2026-2027 NYCLU Teen Activist Project Application (NYC)

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS APPLICATION IS FOR NYC STUDENTS.

IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK CITY,
PLEASE APPLY AT THE LINK(S) PROVIDED AT NYCLU.ORG/YOUTH.

NYCLU's Teen Activist Project (TAP) is an exciting youth program that engages New York City teens as leaders and organizers on civil rights and civil liberties. TAP members work on a range of advocacy issues including but not limited to students' rights, racial justice, the rights of pregnant and parenting teens, policing, LGBTQ rights, immigrants' rights, freedom of speech and religion - and more! TAP is a great opportunity for young people interested in law, health care, social justice issues and community organizing. TAP programming will be fully in-person. 

To Apply:

  • Be between the ages of 14 and 21 in the NYC area, and currently enrolled in High School or a GED program
  • Be available to meet Mondays from 4:00pm - 6:15pm
  • Be able to commit to meeting at least one additional day of the week outside of Mondays
  • Be interested in youth and student rights, health, and social justice
  • Be committed to working with other teens to promote health and justice
  • Be willing and able to discuss controversial issues sensitively and respectfully
  • Be committed to meeting and presenting workshops throughout the week
  • Be interested in current events and how they impact New Yorkers

Note: Students of all backgrounds are eligible for the program, regardless of immigration status.

What Will I Get Out of Participating?:

  • Limited stipends available! (Up to $600 depending on your placement)
  • Community service hours
  • Opportunities to plan and participate in workshops, trips and other educational or advocacy projects
  • Leadership, public speaking and community organizing skills
  • Chances to speak with elected officials during our Youth Lobby Day in Albany
  • Knowledge about the law and how it affects New Yorkers
  • Meeting organizers and activists from all over NYC
  • Valuable experience organizing for social change
  • Become a member of the NYCLU family, meeting and working with professionals on social justice issues

Complete the application below by Thursday, October 8th, 2026. The application will close at 11:59 PM that evening. Meet and Greets will be held in mid-October after the application deadline to invite selected applicants to learn about the NYCLU and the TAP program and meet our current TAP members. If you have any questions, please contact us at schools@nyclu.org.

* indicates required field

Student Information
TAP Meeting Logistics
TAP meetings will be in-person at a meeting spot in Manhattan (location TBD, but most likely lower Manhattan).
Application Questions
First Choice Second Choice Third Choice Fourth Choice Fifth Choice Sixth Choice Seventh Choice
Police in Schools, Metal Detectors
School Suspensions, Restorative Justice
Adolescent Health (sex education, abortion access)
Environmental Justice
LGBTQ+ rights
Inclusive Curriculum
Youth Justice/Criminal Justice
Student Privacy and AI in Schools
OPTIONAL: Demographic Information
Optional Demographic Data (Disclaimer): The NYCLU values diversity and inclusion as a critical organizational priority and we encourage all students to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship, or disability. The following demographics questions help us better understand our programs to ensure we are serving a diverse pool of individuals. They are entirely optional and play no part in the selection process. We are committed to making every effort to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Please let us know if you need assistance in the application process by contacting: schools@nyclu.org.