts, drawing, puzzles, games and more, apply for this BPL volunteer position today! Click Here to visit the volunteer page.
Bonnie Youth Club: A year round youth program that uses baseball as a vehicle to capture young people’s (ages 5-21) interest. The educational program, “Support, Service and Success,” guides our student athletes so that they may find the high schools and colleges that best suit their needs.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Teen Apprentice Program – Teens are invited to participate in a teen apprenticeship or internship program at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (100 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn.) Garden Apprentices work with children and garden visitors and behind-the-scenes with staff members. Teens will learn about botany, environmentalism, how to grow, harvest & cook their own fruits and vegetables, while exploring BBG’s amazing plant collections and greenhouses, and developing valuable job skills. Applications and more information are available at www.bbg.org/gap. Please call 718-623-7252 or email gap@bbg.org.
Brooklyn College Community Partnership for Research & Learning (BCCP): During & After-School Programs use service-learning, college prep and the arts to tap into the varied interests and learning styles of youth to link them to educational success. Programs include Networks to College, The Arts Network, Brooklyn College Art Lab & the Scholarship Fund.
Brooklyn Public Library: Check out the library website to find out about the afterschool and weekend programs offered at your local library branch. There is also a link to a handy Homework Help page on this website. Call 718-230-2406 for more information.
Brooklyn School Food Network: Providing resources, trainings, and support to parents, schools, and students advocating for changes to food served in schools, building gardens in schools, and creating a culture of wellness in schools for NYC school children. Attend workshops and check out our school food survey. (NYC public school students can take their own survey too).
Brooklyn South Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): A training class consists of 10 weekly, 3 hour, evening sessions (6:30 PM to 9:30 PM). You will learn things like; light search and rescue, fire suppression, traffic control, triage, and emergency medical. You will also learn about personal disaster preparedness, how to build a “GO Bag”, and what you need to “Shelter in Place”. (CERT volunteers must be 18-years-old to participate.)
CAMBA: CAMBA programs provide thousands of low income youth from pre-school through high school with academic assistance, counseling, tutoring, art, drama, music, sports, SAT and Regents help, opportunities to serve their community, internships and employment. CAMBA encourages older youth who are disconnected from either school or work to further their education and employment opportunities and serve their community.
Center for Court Innovation’s Youth Court program: Youth courts train teenagers to serve as jurors, judges and attorneys, handling real-life cases involving their peers. The goal of youth court is to use positive peer pressure to ensure that young people who have committed minor offenses learn accountability and repair the harm caused by their actions.
Cornerstone Mentoring Program – Did you know that young people who are in a quality mentoring relationship are more likely to do better in school and have aspirations to go to college? They’re more equipped to make responsible decisions and model good behavior too. These qualities make them more likely to grow up to be a productive and engaged citizen, which makes our communities stronger. To find out more information on how you can become a mentor, please contact Cynthia Malave-Baez via email at Cmalave-baez@dycd.nyc.gov or by phone at 646.343.6468.
Council of Peoples’ Organization: Click the link and view the Youth Empowerment Programs page to see some of the volunteer activities organized for youth through COPO’s community volunteer programs.
DYCD Programs – Are you looking for a way to get more involved with your community? Would you like to join a local volunteer organization and receive school credit along with the satisfaction of doing good in your neighborhood? Do you need assistance finding a job or an internship? Looking for an after-school program in the community or a place to get some h0mework help? Are you looking for a social service program that offers support for families, immigrants, runaway and homeless youth or new fathers? The Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) offers all of these programs in more. Visit their website by clicking on the link above and enter either your zip code or Brooklyn Community Board 14 into the search engine to find out about all the great programs and events available to you!
DYCD Youth Job, Volunteer, Intership & Scholarship List: DYCD has created a list (http://bit.ly/YouthJob) of employment and volunteer opportunities, internships, scholarships and other resources for New York City youth 16 and up.
Flatbush Development Corporation (FDC) Youth Programs: FDC provides positive social and academic learning opportunities to promote independence, self-confidence, creativity, and civic awareness among youth in the Flatbush community. FDC programs bridge daytime learning with the afterschool environment, working with staff, parents, students, school and community partners to ensure our youth access opportunity and realize their dreams.
Flatbush YMCA: The Y offers many programs and services for teens to help them give back, read ahead, work out, learn a new skill and meet friends.
FREE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS AT BROOKLYN COLLEGE! The Brooklyn College Community Partnership is a leading youth development organization that serves over 1500+ Brooklyn youth each year. The free after-school programs for middle school students uses service-learning, college prep and the arts to tap into the varied interests and learning styles of youth to link them to educational success, underscore the importance of social-emotional development and build resilience in youth by developing effective strategies to thrive. To find out more, contact BCCP at (718)951-5015. For a DOE student program enrollment application, please click this link.
Free After-school & Summer Programs! New York City offers children and teens a wide range of after-school and summer activities–from paid museum internships to free science research programs. The free and low cost programs listed here are a great way to explore new interests, get extra support, and supplement what is being taught during the school day. This list is not exhaustive, and we welcome your feedback and additions. Send your suggestions to info@insideschools.org.
Hollaback: Hollaback! is a movement dedicated to ending street harassment using mobile technology. By collecting women and LGBTQ folks’ stories and pictures in a safe and share-able way with our very own mobile phone applications, Hollaback! is creating a crowd-sourced initiative to end street harassment.
Madison Square Boys & Girls Club: The programs at Madison are designed to enhance the lives of young people by providing after-school and summer programs for thousands of children in New York City through five core service areas that ensure members receive much-needed resources, guidance, and support as they progress academically and socially. Madison currently serves more than 5,000 youth, ages 6 to 18.
Make-a-Wish Foundation: You can help make the wishes of special children come true in your local community when you become a volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Volunteers range in age from 14 to 84. Time commitments vary depending on commitment. There are many different volunteer opportunities including wish-granting, speakers bureau, special events & office volunteers along with opportunities for student internships. To volunteer as a student intern, you must be between 14-18 years old. Make-a-Wish offers year-round, summer & after-school community service opportunities for students.
Midwood Development Corporation’s (MDC) After-School Youth Programs: MDC currently offers afterschool programming at P.S. 193 and P.S. 197. Students receive homework help, lessons in math, science, cooking, dance, arts and crafts, and recreational opportunities in a safe and safe, nurturing environment. The OST staff works with the school leadership to reinforce what students learn during the school day.
National Youth Organization of Pakistan: Youth Programs include the Dialogue Action Research Training School (DARTS) which encourages multicultural debate, discussion and dialogue through training workshops and the SMART program, which encourages dialogue between the youth of Pakistan, the United States and Australia.
New York Aquarium-WCS: The Aquarium hosts many youth programs throughout the year. Upcoming is the Spring 2013 American Eel Survey Project. You can volunteer to survey young American eels in waterways around Brooklyn from February–May 2013. Volunteers (ages 15 and over) must participate in at least two field days during the 2013 eel survey period. Weekday and weekend field day options will be posted soon. (*NOTE – The WCS Aquarium is currently closed due to Hurricane Sandy.)
No Kidding – The Human Resources Administration’s No Kidding: Straight Talk from Teen Parents program brings real teen moms and dads to schools throughout New York City to talk about the difficult experience of raising a child, and to encourage teens to wait until they are financially stable adults to have children. To become a peer educator, you must be a loving and committed parent between the ages of 18-20, available to work at least 32 hours per week with an outgoing personality and good interpersonal skills. The position of Peer Educator pays up to $17/hour plus specialized training and support. You do not have to be living with your child to qualify. Email Lisa Rosario at lisa.rosario@dfa.state.ny.us to apply.
NYC Parks Department: Visit the Parks website and click on the Programs tab to find out about their many free youth programs including Swim Programs, Teen Programs, Urban Park Rangers, BeFitNYC, Shape Up NYC, Walk NYC, Accessible Programs, Computer Classes and more!
NYC VOLUNTEER GUIDE – Click this Link to view a comprehensive listing of many organizations in and around New York City seeking volunteers. Details and contact information is provided for each organization in this handy guide created by Assemblymember Jim Brennan’s office.
NYPD Youth Leadership Council: Youth ages 14-18 years old are invited to apply to join the NYPD’s Youth Leadership Council where they will have the opportunity to work in partnership with adult leaders to develop community policy, practices & services. The Council meets once a month and youth council members are required to serve one year. This experience will develop youth leadership skills, provide exposure to law and law enforcement, assist peers & community, fullfill community service requirements. For more information, CLICK HERE to view application or call the 70th Precinct Community Affairs Unit at 718-859-5557.
NYPD Youth Programs: The NYPD Community Affairs Bureau’s Youth Services Section aims to reduce youth violence, prevent drug use, promote child safety, and improve relationships between police and young people. This mission is supported by many innovative programs including Cricket and Soccer Leagues, Law Enforcement Explorers, Police Athletic League programs, Summer Youth Police Academy & the Youth Mentorship program.
NYPD Youth Summits – The NYPD Community Affairs Bureau’s Juvenile Justice Division is hosting multiple Youth Summits in communities throughout NYC to inform the public about potential dangers and consequences of Social Media. Also addressed are topics on Youth Crews and trends in their respective neighborhoods. Teenagers, community leaders, representatives of community based youth organizations, teachers, administrators, clergy and concerned citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. The forums are free and open to the public. For more information including forum dates and locations, Click This Link to see the flyer or contact the Juvenile Justice Division at 212-343-3707.
Red Cross Campus Coordinators Needed (Scholarship Opportunity) – The American Red Cross in New York State has partnered with Governor Cuomo with a goal of training 20,000 New Yorkers about how to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural, man-made or technological disasters. The American Red Cross is seeking motivated college students to fill the role as Campus Coordinators to go out into their campus communities and the general public to train their fellow classmates, friends, family and other individuals on disaster preparedness. The Citizens Preparedness Corps College Scholarship Program gives New York State college students the opportunity to educate their community on disaster preparedness, while also giving college students the opportunity to earn a scholarship that will assist them with the costs of higher education. For more information, click here to see program flyer or contact Alex Lutz, Senior Regional Director, Community Relations at Alex.lutz@redcross.org.
Rockaway Waterfront Alliance Youth Programs: Check out the many great shore conservation programs for NYC students including Urban Exploration, Living Classroom, Stewardship Saturdays, Shore Corps and more.
Smoke-Free Brooklyn program: Want to join the fight against Big Tobacco? Get involved with The NYC Coalition for a Smoke-Free City.
“Students Taking Action Today” (S.T.A.T.) is a youth task council founded by City Council Representative Jumaane Williams in 2012 to help engage the future leaders of District 45. The council, which is open to all City Council District 45 high school students, holds meetings at Council Member Williams’ district office located at 4517 Avenue D, Brooklyn, NY 11203. S.T.A.T. offers a unique experience for teens to learn about important issues in the community, inform their peers of these issues and then take action to better the district. Members work regularly with Council Member Williams’ office to plan and execute community programs like the Pre-Labor Day Senior Concert, Youth Empowerment Summit, Youth/Senior Holiday Party, Back-to-School Supply Drive, Easter Egg Hunt, Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, and his “Not in My Hood” Anti-Violence March and Community Resource Fair. In addition to workshops and regular meetings with Council Member Williams, S.T.A.T. members meet with other local, state and federal elected officials, advocacy groups, business owners, media and music industry professionals. For more information about S.T.A.T. membership, contact Farah Louis-Drayton, Director of Community Outreach for Council Member Williams at statyouthcouncil@gmail.com or call (718)-629-2900.
T4 Technology Volunteer: Teens have the opportunity to receive free technology training at the Brooklyn Public Library. Teeens will learn advanced skills to help today’s library customers with tomorrow’s technology, while also mastering computer programs including Microsoft Office, Audacity, Photoshop, PhotoPlus, DrawPlus, WebPlus and PagePlus. Volunteers will help library patrons send emails and search the internet, help kids with homework, online chats and more, while sharing their T4 Tech training by conducting classes at the library. Teens will also have the opportunity to join a comic book club or a robotics club as part of the T4 Tech program. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least 3 hours per week. Click Here to read all about the program.
Teen PASS: Free After School Program for kids in grades 6-8. CityParks Foundation offers free after school programs for students in grades six through eight. They have educational opportunities to advance skills in Science, Technology, Media Arts, Visual and Performing Arts, and Healthy Living. They also provide academic support, homework help, and an afternoon snack. For more information visit: http://cityparksfoundation.org/registerafterschool/ or call (212) 360-2746 / 1485
TeenLife – This organization holds an annual event where students can meet face-to-face with local non-profit representatives who are actively seeking teen volunteers along with representatives from various programs and services catering to college-bound teens such as tutoring and test prep companies, summer programs, and gap year opportunities. Check out TeenLife’s digital 2013 Guide to Community Service in New York which lists hundreds of community service opportunities in and around Metro New York.
Teens for Planet Earth: Teens for Planet Earth is a Social Network by teens, for teens. Members across the world can join to learn more about conservation, to join local projects, or even to apply for awards! A service-learning project, organized with Teens for Planet Earth, can really help your local environment and the Earth. And it could inspire others to take action, too, especially if you receive one of the many awards that are available to you.
Teens Helping Each Other (THEO): The THEO program provides teen services through the Sexual Health Promotion through Youth Leadership Initiative (SHPYL) and the Comprehensive Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (CAPP-PREP) projects. Through these projects, teens are trained to become Peer Leaders in their communities.
TreesCount! Volunteers Needed! NYC Parks is counting and mapping New York City’s street trees and they need your help! Sign up to become a voluntreer for TreesCount! and play a key role in the future of our urban forest. Volunteers will be trained on how to identify and assess street trees, using simple site surveying tools and software to map them block by block. To find out more, Click Here!
Volunteer at Prospect Park – Join The Thursday Corps, one of Prospect Park’s teams of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers meet once a week at a different location around Prospect Park to perform a multitude of different projects throughout the park as needed, learning from experts & helping in a variety of landscape and horticultural projects. For more information, Click Here to Register or contact the Prospect Park Alliance at (718) 965-8951 or info@prospectpark.org.
We Are All Brooklyn Fellowship: The WAAB Fellowship is currently seeking applications from emerging leaders who serve community, faith-based, government, and non-profit organizations in Brooklyn. The fellowships take place September 2012 – June 2013, at which time Fellows will receive a certificate of completion from We Are All Brooklyn.
Young Writers Competition (sponsored by Brooklyn Book Fest) – The Brooklyn Book Festival is held each year. Check the website for updated information about the annual Young Writers Competition.
Youth Build Training – YouthBuild is FREE program for young adults (ages 17 – 24) Training in Construction, GED and Leadership. Build a brighter future for yourself and your family. The program is a weekday hands-on construction and leadership course, as well as GED classes. You will work on significant construction and community projects and YouthBuild will help you to get employment and do something you love! To Apply, call: Beth at 212-453-5369 or Esperanza at 212-453-5396 or Email: annabellewilson@nmic.org or esperanzacruz@nmic.org. You can also visit the program office at 177th Street and Wadsworth Avenue (76 Wadsworth Ave, New York, NY 10033) Take your GED now! Click to view the program flyer… »
Youth Leadership Council Opportunity – If you are a high school student between the ages of 14-21 years old, you are invited to apply for a position on the Family Court Division Youth Leadership Council. Young members of a Youth Leadership Council work in partnership with adult leaders on a defined area of policy, practices or services impacting individuals & communities, with a focus on youth. The Youth Leadership Council observes and participates in all aspects of court processes. For more infomraiton, click here to read the letter of invitation and Click Here for the application & instructinons on how to apply. For more information, contact ACC Glover-Thomas or ACC Rodriguez at the New York City Law Department by calling 718-724-5300.
YouthAction Community Leadership Course – Are you a high school student who wants to learn how to be an effective advocate for yourself, your school and your community? Every fall and spring, 25 high school students from throughout all five boroughs of New York City participate in CCC’s YouthAction Community Leadership Course (YCLC)—an after-school program for high school students interested in learning how to make a difference for New York City’s children and youth. This free 10-week course teaches high school students how to become effective advocates by conducting research and public polling, visiting community-based organizations, interviewing community leaders and meeting with elected and appointed government officials to present recommendations for change. Click HERE to visit the website and HERE to see the flyer. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Laura at 212.673.1800 X 20 or ljankstrom@cccnewyork.org.
YouthBridge: YouthBridge-NY is devoted to improving the atmosphere of respect and diversity in our city and the schools and community organizations in which our youth leaders live and learn. YouthBridge-NY youth leaders are proactively involved in the leadership and diversity landscape of our city and are dedicated to improving the quality of life for all. Also, check out YouthBridge’s NY Leaders to Leaders Youth Summit. The goal of the Leaders to Leaders Youth Summit is to inspire young leaders to take charge by empowering them with knowledge of the possibilities, skills, and the training they need to turn ideas into action.