Summer Teen Internship

Join a cohort of high school interns who make a difference in the lives of older adults. Gain important leadership skills while building a vibrant intergenerational community.

Location: DOROT (Manhattan)

Age Group: Teens

The Summer Teen Internship program at DOROT helps teens bring vital social connections to older adults while learning, earning community services hours, and having fun.

A Life-Changing Summer

DOROT’s Summer Teen Internship is a selective, four-week program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Interns join a diverse group of socially conscious peers to build vital social connections with older adults. Our internship is a life-changing experience in which you can give back to your community while earning over 100 service hours.

As an intern, you will develop exceptional leadership skills and participate in meaningful activities designed to bridge the generational divide. These include visiting older adults at home, providing technology assistance, sharing ideas in discussion groups, taking part in creative arts workshops, and much more. Summer interns also volunteer for at least 15 hours with DOROT during the academic year following the summer program.

NOTE: Applications are now CLOSED for summer 2025. We accept applications on a rolling basis beginning in December and ending in April prior to the summer of the internship.

Something that gave me great joy in this program was building relationships and connections. I had the opportunity to really talk with people I never would have engaged with.

DOROT Summer Intern

More Information

The Summer Teen Internship is an in-person program that takes place at DOROT’s Manhattan office, 171 W 85th Street.

The first day includes an orientation and training, and each week is guided by a theme. We begin the week with group building games and leadership training. Interns end each week with group reflection.

Each intern will have their own schedule of workshops and visits with older adults that may include:

Visits with DOROT elders in their homes
Participating in art-based projects including art, music, crafts, and knitting
Teaching older adults how to use technology
Leading an intergenerational discussion group
Playing chess, Scrabble, and other games with older adults

Timing of the Program

Dates for the next session will be released at a later time, but will be similar to the 2025 dates: July 23 – August 14; Mondays – Thursdays from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The last day of the program concludes with a closing celebration and ends around 7:30 PM.

Please read our FAQ below for more details.