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.
Apply
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.
YI Artists is a semester long program that brings teens together with contemporary artists to provide opportunities to work collaboratively, discuss art critically, and think creatively. YI Artists make art inspired by this exchange.
Open to: New York City high school students, grades 9–12.
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 will open again next year.
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 will open again next year.
Graduates of the YI Artists, Introductions, and Arts Careers program are eligible to intern as paid YI Leaders.
Graduates of the YI Artists, Introductions, and Arts Careers program are eligible to participate in YI Leaders, a yearlong, paid after-school internship. Leaders organize public programs and events for other New York City teens, learn to develop and lead interactive tours of the Whitney’s exhibitions, and assist educators in our Family and Community programs.
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.
YI Arts Careers participants work on a project, July 2017. 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.
Follow Us
Keep in touch on Facebook or through our Alumni group.