Fellows Program

Research shows that internships lead to increased student achievement, higher graduation rates, and increased earning potential. A meaningful internship can change a student’s life. But it’s about more than an internship.

The PENCIL Fellows Program provides promising New York City public high school students with essential career readiness training that culminates with paid, full-time, six-week summer internships at leading businesses in a range of industries across the five boroughs.

The program offers New York City businesses a unique opportunity: hire and mentor a talented high school junior or senior and play a valuable part in developing our City’s future workforce.

Watch three PENCIL Fellows on the job in their web diaries >

Nearly 600 Students have successfully finished the program over the past five years—a completion rate of more than 95%

A Highly Selective Program

  • Fellows go through a rigorous screening and application process
  • Prior to placement in an internship, Fellows receive training in resume-writing, interviewing and presentation skills, office etiquette, office technology, and software usage
  • Host companies have the opportunity to interview and hire the candidates who best meet their needs

A Mutually Beneficial Relationship

A six-week paid internship allows Fellows to develop critical workplace skills, build a professional network and provide businesses with support on projects such as:
  • Compiling and analyzing data for a new data storage system
  • Writing marketing copy
  • Maintaining social media
PENCIL stays in close contact with the host company to monitor the experience and continues to provide support and training to students and mentors throughout the internship period. To learn more about the program, visit the Resources links below. Contact PENCIL Fellows at pencilfellows@pencil.org for more information.

Resources for Businesses

Intro to Fellows Program

The PENCIL Fellows Program offers area businesses the unique opportunity to hire and mentor New York City public high school students.

How to Hire a PENCIL Fellow

Learn how you can hire a PENCIL Fellow and make a difference in the life of a deserving NYC high school student.

 View all Business Resources

Resources for Schools and Students

2013 PENCIL Fellows Events Calendar

A snapshot of student requirements and activities during the six-week summer program, and how you can participate.

How to Participate in the PENCIL Fellows Program

The PENCIL Fellows Program provides promising New York City public high school students with essential career readiness training that culminates with paid, full-time, six-week summer internships at leading businesses in a range of industries across the five boroughs.

View all School Resources and Student Resources
View the online PENCIL Fellows application