If you’re a high school student thinking about majoring in political science or a related field, participating in a specialized program can be an excellent way to explore your interests and gain practical experience before you head to college.
Studying political science opens the door to many career paths, including law, campaign management, nonprofit work, business, and consulting.
To help you find the best opportunities, we’ve compiled a list of 10 political science programs available to high school students in 2025!
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) — Political Science Track
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across various subjects, including data science, machine learning, political theory, biomedical engineering, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more. If you’re interested in political science, you can select courses like International Relations or Political Theory and Philosophy.
After choosing your subject track and the type of research you’d like to pursue, you will be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a reputable university. This mentor will guide you through the research process as you work toward producing a 20-page research paper at a university level. The paper can even be submitted to academic journals for potential publication.
This program provides an opportunity to gain experience in conducting research in a specialized field with the support of an expert. Participants also receive a letter of recommendation and feedback on their work, both of which can be useful for future academic pursuits and college applications. You can apply here!
Subject Areas: Political theory, sociology
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort.
Dates:
- Summer seminar: June 24–September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar: October 23, 2024–February 19, 2025
The dates for Horizon Labs are flexible, but applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.67 or higher are eligible to apply.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program, Social Science Track
Lumiere was established by researchers from Harvard and Oxford to provide high school students with opportunities to conduct political science research through the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs. In these programs, students are paired with a Ph.D. mentor and work closely with them to produce a research paper at a university level. The programs are fully virtual, with flexible durations depending on the student’s goals and the depth of research they wish to undertake.
The research opportunities cover a range of topics, from pure political science to interdisciplinary work combining politics with other social sciences. Past research projects have included examining the impact of social movements on political change and studying how public political attitudes influence democratic backsliding in various countries.
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Lumiere Individual Research Program — $2,800 | Lumiere Premium Research and Publication Program — $4,800 | Lumiere Research Fellowship — $8,400.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility:
- You must be currently enrolled in high school.
- Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4).
- No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
TASS’s Critical Black Studies program provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the experiences of people of African descent, with a focus on the intersection of history, politics, literature, and art. This program allows you to explore the political and social dynamics that shape the lives of African diasporic communities, offering a deeper understanding of how history and culture influence political structures and movements.
Throughout the program, you’ll engage in research and discussions that examine historical narratives and their impact on contemporary political issues. By exploring these interconnected experiences, you’ll gain a broader perspective on the role of culture and society in shaping political systems and policies. This program is particularly valuable for students interested in examining history and politics through a social and cultural lens.
Subject areas: Political science, sociology, history, cultural studies.
Location: Cornell University, and University of Maryland
Cost: Fully funded
Application deadline: Currently open for 2025! No deadline has been specified. You can apply here.
Program dates: Jun 22, 2025 — Jul 26, 2025
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders, usually for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Through this program, you will gain a practical understanding of how Congress functions, including the steps involved in drafting and debating bills, as well as presenting legislation for a vote. You’ll also work on creating a detailed campaign strategy, focusing on areas like social media outreach and campaign marketing.
As part of a team, you’ll learn how to manage campaign contributions and expenses, and how to allocate funds for various campaign activities such as TV, radio, and mail advertisements. The program also includes activities like a lobby day simulation and sessions with professionals in the field, offering insights into real-world political strategy and operations.
Subject Areas: Politics, campaign strategy, social media marketing, and legislative process.
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Cost: $4095 (Residential Program). Scholarships available.
Application Deadline: NSLC will continue to accept applications if there is space available in a program or on its waitlist. The online enrollment application will show current availability.
Dates: Jun 13 — Jun 21, 2025 | Jun 25 — Jul 3, 2025
Eligibility: Students aged 14–18 who have completed at least one year of high school are eligible to apply. They may also attend NSLC during the summer after their high school graduation.
The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Politics, Law, & Economics (PLE) session offers high school students an opportunity to explore the connections between law, politics, and economics. This program is designed for students interested in understanding how legal frameworks shape government policies and influence economic systems.
Throughout the session, you’ll engage with topics such as public policy, human rights, market regulation, and international law. The program takes an interdisciplinary approach, helping you develop critical thinking and analytical skills as you examine global political challenges and the role of law in addressing them.
Subject areas: Political science, law, economics, public policy, human rights, market regulation, international law
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $6500
Application Deadline: Jan 10, 2025
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout June to August.
Eligibility: Must be a current sophomore or junior (or equivalent), aged 16–18 by July 20, 2025, fluent in English, and a first-time participant in the program.
The U.S. Senate Page Program offers high school students the chance to gain hands-on experience in the daily operations of the Senate. Your duties include delivering legislative materials, preparing the Chamber for sessions, and assisting with tasks on the Senate floor, such as roll call votes and managing bills.
There are only 30 positions available each year, so you’ll need to contact your local senator to inquire about sponsorship and the application process. This program offers valuable insights into the legislative process, making it ideal for students interested in political science.
Subject Areas: Politics, legislative process, administrative work, and senatorial responsibilities.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost to participate; Pages receive an annual salary of $35,360, but since their service lasts less than a year, they are paid a prorated amount with monthly payments.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- Fall 2024 session: September 3, 2024–January 24, 2025
- Spring 2025 session: January 26–June 6, 2025
- Summer session I: 3–4 weeks in June 2025
- Summer session II: 3–4 weeks in July 2025
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or have a Social Security number. They should be high school juniors or rising juniors/seniors, aged 16 or 17 by the internship start date (18-year-olds are not eligible for summer internships). Additionally, candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or a B average.
Brown University’s Pre-College Programs allow high school students to take college-level courses in political science and other fields without the pressure of grades or credits. As a Summer@Brown participant, you can choose from over 300 non-credit courses, including ones like Power and the Production of History and The Political Economy of U.S. Cities.
Each course involves three hours of class daily, with an additional three hours of independent or group work. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate, and for longer courses, a performance report. This program provides valuable insight into college-level political science.
Subject Areas: Political science, arts, economics, philosophy, law, literature, communication, psychology, physical sciences, mathematics, biological and natural sciences, business, engineering, and technology.
Location: In-person at Brown University campus, Providence, RI; Virtual; or Hybrid.
Cost: Ranges from $2,960 to $$10,386 depending on the format and duration of the course. Some financial aid is offered.
Application Deadline: May 10, 2024; TBA for 2025
Program Dates: 1–5 week sessions are available between June and July; TBA for 2025. More details can be found here.
Eligibility: Students who are currently in 9th–12th grades and are between 14 and 18 years old by the start of the program, are eligible.
The USC Pre-College International Relations Summer Program allows high school students to explore the causes of war and conflict resolution strategies. You’ll study conflict stages, economic drivers, and the roles of governments, organizations, and media in shaping conflict and peace.
Through simulations, including a Model UN, and case studies, you’ll gain practical experience in resolving real-world issues. The program also includes a visit to the Museum of Tolerance to study genocide and develop conflict resolution strategies, providing valuable insights for students interested in international relations and political science.
Subject Areas: Peace and conflict resolution, religion in politics, global terrorism, human rights, women’s rights, and the rights of civilians in conflict zones, genocide, popular culture, and politics.
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $10,480 (Residential) | $7,482 (Commuter)
Application Deadline: May 3, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: June 16–July 13, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Students who have completed at least the 9th grade by the program start date can apply.
9. Annenberg Youth Academy (AYA) for Media and Civic Engagement, University of Southern California
This four-week summer academy is designed for high school students interested in exploring the intersection of media, journalism, and civics. You’ll gain skills in writing, critical thinking, public speaking, debate, and multimedia creation, with a focus on how media impacts political and social issues.
The program includes first-year college-level courses, where you’ll examine topics like racial, gender, and ethnic diversity in journalism and communication. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to network with academics and professionals addressing key issues in the political landscape through media. This experience is valuable for students interested in the role of media in shaping public opinion and policy.
Subject Areas: Journalism, public speech and debate, multimedia production, interviewing, communication, writing, critical thought, and ethnography.
Location: USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Application Deadline: Applications will open in early 2025 for the summer 2025 program.
Program Dates: June 17–July 19, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Students who live and attend high school in Los Angeles County are eligible to apply.
10.
The University of Pennsylvania’s Social Justice Research Academy offers high school students the chance to explore the political, sociological, and historical dimensions of inequality and social movements. Through a liberal arts-style curriculum, you’ll engage in lectures and workshops that develop critical thinking, research, and leadership skills. Led by Penn faculty and guest speakers, the program covers topics such as gun control, reproductive rights, LGBTQ issues, and the political impact of poverty.
You’ll also complete a capstone project focused on a research question drawn from course discussions. These projects can be traditional research papers or more creative formats, exploring topics like AAPI representation, redlining, or the effects of COVID-19 on marginalized communities. Additionally, you’ll visit Penn’s Van Pelt Library and key historical and cultural sites in Philadelphia, such as the National Constitution Center and local nonprofits. This program offers a solid foundation for students interested in political science, social justice, and policy analysis.
Subject Areas: Sociology, history, politics, liberal arts, leadership, and research.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,949 + $100 application fee
Application Deadline: Applications for 2025 will be opening soon.
Program Dates: Jul 5 — Jul 26, 2025
Eligibility: Current 9th –11th grade students can apply.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.