15 Research Internships at Think Tanks and Policy Institutes for High School Students
If you're interested in public policy, government, economics, international relations, or social sciences, a research internship at a think tank or policy institute can provide valuable exposure to how evidence shapes public decision-making. These opportunities can help you build practical research skills by conducting literature reviews, analyzing data, evaluating public policies, and contributing to reports, policy briefs, or advocacy materials. In addition to strengthening your academic profile, these experiences can help you build analytical thinking, academic writing, and communication skills that are highly valuable for both college and future careers.
In case you’re not looking for a more general list of research internships, check out this list here!
Why should I do a research internship at think tanks and policy institutes?
Research internships at think tanks and policy institutes allow students to explore how research influences public policy and decision-making. You can work alongside researchers studying topics such as economics, international relations, public health, education, technology, and environmental policy. Your responsibilities may include reviewing academic literature, analyzing data, monitoring policy developments, or helping prepare research reports. For students interested in public policy, social sciences, or research careers, these internships can help you understand how academic research shapes real-world policy debates.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 research internships at think tanks and policy institutes for high school students.
Key takeaways
This list gathers research and civic engagement opportunities connected to public policy for high school students, spanning traditional think tanks, government legislative programs, federal agencies, and youth advocacy organizations, with standout hosts including the Heritage Foundation, Yale, and the U.S. Senate.
Pay varies widely, with strong options like a Senate Page salary of over $38,000 annually and several $17-an-hour government internships, while a couple of the university-run fellowships charge a modest tuition or application fee.
Only a handful of these are genuine think tank or policy institute research placements, while the rest are legislative page programs, federal agency internships, or youth civic advocacy roles, so it's worth deciding which format best fits your interest in policy work.
Most of these require being on-site in Washington, D.C., New York City, or a specific state capitol, while Ladder and a couple of virtual programs are open regardless of location.
A few of the earliest deadlines fall in September and November for two of the more structured fellowship programs, so it's worth starting applications well before winter break wraps up.
1. Heritage Foundation High School Internships
Location: The Heritage Foundation, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies each year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current high school students and recent high school graduates
The Heritage Foundation High School Fellowship is a one-week summer fellowship for high school students interested in public policy and government. Hosted in Washington, D.C., the program introduces you to the policymaking process through seminars, discussions, and policy-focused projects led by experienced professionals. Throughout the fellowship, you can collaborate with peers on a policy capstone project, examine contemporary public policy issues, and learn how policy proposals are developed and communicated. The program also includes visits to government institutions and historical landmarks that provide additional insight into the policymaking process. In addition to the academic sessions, you will have an opportunity to engage with policy experts, elected officials, and fellow students who share an interest in public affairs. The fellowship is fully funded, with travel, housing, meals, and program materials covered for accepted students.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type | Financial aid is available | No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 25% | Around 100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort – spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 8 to 12 weeks, devoting 10 to 20 hours/week
Ladder Internships is an eight-week online internship program that connects high school students with startup companies and organizations across fields, such as public policy, government, and international affairs. Working under the guidance of professional mentors, you contribute to real-world projects, with responsibilities varying by placement and potentially including policy research, literature reviews, data analysis, market research, and strategic planning. The program matches you with projects based on your interests and experience while providing regular mentorship and feedback throughout the internship. If you are interested in pursuing a more academic experience, you can choose a combined internship and mentored research track, which pairs project work with the development of a college-level research paper.
3. Senate Page Program
Location: Daniel Webster Senate Page Residence, Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Residence living cost is $1,380 per month, which is offset by an annual salary receipt of $38,547
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive | Only 30 Senate Pages are accepted each term
Dates: Summer session I: June 7 - 26 | Summer session II: July 12 - August 7 | Fall: September 7 - January 22 | Spring: January 24 - June 4
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who are 16 to 17 years old at the time of appointment with a minimum GPA of 3.0 | Applicants must submit health documentation completed by a licensed physician, a certification of immunization, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The U.S. Senate Page Program is a semester-long opportunity for high school juniors to gain firsthand experience with the legislative process while working in the U.S. Senate. As a Senate Page, you will assist Senators and Senate staff by delivering correspondence and legislative materials, preparing the Senate chamber for sessions, and supporting daily operations as Congress conducts its business. Alongside these responsibilities, you attend classes through the Senate Page School, allowing you to continue your high school education while participating in the program. By observing debates, committee work, and floor proceedings, you develop a deeper understanding of how federal legislation is introduced, debated, and enacted. The experience also provides opportunities to interact with policymakers and learn about careers in public service and government.
4. Maine Policy Institute - Susan K. Hamill Summer Internship
Location: Maine Policy office in Yarmouth, ME
Cost/Stipend: Free | Stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 1 - July 31
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate-level students
The Susan K. Hamill Summer Internship Program at the Maine Policy Institute offers internships in public policy, communications, and nonprofit development for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Depending on your placement, you may work with policy analysts, communications professionals, or development staff on projects that support the institute's research and outreach efforts. As a public policy intern, you will conduct research using government data, examine legislation and regulations, analyze policy trends, and contribute to white papers, fact sheets, opinion articles, and advocacy materials. You may also be involved in communications and development tracks, assisting with content creation, media outreach, fundraising initiatives, or event planning while learning about the day-to-day operations of a policy organization.
5. USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future - High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: May 26 - August 14
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Rising sophomore, junior, or senior in high school with a minimum GPA of 3.5 | Graduating seniors not eligible
The USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future High School Summer Internship Program allows high school students to explore public policy, politics, and environmental sustainability through legislative research and policy analysis. During the program, you will complete two major research projects, a legislative policy memo and a legislative process analysis, focused on a local, state, or federal environmental policy bill of your choice. As you develop these projects, you can examine how legislation moves through the policymaking process, evaluate policy proposals, and strengthen your analytical and academic writing skills. The internship also includes check-in sessions, guest lectures from policy professionals, and individualized feedback on your work throughout the summer. Students who complete all program requirements have one of their research projects published online and are recognized as Summer Research Interns for the USC Center for the Political Future and the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability.
6. Yale Policy Institute - High School Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee | $375 as tuition fee | Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: December 1 - March 2
Application Deadline: November 18
Eligibility: Rising sophomore, junior, or senior in high school with a minimum GPA of 3.5 | Graduating seniors not eligible
The Yale Policy Institute High School Fellowship allows high school students to explore contemporary public policy issues through collaborative research, policy discussions, and analytical writing. You will participate in weekly lectures, complete assigned readings, and work in small groups led by Yale undergraduate mentors to examine contemporary policy issues. Each week concludes in the development of a policy proposal based on the featured topic, giving you experience evaluating evidence, formulating recommendations, and communicating policy ideas through collaborative writing. The program also emphasizes discussion and critical analysis, encouraging you to engage with diverse perspectives on domestic and global policy challenges. In addition to the academic curriculum, distinguished guest speakers from public service, academia, and the policy sector share insights into policymaking and public leadership.
7. U.S. Department of the Treasury - Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: Multiple offices in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year – spring, summer, and fall opportunities available
Application Deadline: Spring: October | Summer: December | Fall: June
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students who are U.S citizens and who maintain their student eligibility and enrollment throughout the duration of the internship
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Headquarters Student Internship Program allows students an opportunity to contribute to the work of a federal agency focused on economic prosperity and financial security. You can support policy-related projects by collecting and analyzing data, researching academic literature and current events, and preparing reports and briefing materials. You may also attend Congressional hearings, conferences, and government meetings and summarize relevant developments. The program accepts students from fields such as economics, political science, public policy, international affairs, law, communications, computer science, mathematics, and other disciplines. You can choose from offices working on areas such as economic policy, financial stability, national security, tax policy, and government management.
8. New York City Office of the Mayor Internship
Location: In-person (New York City, NY)
Cost/Stipend: Paid | $16.50/hour for high school students | $17/hour for undergraduates | $18/hour for graduate students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer term: June - August | Fall or spring term: October - April
Application Deadline: Varies by term
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students meeting age and residency requirements | High school students must be at least 16 years old, New York residents, who have working papers or employment certification at the time of application
The New York City Mayor's Office Internship Program is a paid internship that provides high school, undergraduate, and graduate students an opportunity to work in departments across the Mayor's Office. Your responsibilities may include conducting research, analyzing data, drafting briefing materials, supporting community outreach initiatives, attending meetings, and assisting with special projects. In addition to your departmental work, you can also participate in a bi-weekly Speaker Series featuring senior city officials to learn about the functions of local government and public administration. The program also includes a collaborative service project in partnership with NYC Service, where you will design and implement an initiative that benefits the needs of New York City communities.
9. The Borgen Project: Youth Ambassador/Advocate
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Flexible
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Borgen Project Telecommute Internship Program is a remote internship that allows students to support advocacy initiatives focused on global poverty and international development. You may conduct policy research, write articles, develop advocacy campaigns, assist with communications and digital marketing, or engage with elected officials and community organizations. The internship combines independent project work with weekly deadlines, helping you to build skills in research, writing, public policy, communications, and nonprofit leadership. Many roles also involve analyzing current policy issues, preparing advocacy materials, and supporting campaigns that encourage public engagement with poverty reduction efforts. The program is offered on a flexible schedule, enabling interns to work remotely and complete approximately 12 hours of work per week.
10. U.S. Pathways Internship Programs
Location: Multiple locations nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid (stipend amount varies based on opportunity)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies based on position
Application Deadline: Varies based on position
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, U.S citizens with a minimum GPA of 2.0
The U.S. Department of State Pathways Internship Program is a paid federal internship that offers students the opportunity to contribute to projects related to U.S. diplomacy, foreign affairs, and public administration. Opportunities are available through the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Employment Program (ITEP), with responsibilities varying by office and position. You may conduct research, analyze data, prepare briefing materials, assist with policy and program evaluation, or support initiatives related to international relations and government operations. Throughout the internship, you will work alongside federal employees while developing practical skills in research, analytical thinking, professional communication, and policy analysis.
11. Centre for Justice Innovation’s Youth Action Institute
Location: Youth Action Institute, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid (stipend amount varies based on opportunity)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies based on position
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: New York City residents, aged 16 - 21 years
The Youth Action Institute is a year-long public policy research fellowship for New York City students and young adults interested in exploring issues that affect young people and their communities. Working as part of a cohort, you will investigate topics related to public safety, the legal system, and youth well-being by developing research questions, conducting qualitative research, and analyzing community experiences. You will receive training in research methods, public policy, and anti-oppression practices before developing evidence-based policy recommendations. You can also refine your findings through feedback from community organizations, government agencies, and advocacy groups. You will then prepare materials such as policy reports, workshops, and public education resources to share your work with different audiences.
12. Mikva Summer Fellows Program
Location: Various offices across Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid | Stipend of $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 50 participants annually
Dates: Varies based on position
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Chicago students, aged 16 - 22 years
The Mikva Summer Fellows Program is a paid six-week government internship for graduating high school seniors interested in public service, civic leadership, and public policy. As a Summer Fellow, you will be placed in the office of a city, county, state, or federal elected official, where you contribute to legislative and community initiatives while gaining insight into how the government serves local communities. As an intern, your responsibilities may include conducting policy research, drafting correspondence, attending meetings, supporting constituent services, and assisting with special projects. Alongside your internship, you will participate in weekly workshops focused on leadership development, workplace readiness, goal setting, and the role of government in addressing public issues. The program combines professional experience with civic learning, allowing you to connect your work in a government office with broader discussions about policymaking and public service.
13. NYU Democracy Scholars
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 - 26
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in NYC
The NYU Democracy Scholars Program is a year-long civic leadership and college readiness program that begins with a three-week residential summer seminar for rising high school seniors in New York City. During the summer, you will participate in discussion-based seminars led by NYU faculty, exploring topics in political philosophy, democracy, social justice, and public policy through college-level readings and writing assignments. After the summer session, you will continue meeting throughout your senior year to design and implement a civic engagement project that addresses an issue affecting your community. You will also receive mentorship from NYU faculty and writing mentors, along with guidance on the college application process.
14. Democracy Maine Youth Council Internship
Location: Remote and in-person at League of Women Voters of Maine, Portland, ME
Cost/Stipend: Free | $900 as a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 3 - 4 students per semester
Dates: Multiple cohorts yearly
Application Deadline: Fall semester: September 19 | Spring semester: January 16 | Summer: May 15
Eligibility: High school students across Maine who are 15 years or above | Applicants under 16 years need to have a work permit
The Democracy Maine Youth Council Internship is a paid, semester-long internship that enables high school students to explore civic engagement, public policy, and community organizing through self-directed projects. Working as part of a statewide cohort, you will investigate issues that matter to your community while building knowledge about Maine's legislative process, voter engagement, and democratic institutions. You may research public policy topics, develop civic education resources, create social media campaigns, organize community events, or design projects that encourage youth participation in democracy.
15. Washington State House of Representatives Page Program
Location: Capitol building, Olympia, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free | $65 per day if serving in the House of Representatives and $67 per day if serving in the Senate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies each year
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: High school students in Washington State who are 14 - 16 years old
The Washington State Legislature Page Program is a one-week civic leadership program that allows high school students to experience the day-to-day work of the Washington State Legislature during the legislative session. As a page, you will assist legislators and legislative staff by delivering documents and messages, supporting chamber operations, preparing materials for floor sessions, and helping with administrative tasks across the Capitol campus. In addition to your responsibilities, you will attend Page School each day, where you study the legislative process, the three branches of government, and the role of civic participation through interactive lessons and activities.
Questions students often ask about these internships
1. Do I need prior policy or government experience to apply to these internships?
No, most of these are designed to introduce public policy concepts from the ground up, so no prior experience is expected. A genuine interest in government or current events matters more than specialized knowledge at this stage.
2. A few of these are legislative page programs rather than think tank research roles. What's the difference?
A page program places you inside the day-to-day operations of a legislative body, delivering materials and observing proceedings firsthand, while a think tank role centers on research, writing, and policy analysis. Both build valuable policy-related experience, just through very different day-to-day work.
3. Are any of these programs open to students outside Washington, D.C. or a specific state capital?
Yes, a few, including Ladder and a couple of virtual fellowships, are open regardless of location. Most of the government and legislative programs, though, do require being on-site in that specific city or state capitol.