Since its founding, NYPL has served as a foundational civic institution, providing a space for generations of New Yorkers to gather freely, communicate civilly, and access the knowledge necessary to participate fully in our society. A core value of NYPL is the promotion, modeling, and practice of civic learning and engagement. Today, the values of free participation in civic life and open inquiry are increasingly threatened through efforts to censor libraries and schools, and curtail voting rights. Teens are at a critical life juncture; they are exploring their passions and identities and contemplating post-high school plans, while still recovering from the disruptions in social engagement during the pandemic. Yet, they are a generation that is civically-aware and poised to become community leaders. NYPL’s Teen Civics Ambassadors program is an investment in NYC teens through a paid internship that helps them learn about civics, use their voices, and build a more equitable city.

TCA is a paid internship that builds workforce readiness skills and centers teen voice in the U.S.’ largest urban public library. The ideas, concerns, and lived experiences of youth are central to the program, as is the idea that teens across NYC are most compelled by what their peers have to say. TCA’s not only learn the basics of how our government works through workshops with organizations like NYC Votes; they then bring that knowledge to the communities they are working in. Guided by librarians, they design surveys to understand what their peers are interested in, and then create programs to bring teens into our branches. TCA’s take on leadership roles, and gain the confidence to represent NYPL when speaking to the press and local electeds about the value of public libraries. And, through a partnership with Mikva Challenge, we are piloting a summer cohort in which TCA’s not only work in neighborhood libraries, but also develop civic action projects on issues that matter to them.

From February 2023 - August 2024, NYPL has employed 86 teens through TCA, with a retention rate of 98%. In 2024, 42% identified as African American, 30% as Hispanic/Latinx, 30% as Asian,12% as White/Caucasian, and 5% as Middle Eastern. 46% stated that neither parent attended college. As a result of the program 84% reported they work better on a team, 84% think more critically about problems, 93% believe they can be a part of making a change in their community, and 86% said they were able to earn money that will benefit their future.

One TCA shared, “The most memorable thing I learned was that a lot of teens are interested in helping in the community but most of the time don't have the opportunity to share their thoughts or are afraid that people won't believe their ideas are valid.” And another: "Seeing my work get published, planning events, and really getting to know the teens at the library convinced me that teens have the ability to create meaningful change in their communities."