The Ladders for Leaders program offers outstanding high school and college students the opportunity to participate in paid 6-week summer internships with leading corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies in New York City. The Ladders for Leaders program is an initiative of the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and supported by the NYC Center for Youth Employment and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. All PENCIL internships provide students with at least 150 hours of work in July and August and are paid at a NY State minimum wage or higher. Students are matched to employers based on alignment of skills and interests, however, internship placement is not guaranteed. Ladders for Leaders gives students a unique opportunity to explore their career and educational interests through: - Pre-employment Training: Receive help with résumé and cover letter writing, and interviewing skills. Learn essential workplace readiness skills and business etiquette. - Paid Summer Internships: Paid internship opportunities available in a variety of industries to accommodate student interests. - Opportunity to join our growing Alumni Network: Broad network of alumni, post-internship opportunities and networking events open only to past participants of the program