High Line Fellows gain leadership skills, explore careers, and prepare for college and beyond—with a starting pay of $18/hour. Established in 2012 with over 170 alumni, this opportunity is more than just their best first job experience: Fellows get a one-of-a-kind hands-on learning opportunity that draws from the High Line’s core strengths, building their confidence as leaders while connecting with peers and professionals across New York City.

We’re looking for high school sophomores with enthusiasm and initiative to join our team in 2027. Students attending school or living in the Chelsea, Meatpacking District, or Hell’s Kitchen neighborhoods are invited to apply. Students at established partner schools, including Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School, are also eligible.

Fellows join the program as high school sophomores and continue through their senior year, with opportunities and responsibilities deepening over their tenure. Post-program engagement continues through an alumni program.

Fellows receive:
Up to 200 hours of paid time each year—with a starting pay of $18/hour. This includes time spent on educational workshops, intensives, and summer residencies.
Support through mentorship, networking, and career exploration.
Encouragement to grow as leaders and emerging professionals.
The power to make a direct and lasting impact on the High Line and the surrounding community.
This program combines:
Leadership development
Social and emotional learning (SEL)
Mentorship and networking
Career awareness and readiness for post-secondary education
Four in-depth learning pathways
We value cultural diversity and prioritize applicants who would benefit most from this opportunity.

Each year, Fellows choose two of the following four pathways to shape their High Line experience:

Arts & Culture
Explore creative practices and social contexts while engaging with the High Line’s world-class art program and NYC’s wider arts landscape.

Civic Engagement
Learn about how city government works, explore urban planning and community engagement, participate in local youth advocacy, and connect with other youth leaders across NYC.

Horticulture
Engage with our world-class gardens, learn about climate change and biodiversity, explore urban ecology, and develop plant knowledge across the five boroughs.

Park & Visitor Experience
Develop leadership through planning events, learning about hospitality, retail, and park operations, and helping to organize the annual High Line Teen Night.

Learn about the High Line Fellows Emerging Leaders Program →

📅 Applications are open through October 23, 2026
✅ The next cohort begins in January 2027

This opportunity is only open to high school sophomores.
Apply now
Questions? Please reach out to emergingleaders@thehighline.orgnbsp;