The High Line Teen Employment program aims to be the best first job experience for New York City youth. We hire teens who have relationships with the neighborhoods surrounding the park, and who either live in the area or attend schools nearby. We value cultural diversity and prioritize applicants who would benefit most from this development opportunity. Teens are offered up to 200 hours of paid work a year, building skills through learning and hands-on experiences on the High Line and within our community. We also provide ongoing mentorship and networking support.
Job applications for the High Line Teen Employment program are typically accepted from early October to early November, with the new cohort starting in late January.
To learn about getting involved, contact us at info@thehighline.org or add your email below to get updates on the Teen Employment Program and application process.
Each year, all Teens engage in critical leadership development activities, including designing a suite of public programs that explore the various themes, ideas, and practices present on the High Line. Public programs are always free and open to the public, and can range from small, creative workshops to large-scale public festival-style events. Teens gain hands-on experience as they learn about program development and production, cross-departmental collaboration, and partnership with mission-aligned community organizations.
A goal of the Teens program is to connect local youth to skills-based leadership development opportunities that reflect important aspects of the High Line. Teens choose two of four areas in which to focus their High Line experience each year: Arts & Culture, Civic Engagement, Horticulture & Sustainability, and Park & Visitor Experience.
The Arts & Culture pathway explores artistic concepts, social contexts, and skills, while immersing Teens in the High Line’s world-class public art program. Lessons also explore the wider New York City arts and cultural landscape.
In the Civic Engagement pathway, Teens learn about city government and engage in Participatory Budgeting while examining the High Line’s impact as a civic connector on the West Side of Manhattan.
The Horticulture & Sustainability pathway explores the world of garden design and biodiversity. Teens develop practical horticulture skills while learning about naturalistic gardens and best practices that promote healthy habitats, inspired by Pete Oudolf’s designs for the High Line.
The Park & Visitor Experience pathway engages in project and special event planning while learning about the High Line’s operational and hospitality functions. Teens gain an understanding of park operations and customer service, and take a lead role in planning the annual High Line Teen Night event.
Teens who commit to working at the High Line for a third year graduate to our fellowship program in their final year, and are eligible for additional learning opportunities to best position them for success in their next job. Fellows also play a leadership role within the program, providing support to newer Teens and program facilitators during pathway learning.
We continue supporting Teens who graduate to alumni status as they build their futures and create change in their communities well beyond their employment at the High Line. Alumni are eligible for ongoing professional development workshops, networking events, and other opportunities. Alumni have also helped shape the High Line’s programmatic landscape through family programs, participatory budgeting, public programs on the park, and fairs and festivals.
'' Whether joining the High Line for a possible career path or just to have a fun extracurricular, the word ‘joy’ fits in both categories. It is such an enjoyable experience and one that I will never forget.'
Lead support for the High Line Teen Employment Program is provided by Jamie and Jeffrey Harris.
Major support is provided by Sarah Min and Matt Pincus.
Program support is provided by Accenture, Con Edison, and KKR & Co. Inc, with additional funding by Argo Group, and Frederica and Efrem Sigel.
The High Line Teens Employment Program is made possible, in part, with endowment funds from the Diamonstein-Spielvogel Foundation.
Major support for High Line Education is provided by The Brown Foundation, Inc. of Houston.
High Line Teen Employment, High Line Education, and other High Line community programs are supported, in part, with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council, under the leadership of Speaker Adrienne Adams,and by the New York City Council with special thanks to Council Member Erik Bottcher.