Are you curious about how laws are created, how policies are developed, or how governments engage with the public? Politics summer programs for high school students can help you engage with advanced academics and provide early professional exposure to the field.
Politics summer programs for high school students are designed to help you build academic and professional skills—from writing policy memos and analysing legislation to conducting research or supporting voter outreach. You’ll gain insight into public service careers while working on structured projects that connect theory with practice. Many programs also offer mentorship, scholarship funding, or publication opportunities.
Whether you’re interested in law, diplomacy, campaigns, or government operations, the right summer program can help you test your interests and build your portfolio. Here are 15 politics summer programs for high school students to consider. Let’s get into it!
15 Politics Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Social Science Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~10% acceptance rate
Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts available; the summer cohorts (I and II) typically runs for 12 weeks from June to August
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; Summer deadline typically in June
Eligibility: 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)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program allows you to work 1-on-1 with a PhD mentor to research topics in political science or its intersection with other social sciences. Past students have explored how social movements influence institutional change or how public opinion shapes democratic backsliding. You’ll learn how to frame a strong research question, synthesise academic sources, and write a publishable paper by the end of the program. The format is fully virtual, and you can choose from multiple cohort lengths depending on your schedule and goals. Many students also submit their work to journals or competitions after completion. Even though the program isn’t run by a university, completing it may make you eligible to receive UCSD credit. You can apply here.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as political science, law data science, machine learning, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
3. U.S. Senate Page Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Free | $37,238 annualised (monthly payments prorated for length of service)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective | Only 30 pages serve the 100 senators
Dates: Summer I: June 8–June 27 | Summer II: July 8–August 1
Application Deadline: Typically February-March
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors | Must be 16–17 years old at the time of appointment | Minimum 3.0 GPA and submit health documentation completed by a licensed physician and a certification of immunization | U.S. citizens or permanent residents |
In this program, you will spend time in Washington, D.C., supporting the daily operations of the U.S. Senate and attending Page School. Your responsibilities will include delivering legislative materials, preparing the Senate chamber, assisting with roll call votes, and managing communication between offices. You’ll be sponsored by a senator and live in a dormitory with fellow pages, with housing and meals provided. You’ll also take academic classes tailored to civic and government studies while living and working in the Capitol. The internship is ideal if you’re interested in the legislative process and want to see how decisions are made at the highest level.
4. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internships
Location: Virtual | In-person at FPRI HQ, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: None | Unpaid by default; financial-need-based stipends available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective | Not specified
Dates: June–August
Application Deadline: Summer: Typically between March–April
Eligibility: High school students with U.S. work authorization
This program matches you with a scholar or team to assist with research, communications, or operations related to foreign policy. You’ll support scholars researching regions like Eurasia, Asia, and the Middle East, conducting research, analyzing data, and contributing to policy reports. Depending on your role, you might write blog posts, attend seminars with guest speakers, or support event coordination and logistics. You’ll also work on academic-style writing that may be featured in FPRI’s Intern Corner. You’ll also develop professional skills like time management, collaboration, and content development. The structure varies slightly by term, but each includes access to public policy events and mentorship.
5. Pasquines Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Flexible; interns join on a rolling basis
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: All high school students
In this program, you will join a volunteer news team focused on political reporting and analysis related to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. As an intern, you’ll write stories, edit content, and research how national policy impacts overlooked regions. The format is fully remote and self-paced, allowing you to contribute based on your availability. The program is a strong fit if you’re interested in journalism, U.S. governance, or media and representation. You’ll improve your writing, editing, and policy analysis skills by engaging directly with civic issues. The program will also help you obtain college credit.
6. U.S. Department of the Treasury – Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May–August
Application Deadline: Typically December
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in an accredited school
In this program, you will learn about the steps taken by the Treasury Department to ensure the financial security of the country. Interns often work in areas like economic policy, legislative affairs, or domestic finance. Depending on your placement, you may help monitor financial markets, summarise current events, draft talking points, briefing materials, and reports, help with budget formulation, strategic planning and organizational performance evaluation, interact with Treasury colleagues and other U.S. government agencies on relevant matters, etc. This internship is ideal if you’re interested in macroeconomics, international relations, or fiscal policy. You’ll build foundational skills in research, writing, and policy tracking while observing how financial regulations are shaped.
7. Pathways Internship Programs – U.S. Department of State
Location: Various NASA centers | Some virtual options
Cost/Stipend: None | Varies by post
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies; depends on post and office
Dates: IEP: Academic-year aligned | ITEP: May–August (Summer)
Application Deadline: Varies by posting (check USAJobs.gov)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens | Must be at least 16 | Minimum 2.0 GPA
This program allows you to join a federal agency or department where you’ll support public policy, diplomatic efforts, or internal government functions. Through the Internship Experience Program (IEP), you’ll work long-term in a federal office, while the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP) offers seasonal options. Tasks may include reviewing records, drafting reports, or managing outreach projects. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals and develop insight into how government agencies collaborate and function. Some positions also offer advancement pathways or college credit. You will be eligible for non-competitive conversions to the competitive service within 180 days of program completion. All listings are posted on USAJobs.gov.
8. Leadership Institute – Brown University
Location: In-person at Brown University, Providence, RI | Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $5,534; Online: $5,314 | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies by track
Dates: On-Campus I: June 29–July 11 ; On-Campus II: July 13–25 | Online: June 23–July 18
Application Deadline: May 12
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9–12; must be 14–18 by June 15
This program allows you to choose from a politically themed course such as law, global health, or social movements, and build a community-based Action Plan through structured leadership training. It blends seminar-style classes with project-based learning, encouraging you to identify a local issue and propose a real solution. You’ll work in small cohorts to refine your ideas, practice public speaking, and receive feedback from instructors and peers. Courses focus on collaboration, equity, and systems thinking, and are offered both in-person and online. You’ll also explore what ethical leadership looks like in political and civic spaces. Some of the past ‘Action Plans’ can be viewed here.
9. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
Location: Hybrid | Residential at Princeton University campus, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective | 40 students
Dates: July 24–August 3
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: Current high school juniors | Living in the U.S. who plan to attend college there | Minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA | Meet one or more socioeconomic criteria listed here
In this program, you will study political journalism, media ethics, and public affairs while learning directly from professional reporters and Princeton faculty. The program includes lectures, writing workshops, and interviews with working journalists from outlets like The New York Times, CNN, and Politico. You’ll practise pitching, editing, and fact-checking, and develop your voice as a writer through daily feedback and peer collaboration. You’ll also visit top media outlets like Huffington Post, The New York Times, and Bloomberg, attend cultural outings like films or plays, cover real news and sports events, and help create digital content. You may have the opportunity to write, edit, and publish your work in The Princeton Summer Journal.
10. USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future – High School Summer Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 1–August 1
Application Deadline: TBA (usually late May)
Eligibility: High school students (no graduating seniors) | Minimum 3.0 GPA
In this program, you will complete a series of assignments tied to USC’s Climate Forward Conference, analysing key political issues through videos and research. Instead of working in a government office, this program simulates a political think tank setting. You’ll exercise analytical writing skills and explore how climate and policy intersect. If you’re interested in public service but not ready for a full campaign or agency internship, this offers a structured first step. Past students have submitted short-form reports and summaries as part of the program. CPF staff will give you detailed feedback, guidance, and support, which will help you develop your essay-writing, research, and critical-thinking skills.
11. NYC Office of the Mayor Internship Program
Location: New York City
Cost/Stipend: None | $16.50 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Summer: July 7—August 29
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Must be 16 or older | and a NYC resident | Enrolled in high school or accepted to college
In this internship, you’ll be assigned to specific city departments like event planning, communications, special projects, operations, or human resources, where you’ll support real projects via hands-on activities. You will write briefings, manage inquiries, attend interdepartmental meetings and staffing events, conduct research, and assist with outreach and special projects. You will also be part of a bi-weekly Speaker Series where you will hear directly from Deputy Mayors and Commissioners. In addition to individual work, you’ll collaborate with full-time staff and contribute to ongoing initiatives. You will team up on a community service project designed to benefit local neighborhoods, such as park clean-ups, tree planting, and restoring ball fields.
12. Youth Council Internship – Democracy Maine
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None | $15 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very limited | 3–4 interns per session
Dates: Typically early June to early August
Application Deadline: Summer: May 16
Eligibility: High school students who are Maine residents | If you are 15 and younger, you will need to fill out a work permit application with the state of Maine before the program’s start
In this internship, you will help design civic education initiatives like public service announcements, community events, or newsletters that promote voter engagement. This program is designed to develop your facilitation and organising skills while teaching you how state legislation works in practice. You’ll work around five hours per week and receive regular feedback from staff. Past interns have created voter toolkits, hosted public forums, and supported get-out-the-vote campaigns. If you’re interested in activism or advocacy at the local level, this internship gives you the opportunity to engage in a related project. The team typically accepts only a few students per cycle, so early applications are encouraged.
13. Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) – American Bar Association
Location: Multiple locations in California, Illinois, and Texas, as well as select courts in Phoenix, Washington, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, and Seattle
Cost/Stipend: None | $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; depends on location
Dates: late May–August (six-week summer placement)
Application Deadline: Typically in January
Eligibility: High school students | U.S. citizens
If you’re curious about law, this internship allows you a close-up view of court proceedings, legal argumentation, and the judicial process. You’ll be placed in a judge’s chambers where you’ll observe trials, conduct legal research, and assist with case preparation. You’ll learn how to read legal documents, write briefs, and sit in on real hearings and proceedings. Most placements are in federal or state courts that give exposure to legal reasoning and judicial workflows. Interns are selected based on academic interest and often come from underrepresented backgrounds. You’ll be expected to work full-time for six weeks and will receive a stipend.
14. Department of Education – Student Volunteer Trainee Program
Location: U.S. Department of Education headquarters, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by office
Dates: May/June–July/August
Application Deadline: Summer: March 31
Eligibility: U.S. citizens | Aged 16+ | Enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational institution
The program offers internships in the areas of human resource management, education policy, data analytics, training and development, grants management, information technology communications, project management and several others. Your daily work may include summarising research, analysing program data, helping with event logistics, or drafting internal documents. Each role is tailored to your background and interests, and you’ll learn how a federal agency approaches nationwide education challenges. Interns usually work 20–40 hours per week, and placements are available year-round. The program is unpaid but offers real project exposure and a government work environment. All applications must be submitted through USAJobs.gov.
15. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Location: Cornell University, University of Maryland, and University of Michigan
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective | Small cohort
Dates: June 22–July 26
Application Deadline: December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors | At least age 15 and no older than age 18 at the start of the program
In this program, you will spend six weeks studying politics through the lens of race, power, and social change in a college-level seminar setting. The program offers two tracks: Critical Black Studies and Anti-Oppressive Studies, each built around reading-intensive curricula, discussion, and collaborative projects. You’ll take part in daily seminars, complete group assignments, and explore how politics intersects with history, literature, and identity. Outside the classroom, you’ll plan and execute a community service project using a dedicated program budget. This program emphasises peer learning, critical thinking, and student leadership in a residential college environment. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a deeply reflective, discussion-based space to examine power structures and social justice.
Image source – Cornell University