High Line Fellows: Emerging Leaders (Open to High School Sophomores)

Who We Are

The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on Manhattan’s West Side, built on a historic elevated rail line. It’s more than just a park— it is a world-famous dynamic public space. Visitors can walk through gardens, see art, catch performances, grab food, or simply hang out with friends while taking in the amazing views of the city. Friends of the High Line (FHL), the nonprofit that cares for the park, also runs youth programs designed to support future leaders in Arts & Culture, Civic Engagement, Horticulture, and Park & Visitor Experience.

About the Program

The High Line Fellows: Emerging Leaders Program is a three-year, paid youth development program (sophomore through senior year of high school). You’ll earn $18/hour while also building leadership and life skills, learning about careers, and preparing for college and beyond. We aim to make the High Line Fellows Program the best first job that a teen can have! The program has four tracks, we call them pathways, that you can explore: Arts & Culture, Civic Engagement, Horticulture, and Park & Visitor Experience. As a new Fellow to the program, you will select two pathways to explore and dive deeper into your interests and new topics. You can switch your pathways in Year 2 and explore new interests! Successful graduates from the program will walk away with a range of skills that will better support your future academic and work goals.

If you are interested in any of these topics, this program is for you! Our goal is to better prepare you for life after high school, whether that is college and/or the workforce!

We are investing in you and your future through a multi-layered program that combines:

• Leadership development
• Social and emotional learning (SEL)
• Hands-on work experience
• Mentorship and networking
• Career awareness and exploration
• A foundation for post-secondary education

As a High Line Emerging Leadership Fellow, you can explore a variety of career opportunities and identify which career paths will be the best fit for you, all while building your resume and network.

Eligibility

We are inviting high school sophomores who live in or attend school in Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, or Hell’s Kitchen to apply. Students at established partner schools such as the Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School are also eligible.

Committment

Fellows are expected to remain in the program for three years, through high school graduation. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, but applicants should apply with the intention of committing to the full three-year program.

Structure & Schedule

The program is broken into Afterschool Workshops and Summer Residencies:

Afterschool Pathway Workshops (January – June):

• Two afternoons per week (Mon–Thu, 4–6 PM)
• Mondays - Civic Engagement 
• Tuesdays - Park & Visitor Experience 
• Wednesdays - Horticulture 
• Thursdays - Arts & Culture 
• Team-building, leadership activities, and skill-building sessions like resume building, personal finances, career conversations, while making new friends, going on trips across the city, and being outdoors! 
• Mid-Winter Recess Intensive: Feb 17–19 (extended hours, typically from 10-4 PM on select days)
• Spring Recess Intensive: Apr 7–9 (extended hours, typically from 10-4 PM)

Summer Residencies (June – August):

• First Year Fellows (This is YOU!) will be leading tours of the High Line and supporting public workshops and events on the park. 
• Second and Third Year Fellows are placed in specialized training and/or summer residencies, which are summer internships) within the organization. 

Fellows are offered 200 paid hours each year through workshops, residencies, and intensives.

Learning Pathways

Fellows participate in up to two pathways during their time in the program. Each pathway offers hands-on experience and opportunities to collaborate with peers and professionals:

1. Arts & Culture – Explore art on the High Line and in NYC, gain creative skills, and host a culminating art experience.
2. Civic Engagement – Learn how city government works, explore urban planning and community engagement, participate in local youth advocacy, and connect with other youth leaders across NYC.
3. Horticulture – Engage with our world-class gardens, learn about climate change and environmental justice, explore landscape architecture, and develop knowledge of biodiversity across the five boroughs.
4. Park & Visitor Experience – Learn about park operations, visitor engagement, and event planning, including developing and hosting the annual Teen Night event.

Expectations

Fellows are expected to:

• Research and develop skills in chosen pathways
• Attend all scheduled sessions consistently and on time
• Respectfully engage with professionals in many different careers
• Meet and build connections with other teens, and collaborate and share ideas
• Represent the High Line positively at events, projects, and community activities
• Stay open-minded, enthusiastic, and flexible when learning and trying new things

• Live in or attend school in Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, or Hell’s Kitchen (or attend an eligible partner school)
• Be able to commit to the 2026 schedule (see above), and a similar schedule for the following 2 years
• Be able to work outdoors in all weather, walk the 1.5-mile park, and participate in physical tasks as needed

Participants in this program are paid $18.00/hour for the first year, with a sliding pay increase for the following two years. It is a non-exempt position.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, November 5, 2026

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program
• Whitney Museum Discounts
• Discounts with vendors at FHL