Program Descriptions
Career Essentials
The Career Essentials application is closed.
Students in the Futures and Options Career Essentials Program participate in 10 supervised workshops that focus on communication, presentation and workplace etiquette skills. Career Essentials High School is open to any high school student who resides in the five boroughs of New York City. Students have the opportunity to network with and learn from fellow peers from different boroughs and schools.
In order to enroll in the program, interested students must complete an online application and must attend an orientation session at the Futures and Options office or virtually. Interested students should provide an email address that they check regularly on the application.
Questions?
Please contact Shakina Kirton at skirton@futuresandoptions.org or call the Futures and Options office at 212-601-0002 if you have any questions.
Internship Program
The Summer 2023 Internship Program application is now closed.
Application Deadline: February 13th, 2023
Letter of Recommendation Deadline: February 17th, 2023
What is The Internship Program?
The Futures and Options Internship Program provides New York City high school students with critical work-readiness training and the opportunity to gain firsthand work experience as interns with a dynamic range of business partners.
Futures and Options interns work in paid, mentored internships that best match their skills and interests.
Who is eligible to participate in The Internship Program?
Students must be enrolled in high school in New York City and be at least 16 years old; have a valid working card; and be eligible to lawfully work in the United States.
When does The Internship Program take place?
The internship program takes place after-school during the school year, as well as during the summer.
The fall program runs from October – January. The spring program runs from February -June.
During the school year, students are expected to work between 5-10 hours/week, for a total of 75-150 hours of internship work.
The summer program runs from July- mid-August.
During the summer, students are expected to work between 100-150 hours over a six week period.
Internships are a total of 75 to 150 hours.
In addition to your internship working hours, students are also required to attend:
- 2 orientation
- 5 career-readiness workshops
- 1 career exploration field trip
Where does The Internship Program take place?
This year, internship opportunities can be virtual, hybrid or in-person, depending on the needs of our business partners and students.
The program workshops will be held in-person at the Futures and Options office at 111 Broadway in Manhattan. There will be a limited virtual option available for individuals who are unable to participate in person.
What are the expectations for students in The Internship Program?
Students will be expected to:
Demonstrate a high level of professionalism:
- Be on time for your internship hours and workshops
- Meaningfully participate in all workshops – including completing assignments, participating in group activities, respecting and supporting fellow students
- Keep camera on when workshops are virtual and participate in all chat/breakout room sessions
- Notify your workshop facilitators one day in advance if you expect to be absent
Meet all program Expectations
- Attend the required orientation session
- Attend all program sessions
- Attend all scheduled internship hours
- Complete a survey upon completion of the program
Support Futures and Options' Core Values
- Set high expectations for yourself and others. Strive for excellence, and make a positive impact
- Create an environment where all feel welcome. Foster a culture equity and inclusion
- Show utmost respect for yourself and others at all times.
- Demonstrate a high level of integrity both on a personal and professional level
What do I need to apply?
Complete the online form, including all essays
Upload your most recent transcript or report card
Upload your resume
Provide one reference: You can share this link with your reference
What can I expect after I submit my application?
After submitting the online application, all applications will be reviewed. If you have been selected to move forward you will be invited to an interview with Futures and Options staff. It is important that you sign up for an interview slot as soon as possible after receiving the email invitation.
It is important that you sign up for an interview slot as soon as possible after receiving the email invitation. Interview spots fill up quickly and we cannot guarantee that additional interview times will be added once they are full.
All applicants must submit a working card before they can schedule an interview.
If you do not have your working papers, it is in your best interest to begin the process to obtain this document as soon as possible.
Please read the steps below or visit the NYC DOE website.
Fill out the application with section 1 completed and signed by a parent. You will also need: Birth Certificate and a Certificate of physical fitness completed by a NY State physician.
Submit it to the designated person in your high school.
You can also speak with a guidance counselor or school administrator about getting your employment certificate (working papers).
If you are accepted into the Internship Program, you will be contacted if an internship placement matching your experience and interests becomes available. Once you are matched with a prospective internship placement, you will interview with the internship site supervisor. In some cases, applicants may interview at several businesses for different internship opportunities before you are hired.
Please contact Shakina Kirton at skirton@futuresandoptions.org or call (212) 601-0002 with any questions.
Contact Information
Futures and Options
111 Broadway, Suite 1602
New York, NY 10006
P. 212.601.0002
F. 212.601.0005
www.futuresandoptions.org
