If you're a high school student considering a major in political science or a related field, enrolling in a summer program could be a solid choice to make before you apply to college! These programs offer insight into the operations of various government agencies and provide an opportunity to learn how policies are created and put into practice.
Political science students have a variety of career paths to explore, including law, campaign management, NGOs, business, and consulting. Participating in a summer program focused on politics can provide early, valuable experience in areas such as government, public policy, or elections.
These programs can also strengthen your college applications and help you establish connections with government officials, policymakers, and peers, which can be useful for future career opportunities and securing references. They can also help you develop critical thinking and improve your ability to communicate effectively in group settings.
To help you get started, we've compiled a list of 14 political science summer programs for high school students!
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)—Political Science Track
Subject Areas: Political theory, sociology, machine learning, history, philosophy, environmental health and engineering, behavioral economics, network science, biophysics, psychology, international relations, neuroscience, data science, and others.
Location: Virtual
Cost: A fee is required for participation. You can obtain the exact cost by submitting an interest form here.
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. Most students admitted to the program are in 10th or 11th grade. Only a few tracks have specific prerequisites, which can be found in more detail here.
Horizon provides trimester-long research programs for high school students in a variety of subjects, including data science, machine learning, political theory, biomedical engineering, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, 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.
After selecting a subject track and type of research, you will be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a leading university who will mentor you throughout the research process. You will work on producing a 20-page, university-level research paper, which can be submitted to respected journals for publication as a high school student.
This program offers a valuable opportunity to conduct research in specialized fields under the guidance of an expert. Additionally, it provides a letter of recommendation for each participant and detailed feedback on your project, which can be helpful for future projects and college applications. You can apply here!
Subject Areas: Political science, international relations, American politics, methods, political theory, race ethnicity & race politics, and comparative politics.
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $4,236; Scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: June 1, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: June 23–July 13, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 9–12 who are at least 15 years old can apply.
UCLA’s Political Science Summer Institute is a 3-week residential program designed to introduce high school students to politics in the United States. The course explores why and how people engage in collective action, the institutions that organize this action, and the outcomes it produces. You will get to examine the logic behind the creation of the U.S. political system and how it continues to meet certain societal needs.
The course provides an overview of American politics, insight into the reasoning behind political processes, and an introduction to how social scientists study these topics. It includes examples from both political history and contemporary U.S. politics. In addition to the coursework, the program features a career panel with guest speakers who will discuss various career paths available with a political science degree. You will earn five units of college credit, either as a letter grade or pass/no pass, applicable toward your high school or future degree. The program also offers mentorship from graduate and undergraduate students, giving you a broader understanding of the influence of political thought in society.
Subject Areas: Politics, campaign strategy, social media marketing, and legislative process.
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Cost: $3,795 (Residential Program)
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: July 12–July 20, 2024 | July 24–August 1, 2024; TBA for 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.
NSLC’s Political Action & Public Policy program for high school students offers an opportunity to explore the workings of Congress, develop new legislation as a Senator, and understand the complexities of running a political campaign.
In the program, you'll learn about the legislative process, including drafting bills, debating on the floor of Congress, and presenting bills for a vote. You will also work as part of a team to create a detailed campaign plan for a candidate’s upcoming primary election, focusing on social media and campaign marketing. Activities include a lobby day simulation workshop and gaining practical experience in managing campaign contributions and expenses, as well as strategizing the allocation of funds for TV, radio, and mail advertisements. Additionally, the program includes trips and sessions with professionals to provide insider knowledge about the field.
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, and be high school juniors or rising juniors/seniors aged 16 or 17 by the appointment date (18-year-olds are not eligible for summer internships). They must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0/B.
The U.S. Senate Page Program operates on a work-learn-mentorship model, giving students hands-on experience with the daily operations of the Senate. It is one of the longest-standing political internship opportunities for high school students. Pages are sponsored by their senators and live in Washington D.C., with expenses such as rent and laundry covered. Their main duties include delivering correspondence and legislative materials within the Capitol and Senate office buildings, preparing the Chamber for sessions, and assisting with tasks on the Senate floor, including roll call votes, debates, and managing bills and amendments.
Since only 30 positions are available to serve the 100 senators, not all senators sponsor a page. If you're interested, check with your local senator to see if they are sponsoring a page and to inquire about the application process.
Subject Areas: Politics, legislative process, judicial and executive process, senate, and federal government.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: This program is fully funded and does not provide a stipend. Student delegates are awarded a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship to a college or university of their choice, with a recommendation to continue studies in government and history.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
Dates: March 1–March 8, 2025
Eligibility: Columbia high school juniors or seniors who are legal permanent residents or citizens of the United States can apply.
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is a week-long educational program and scholarship sponsored by the U.S. Senate for outstanding high school students interested in careers in public service. The program aims to offer selected students an in-depth view of the Senate and the federal government, as well as a better understanding of how the legislative, judicial, and executive branches interact.
Each year, two high school juniors or seniors from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity are chosen to participate in Washington Week, typically held in the first or second week of March. During Washington Week, delegates meet with and learn from high-level elected and appointed officials, including senators, the president, a Supreme Court justice, cabinet members, federal agency leaders, and senior national media figures. You can find application deadlines for various states here.
Subject Areas: Political science, arts, economics, philosophy, legal studies, literature, writing and communications, psychology, physical sciences, math, biological and natural sciences, business, engineering, and technology.
Location: In-person at Brown University campus, Providence, RI; Virtual; or Hybrid.
Cost: Ranges from $2,816 to $9,870 depending on the format and duration of the course. Some financial aid is offered.
Application Deadline: May 10, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: 1-5 week sessions are available between June and July; TBA for 2025.
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.
Brown University’s Pre-College Programs provide high school students with the opportunity to take college-level courses across a variety of fields, including biological and natural sciences, business, economics, philosophy, legal studies, literature, writing and communications, psychology, physical sciences, math, politics, arts, engineering, and technology. These programs are designed for students who want to explore college academics without the pressure of grades or credits. You can view the full course catalog here. As a Summer@Brown participant, you can select from over 300 non-credit courses and participate in community activities, college readiness workshops, and other events outside of class.
If you’re interested in political science, courses like Power and the Production of History, The Political Economy of U.S. Cities, or The Racial Politics of Skepticism can help you learn about the country’s political history, debate democracy, and understand the impact of policies on various fields. Each course involves attending classes for three hours a day, five days a week. In addition, you are expected to spend three hours on out-of-class work, either independently or with classmates. You will participate in class discussions, group projects, and individual study. Upon finishing the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion. If you finish a course lasting two weeks or longer, you will also be eligible for a course performance report.
Subject Areas: Leadership, public service, business, democracy, and entrepreneurial skills.
Location: Virtual and an optional Leadership & Business Conference in Capital Hilton, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: The participation fee is $500, which covers entrance fees, the Entrepreneurial Mindset Program, and other summer programming costs. Scholarships are available based on financial need, and there is no stipend provided.
(Note: Entrepreneurial Mindset certificates are awarded upon successful completion of the program).
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Dates: The 2024 dates were as follows:
- Orientation (Virtual): June 1, 2024
- Kick-off (Virtual): July 13, 2024
- YLA 2024 Intensive Seminar (Virtual): July 15–July 19, 2024
- ILF 2024 Leadership & Business Conference/Gala (In-person, optional): July 25, 2024
- Closing Ceremony (Virtual): July 29, 2024
- Dates TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Current rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are active in community service and show leadership are eligible to apply.
The International Leadership Foundation’s Youth Leadership Academy aims to help high school students gain a deeper understanding of American democracy, their role in it, and the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset. ILF offers knowledge, skills, inspiration, and confidence to help students become entrepreneurial thinkers, engaged citizens, and future leaders.
The week-long intensive seminar includes sessions with expert speakers and AANHPI leaders. Upon completion, you will earn a certification from the Entrepreneurial Mindset Program through the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative. The program also includes weekly check-ins with ILF instructors and real-life community involvement activities. This combination of civic engagement and entrepreneurial learning will equip you with the skills necessary for success in higher education, the workplace, and as active community members. The Youth Leadership Academy is designed for aspiring leaders interested in various fields, including public service, entrepreneurship, and business.
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.
The USC Pre-College International Relations Summer Program is designed to help high school students explore the causes of war and effective conflict resolution strategies. You will study the various stages of conflict and apply this knowledge to regions that have experienced war and violence. The course also covers the economic causes of conflict and the roles of individuals, popular culture, peace initiatives, governments, and international organizations.
Throughout the course, you’ll participate in active learning through simulations, role-playing, and negotiation exercises, including a Model UN simulation. Case studies will help you understand news headlines and historical conflicts. You will visit the Museum of Tolerance to study genocide and develop a case study focused on practical conflict resolution steps, which will prepare you for advanced college-level work. Additionally, you’ll analyze how popular culture—such as movies, television, music, literature, and art—can influence conflict or peace.
Subject Areas: History, politics, literature, art, community living, democracy, and transformative justice.
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI | University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Application Deadline: January 3, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: June 23–August 3, 2024 (6 weeks); TBA for 2025
Eligibility: The program is open to high school sophomores and juniors who are at least 15 years old and no older than 18 at the start of the program. Indigenous students, students of color, and those who have faced economic hardship are encouraged to apply.
The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) offers an opportunity for high school sophomores and juniors interested in the liberal arts. This selective, six-week program is fully funded and aims to develop critical thinking while building a supportive community. TASS covers all expenses to ensure that financial limitations don't prevent talented students from participating. The program will allow you to explore how power and privilege shape social structures through courses in the humanities and social sciences. You can apply to one of two study tracks:
- TASS-CBS (Critical Black Studies) offers seminars that delve into the history, politics, literature, art, and other intellectual and cultural contributions of people of African descent.
- TASS-AOS (Anti-Oppressive Studies) explores systems of power and oppression, including white supremacy, patriarchy, and classism, and examines methods to foster societal change.
The program involves rigorous academic work, with three-hour daily classes led by expert faculty, featuring discussions, group work, and lectures. You will engage with books, articles, films, and art, and enhance your writing skills through essay assignments, receiving guidance and feedback from instructors. Beyond academics, you’ll participate in a public speaking program with your peers and attend guest lectures. For more details and application tips, check out this article!
Subject Areas: Politics, law, and economics.
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $6,500 for a 2-week session + a $75–$90 non-refundable application fee. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis:
- Early action deadline: October 20, 2024
- Regular decision deadline: January 10, 2025
Dates: Residential sessions will be available in June, July, and August 2025:
- Session I: June 22–July 4, 2025
- Session II: July 6–July 18, 2025
- Session III: July 20–August 1, 2025
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors, aged 16–18 by July 20, 2025, and graduating in May/June 2026 or 2027, are eligible to apply. Applicants must be first-time participants in YYGS.
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is an academic enrichment program for high school students, offering an introduction to college life. The Politics, Law, & Economics (PLE) session is designed for students interested in exploring economic theories, government practices, and legal frameworks from both historical and comparative perspectives. It covers key topics such as public policy, human rights, market regulation, governance structures, international relations, and conflict resolution.
During the session, you will attend lectures and seminars on subjects such as development economics, silver democracy, equality, game theory, and using satirical techniques to make political arguments, among others. Through the PLE session, you will develop critical thinking and analytical skills, allowing you to examine social systems and contemporary issues from economic, legal, and political viewpoints. The session uses interdisciplinary approaches to deepen your knowledge and broaden your understanding of the topics, preparing you to become more informed and engaged global citizens.
Subject Areas: Law, politics, history, and philosophy.
Location: Harvard University campus in Cambridge, MA
Cost: $5,550 + $75 application fee. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline:
- Early Application Deadline: January 8, 2025
- Regular Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
- Late Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
Dates:
- Session I: June 22–July 3, 2025
- Session II: July 6–18, 2025
- Session III: July 20–August 1, 2025
Eligibility: Students aged 16–19 years old who will graduate high school in 2026 or 2027 can apply.
Harvard’s Pre-College Program is a two-week summer program designed to help high school students experience college life. During the program, you will live on the Harvard campus and take a college-level course alongside other students. For those interested in political science, courses such as Democracy, Development, and Violence: An Introduction to Comparative Politics; The Politics of the United States Energy Transition; The Politics of Health and Medicine in the United States; or The Politics of Organized Crime provide insight into policy impacts across various fields.
Throughout the program, you'll attend lectures and discussions with Harvard scholars, who will help address questions related to different academic disciplines. Workshops will focus on developing essential academic skills for a smooth transition to college. Additionally, you’ll take part in social activities such as t-shirt tie-dye, arts and crafts, talent shows, dance lessons, and study breaks, allowing you to connect with fellow participants. The program also includes tours and excursions to explore Cambridge, Boston, and Southern New England.
Subject Areas: Leadership, politics, social change and issues.
Location: Brown University, RI, or Virtual.
Cost: $5,498 (on-campus, residential) | $4,318 (on-campus, commuter) | $5,314 (online)
Application Deadline: May 10, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: Students can choose to attend one 2-week on-campus session or a 4-week online session:
- On-campus session: June 23–July 5, 2024 | July 14–July 26, 2024
- Online session: June 24–July 19, 2024
- Dates TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12 who are aged 14–18 can apply.
Brown University’s Leadership Institute offers students the chance to explore complex social issues while gaining the tools to create positive change. With a range of course options, such as Leadership and Social Change, Women and Leadership, Leadership, Power, and the Politics of Language, you can choose topics that match your interests.
Throughout the program, you will examine leadership challenges related to social issues, assess the strengths and weaknesses of your leadership style, and receive guidance on addressing critical issues in impactful and sustainable ways. The program emphasizes skills like active listening, public speaking, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and teamwork. It concludes with an action plan, where you will get to choose a cause you care about and develop a strategy to address it using the knowledge and skills gained during the program.
Subject Areas: Sociology, history, politics, liberal arts, leadership, and research.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,700 program fee + $75 application fee
Application Deadline: The applications for summer 2024 are closed. Dates TBA for 2025.
Dates: 3 weeks between June and July. The 2024 program ran from July 6 to July 27. Dates TBA for 2025.
Eligibility: Current 9th –11th grade students can apply.
University of Pennsylvania’s Social Justice Research Academy offers high schoolers an opportunity to hone their critical thinking about the sociological, historical, and political aspects of inequality and resistance. The program offers a liberal arts-style curriculum that includes lectures and workshops designed to develop leadership, research, and analytical skills. You will attend daily classes and discussions led by Penn faculty and teaching fellows, along with guest lectures from experts on topics such as gun control, historical narratives, women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQ issues, the impact of poverty on children, and more.
You will complete a capstone project by developing a research question based on course topics. These projects can take the form of traditional academic papers or more creative approaches. Previous projects have examined topics like AAPI representation in Hollywood, redlining, gun violence among Black men, and the disproportionate effects of COVID-19 on minority communities. You will also visit Penn's Van Pelt Library and explore historical and cultural sites in Philadelphia, such as the National Constitution Center, Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, Chinatown, and local nonprofit organizations like the Mural Arts Program and Philabundance.
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.
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.
USC’s Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement is a four-week summer program that provides high school students with an introduction to college-level media communication and journalism. The academy focuses on helping students understand the role of media and journalism in shaping civic-minded leaders while enhancing skills in speech, debate, writing, and critical thinking.
Each year, 26 students from Los Angeles County are selected to participate. Along with coursework, the program offers guidance on writing college essays and provides information about USC Annenberg’s undergraduate programs and potential careers in media and journalism. You will also have the opportunity to interact with USC Annenberg’s scholars who focus on issues of gender, race, and ethnicity in communication and journalism. The 2024 program featured sessions with Miki Turner, an award-winning journalist and professor, and Rogelio Lopez, a media maker and adjunct lecturer. This free program offers foundational knowledge in media communication and journalism and provides networking opportunities with scholars and industry professionals.
Subject Areas: Educational inequity, neighborhood segregation, environmental justice, community health, public policy, and grassroots social movements.
Location: Tufts University Medford / Somerville Campus, MA
Cost: $5,500
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: July 7–July 19, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are at least 15 years old can apply.
Tufts University’s Tisch College of Civic Life offers a two-week summer program for high school students focused on leadership development and community impact. The "Leadership for Social Change" program provides students with the civic knowledge and skills to analyze social issues, work collaboratively, and become effective leaders. The program begins with a mandatory orientation to review the schedule, syllabus, policies, and safety guidelines and offers a chance to meet fellow participants.
In the first week, you’ll be introduced to a social change framework and examine social inequalities through various lenses, such as education, community health, and neighborhood segregation. In the second week, you will apply your learning by researching a social issue within your community. This includes policy research, identifying stakeholders, and connecting local issues to broader systems of inequality. The program also features community organization visits, field trips, guest speakers, and interactive discussions to deepen understanding. The program concludes with a closing ceremony, where participants present their research projects.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.