Top 14 Summer Government Internships for High School Students
Summer internships are a great way for high school students interested in government to build skills, gain industry exposure, and make connections. These internships let you explore public service, law, and policy, offering insight into how decisions are made at all levels of government. From working on legal cases to contributing to community projects, you will gain practical experience that goes beyond the classroom.
Many summer government internships for high schoolers offer stipends, which is another benefit. Top colleges and government agencies run these opportunities, making them reliable and well-structured. Whether you're planning to study law, public policy, or international relations, a summer internship can give you clarity on your future career path.
We’ve rounded up the top 14 summer government internships for high school students, with both in-person and virtual options. Every program listed is run by, or affiliated with, a government agency to ensure meaningful experience.
1. Washington State Legislature Page Program
Location: Olympia, WA (Capitol Campus)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; hundreds of applications received annually
Dates: 1-week sessions between January and April (odd years) and January and March (even years)
Application Deadline: Applications open in November; close approximately 5 weeks before the session ends
Eligibility: Washington State residents, aged 14–16, with a teacher and principal recommendation
Cost/Stipend: $65 per day stipend (optional if no Social Security card is provided)
The Washington State Legislature Page Program gives students a week-long look at state government in action. Pages assist with delivering materials across the Capitol campus, support offices, work on the chamber floor, and help carry flags during each day’s legislative session. A key part of the experience is Page School, where you will learn about the legislative process and how state government functions. Selected pages are sponsored by legislators and gain exposure to the inner workings of state lawmaking. The program offers a structured balance of work and education and is considered one of the top civic internships for students in Washington.
2. NYC Office of the Mayor Internship Program
Location: New York City (in-person)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; varies by department
Dates: Summer: June – August | Fall/Spring: September – April
Application Deadline: Summer: Typically March | Fall/Spring: TBA
Eligibility: Summer: High school students (16+) | Fall/Spring: NYC residents only, 16+
Cost/Stipend: $16.50/hour
This internship offers high school students exposure to the inner workings of city government. Interns are placed within various mayoral offices and departments, working on tasks like research, data analysis, event planning, and community outreach. The program also includes a bi-weekly Speaker Series with city leaders, offering insight into public policy and urban governance. You will collaborate with staff on initiatives that impact millions of New Yorkers and participate in a service project designed to support local communities.
3. NASA OSTEM Internship Program
Location: Various NASA centres across the U.S. (some virtual roles may be available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; varies by site
Dates: Fall: September – December | Spring: January – May | Summer: May/June – August
Application Deadline: Fall: May 16 | Spring: September 12 | Summer: February 27
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, high school students (16+), 3.0 GPA minimum
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (hourly rate varies by role and location)
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship provides high school students with the opportunity to work alongside scientists, engineers, and professionals at NASA centers. Interns participate in projects that contribute to NASA’s core missions in space exploration, aeronautics, and technology development. The program is open to a wide range of interests. You can engage in engineering, computer science, business, communications, and other fields. You will receive mentorship, practical training, and the opportunity to build technical and professional skills in a professional setting.
4. U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Dates: Fall (Sep–Dec), Spring (Jan–May), Summer (May–Aug)
Deadlines: Fall: June | Spring: Oct | Summer: Dec
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled/accepted at an accredited institution
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
You can gain firsthand experience in economic policy, finance, and public service with this internship in Washington, D.C. Interns work across Treasury offices, handling tasks such as data analysis, briefing preparation, attending hearings, and supporting projects in finance, law, or communications. This internship is an excellent fit if you’re interested in government, economics, or law and want exposure to federal operations.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Dates: Spring, Summer I & II, Fall (varies by year)
Deadlines: Varies by senator’s office
Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents, 16–17 years old, minimum 3.0 GPA
Cost/Stipend: Pro-rated from ~$35K/year, housing and meals included
This is a prestigious program that allows high school juniors and seniors to assist with the daily operations of the Senate. Pages deliver correspondence, prepare the Senate chamber, and work on the floor during sessions. You will also attend Page School. You’ll live in Washington, D.C., gaining a close-up view of government in action.
6. Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP)
Location: Various cities across the U.S. (including Washington D.C., New York, Chicago, Miami, and more)
Dates: 6 weeks, typically May–June
Deadlines: January 10 (may vary slightly by year)
Eligibility: High school students from underrepresented groups (e.g., minority, LGBTQ+, low-income, first-gen)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $2,000 stipend
JIOP is a highly respected summer internship that places high school students in the chambers of federal or state judges across the U.S. As an intern, you will assist with legal research, attend court proceedings, and gain insight into the judicial system. The program focuses on students from underrepresented backgrounds and offers a great opportunity for those considering a legal career.
7. BLM Pathways Internship Program
Location: Various BLM offices across the U.S.
Dates: Year-round (based on project and cohort)
Deadlines: Varies by position on USAJobs.gov
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, 16+, enrolled at least half-time in a qualifying institution
Cost/Stipend: Paid (typically $16–$20/hour); no program fee
This is a paid federal internship for students interested in conservation, public lands, and environmental management. You will work with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on projects ranging from fieldwork to office-based roles. You will also receive mentorship and professional development. This internship is ideal if you're passionate about nature, policy, or land stewardship.
8. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program
Location: New York City
Dates: Summer (typically 6–8 weeks)
Deadlines: Applications usually open in winter; check the NYC Bar website for updates
Eligibility: NYC public high school students (priority for rising seniors)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (stipend amount varies; funding support available for host organisations)
This is a long-running program for New York City public high school students interested in the legal profession. Participants intern at law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and non-profits, gaining exposure to the legal system while building professional skills. The program also includes career development workshops and networking events.
9. NIH HiSTEP (High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program)
Location: NIH main campus, Bethesda, MD
Dates: July 7 – August 7 (Tuesdays–Thursdays)
Deadlines: Applications usually close in February/March
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders, 17+ by June 1; must attend a qualifying school (30%+ free/reduced lunch); live within 40 miles of Bethesda; minimum 3.0 GPA (2.75+ considered with improvement)
Cost/Stipend: Paid stipend (adjusted annually)
HiSTEP is a career exploration program for rising 12th graders interested in science and biomedical research. It offers lectures, lab tours, group projects, and college prep workshops to build career readiness and introduce you to the NIH environment. This is not a full-time research placement but focuses on exposure and training.
10. Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) – USDA Forest Service
Location: Nationwide (varies by forest/region)
Dates: 1–3 months during summer
Deadlines: Varies by location (check the regional map for openings)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents, 15–18 years old, valid Social Security Number, state work permit if required
Cost/Stipend: Paid (federal or state minimum wage, whichever is higher)
This is a summer program where students work on conservation projects across U.S. national forests and public lands. You will earn wages while building trails, restoring habitats, removing invasive species, and learning green career skills. YCC offers a unique chance to work outdoors, develop environmental stewardship, and connect with conservation professionals
Location: Various AFRL sites across the U.S. (in-person)
Dates: 10–12 weeks (typically summer; varies by site)
Deadlines: Varies by site; applications usually open in October/November
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, high school juniors/seniors (16+), strong STEM interest
Cost/Stipend: Paid; stipend varies by site and education level
The AFRL Scholars Program is a competitive STEM internship that allows high school students to conduct research alongside Air Force Research Laboratory scientists and engineers. You will work on aerospace, engineering, and technology projects, gaining experience in a professional lab setting. The program is designed to inspire future scientists and engineers and offers a rare look inside government-funded innovation.
12. Foreign Policy Research Institute Internship Program
Location: Remote or in-person (Philadelphia, PA)
Dates: Spring: February – May | Summer: June – August | Fall: September – December
Deadlines: Spring: Typically November | Summer: March 1 | Fall: Typically July
Eligibility: U.S.-based high school students with work authorization
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid (10 paid stipends available for Summer based on financial need)
This is a competitive internship for high school students interested in international relations, security studies, and foreign policy research. Interns work with scholars and professionals on research, communications, events, or operations, gaining exposure to policy work. The program includes weekly seminars with guest speakers, access to FPRI’s events, and the chance to publish research on the Intern Corner blog.
13. USC Center for the Political Future High School Summer Internship
Location: Virtual or in-person (Los Angeles, CA)
Dates: June 1 – August 1
Deadlines: Applications open in spring (dates TBA)
Eligibility: High school students (not graduating seniors), 3.5+ GPA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; scholarships may be available for USC students in other CPF programs
The University of Southern California’s Political Future internship is a competitive summer program that exposes high school students to politics, public policy, and environmental legislation. Interns work on two significant projects: a legislative policy memo and a legislative process analysis, focusing on a bill of their choice related to environmental policy or sustainability. The program simulates a collegiate internship experience, offering insight into lawmaking and policy development
14. Democracy Maine Youth Council Internship
Location: Remote and in-person (Maine-based)
Dates: Fall: September – December | Spring: January – May | Summer: June – August
Deadlines: Fall: September 21 | Spring: January 19 | Summer: May 16
Eligibility: High school students across Maine; 15+ (work permit required if under 16)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $15/hour
The Democracy Maine Youth Council internship is a flexible, paid internship for high school students interested in civic engagement, voter education, and community organizing. Interns host awareness events, create public service announcements (PSAs), build newsletters, and collaborate on nonpartisan campaigns. The program allows you to tailor your experience to suit your needs. For example, you can focus on communications, youth organizing, or advocacy. It also offers opportunities to connect with policymakers and activists across Maine.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!