If you’ve ever wondered about the forces shaping global conflicts, social movements, or policy changes, political science programs can help you figure it out. Even if it’s not your primary interest, understanding politics is essential for careers in law, journalism, public policy, and international relations.
Finding ways to explore political science while still in high school isn’t always easy, but the right opportunities can help you build skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. That’s why we’ve created this list. It includes internships and research programs designed to give you hands-on experience and help you explore the field.
Here are 10 political science research programs and internships you can explore for 2025!
10 Political Science Research Programs + Internships in 2025 for High School Students
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Spring 2025: February 16, 2025; Summer 2025: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
Program Dates: Spring 2025: March 3, 2025; Summer 2025: June 16, 2025! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and more! It is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers the option to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. If you’re interested in political science, you could choose courses like International Relations or Political Theory and Philosophy.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: December 29, 2024, for the upcoming Winter II Cohort
Program Dates: Jan 20, 202,5 Winter II Cohort - Individual Research (12 weeks), Premium Research (16-20 weeks), Research Fellowship (6-12 months), Professor Premium (16-20 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to high school students anywhere in the world
Cost: Individual Research Program ($2,990), Premium Research & Publication Program ($5,900), the Research Fellowship ($8,900), Professor Premium Publication Program ($8,900). Financial aid available
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! The research opportunities range from pure political science to combining politics with other social sciences. Past research has explored the impact of social movements on effective political change and public political attitudes and their effect on democratic backsliding in countries. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Fall 2024: Sep 3-Jan 24, Spring 2025: Jan 26-Jun 6, Summer I: Jun 8-27, Summer II: Jul 6-Aug 1.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those with a Social Security number; High school juniors (ages 16–17) for Spring/Fall; rising juniors and seniors (ages 16–17) for Summer; GPA of 3.0 or higher; Must provide a health assessment, immunization record, and proof of health insurance.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Pages earn a prorated annual salary of $37,238
The U.S. Senate Page Program gives high school students a chance to experience the legislative process up close. Sponsored by a senator, you’ll help with tasks like delivering correspondence, preparing the Senate Chamber, and supporting senators during debates and roll call votes. Working directly on the Senate floor, you’ll engage with policymaking at the highest level.
The program includes free housing, meals, and laundry services, making your stay in Washington, D.C., smooth and focused. With only 30 spots available and limited senators sponsoring pages, it’s a competitive opportunity. As a Senate Page, you’ll gain firsthand political experience while building teamwork, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of government.
Location: Remote and in-person (Philadelphia, PA) options available
Application Deadlines: Summer Session: Application opens on February 3, 2025
Program Dates:
- Spring: February–May 2025
- Summer: June–August 2025
- Fall: September–December 2025
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the U.S.
Cost: Free; 10 paid internship spots available
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers internships for high school students interested in international relations. You’ll work with scholars and professionals, building skills like communication, teamwork, and time management. The program includes weekly foreign policy seminars, career workshops with guest speakers, and access to FPRI events. You might even write research papers for potential publication in FPRI’s Intern Corner.
Internship tracks include research, special events, communications, and operations, letting you focus on your interests and career goals. Whether you’re helping with research or organizing events, this internship gives you hands-on experience in foreign policy and a professional setting.
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Ongoing (internships available for indefinite periods)
Eligibility: High school students
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid
Pasquines is a volunteer-driven, non-profit news organization that focuses on amplifying the voices of U.S. territories, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, within national policy discussions. As an intern, you’ll explore policy, politics, and journalism, helping to connect local issues to national conversations.
You’ll refine your writing, report on important stories, and collaborate with peers, all while deepening your understanding of the systemic challenges U.S. territories face. With flexible hours, this internship offers a great opportunity to see how politics affect underrepresented communities.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: October (Spring), December (Summer), June (Fall)
Program Dates: Spring: January–May; Summer: May-August; Fall: September–December
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens ;Must be enrolled or accepted at an accredited institution, maintaining eligibility and enrollment throughout the internship;
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; unpaid
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program allows students to engage with the core functions of the Treasury. You will analyze policy data, conduct research, and summarize relevant literature and news related to the department’s key missions.
You will work across various offices, gaining knowledge in areas like international policy, financial systems, and economic development. This experience helps you develop important analytical, research, and organizational skills, making it a great fit for students interested in policy analysis, economics, or public service.
Location: Residential, Yale University
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in November and close in early January.
Program Dates (2023):
- Session I: June 22 – July 4
- Session II: July 6 – July 18
- Session III: July 20 – August 1
Eligibility: Open to first-time participants who are at least 16 years old by the start of Session III and are current sophomores or juniors (or international equivalents).
Cost: $6,500 program fee + $75 application fee
If you're passionate about understanding political theories, governance, and global policies, this program is for you. Through lectures and seminars, you’ll explore topics like political violence and post-conflict reconciliation, and gain a better understanding of global systems and societal challenges.
The PLE curriculum combines political, legal, and economic theories, encouraging you to engage with real-world issues. You’ll also connect with peers who are focused on understanding and addressing global challenges.
Location: Residential, University of Pennsylvania
Application Deadlines: April 27, 2025
Program Dates: July 5 – July 26, 2025
Eligibility: Open to current 9th–11th grade students
Cost: $9949+ $100 application fee
This three-week summer program brings together students from around the world to explore inequality and resistance through political, historical, and cultural lenses. You’ll analyze movements like abolition, civil rights, and suffrage, and discuss contemporary issues such as climate change, LGBTQ rights, immigration, and #BlackLivesMatter.
The program helps you develop leadership, research, and analytical skills through workshops, debates, and hands-on projects. It’s a fully residential experience, offering a good look into social justice for students eager to create positive change.
Location: In-person at Brown University (Providence, RI), virtual, or hybrid.
Application Deadline: May 10, 2024 (2025 dates TBD).
Program Dates: 1–5 week sessions between June and July (2025 dates TBD).
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12, aged 14–18 by the program's start date.
Cost: $2,816 to $9,870, depending on course format and duration. Limited financial aid is available.
Brown University’s Pre-College Programs provide high school students the opportunity to engage in college-level learning without the pressure of grades or credits. With over 300 courses available, you can explore a range of subjects including political science, philosophy, economics, and the sciences.
If you're interested in political science research, courses like Power and the Production of History, The Political Economy of U.S. Cities, and The Racial Politics of Skepticism explore the key topics around governance, democracy, and policy. The program includes daily three-hour classes, along with group projects and individual research, giving you a deeper understanding of political systems. At the end of the program, you’ll earn a certificate of completion.
Location: Residential (Brown University campus) or online (via Canvas, Brown’s Learning Management System).
Application Deadline: May 12, 2023, at 11:59 PM EST
Program Dates:
- On-Campus Session I: June 29–July 11, 2025
- On-Campus Session II: July 13–July 25, 2025
- Online Session: July 23–July 18, 2025
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 9–12, aged 14–18 by June 15, 2025.
Cost: Residential: $5,788; Online: $5,528
The Leadership Institute at Brown University helps students passionate about politics, justice, and social movements explore leadership through collaboration and research. You’ll focus on developing problem-solving skills and creating an Action Plan, which is a practical solution for a community challenge.
You can choose courses on topics such as law, social movements, global health, and intercultural communication while learning to apply theory to real-world situations. The program includes discussions, group activities, and research projects to help you create tangible, impactful solutions for critical issues.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.