11 Online Political Internships for High School Students

Taking part in an internship while still in high school can help you gain experience that goes beyond classroom learning, whether it’s through research, communication, or teamwork. These experiences can enhance your resume and college applications, giving you a competitive edge. Internships also allow you to test out a field of interest before committing to it, offering insight into whether it aligns with your goals and preferences.

For high school students interested in government, policy, or civic engagement, online political internships are an excellent way to get started. They make it possible to work with organizations, think tanks, and advocacy groups from anywhere, removing barriers like travel or relocation. Through these internships, you can explore your interest in politics while gaining exposure to the practical side of civic life. 

To make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of 11 of the best online political internships for high school students, highlighting opportunities that provide meaningful experiences and accessible ways to get involved.

11 Online Political Internships for High School Students

1. USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future: High School Summer Internship Program

Location: Virtual 
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 1 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 19 
Eligibility: High school students with at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible (seniors who are about to graduate cannot apply)

If you want to see how politics connects to environmental issues, the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future runs a summer internship that you can do fully online. In this program, you select a bill focused on sustainability or environmental policy and then complete two in-depth projects: a legislative policy memo and a legislative process analysis. You’ll also take part in scheduled check-ins, submit written assignments, and revise your work based on detailed feedback. One major component of the program is analyzing the Climate Forward Conference through essays and reports, which helps you practice college-level research and writing. To participate, you need parental permission and must be able to commit to attending all required sessions.

2. Ladder Internships

Location: Remote
Cost: Varies (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students 

Through the Ladder Internship Program, you will spend eight weeks working online with a fast-growing start-up while also being guided by a professional mentor and a Ladder coach. You’ll also get the chance to develop professional skills. The companies you can be matched with span a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, journalism, and consulting. If your interest leans toward politics or policy, you can apply to be placed with organizations that work directly in these areas, allowing you to focus on issues such as civic engagement, advocacy, or government-related research. As an intern, you will be expected to contribute to real projects and present your work to company leaders. 

3. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute

Location: Virtual 
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; Limited stipends offered
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Spring: February – May; Summer: June – August; Fall: September – December
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the U.S. 

At the Foreign Policy Research Institute, you will have the chance to engage with scholars and professionals who study global politics and international relations. As an intern, you’ll contribute to research on topics such as national security, foreign policy, and diplomacy while developing skills like policy writing, data analysis, and critical research. The experience also includes seminars where guest speakers discuss current issues and career paths in politics and global affairs. You’ll also be paired with a mentor who’ll guide you through projects and help refine your writing and communication skills. Another unique feature is the opportunity to write a research paper that could be published on  FPRI’s Intern Corner.

4. The Borgen Project: Youth Ambassador/Advocate

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Around 5%
Dates: 3 months (new programs begin every month; you choose the month you wish to start)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students with strong communication skills

The Borgen Project’s Youth Ambassador program is an entry-level volunteer opportunity that introduces high school students to global advocacy and civic engagement. As a participant, you will represent The Borgen Project’s mission to fight global poverty by raising awareness in your communities and engaging others in the cause. Responsibilities include organizing fundraising campaigns, attending local events, and reaching out to government officials to support poverty-reduction initiatives. The role focuses on helping you develop communication, outreach, and leadership skills while encouraging you to understand how grassroots advocacy influences public policy. 

5. Pasquines Internship

Location: Virtual 
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by role
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students

If you’re interested in journalism as well as politics, the Pasquines internship lets you explore how policy affects U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa. This nonprofit news organization operates online, so you’ll work virtually while contributing articles and analysis that highlight political challenges in underrepresented regions. You’ll spend your time researching, writing, and editing pieces that connect local issues to national conversations, and you’ll collaborate with other interns to share perspectives. The internship has flexible hours, making it easier to balance with school responsibilities. 

6. Internships at EMILYs List

Location: Remote (hybrid options available)
Cost: $17.95/hour
Acceptance Rate: Competitive 
Dates: Spring, summer, and fall semesters
Application Deadline: Varies by semester
Eligibility: Graduated high school seniors

EMILYs List runs internships each spring, summer, and fall for students who want to learn more about political campaigns and communications. As an intern, you’ll work in one of several departments—campaigns, research, communications, or state and local campaigns—where responsibilities could include tasks like tracking legislation, compiling press materials, or preparing memos for candidates. The program also provides varied learning opportunities, including “brown bag” sessions where staff share insights about their career paths and campaign work. In addition to daily responsibilities, you’ll take part in EMILYs List’s Change the World training, which covers the basics of working on political campaigns.

7. Pathways Internship Programs

Location: Virtual 
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Flexible; Varies based on session and position
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in educational institutions (high school to graduate school levels); Must be 16+ and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0

The U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Program is designed for students at different educational levels, including high school, who want to gain paid experience in federal government roles. There are two types of positions: the Internship Experience Program (IEP), which runs alongside your academic program and can include federal employee benefits, and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP), which is usually seasonal or during school breaks. Both options involve real work at agencies across the country, with tasks ranging from administrative support to research and policy-related projects. Internship postings appear on USAJOBS throughout the year, and selections are made as positions open. While IEP interns may be eligible for promotions and long-term appointments, ITEP interns often work shorter assignments but can still apply for federal jobs later.

8. Democracy Maine Youth Council Internship

Location: Remote and in-person
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance Rate: 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

Through the Democracy Maine Youth Council Internship, you can take part in projects that focus on civic engagement and community change. Depending on your interests, you might choose to work on community organizing, communications, or youth-led initiatives, all while learning how laws are created at the state level. As an intern, you’ll create newsletters, plan awareness events, or design public service announcements aimed at encouraging civic participation among other young people. You’ll also get the chance to build skills in outreach, facilitation, and public speaking, which are essential for anyone interested in political or community leadership. Some interns focus specifically on topics like voting rights or equity and justice issues, helping spread awareness in their local areas.

9. PHC Group High School Summer Program

Location: Remote
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Varies by position
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors

The PHC Group High School Summer Program is a paid internship that combines leadership, community engagement, and public health in a virtual format. Created in memory of community leader Mary Miller, it invites rising juniors and seniors to work closely with senior leadership and the Public Health Director on projects that support the group’s mission. As an intern, you might attend planning meetings, craft social media content, conduct trend analysis, and monitor online interactions, all while contributing to team-based projects. You’ll also gain experience with tools like Microsoft Office and practice managing client-facing tasks. Collaboration is an important part of the program, as you’re encouraged to explore new ideas for outreach and online engagement. 

10. 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 gives you the chance to work with other high school and college students across the country on youth-driven activism. This online program has flexible hours, and your work can count toward school credit or community service. As an intern, you’ll take part in voter registration efforts, grassroots organizing, and research projects on social justice issues while also writing reflections and summaries to share with your team. The program includes workshops and discussions with guest speakers, giving you insight into civic engagement and activism. You’ll also build practical skills in communication, leadership, public speaking, and teamwork through regular collaboration.

11. Georgetown University Precollege Online Program – U.S. Politics and Government: To Form a More Perfect Union

Location: Remote
Cost: $1,895; Need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 1-week intensives, 2-week sessions, and 4-week sessions
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up

Georgetown University’s Precollege Online Program in U.S. Politics and Government offers students an in-depth look into how the American political system functions and evolves. The course explores the structure of government institutions such as Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, and the bureaucracy, focusing on how these bodies create and enforce policy. You will study the U.S. Constitution, civil rights, and liberties while analyzing how political parties, lobbying groups, and the media shape public opinion and national debates. Topics such as climate change, economic inequality, and racial justice are examined in the context of modern governance and democratic principles. The program combines expert-led instruction from Georgetown faculty and experienced political professionals with flexible online learning. Upon completion, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion from Georgetown University.

Image Source - USC Dornsife Logo