High School Internships

The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance offers three paid internship programs for High School Students: Green Scholars, Garden 2 Market, and Urban Ecology Teens Internships.

Wilderness Warriors – Spring 2026
This session will bring participants close to nature, learning about the plants and animals around us, learning skills such as how to build a fire, how to stay healthy while hiking, camping 101, and setting out into VCP to go on some hikes.  This internship will take place over 3 Saturdays and 1 Sunday from 10am to 1pm starting on April 4th, 2026. Apply by March 20, 2026.
This session is funded by Con Edison.

Nature ID – Fall 2026

This session, participants will take a closer look at nature around them. Through guided exploration, participants will develop skills to identify local plants, trees, birds, and mammals by observing colors, shapes, patterns, sounds, and behaviors. This program encourages curiosity, respect for wildlife, and a deeper connection to the natural environment.  Next session: Fall of 2026

When we understand where our food comes from, and where it goes, we can make better decisions about what we buy and eat! This 8 week internship is for anyone interested in our food system and covers topics from growing to selling and eating.

During their time in the program, interns work in our garden learning about horticulture, composting, and the social and community aspects of a garden. They spend time exploring food justice issues and learning about the business of running a weekly farm stand: learning everything from ordering and pricing to stocking the table and completing a sale. They gain communication skills and become advocates for healthy eating in their community. The internship includes many chances to taste and cook new foods and recipes- because no internship about food is complete without eating!

Interns obtain their Servsafe Food Handlers Certificate which is valid for three years.  

Tuition free, 3 credit college course through SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is available for interested first year and returning interns. For more information about the course options please click here. 

G2M 2026 Interns: Click here for more information and to apply. Applications are due April 27th for first year interns and April 13th for returning interns. 

Crew Leader: This college-aged individual will assist in all aspects of the internship: providing direct instruction to interns, maintaining records and metrics, and helping with general prep and planning for each week. Past crew leaders have overseen cooking demonstrations at the market, created workshops and enrichment events, and added their experiences and passions to the internship. Crew leaders also obtain their Servsafe Food Handlers Certificate. Click here for more information and to apply.

Support for the 2026 program year provided by:
The Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation
Con Edison
Horace Mann School
Jockey Hollow Foundation
NYC Green Fund administered by City Parks Foundation
SMPS Family Fund
SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry

Special Thanks To:
Amalgamated Housing Corporation
Friendly Fridge BX
GrowNYC

With deep thanks to NYC Parks for their partnership.

Celebrating over 15 years of hard work, friendships and environmental education! 

How has Urban Eco-Teens impacted your life?

Being part of the Urban Eco-Teens has made me more aware of my environment and the ecosystem. It has also made me more appreciative of the people who work in green careers as I understand their tasks much more. ‘23

The Urban Eco-Teens program has changed my life significantly. Prior to the program, I always enjoyed van Cortlandt park but I wasn’t very aware or passionate about the environment. I learned about not only the importance of the environment but also the spiritual and healing powers of spending time in nature, in addition to the fact that it needs to be protected and that I want to be one of the many people who serve to protect the environment. ‘23

About
Founded in 2012, Urban Ecology Teen Internship (Urban Eco-Teens) is a summer paid internship for high school students that prepares a new generation of students for college, stewardship, and careers in the environmental fields.

All interns work in the park, alongside horticulturists and natural areas restoration staff from Van Cortlandt Park. They also go on nature-focused field trips, and explore green career opportunities with natural resource professionals.

Tuition free, 3 credit college course through SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), EST 135 Introduction to Climate Justice, offered to qualified first year interns. Returning interns can take EST 296 | Comics and the Drawn Environment or EHS 150 | US History & Environmental Health  The course will be asynchronous and details can be found here.

UET 2026 Summer Interns: Click here for more information and to apply. Applications are due April 27th for first year interns and April 13th for returning interns. 

UET Crew Leaders: These college-aged individuals play an important role in the successful operation of the Urban Ecology Teen Internship program. They serve as role models for Bronx high school students by demonstrating responsible and positive work habits. Through special projects and enrichment activities, Crew Leaders will teach basic plant identification and lead basic forest, aquatic and trail restoration work. Click here for more information and to apply.

Acknowledgements for Urban Eco-Teens

2026 Leadership support provided by:
Con Edison
The Pinkerton Foundation

Additional support in 2026 provided by:
Horace Mann School
Jockey Hollow Foundation
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
NYC Green Fund administered by City Parks Foundation
Shandler Family Fund
SMPS Family Fund
SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry