Policy research sits at the crossroads of data, governance, ethics, and real-world impact. Unlike many academic disciplines, policy research asks a deceptively simple question: what should we do, and why? For high school students, exploring this field is an excellent opportunity to develop a comprehensive and versatile skill set, including quantitative analysis, critical reading, stakeholder interviews, and persuasive writing. Since policy is inherently interdisciplinary, your work will result in skills that universities and organizations value.
Why should you conduct policy research?
As a high schooler, a policy-based research project will help you:
- Develop an unusually broad and transferable skillset: A single policy research project might require you to run a regression analysis, read legal statutes, conduct interviews, and write a policy brief, which are all skills that span data science, law, social science, and communication.
- Engage with real, unsolved problems: Policy research is not about replicating a known experiment. You will be investigating issues that governments, nonprofits, and communities are actively struggling with. Your conclusions, even as a high schooler, can be rather useful.
- Build credibility for college and beyond: Admissions officers and scholarship committees consistently respond to research that demonstrates civic awareness and intellectual maturity.
- Connect directly to careers and fields of study: Economics, public policy, law, public health, urban planning, environmental science, and political science all revolve around policy thinking.
With that, here’s a list of 30 policy research topics for high school students that are worth considering!
You can also check out these guides on Economics Research Topics and Cognitive Science Project Ideas.
Education Policy
Topic 1: Analyzing the Impact of School Funding Disparities on Student Outcomes
In this project, you will explore whether disparities in per-pupil funding between wealthy and low-income school districts significantly impact student outcomes such as graduation rates, test scores, and college enrollment. To investigate this, you would use statistical tools like regression analysis, along with data visualization and spreadsheet software such as Excel, Python, or R. The study would rely on government datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, state education departments, and the U.S. Census Bureau to compare funding levels with performance metrics.
Topic 2: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Universal Pre-K Programs
During this project, you will examine whether publicly funded pre-kindergarten programs lead to long-term improvements in academic achievement and socioeconomic mobility. You will primarily engage in literature reviews and meta-analysis, interpreting longitudinal studies and applying basic statistical reasoning. The analysis would draw on established research such as the Perry Preschool Project and Head Start, along with reports from institutions like RAND and Brookings and state-level pre-K data. This topic connects to early childhood education, developmental psychology, and public policy, highlighting the lasting impact of early learning interventions.
Topic 3: The Policy Implications of Smartphone Bans in Schools
This research topic explores the academic and social impact of restricting smartphone use during school hours, and the types of policies that are most effective. You will use methods such as survey design, qualitative interviews with peers and teachers, and data coding to analyze responses. The study could combine primary data from school-based surveys with secondary research on existing smartphone bans and academic studies on screen time and attention. This topic connects to education policy, cognitive psychology, and technology policy, offering insight into how digital behavior influences learning environments.
Topic 4: Examining How Standardized Testing Shapes Educational Equity
This research topic examines whether standardized tests like the SAT and ACT contribute to or help reduce socioeconomic and racial disparities in college access. You will use data analysis, interpret research studies, and apply statistical reasoning, while also developing skills in policy brief writing. The study would draw on datasets from the College Board and ACT, along with research from the National Student Clearinghouse, FairTest, and academic journals.
Environmental and Climate Policy
Topic 5: Carbon Pricing Mechanisms: Carbon Tax vs. Cap-and-Trade
This research topic compares two major market-based strategies—carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems—to determine which is more effective in reducing emissions and more sustainable politically. You will apply economic modeling concepts, conduct comparative policy analysis, and interpret legislative and regulatory documents, supported by data visualization techniques. The study would use real-world data from sources such as the European Union Emissions Trading System, British Columbia’s carbon tax outcomes, and reports from the IPCC and Resources for the Future.
Topic 6: The Effectiveness of Single-Use Plastic Bans
During this research project, you will investigate whether bans or taxes on single-use plastics have effectively reduced plastic waste and environmental pollution across different regions. You will use comparative case study methods, analyze environmental data, and conduct literature reviews to evaluate policy outcomes. The study would draw on sources such as Environmental Protection Agency data, research on plastic bag bans in places like California and Europe, and reports from the UN Environment Programme. This topic connects to environmental policy, behavioral economics, and public administration, highlighting how regulations influence both industry practices and consumer behavior.
Topic 7: Environmental Justice: Who Bears the Burden of Industrial Pollution?
This research topic examines whether low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately exposed to industrial pollution, and how policy responses address these inequities. You will use GIS mapping tools like ArcGIS Online or Google Earth Engine, along with demographic data analysis and critical engagement with environmental justice scholarship. The study would draw on sources such as the EPA’s EJScreen tool, census data, zoning records, and academic literature to identify patterns of exposure. This topic connects to environmental justice, urban planning, public health, and civil rights law, highlighting the intersection of environment and social equity.
Topic 8: Climate Adaptation Policy for Coastal Cities
With this research topic, you will explore how cities are preparing for sea-level rise and increased flooding, and whether these climate adaptation strategies are equitable across different communities. You will analyze policy documents, use GIS tools and climate projection data, and conduct comparative case studies while mapping key stakeholders involved in decision-making. The study would draw on sources such as NOAA sea-level projections, city-level adaptation plans from places like Miami or Jakarta, and reports from the C40 Cities network.
Healthcare and Public Health Policy
Topic 9: Comparing Universal Healthcare Models Across Countries
This research topic compares different healthcare systems—single-payer, multi-payer, and the U.S. model—to evaluate how they perform in terms of cost, access, and health outcomes. You will use comparative policy analysis, interpret international health statistics, and present findings through data visualization. The study would rely on sources such as OECD Health Statistics, the Commonwealth Fund’s international comparisons, and the WHO Global Health Observatory. This topic connects to health policy, comparative politics, and health economics, offering insight into how system design shapes population health.
Topic 10: The Opioid Epidemic: Evaluating Policy Responses
This research topic evaluates which policy interventions, such as prescription limits, medication-assisted treatment, harm reduction programs, or law enforcement strategies, have been most effective in reducing opioid-related deaths. You will apply epidemiological data analysis, policy evaluation methods, and engage with public health literature to assess outcomes. The study would draw on sources like CDC overdose surveillance data, SAMHSA reports, state-level policy variations, and academic research. This topic connects to public health policy, drug policy, epidemiology, and health economics, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to addressing a major health crisis.
Topic 11: Mental Health Parity Laws and Their Real-World Enforcement
This research topic examines whether mental health parity laws, which require insurance companies to provide equal coverage for mental and physical health care, actually improve access to mental health services. You will analyze legal documents, interpret health insurance data, and maybe even design surveys or conduct qualitative interviews to understand real-world experiences. The study would draw on sources such as MHPAEA enforcement reports, state insurance data, and policy briefs from organizations like NAMI. This topic connects to health law, insurance policy, and mental health policy, highlighting the gap between legislation and actual access to care.
Topic 12: Vaccine Hesitancy and Public Health Communication Policy
During this research project, you will explore which communication strategies and policy interventions are most effective in increasing vaccine uptake among hesitant populations. You will design surveys, analyze vaccination data, and review behavioral science literature to understand how attitudes and messaging influence decision-making. The study will draw on sources such as CDC vaccination coverage surveys, WHO communication guidelines, and academic public health research. This topic connects to public health, behavioral economics, science communication, and health policy, emphasizing how trust and messaging shape health outcomes.
Criminal Justice and Policing Policy
Topic 13: Cash Bail Reform: Analyzing the Impact on Pretrial Detention
This research topic examines whether cash bail systems disproportionately detain low-income defendants before trial and evaluates the impact of reform efforts in places like New Jersey and New York. You will conduct legal analysis, analyze statistical data on pretrial detention, and perform comparative policy reviews across different jurisdictions. The study would draw on sources such as Pretrial Justice Institute data, state court records, Vera Institute of Justice reports, and academic criminology research. This topic connects to criminal justice policy, civil rights law, criminology, and public administration, highlighting issues of fairness and equity in the legal system.
Topic 14: Decriminalization of Drug Possession: Lessons from Portugal and U.S. States
This research topic will have you analyze the impact of Portugal’s 2001 decriminalization of personal drug possession, focusing on changes in drug use rates, public health outcomes, and incarceration levels, and what lessons these findings offer for U.S. states. You will make use of comparative case study analysis, review epidemiological data, and examine policy documents to understand outcomes across different contexts. The study will draw on sources such as EMCDDA data, Oregon’s Measure 110 reports, and academic research in criminology and public health. This topic connects to drug policy, criminal justice, public health, and comparative politics, highlighting alternative approaches to addressing substance use.
Topic 15: Police Body Camera Policies and Accountability
This research topic examines whether mandatory body camera use by police officers reduces use-of-force incidents and civilian complaints, and which policy design features make these programs most effective. You will engage in policy analysis, review statistical data, and critically read academic studies on policing practices. The study would draw on sources such as police department policy documents, randomized control trial data from Washington D.C., and reports from organizations like the ACLU and DOJ. This topic connects to criminal justice policy, public administration, and civil rights, offering insight into accountability and transparency in law enforcement.
Topic 16: Youth Incarceration and Juvenile Justice Reform
This research topic examines whether incarceration-based approaches to juvenile crime effectively reduce recidivism and how they compare to alternatives like restorative justice or diversion programs. You will analyze recidivism data, conduct literature reviews, and evaluate different intervention models through comparative analysis. The study would draw on sources such as OJJDP data, Annie E. Casey Foundation reports, and academic criminology journals. This topic connects to juvenile justice, criminology, social work policy, and developmental psychology, highlighting how different approaches impact youth outcomes and rehabilitation.
Economic and Labor Policy
Topic 17: The Effects of Minimum Wage Increases on Employment and Poverty
This research topic explores whether increases in the minimum wage lead to job losses for low-wage workers or whether the economic benefits outweigh potential downsides. You will engage with econometric concepts, analyze data using natural experiment methods, and interpret economic research, supported by data visualization. The study will draw on sources such as Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data, case studies from cities like Seattle, and Congressional Budget Office reports. This topic connects to labor economics, public policy, and poverty studies, offering insight into how wage policies impact employment and income inequality.
Topic 18: Analyzing the Gender Pay Gap: Causes, Myths, and Policy Responses
With this research topic, you will examine the extent to which the gender pay gap can be explained by factors like occupation and hours worked versus underlying discrimination, and which policy interventions are most effective in addressing it. You will apply statistical analysis and regression-based concepts while engaging with economic and sociological research. The study will draw on data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, Pew Research Center, and academic journals. This topic connects to labor economics, gender studies, employment law, and public policy, offering insight into inequality in the workforce and potential solutions.
Topic 19: Universal Basic Income: Evidence from Pilot Programs
This research topic explores what Universal Basic Income (UBI) pilot programs in places like Stockton, Finland, and Kenya reveal about the effects of unconditional cash transfers on employment, wellbeing, and poverty. You will review experimental studies, analyze economic data, and synthesize findings through policy brief writing. The study would draw on sources such as the SEED Stockton program data, Finnish government reports, and GiveDirectly’s research in Kenya. This topic connects to labor economics, social policy, development economics, and political philosophy, offering insight into how direct cash support influences economic and social outcomes.
Topic 20: Gig Economy Regulation: Protecting Workers in the Platform Economy
This research topic examines whether gig workers—such as Uber drivers and DoorDash couriers—should be classified as employees with benefits or as independent contractors, and what evidence suggests about the outcomes of each model. You will conduct legal analysis, review labor market data, and perform comparative policy analysis across different regions. The study would draw on sources such as California’s AB5 implementation data, the UK Supreme Court ruling on Uber, academic labor economics research, and BLS surveys. This topic connects to labor law, employment policy, platform economics, and political economy, highlighting the evolving nature of work in the digital economy.
Technology and Digital Policy
Topic 21: Data Privacy Regulation: Comparing GDPR to U.S. Approaches
With this research topic, you will examine how the European Union’s GDPR compares to the fragmented system of U.S. state-level privacy laws in protecting consumer data. You will use legal analysis and comparative policy methods to evaluate effectiveness and enforcement. Key sources include GDPR enforcement data, CCPA reports, EFF analyses, and academic tech law literature. The study sits at the intersection of technology law, data governance, comparative politics, and cybersecurity policy. It ultimately aims to identify which privacy model the U.S. should adopt moving forward.
Topic 22: Regulating Algorithmic Decision-Making in Hiring and Criminal Justice
This research topic explores the harms caused by AI algorithms used in hiring decisions and recidivism risk assessments, particularly focusing on bias and fairness. You will apply legal analysis, case study methods, and algorithm audit concepts to evaluate these systems. Key sources include ProPublica’s COMPAS audit, EEOC guidance on hiring tools, academic AI ethics research, and provisions of the EU AI Act. The study lies at the intersection of AI policy, civil rights law, technology ethics, and public administration. It aims to identify effective regulatory frameworks to govern the responsible use of AI in high-stakes decision-making.
Topic 23: Social Media Moderation Policies and Free Speech
With this research topic, you will investigate how social media platforms set and enforce standards for moderating or removing content. You will analyze the consistency and transparency of these policies through content analysis and case studies. Key sources include platform transparency reports, Stanford Internet Observatory research, Section 230 legal analyses, and academic communications literature. The study draws on technology policy, First Amendment law, platform governance, and media studies. It aims to define what effective and accountable platform governance should look like.
Topic 24: Broadband Access as a Public Utility: The Digital Divide
This research topic examines whether high-speed internet should be treated as a public utility with universal service obligations. You will analyze policies aimed at closing the digital divide in rural and low-income communities. Methods include GIS mapping of broadband access, demographic analysis, and comparative policy review. Key sources include FCC deployment data, Pew Research Center surveys, and municipal broadband case studies. The study spans telecommunications policy, digital equity, public utility law, and rural development.
Immigration and Housing Policy
Topic 25: DACA and the Outcomes of Deferred Action Programs
This research topic explores the economic and social outcomes experienced by DACA recipients, along with the broader impacts of deferred action policies. You will use policy analysis, economic data, and survey research to assess these effects. Key sources include surveys from the Center for American Progress, NBER studies, and Migration Policy Institute reports. The study is grounded in immigration policy, labor economics, civil rights, and public administration. It aims to evaluate how such policies shape both individual opportunities and wider societal outcomes.
Topic 26: The Effect of Zoning Laws on Housing Affordability
With this research topic, you will analyze how single-family and exclusionary zoning policies have contributed to housing unaffordability in major U.S. cities. You will use GIS mapping, housing price data analysis, and policy review to assess their impact. Key sources include city zoning codes, Zillow and HUD data, Upjohn Institute research, and case studies from Minneapolis and Oregon reforms. The study draws on urban planning, housing policy, local government law, and economics. It aims to identify the most effective zoning reform strategies to improve housing affordability.
Topic 27: Sanctuary City Policies: Evidence on Public Safety and Community Trust
This research topic examines whether sanctuary city policies impact crime rates and overall public safety, as well as their effect on trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. You will use statistical analysis, crime data review, comparative policy analysis, and survey research to evaluate these outcomes. Key sources include FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data, academic criminology studies, and reports from both the Center for Immigration Studies and the Immigration Policy Center. The study draws on immigration policy, criminal justice, local government, and urban sociology. It aims to provide a balanced assessment of both public safety outcomes and community trust implications.
Topic 28: Affordable Housing Policy: Vouchers vs. Public Housing vs. Inclusionary Zoning
This research topic compares major housing policy tools, housing choice vouchers, public housing, and inclusionary zoning to determine which most effectively supports low-income families. You will apply program evaluation methods, housing outcome data analysis, comparative case studies, and cost-benefit concepts. Key sources include HUD’s Moving to Opportunity study, NYCHA records, and Urban Institute research. The study draws on housing policy, urban planning, social welfare policy, and economics. It aims to identify the most impactful and efficient strategies for improving housing access and stability.
Topic 29: Child Separation and Family Immigration Detention Policies
This research topic examines the psychological and developmental effects on children separated from their parents at the U.S.–Mexico border. You will use literature review, policy analysis, and human rights frameworks to assess these impacts. Key sources include American Academy of Pediatrics reports, DHS Office of Inspector General records, academic developmental psychology studies, and ACLU litigation documents. The study draws on immigration policy, child welfare policy, psychology, and human rights law. It aims to inform a more humane and effective immigration detention policy design.
Topic 30: Tenant Protections and Rent Control: Evaluating Evidence and Trade-offs
This research topic evaluates whether rent control policies effectively protect low-income tenants from displacement or inadvertently reduce housing supply and worsen affordability. You will apply economic data analysis, natural experiment methods, and housing economics literature review. Key sources include the Stanford study by Diamond et al. on San Francisco rent control, NYC rent stabilization data, academic journals, and Urban Land Institute reports. The study draws on housing economics, urban policy, tenant rights law, and public finance. It aims to assess the overall trade-offs and real-world impacts of rent control policies.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in policy and related topics, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!