If you’re a high school student looking to engage with public administration, policy-making, and civic initiatives, government internships can be a valuable starting point. These experiences give you insight into how local, state, and federal institutions operate, while also helping you develop skills in research, communication, and leadership that extend beyond the classroom. These programs allow students to gain firsthand exposure to how decisions are made at local, state, or federal levels, while developing skills such as research, communication, and critical thinking.
Government internships for high school students facilitate working alongside government officials, policy analysts, or public service departments. By doing so, you can cultivate an advanced skillset that blends analytical ability with a deep understanding of governance processes.
For those interested in law, politics, public policy, or community service, government internships for high school students provide a platform to explore future career paths and contribute to meaningful projects. Below is a list of 15 government internships for high school students seeking in-depth experience in governance.
15 Government Internships for High School Students
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available) / None
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter; Fall cohort: September 15
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort; Fall cohort deadline is 24 August
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Through the Ladder Internship Program, you will spend eight weeks working remotely with a fast-growing startup in a field that matches your interests, such as machine learning, journalism, marketing, or health technology. You’ll be paired with both a mentor from your host company and a Ladder Coach who provides regular feedback and guidance as you work on real-world projects. These projects vary widely, from market research and product development to data analysis and content creation, depending on the company’s needs. By the end of the program, you will deliver a final presentation showcasing your contributions to the organization’s leadership.
2. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs
Location: NASA centers across the country
Stipend: Paid based on their academic level and session duration
Dates: Spring: 16 weeks (mid-January – early May); Summer: 10 weeks (late May – August); Fall: 16 weeks (late August – mid-December)
Application Deadline: Fall: May 22; Spring: September 12; Summer: February 27
Eligibility: Full-time high school students | Over 16 years of age | Cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale | U.S. citizens
NASA’s OSTEM allows you to work on real projects that support the agency’s work in science, engineering, technology, and space exploration. These internships, which can be in-person, virtual, or hybrid, place you alongside NASA scientists, engineers, and other professionals who guide you through hands-on assignments. Depending on your placement, you might help develop aerospace technology, work with robotics, analyze environmental data, or support mission operations. OSTEM internships are paid and available in multiple sessions throughout the year at NASA centers across the country. The experience helps you build technical skills while allowing you to contribute to work that has national and global significance.
3. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars (AFRL) Program
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: None / $501.60 – $805.60/week (based on education level and credits earned)
Dates: Fall: 16 weeks (late August/early September – mid-December); Spring: 16 weeks (mid-January – early May); Summer: 8-12 weeks (late May/early June – August)
Application Deadline: January 10 (summer cohort)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens | Over 16 years of age with a valid government issued ID | Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0
The AFRL Scholars Program is a paid internship where you can work with Air Force scientists and engineers on advanced research projects. Depending on your assignment, you could be involved in areas like artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, aerospace engineering, or data analysis. The program places you in a professional research setting where you’ll run experiments, analyze results, and contribute to work that supports national defense and space technology. This experience is not limited to observation; you’ll take part in the research process and learn from experienced mentors. Some projects focus on space systems, while others address emerging technologies with military applications.
4. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Apprenticeship
Location: Various U.S. Army Research Labs and university research centers nationwide
Stipend: Paid, varies by site
Dates: Varies by location; typically June – August
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years old | Site-specific requirements may apply
In the AEOP High School Apprenticeship, you will spend time in a U.S. Army research lab or a partner university lab working alongside a professional scientist or engineer. These paid positions are designed to give you a closer look at fields like cybersecurity, biology, materials science, and engineering through hands-on research. Your work could involve running experiments, using specialized lab equipment, and learning advanced techniques under the guidance of your mentor. Beyond the lab, you’ll have access to AEOP’s learning resources, including webinars and career workshops, to help you prepare for future opportunities. The program also connects you with a nationwide network of students and professionals in STEM.
5. U.S. Senate Page Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Monthly stipend based on a $37,238 annual salary
Dates: Summer Session I: 3 weeks in June | Summer Session II: 3 weeks in July 8 | Fall: September 1–January 23 | Spring: January 25–June 5
Application Deadline: Vary by each office
Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents (with SSN) | 16-17 years old by appointment date | Rising juniors/seniors | 3.0 GPA minimum | Health assessment & insurance required
The U.S. Senate Page Program allows you to work in Washington, D.C., supporting the daily operations of the Senate while continuing your education. As a page, you’ll assist with tasks such as delivering legislative materials, preparing the Senate Chamber, and helping during roll call votes and debates. The position requires you to follow a strict schedule that includes early mornings, academic classes, and late evenings when the Senate is in session. During the school year, you will live in the Daniel Webster Senate Page Residence on Capitol Hill, while summer pages may commute or arrange approved housing nearby.
6. U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): Pathways Internship Program
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Dates: Vary by internship
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: Enrolled high school students | At least 16 years old by the closing date of the announcement | Must be in good academic standing and eligible to continue as enrolled students
The DOJ Pathways Internship Program places current high school students within federal offices to gain early exposure to government work. It will assign you to policy analysis, administrative support, or public affairs, depending on your skills and the department’s needs. You will engage in tasks such as reviewing reports, organizing documents, or helping with outreach initiatives that support the Department of Justice’s mission. Depending on your eligibility, successful completion of the internship may open doors to a permanent federal position. This is one of the few opportunities that allows high school students to contribute to the work of a major federal agency.
7. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) – Department of the Navy
Location: Various Department of the Navy laboratories across the country
Cost/Stipend: None / $4,000 (new participants); $4,500 (returning participants)
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 | 16 years old by the start of the program | U.S. citizens | Selected lab requirements or exceptions may apply
SEAP places high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Department of the Navy research labs for an eight-week summer session. As a participant, you’ll work under the supervision of Navy scientists and engineers on real research projects that may involve areas like materials testing, electronics, or environmental science. About 300 placements are offered each year across more than 38 labs in the U.S., making it a selective program that looks closely at academic performance, recommendations, and your interest in STEM. Beyond project work, you’ll gain mentorship and exposure to career paths within Navy science and engineering. The program strongly emphasizes mentorship and hands-on work.
8. New York City Office of the Mayor Internship
Location: City Hall, New York City
Stipend: $16.50 per hour
Dates: October 20 – April 10 (Spring); Summer: June – August
Application Deadline: August 31 (Spring); Summer not specified
Eligibility: High school students 16 years of age or older | Have current working papers/employment certification at the time of application
The New York City Mayor’s Office Internship Program allows you to work in one of the city’s departments on assignments that may involve research, event coordination, data analysis, or policy review. You apply directly to the department that matches your interests, and once placed, you work closely with staff to complete ongoing projects. The program also includes a bi-weekly Speaker Series at City Hall, where senior officials such as deputy mayors and commissioners discuss the workings of city government. Additionally, you can participate in a service project designed in collaboration with NYC Service, focusing on community impact in areas such as park restoration or neighborhood clean-ups.
9. Department of Energy (DOE) High School Science Internship Program
Location: Various DOE national laboratories across the U.S.
Stipend: Varies by lab and program
Dates: May – August
Application Deadline: Varies as per lab
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors | Minimum 3.0 GPA | U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
The Department of Energy (DOE) High School Science Internship Program offers high school students an opportunity to explore scientific research in fields like energy, environmental science, physics, and engineering. You will gain hands-on experience by working alongside professional scientists and engineers on real projects, which can include conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to innovative solutions for energy challenges. The program stands out because it combines practical lab work with mentoring and exposure to cutting-edge technology, giving you a taste of what a career in STEM can be like. You will develop important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical communication.
10. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program of the New York City Bar
Location: Various locations across New York City
Stipend: $15-21 per hour
Dates: 6-8 weeks in the summer, depending on placement
Application Deadline: Typically early January
Eligibility: NYC public high school students | At least 16 years old by June 1
The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program places selected NYC high school students in paid positions within legal workplaces such as law firms, nonprofits, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. Before starting, you’ll complete a multi-part training that covers workplace readiness, professional conduct, and legal basics to prepare you for your role. Once on site, your tasks could include maintaining case files, preparing documents, assisting with research, or attending hearings. The program also includes structured professional development activities, like a Speed Networking event with attorneys and a Diverse Career Opportunities Panel where legal professionals discuss their career paths.
11. Washington State Legislature Page Program
Location: Olympia, WA (Capitol Campus)
Stipend: $65 per day stipend (upon providing a copy of Social Security card)
Dates: 1-week sessions between January and April (odd years); January and March (even years)
Application Deadline: Applications open in November; close approximately 5 weeks before the legislative session
Eligibility: Washington State high school students aged 14–16
If you join the Washington State Legislature Page Program, you will spend one week in Olympia seeing the state government up close while helping with the daily operations of the Legislature. During the session, you’ll be sponsored by a legislator and assist with delivering materials, working on the chamber floor, and carrying flags during opening ceremonies. Each day includes time in Page School, where you study how laws are made and explore the different roles within state government. Your schedule combines hands-on tasks with classroom learning, giving you a clear view of how state lawmakers do their work. The program gives you a balanced mix of responsibilities and civic education.
12. U.S. Forest Service: Youth Conservation Corps
Location: Varies, opportunities near you can be found here
Cost/Stipend: None / Federal or state minimum wage, if higher
Dates: 1-3 months in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by location
Eligibility: High school students 15 through 18 years of age | U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Have a valid social security number
The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) offers you a paid summer position working on conservation projects in national forests and on other public lands. You’ll be part of a crew that might build or repair trails, restore historic sites, remove invasive plants, or assist with wildlife research. These projects are designed to protect natural resources while also teaching you about environmental stewardship and public service. The program also provides exposure to green careers in forestry, land management, and conservation education. Over the course of the summer, you’ll gain practical skills, work as part of a team, and contribute to projects that have lasting benefits for public lands.
13. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute
Location: Remote and in-person (Philadelphia, PA) options available
Stipend: Paid, but determined according to the intern’s financial need
Dates: Spring: February – May | Summer: June – August | Fall: September –
December
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the U.S.
Through the FPRI internship program, you can work alongside scholars and professionals at a think tank focused on global affairs. Depending on your placement, you might conduct research in regions such as the Middle East, Eurasia, or Asia, assist with event planning and development, support communications efforts, or help with organizational operations. You will attend policy discussions, guest lectures, and career seminars that provide insight into the field of foreign relations. Research roles may involve analyzing data, reviewing foreign-language sources, or contributing to policy briefs, while communications work could include creating social media content and managing event coverage. Some of the program’s positions are available remotely, and others require on-site participation in Philadelphia.
14. Democracy Maine Youth Council Internship
Location: Remote and in-person (Maine)
Stipend: $15/hour
Dates: Fall: September – December | Spring: January – April | Summer: May – August
Application Deadline: Fall: September 19 | Spring: January 16 | Summer: May 15
Eligibility: High school students across Maine; 15+ (work permit required if under 16)
This internship with Democracy Maine’s Youth Council is centered on helping you understand how to participate in and strengthen your community’s civic life. You’ll choose focus areas that could include community organizing, communications, or youth engagement, and then work on projects such as creating public service announcements, hosting awareness events, or building newsletters for other young activists. Along the way, you’ll learn how laws are made at the state level and develop skills in facilitation, outreach, and public speaking. Some interns work on voting rights education, while others focus on issues of equity and justice in their communities.
15. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Summer High School Intern Program
Location: IST laboratory at Gaithersburg, MD, or Boulder, CO
Stipend: None
Dates: Mid-June – Mid-August
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors | U.S. citizens
The NIST Summer High School Intern Program places you in a federal research lab for eight weeks, working alongside scientists and engineers on projects that address real-world technical challenges. The agency has six main labs, and you’ll indicate your preferences when applying across areas such as computing, materials science, engineering, or cybersecurity. Your work might involve programming, running experiments, analyzing data, or developing measurement tools, depending on your assignment. Interns also attend training sessions and seminars, and present a research poster at the end of the program. Placement is competitive and suited for students with a strong interest in STEM subjects.
Image source – AFRL Scholars Program