14 Free Political Science Internships for High School Students
If you’re interested in how governments make decisions, public policies take shape, and advocacy drives change, political science internships can give you a good introduction to the field. These programs help you move beyond textbooks and experience careers in politics, public policy, and civic engagement. These internships are free or even paid, making them an accessible way to build professional skills. Through these internships, you can strengthen your research, communication, and leadership abilities while working alongside professionals in government, nonprofits, and advocacy groups.
Participating in a political science internship can strengthen your college applications by showing initiative. For students interested in law, public service, or international relations, these experiences provide valuable connections and insights into how decisions are made and policies take shape.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled 14 of the best free political science internships for high school students.
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program (100% financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week
The Ladder Internship Program connects high school students with startups and nonprofits around the world for an eight-week remote internship that blends mentorship and project-based learning. You’ll work closely with teams working in areas such as policy, law, and civic engagement, contributing to real-world projects that might involve research, communications, or advocacy initiatives. Each intern receives guidance from a Startup Manager and a Ladder Coach, ensuring meaningful progress and mentorship throughout the experience. Beyond the day-to-day work, you’ll also build essential skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation. The program culminates in a final showcase, where you’ll present your work to company leaders and mentors. Apply now!
2. U.S. Senate Page Program
Location: Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Monthly stipend based on a $35,360 annual salary
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, 30 positions available
Dates: Summer Session I: June 8–27 | 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
The U.S. Senate Page Program gives high school students an opportunity to experience the inner workings of the U.S. government from the center of action – Washington, DC. As a Senate Page, you’ll help keep the legislative process running smoothly by delivering legislative materials, preparing the Senate chamber for sessions, and supporting senators during debates and votes. Applicants must be sponsored by a U.S. senator, and selection is highly competitive. While living with other Pages in the capital, you’ll balance early-morning classes with long workdays on Capitol Hill. The experience also includes field trips and cultural opportunities throughout D.C.
3. Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP)
Location: Various locations in California, Illinois, and Texas, and cities such as 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 (JIOP), run by the American Bar Association, offers high school students a chance to step inside the judicial system and see how courts really work. Over six weeks, you’ll be placed in the chambers of state or federal judges across the United States. As a student intern, you’ll assist with legal research, observe court proceedings, and help draft case materials under the supervision of judges and clerks. The program promotes diversity in the legal field, encouraging students from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Beyond the internship itself, you’ll take part in orientations, webinars, and mentorship sessions with legal professionals who can offer advice on law school and career paths.
4. Democracy Maine Youth Council Internship
Location: Remote and in-person in Maine
Cost/Stipend: None | $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Fall: September – December; Spring: January – April; Summer: May – August
Application deadline: Fall: September 19; Spring: January 16; Summer: May 15
Eligibility: High school students across Maine (15+); Work permit required if under 16
The Democracy Maine Youth Council Internship gives high school students a chance to turn their passion for civic action into real impact. As an intern, you’ll work on projects that promote voter education, equity, and youth participation in democracy. You might host awareness events, produce newsletters, or create public service announcements about voter registration and civic rights. The internship also helps in developing facilitation, public speaking, and community organizing skills – tools essential for future political or social leaders. With only a few interns selected each term, participants work closely with staff mentors to understand how state laws are made and how youth can influence policy.
5. United States Senate Youth Program
Location: Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: No cost | $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: March 7 – 14
Application deadline: December 1
Eligibility: Must be a legal permanent resident or citizen of the United States at the time of application and enrolled in high school as a qualified junior or senior and living in the state (and for these purposes, the District of Columbia), they will represent for the entire academic year
The United States Senate Youth Program brings together two high-achieving student leaders from every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity for an unforgettable week in Washington, D.C. During ‘Washington Week,’ you will meet senators, cabinet members, and Supreme Court justices while attending briefings at key federal institutions. The program covers all travel and living expenses, and each participant receives a $10,000 scholarship to support future studies in political science, history, or public service. To qualify for the program, students must hold elected or appointed leadership positions in their schools or communities.
6. New York City Office of the Mayor Internship Program
Location: New York City
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $16.50/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 New York City Office of the Mayor Internship Program gives high school students a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the world’s largest cities is run. As an intern, you’ll be placed in a city department, based on your interests, whether that’s policy research, data analysis, event planning, or public outreach. Throughout the internship, you’ll attend a bi-weekly speaker series featuring senior city officials, including deputy mayors and commissioners, who share how city policies are shaped and implemented. Beyond office work, you’ll collaborate on a community service project designed to support underserved neighborhoods – past initiatives have included park cleanups and volunteer drives. The program also includes tours of city facilities, giving you a broad understanding of urban governance and public administration.
7. Mikva Summer Fellows Program
Location: Various offices across Chicago, Illinois
Cost/Stipend: None | $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 50 students
Dates: 6 weeks between June and August
Application deadline: Unspecified
Eligibility: Open to Chicago students between the ages of 16 and 22 by July 1
The Mikva Summer Fellows Program is a six-week paid internship that gives Chicago high school students firsthand experience working in the government. From June and August, you’ll spend around 30 hours per week in the offices of city, county, state, or federal officials. You’ll earn $17 per hour through funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services Youth Investment Program. Fellows assist government staff with policy research, public outreach, and administrative projects, while attending weekly workshops on civic leadership and workplace readiness. The Mikva Challenge also partners with the Chicago Board of Elections to train and employ high school students as election judges, giving you direct experience in civic participation.
8. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Cost/Stipend: No cost | $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
Hosted by Texas Tech University, the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a seven-week residential research experience for academically strong high school juniors and seniors. As a Clark Scholar, you’ll work with university faculty on an independent research project in your chosen field, including political science, law, and international relations. You’ll also attend weekly seminars, field trips, and discussions designed to expand your understanding of research methods and real-world applications. The program concludes with a final report or presentation, where you’ll share your findings with peers and faculty.
9. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute
Location: Remote and in-person (Philadelphia, PA) options available
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: CompetitiveDates: Spring: February - May, Summer: June - August, and Fall: September -December
Application deadline: Not specified. Click here for more details.
Eligibility: High school students authorised to work in the U.S.
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers free political science internships for high school students interested in international relations, security studies, and public policy research. As an intern, you’ll be paired with a scholar specializing in topics such as Eurasian politics, national security, or Middle Eastern affairs and assist with research, writing, and event coordination. In addition to your research work, you’ll attend weekly seminars featuring guest experts that cover both foreign policy topics and professional development. This program gives you an insider’s view of how think tanks contribute to policy-making. Interns may also have their work published on FPRI’s Intern Corner, a publication platform dedicated to showcasing student research.
10. Internships and Career Development – USC Centre for the Political Future
Location: Los Angeles, CA or virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Unpaid
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 Center for the Political Future offers a virtual free political science internship for high school students focused on environmental and sustainability policy analysis. You’ll choose a local, state, or federal bill and complete two main assignments: a legislative policy memo and a process analysis. Throughout the internship, you’ll join five online check-ins for mentorship, feedback, and academic support from USC faculty and staff. This experience connects you to USC’s political and sustainability communities, offering a unique look into how policies are shaped. Successful participants earn recognition as research interns from both the Center for the Political Future and the Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability, and outstanding work may even be published on the institute’s website.
11. U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, DC
Stipend: Unpaid
Dates: Spring: January-May | Summer: May-August | Fall: September-December
Application deadlines: October (Spring) | December (Summer) | June (Fall)
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program is an opportunity for high school students interested in government, economics, and policy analysis to experience the heart of federal decision-making in Washington, DC. As an intern, you’ll work across various Treasury offices, assisting with data collection, research, and report preparation on topics tied to financial stability and economic policy. You may attend congressional hearings, draft briefing materials for senior officials, or help organize high-level meetings – gaining firsthand experience of how national economic policy is shaped.
12. The Borgen Project – Political Affairs Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free | Unpaid (college credit may be available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive hiring process
Dates: New programs begin every month
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Suited for high school students with strong communication skills
The Borgen Project’s Political Affairs Internship is a remote, part-time program that introduces high school students to advocacy and international policy work. You’ll conduct outreach to elected officials, write letters to policymakers and media, and lead small fundraising or awareness campaigns focused on global poverty reduction. You’ll also represent The Borgen Project at community and political events, learning how grassroots advocacy can influence foreign policy decisions. The program is all about building your communication, leadership, and public advocacy skills, offering practical experience in mobilizing support for humanitarian issues.
13. Pasquines Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Ongoing (internships available for indefinite periods)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: All high school students
The Pasquines Internship is a virtual journalism and public policy program centered on U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As an intern, you’ll research and write articles that explore how national and international policies affect these regions, with a focus on issues often underrepresented in mainstream media. You’ll collaborate with editors and peers in a remote newsroom environment, contributing to the publication’s mission of boosting civic awareness and engagement. The program typically requires at least two hours per week, making it a flexible option for busy students who still want a meaningful experience. Along the way, you’ll develop your skills in research, writing, and policy analysis, while learning how journalism can shape political change.
14. TurnUp Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free and unpaid; Hours can count towards community service or school credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Flexible start dates; New cohorts begin each month
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students
The TurnUp Internship Program connects high school and college students from across the country through virtual teams dedicated to civic engagement and social activism. As an intern, you’ll work on projects such as voter registration drives, grassroots organizing, and research on social and political issues. Further, you’ll participate in workshops and discussions led by guest speakers while writing reflections that encourage critical thinking about civic participation. Beyond advocacy work, the program helps you develop communication, leadership, and public speaking skills through collaboration with peers across the country.
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