15 Political Science Programs for High School Students
Ever wondered how laws are made, why governments act the way they do, or what it takes to shape public policy? If so, a political science program can give you a chance to explore those questions in depth in high school. These programs are designed to move beyond textbooks, letting you experience debates, research, simulations, and even internships that mirror political processes. Along the way, you’ll build practical skills like critical thinking, political analysis, and public speaking, while also gaining insight into careers in law, government, and international relations. Plenty of such opportunities are conducted by universities, research centers, and professional organizations, which means you’ll be learning in environments that carry academic and professional weight.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve gathered a list of 15 political science opportunities available to high schoolers today.
1. Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) by ABA
Location: Various locations in California, Illinois, and Texas, and cities like DC, Miami, and New York
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Judicial Intern Opportunity Program, run by the American Bar Association, places you in the chambers of state and federal judges across the U.S. so you can observe how the legal system operates. As an intern, you’ll attend court sessions, assist with case research, and help draft documents under the supervision of legal professionals. The program is designed to introduce you to the judicial process and the responsibilities of judges in deciding cases. Beyond the internship itself, JIOP connects participants with newsletters, webinars, and alumni mentors, offering continued access to professional resources. Since the placements are spread across different courts, your experience will depend on where you are assigned, but in every case, you’ll gain exposure to the daily work that shapes the legal system.
2. Veritas AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); Fall application deadline is August 31
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
The Veritas AI Fellowship pairs you with a university mentor to design and complete an original project in artificial intelligence over the course of 12–15 weeks. What makes it flexible is that you can choose to apply AI to a topic you care about, including areas connected to political science, like analysing voting patterns, studying the spread of misinformation, or exploring trends in public opinion. You’ll meet one-on-one with your mentor to shape your research question, identify the right tools and models, and troubleshoot your code as the project develops. The fellowship emphasises independent learning while giving you guidance at every step, from brainstorming ideas to refining your final product. At the end, you’ll showcase your project and potentially prepare it for publication with the program’s support.
3. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute
Location: Remote and in-person (Philadelphia, PA) options available
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Spring: February to May, Summer: June to August, and Fall: September to December
Application deadline: Not specified. Click here for more details.
Eligibility: High school students authorised to work in the US are eligible to apply
FPRI offers internships for students interested in international relations and global policy issues. As an intern, you’ll be paired with a scholar in a regional or thematic field—such as Middle East studies, national security, or Eurasian politics—and assist with tasks like research, writing, event coordination, or communications. The program is structured to help you strengthen professional skills like time management and critical analysis while also exposing you to the day-to-day work of a think tank. Weekly seminars with guest speakers focus on career development and foreign policy topics, adding another layer to your experience. Interns also have the chance to contribute articles to FPRI’s Intern Corner, giving them a platform to share their ideas publicly.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on program
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August). Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Eligibility: High school students (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3/4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week research opportunity where you will work one-on-one with a PhD mentor to design and complete your own academic project. You will choose the topic, which means you can dive into political science questions like democracy and governance, global conflict, or public policy, or even combine politics with related fields such as economics or history. Weekly meetings with your mentor help you develop your research idea, refine your methodology, and strengthen your writing skills as you build toward a full-length paper. Along the way, you’ll also receive support from writing coaches and gain exposure to academic practices that mirror what undergraduates and graduate students do. The end product is an independent research paper that may even be suitable for competitions or publication.
5. U.S. Senate Page Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: No cost; monthly stipend based on a $35,360 annual salary
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, 30 positions available
Dates: Summer Session I: June 8–June 27 | Summer Session II: July 8–August 1 | Fall: September 1–January 23 | Spring: January 25–June 5
Application deadline: Click here for details.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents (with SSN), 16-17 years old by appointment date, rising juniors/seniors, 3.0 GPA minimum, health assessment & insurance required
As a Senate Page, you become part of the daily operations of the United States Senate in Washington, D.C., working directly on Capitol Hill. Your responsibilities range from delivering legislative materials to assisting senators during debates and roll call votes, giving you an inside look at how laws are made. Pages also prepare the Senate chamber for sessions and support floor activity, which puts you at the centre of national decision-making. To apply, you’ll need sponsorship from a U.S. senator, and only about 30 students are chosen for each session, making it highly selective. While living with other pages in D.C., you’ll experience life in the capital while balancing your academic work with hands-on civic engagement.
6. Internships and Career Development – USC Centre for the Political Future
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: June 1 – August 1
Application deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students with at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible (seniors who are about to graduate cannot apply)
The USC Dornsife Centre for the Political Future runs a summer internship program for high school students that focuses on analysing environmental policy and sustainability legislation. Conducted virtually, the program asks you to choose a bill at the local, state, or federal level—whether active or archived—and complete two detailed assignments: a legislative policy memo and a process analysis. You’ll receive feedback throughout, with five required online check-ins to help guide your work. The program also connects you to USC’s political community by offering recognition as a research intern for both the Centre for the Political Future and the Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability. By the end, your projects may even be published on the institute’s site, giving you a chance to showcase your analysis and communication skills.
7. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Stipend: $750 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, 12 students
Dates: June 22 - August 7
Application deadline: February 24
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 by the start date
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a seven-week summer research experience for high-achieving juniors and seniors, and it allows you to design an independent project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. While many participants choose areas like biology, engineering, or the arts, you can also pursue a topic in political science, law, or international relations if that aligns with your interests. During the program, you’ll attend seminars, discussions, and field trips that broaden your perspective on research and its applications. Living on campus, you’ll collaborate with a small group of peers while working intensively on your own project that concludes with a final report or presentation.
8. New York City Office of the Mayor Internship Program
Location: New York City
Cost: No cost; $16.50 per hour (paid hourly)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Low
Dates: July 7–August 29 (summer term)
Application deadline: March 30
Eligibility: You must be at least 16 years old, live in New York City (for fall and spring internships), have work papers at the time you apply, and be in high school or already accepted into college
The NYC Mayor’s Office Internship Program gives you the chance to see how city government works by placing you in a department aligned with your interests, from policy and communications to community engagement. During the internship, you’ll assist staff with projects such as research, data analysis, drafting reports, or outreach, depending on your placement. A speaker series brings you face-to-face with senior officials like commissioners and deputy mayors, offering insight into how decisions are made at the municipal level. Beyond office work, you’ll participate in a service project aimed at improving local communities, which could involve efforts like restoring parks, planting trees, or organising volunteer initiatives. The program also includes tours of government facilities across the city, giving you a broader perspective on public service in action.
9. Hoya Summer High School Sessions – American Politics Academy
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: $3,525 (est.)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: June 8–14
Application deadline: Mid-April
Eligibility: Open to current 8th–12th graders during the academic year prior to your summer program with a minimum 2.0 GPA
Georgetown University’s American Politics Academy focuses on the structure and function of the U.S. government, blending classroom lectures with simulations and debates. You’ll explore how the three branches of government interact, the role of political parties and interest groups, and the ways public opinion influences policy decisions. The program includes experiences like mock congressional hearings, where you will step into the shoes of legislators to test your understanding of political processes. Guest speakers such as policymakers, lobbyists, and Capitol Hill staff share insights about national issues and campaign strategies. Alongside this, you’ll take part in discussions on topics like foreign policy, taxation, and the judiciary, guided by Georgetown faculty.
10. National Student Leadership Conference – Political Action & Public Policy
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: $4,095
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Add
Dates: June 13 - Jun 21 | June 25 - Jul 3
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in grades 9-12
At the NSLC Political Action & Public Policy program, you’ll step into the role of a policymaker through simulations that mirror the work of U.S. senators, campaign strategists, and lobbyists. Over the course of the session, you’ll learn how legislation is developed, how advocacy groups influence decision-making, and how citizens shape the political process. Guest speakers from government and advocacy backgrounds share their perspectives, giving you an insider’s view of the political field. In addition to the academic side, you’ll go on field trips to political institutions or landmarks and take part in leadership workshops focused on communication, teamwork, and resilience. The program also partners with American University to provide an option for earning college credit if you choose.
11. Summer@Brown – Political Science Courses
Location: Online, hybrid, or on-campus at Brown University campus, Providence, RI
Cost: Varies by course and format, check here.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: 1 to 6 weeks between June – August, depending on the course
Application deadline: May 9 (rolling)
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15
Summer@Brown gives you the opportunity to take non-credit college-level courses in areas that interest you, including several options tied to political science. Depending on the year, you might study topics such as race and democracy in the U.S., human rights and advocacy, or the role of politics in film and media. Courses run from one to four weeks, and classes are taught by Brown instructors in small groups designed to encourage discussion and critical thinking. Since there are no formal grades, the focus is on exploring ideas and gaining exposure to academic life rather than meeting strict requirements. Outside the classroom, you can join optional workshops and campus activities as well. At the end of your session, you’ll receive a digital certificate and a performance report if your course lasts at least two weeks.
12. Yale Young Global Scholars | Politics, Law, & Economics
Location: Yale University's campus, New Haven, CT
Cost: $6,500 + $75 – $90 application fee (need-based financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Session I: June 22 – July 4 | Session II: July 6 – 18 | Session III: July 20 – August 1
Application deadline: January 10 (rolling)
Eligibility: Must be between the ages of 16-18 by July 2; Current high school sophomores or juniors (or the international equivalent); See here for more details
At Yale Young Global Scholars, the Politics, Law, and Economics (PLE) track introduces you to some of the most pressing questions about governance, justice, and economic systems. Instead of graded assignments, the program focuses on collaborative learning through lectures, seminars, and breakout discussions led by Yale faculty and practitioners. You’ll engage with topics such as constitutional interpretation, public policy, international diplomacy, and human rights, while also practising analytical thinking through capstone projects and peer-led conversations. The interdisciplinary approach means you’ll be looking at global issues from political, legal, and economic perspectives at the same time. Beyond classroom sessions, you’ll also participate in symposiums and small-group activities that push you to connect theory to real-world challenges.
13. Political Science Summer Institute at UCLA
Location: In-person program at the Department of Political Science at UCLA
Cost: Program fee: $1,995, registration fee: $350, IEI fee: $61, and document fee (for first-time Summer Sessions students): $50. Scholarship available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 23–July 11
Application deadline: June 13
Eligibility: You must be a California high school student (grades 9–12 in the spring) and at least 15 years old
The Political Science Summer Institute at UCLA is a three-week program where you’ll earn five units of college credit while studying the foundations of American politics. The curriculum introduces you to how collective action, institutions, and public policies shape government, using examples from both history and current events. Class sessions combine lectures with discussions, giving you a chance to apply concepts to real-world political debates. Career panels with guest speakers highlight different paths you can take with a background in political science, from law and public service to research and international relations. Graduate and undergraduate mentors are also part of the program, offering guidance as you navigate the academic side.
14. Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program – Law, Politics, Philosophy, and History
Location: Harvard campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Session I: June 22–July 3 | Session II: July 6–18 | Session III: July 20–August 1
Application deadline: February 12
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by June 21 and will not turn 19 years old before July 31
Harvard’s Pre-College Program is a two-week summer experience where you will live on campus and take one non-credit course in a subject of your choice, with options ranging from international relations and political theory to topics like health policy and organised crime. Classes are kept small, usually around 15 students, so you’ll have the chance to actively participate in discussions and debates with your instructor and peers. Instead of grades, you’ll receive written feedback that highlights your progress and engagement with the material. The program balances academics with activities outside the classroom, giving you time to explore campus resources and connect with other students through social events. At the end, you’ll receive a transcript marking your participation and an evaluation from your instructor.
15. University of Pennsylvania’s Social Justice Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,949 + $100 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: July 5 – 26
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Open to current 9th–11th grade students
At Penn’s Social Justice Research Academy, you’ll spend three weeks examining major issues of inequality and resistance through political, historical, and cultural lenses. Each day includes lectures and workshops led by faculty and guest speakers, covering subjects like immigration policy, climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and voting access, alongside discussions of historical movements such as abolition and civil rights. You’ll also take part in site visits to Philadelphia landmarks like the National Constitution Centre and various community organisations, which connect classroom learning to activism. Access to Penn’s academic resources, including libraries and digital platforms, supports your coursework and research. The program ends with a capstone project, where you develop a research question and propose an action plan or creative project around themes of social justice.
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