10 Paid Political Science Internships for High School Students

Internships are a great way to test out different career paths before college. Instead of just reading about politics, law, or policy, you can see how these fields function while working alongside professionals in the field. It’s a great way to explore your interests, build your resume, and make connections that could shape your college and career path. 

If you’re a high school student interested in how governments make decisions, how laws take shape, or how campaigns are built, paid political science internships allow you to gain experience and develop skills relevant to the field. Whether it’s working in a senator’s office, joining a civic leadership program, or helping with policy projects, these experiences help you understand what drives change in politics. To make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of 10 of the best paid political science internships for high school students.

1. 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 allows you to take part in the daily operations of Congress directly on Capitol Hill. As a Senate Page, you’ll help deliver legislative materials, assist senators during debates, and prepare the Senate chamber for sessions. It gives you a front-row view of how national policy decisions unfold. To apply, you must be sponsored by a U.S. senator, and only a small number of students are chosen each session, making it a highly selective program. Pages live in Washington, D.C., where they balance early morning academic classes with full workdays in the Senate. Beyond the Capitol, this paid political science internship for high school students also includes cultural excursions and group activities around the city.

2. Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP)

Location: Various locations in California, Illinois, and Texas, and cities such as DC, Miami, and New York
Cost/Stipend: No cost | $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Open to all high school students

Run by the American Bar Association, the Judicial Intern Opportunity Program places high school students in the chambers of state or federal judges to learn how the U.S. legal system functions. Over the course of six weeks, you’ll assist with research, observe court proceedings, and draft case-related materials under professional supervision. The internship emphasizes diversity in the legal field and encourages applicants from underrepresented backgrounds. Alongside your courtroom experience, you’ll participate in webinars, orientations, and mentorship sessions with legal professionals, gaining a broader understanding of law careers. 

3. Democracy Maine Youth Council Internship

Location: Remote and in-person in Maine
Cost/Stipend: No cost | $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 allows you to explore civic engagement and leadership through projects that promote voter education, youth participation, and equity. You will collaborate with a mentor on initiatives such as creating public service announcements, hosting events, or producing newsletters that encourage civic involvement. Depending on your focus area – community organizing, communications, or youth engagement – you’ll learn about state policymaking and the role of young citizens in influencing legislation. The internship is designed to help interns develop public speaking, facilitation, and outreach skills.

4. 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: Each student must be a legal permanent resident or citizen of the United States at the time of application; Each student must be enrolled in high school (be 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 gathers two high-achieving student leaders from each U.S. state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity for an immersive week in Washington, D.C. You’ll get to see how government functions as you attend policy briefings with senators, cabinet officials, Supreme Court justices, and other national leaders. All travel and living expenses are covered, and you will receive a scholarship of $10,000 to support undergraduate studies in fields such as political science or history. To be eligible for this internship, you must hold elected or appointed leadership positions in your school or community. 

5. 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 paid, six-week internship that places Chicago high school students in the offices of local, state, or federal officials. You will work about 30 hours per week between June and August, earning $17 per hour through funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services Youth Investment Program. You’ll assist public officials with research, policy development, and community outreach projects, gaining insight into how government decisions are made at various levels. In addition to your placement, you’ll participate in workshops focused on leadership and civic engagement.

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 provides students with an inside view of how a city government operates. You’ll be assigned to a department that aligns with your interests, such as communications, policy, or data analysis, and work on projects like conducting research, drafting reports, or supporting public outreach. A bi-weekly speaker series features city officials, including commissioners and deputy mayors, who share insights into how policy decisions are made. The paid political science internship for high school students also includes a group service project with NYC Service, where you’ll collaborate on initiatives that benefit local communities, such as park cleanups or volunteer drives.

7. 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 competitive seven-week summer research opportunity for high-achieving high school juniors and seniors. As a selected scholar, you will work closely with faculty mentors on independent research projects across disciplines, including political science, law, or international relations. The program includes seminars, field trips, and discussions aimed at enhancing your understanding of research methods and practical applications. You will live on campus, collaborate with peers, and present your research findings at the end of the program.

8. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Limited stipends offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 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. 

The Foreign Policy Research Institute offers internships for high school students interested in international relations and public policy. As an intern, you’ll work with a scholar on topics such as national security, diplomacy, or regional studies, assisting with research, event coordination, or writing. There will be weekly career seminars that bring in policy experts to discuss current global issues and professional development. As a bonus, you will also have the chance to publish research or commentary through FPRI’s Intern Corner, a platform for student contributions.

9. Pathways Internship Programs

Location: Nationwide
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 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 gives students, including high schoolers, the chance to gain experience within the federal government. The positions fall under two categories: the Internship Experience Program (IEP), which runs alongside your education and includes federal employee benefits, and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP), which provides short-term opportunities during school breaks. Depending on your placement, you may assist with administrative, research, or policy-related projects. 

10. PHC Group High School Summer Program

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Varies by position
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors

The PHC Group High School Summer Program is a paid virtual internship designed to give rising juniors and seniors experience in leadership, communication, and public health. You will work closely with the Public Health Director and senior leadership on projects that align with the organization’s mission. The tasks include creating social media content, analyzing trends, attending planning meetings, and monitoring online interactions. By the end of this paid political science internship for high school students, you’ll have gained both professional experience and insight into the intersection of community service, leadership, and public health.

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. Apply now!

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