In collaboration with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, the High School for Leadership and Public Service (HSLAPS) was established as one of thirty small high schools in New York City in 1993. The school houses approximately 600 students in grades 9-12 and graduated its first class in June 1997.

The HSLAPS Intern Program has placed more than 50 interns at the high school. The following are two internship opportunities available to qualified undergraduates.

HSLAPS Spring Semester Internship
Since it's beginning, Leadership has had up to 6 student interns each semester from the Syracuse University campus that work an entire semester there with the intent on learning about urban education. Interns work in the High School tutoring students, assisting teachers, implementing extra-curricular activities, managing and maintaining the PIG course which focuses on a smaller version of PAF 101,and arranging public service opportunities for HSLAPS upper-classmen. The Syracuse University interns also take 15 credit hours of instruction while in New York City. The interns receive six experience credits for the actual internship (PAF 470), 3 credits in School Administration Policies (PAF 400.1) which is taught by Mrs. Helen Cohen, former principal at HSLAPS and now the liaison between the interns and administrators, Urban Education Issues PAF 400.2) - a course that examines urban education in NYC and is taught by Dr. Lonnie Morrison SU adjunct Professor and Director of Admissions for the Metro area, and Community Problem Solving (PAF 416) which is taught through correspondence by Professor William D. Coplin who also serves as the Director of the internship program and Director of the Public Affairs Program at Syracuse University.

Interim May-June Tutors
In addition, there are up to 10 tutors sent to HSLAPS each spring during the five-week period in May - June to help students study for their approaching Regents and end-of-the-year exams. Syracuse University has committed over $50,000 each year to provide living arrangements for the semester interns and to pay the tutors during the spring.

The High School for Leadership and Public Service also has strong support from Syracuse University Alumni that are living and working in the metro NY area. The Syracuse University Mentor/Mentee Alliance (S.U.M.M.A.) is a mentoring organization started by the FRIENDS of the High School Syracuse Alumni association. The FRIENDS have provided financial support to HSLAPS that include co-sponsoring (with Summer College of SU) students during the summer of their junior and senior year on the Syracuse University Campus. The FRIENDS have supplied a security system for the HSLAPS library, provided money for a Princeton Review course for the senior class, and presents graduating HSLAPS seniors that matriculate at Syracuse University with laptop computers. SUMMA meets monthly at the Lubin House (Syracuse University Alumni Club in Midtown Manhattan) in an effort to maintain and increase their presence at the High School. The mentors have developed strong relationships with their mentees and have been instrumental in encouraging students to further their education.

For more information, contact Michelle Walker or download an application to be a part of the High School for Leadership And Public Service (Adobe PDF format only).