Spring Forward — Internship

CUNY Spring Forward places eligible City University of New York undergraduates with organizations across New York City for career-related work. The program serves students seeking their first paid internship during their CUNY studies.

Applicants choose one of four Industry Hubs covering community and social services, STEM and green fields, healthcare, or marketing and communications. Most placements are in person; only a small number are remote, with priority for students who have documented health issues.

Benefits & funding

Interns earn $20 per hour before taxes and work 15 hours per week.
The program includes a 15-hour paid orientation week followed by a nine-week internship.
Interns are Research Foundation of CUNY hourly employees and are paid every two weeks.
Participants receive training, employer matching, and support during the internship.

Eligibility

Be enrolled as a CUNY undergraduate in both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027; associate- and bachelor’s-degree students, whether part time or full time, may apply.
Be at least 18 years old by September 8, 2026 and have a GPA of at least 2.0.
Have no prior paid internship experience during the CUNY college career, including prior participation in Career Launch, Spring Forward, College Bridge, or Reading Corps.
Be authorized to work in the United States; international students’ eligibility depends on their visa and work authorization.
Be available for 15 hours per week during typical weekday business hours; participants cannot simultaneously hold another Research Foundation of CUNY job.

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Age requirement
≥ 18 yrs

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Application process

1
Choose one Industry Hub and submit the online application with a résumé and short statement of interest.
2
If qualified, interview with CUNY during the September–October review period.
3
If selected, complete hiring documents, including Form I-9.
4
Attend the matching fair, review the selected hub’s placements, and choose an internship site.

Program timeline

Applications open.
September 8, 2026
Applications are reviewed and selected students interview.
September–October 2026
Best Chance Deadline.
October 6, 2026
Last Chance Deadline.
October 13, 2026
Decisions, onboarding, hiring paperwork, and employer matching.
November 2026–February 2027
Paid orientation and internship period.
March–May 2027