15 Best Political Science Summer Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high school student curious about politics, law, or international affairs, a summer program in political science can be a great way to explore your interests before college. These programs introduce you to topics like diplomacy, civic leadership, and public policy while helping you build skills in research, debate, and critical thinking. They’re also a great addition to your college applications, showing initiative and academic curiosity.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 15 of the best political science summer programs for high school students.
15 Best Political Science Summer Programs for High School Students
1. 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 2025: September 1–January 23 | Spring 2026: 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’ll have an opportunity to participate in the daily operations of the U.S. Senate while living in Washington, D.C. You’ll spend your days on Capitol Hill delivering legislative materials, preparing the Senate chamber, and assisting during roll call votes and debates. This experience gives you a look at how the legislative process unfolds, alongside students from across the country. You'll be required to be sponsored by a U.S. senator to apply, and only about 30 pages are selected for each session. Pages also take part in educational trips around D.C. during Senate recesses.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on program
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August)
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Eligibility: High school students (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3/4); No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
In the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, you can conduct research in political science or related fields under the one-on-one mentorship of a Ph.D. mentor. This 12-week program is designed to help you independently develop and complete a full-length research paper on a topic of your choice, whether it’s political theory, international relations, or public policy. In addition to political science, you can also choose from a range of disciplines, including economics, law, engineering, and history. You'll build critical thinking and writing skills, and your final paper may even be suitable for submission to academic competitions or journals.
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 authorized to work in the US are eligible to apply
For those interested in global affairs, FPRI’s high school internships can give you exposure to foreign policy research and professional development. You are matched with scholars in areas like the Middle East, Asia, or Eurasia, and may assist with research, writing, event planning, communications, or operations, depending on the position. These roles help you build skills in analysis, time management, and collaboration while working with a respected think tank. You’ll also participate in weekly career seminars and have the chance to attend virtual or in-person events with policy experts. You can choose remote or on-site options, but certain positions, like events or communications, may require a local presence in Philadelphia.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Application date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA)
In the Horizon Academic Research Program, you’ll be guided through the process of conducting academic research under the mentorship of university faculty. The program runs across academic trimesters and allows you to specialize in areas like political theory, law, or international relations. You’ll work toward writing a research paper (typically around 20 pages) supported by one-on-one mentoring and feedback throughout the term. The program accommodates both qualitative and quantitative research. You’ll also receive a letter of recommendation and gain experience in scholarly writing for future applications or publishing.
5. 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: Add
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
The Politics, Law, & Economics session of Yale Young Global Scholars is directed towards students interested in systems of governance, legal institutions, and economic theories. Through seminars and lectures, you’ll explore topics like public policy, market regulation, international diplomacy, and human rights. You'll engage with peers from around the world to examine global challenges through different lenses. Faculty members lead sessions on issues, ranging from game theory to constitutional interpretation. The program’s instruction is discussion-based rather than graded, focusing on intellectual growth and global awareness.
6. 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 before your summer program with a minimum 2.0 GPA
At the American Politics Academy hosted by Georgetown University, you’ll work on analyzing the structure and function of the U.S. government through a series of lectures, simulations, and guided discussions. The curriculum explores all three branches of government and covers topics like public opinion, special interest groups, party politics, and foreign policy. You'll participate in mock congressional debates and simulations that challenge you to think critically about legislative decision-making. Guest speakers often include policymakers, lobbyists, and Capitol Hill staff who offer insight into political dynamics. Sessions are full days that include both structured class time and interactive projects.
7. 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
During Summer@Brown, you can choose from a variety of political science and government-related courses, ranging from international relations to political economy and legal studies. These non-credit courses are designed to simulate the academic environment of college without the pressure of formal grading. You’ll take one course over a one- to four-week session and attend classes taught by university instructors in small-group settings. Topics change annually but often include current issues like Supreme Court decisions, politics in the media, and the global impact of technology on governance. Outside class, you’ll take part in optional workshops and events, giving you a taste of campus life.
8. 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 gives you a chance to live and study on campus while taking a non-credit course in subjects like political theory, American law, or international policy. Each course meets daily and maintains a small class size, encouraging interaction with instructors and classmates. You’ll explore topics through reading, debate, and discussion, and receive written evaluations. Beyond academics, the program includes social and extracurricular activities to help you experience what college life is like. At the end, you’ll receive a transcript that marks your completion of the program along with qualitative feedback from your instructor.
9. 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 initiative open to high school juniors and seniors with strong academic records. You can pursue a research project in political science, international relations, or law under the guidance of a university faculty mentor. The program includes weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips to enrich your understanding of the research process and its applications. You’ll live on campus, engage with other students, and work toward producing a research report by the program’s end.
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 - June 21 | June 25 - July 3
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in grades 9-12
At the NSLC’s Political Action & Public Policy program, you’ll step into the role of a policymaker through simulations like mock Senate sessions, campaign strategy labs, and lobbying exercises. You’ll engage with guest speakers from various sectors of government and advocacy who provide insight into their professional experiences. The curriculum includes leadership workshops that help build communication, resilience, and collaboration skills that are applicable beyond politics. You’ll also go on field trips to political institutions or historical landmarks, depending on the program’s location. While participating, you can also opt into an online college credit opportunity through a partnership with American University.
11. 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
Students considering a career in law or the judicial system can choose JIOP, which offers a chance to gain exposure to court operations. Sponsored by the American Bar Association, this internship places students into chambers of state or federal judges around the U.S. You’ll observe court proceedings, assist with legal research, and help draft case materials under the supervision of experienced legal professionals. The program is designed to introduce you to the workings of the legal system and expand your understanding of how judges reach decisions. JIOP also provides networking opportunities and access to resources such as newsletters, webinars, and alumni mentorship.
12. Internships and Career Development – USC Center 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
This summer internship, offered through the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, allows high school students to explore policy research and advocacy in an entirely virtual format. The program centers on current environmental legislation. You'll be tasked with choosing a bill at the local, state, or federal level (whether it’s active, dead, or passed) to analyze from both a legislative and policy perspective. You’ll complete two main assignments: a policy memo and a legislative process analysis, both of which will be edited based on feedback from program administrators. The program includes five mandatory online check-ins, and your final work may be published on the institute’s site. Those who fulfill all requirements receive official recognition as research interns for both the USC Center for the Political Future and the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability.
13. Political Science Summer Institute, 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 9–11 in Spring 2025) and at least 15 years old
Hosted by the Department of Political Science at UCLA, this three-week program offers an academic introduction to American politics. You'll earn five units of college credit by participating in lectures, assignments, and career development events. The coursework focuses on the foundations of collective action, political institutions, and policy-making in the U.S., using both historical context and current political debates. Alongside traditional classwork, the program includes career panels featuring guest speakers who discuss various professional paths in political science, from law and academia to government and advocacy. You’ll also be introduced to basic research methods used by political scientists.
14. 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 the University of Pennsylvania’s Social Justice Research Academy, you’ll join a summer program that examines social justice issues through the lens of politics, history, and culture. The program explores a wide range of themes–from the abolition movement and civil rights to contemporary struggles involving immigration policy, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental justice. You’ll attend daily lectures and workshops for three weeks led by faculty and guest speakers, with discussion and debate. The program also includes site visits to important historical and cultural locations in Philadelphia, along with access to Penn’s academic resources. Your final project will involve developing a research question and proposing a solution or action plan in either an academic or creative format.
15. 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 high school students a chance to experience public service at the municipal level by working within a department that matches their interests. If selected, you’ll assist with projects ranging from research and data analysis to drafting reports, attending meetings, or helping with outreach. The program includes a bi-weekly speaker series where you’ll hear directly from city officials, including Deputy Mayors and program directors, about how local government operates. There’s also a service component, where you can collaborate on a project aimed at benefiting underserved communities in New York City, such as park clean-ups or food distribution events.
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