Youth Insights
Youth Insights (YI) is an after-school and summer program that connects New York City high school students to art and artists. We also offer drop-in programs and events throughout the year.
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There are four Youth Insights programs. Which is right for you?
A semester-long program that gives teens the opportunity to work collaboratively with contemporary artists.
Youth Insights (YI) Artists is a free after-school program for New York City high school students in ninth through twelfth grade. Each semester, YI brings teens together with contemporary artists and museum staff, providing opportunities to collaborate, discuss art critically, think creatively, and create art inspired by this exchange. Students will learn various artmaking techniques and engage in discussions on contemporary issues that resonate with their experiences while building meaningful friendships. They will also form relationships with artists and educators, culminating in creating an original work of art for a final exhibition showcasing the skills and ideas they developed throughout the program.
Open to: New York City high school students, grades 9–12.
Applications for Fall 2024 YI Artists are due by Friday, January 10, at 11:59 pm.
A free summer program that offers teens the opportunity to explore arts careers and arts institutions throughout NYC.
YI Arts Careers is a free summer program that offers teens the opportunity to explore arts careers and arts institutions throughout New York City. Teens meet with Whitney Museum staff, arts professionals, and other teens. Free MetroCards and all supplies provided.
Open to: New York City high school students, entering grades 10–12. Students who have had some involvement with the Whitney's teen programs (Example: Youth Insights or Open Studio for Teens) completed will have priority.
Applications for Summer 2025 YI Introductions will open in early 2025.
A free summer program for high school students who are English Language Learners.
Youth Insights Introductions is a free summer program for high school students who are English Language Learners. The program welcomes teens to the Whitney to explore, discover, and discuss American art, and to create original works of art and writing. Free MetroCards and all supplies provided.
Open to: New York City high school students entering grades 10–12 who self-identify as English Language Learners.
Applications for Summer 2025 YI Introductions will open in early 2025.
Graduates of the YI Artists, Introductions, and Arts Careers program are eligible to intern as paid YI Leaders.
Youth Insights Leaders is a paid internship opportunity to gain experience working in a museum education department and to serve as an ambassador to your community. YI Leaders help organize public programs, work closely with Whitney artists, lead interactive tours, assist with Family and Community programs, and create special projects in response to the Whitney’s collection and exhibitions. Participants will also learn about museum education, join exchanges with teen programs across NYC, and participate in special projects throughout the Museum. Graduates of the YI Artists, Introductions, and Arts Careers program are eligible to apply.
Applicants should be prepared to work 3–10 hours per week.
Open to: New York City high school students, grades 11–12, who have completed at least one semester of YI Artists or YI Arts Careers.
Applications for the 2024–2025 school year are due by Friday, August 23, at 11:59 pm.
YI Introductions, July 2024. Photograph by Filip Wolak.
Youth Insights Teen Events
Teens in our yearlong Leaders program collaborate with exhibiting artists to plan and host events for their peers.
Youth Insights Artist Collaborators
Each semester, teens in the Youth Insights (YI) program collaborate with working artists. Get to know some of the YI artists-in-residence here.
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Keep in touch on Facebook or through our Alumni group.