25 Political Science Internships for High School Students in 2024
Have you ever wondered how laws get made? Or have you dreamed of working on a political campaign? Political science is the subject of understanding how governments work, how policies are shaped, and how you can be a part of the change you want to see. If you’re a high school student with a passion for politics and government, an internship can be perfect for an exciting future.
This blog is your one-stop shop for finding the perfect political science internship. We’ve compiled a list of 25 diverse programs across the country. It will give you a chance to experience firsthand the inner workings of government, campaigns, and advocacy organizations. Whether you’re interested in local issues or global affairs, there’s an internship out there waiting for you.
1. Yocket High School Summer Internship Program
The Yocket High School Summer Internship is an intensive 4-week virtual program that provides you with the skills and experience to jumpstart your legal aspirations. Through real-world projects, you’ll gain hands-on exposure to areas like litigation or corporate law, guided by expert mentors who will support you from project development to crafting a standout college application.
But the benefits extend beyond technical skills. Weekly mentorship sessions, practice assessments, an official letter of recommendation, and a director-signed certificate will strengthen your academic profile and impress future law schools or employers. Places are limited to just 50 students, and scholarship applications close soon. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a global network of ambitious students and take the first step toward your legal future!
2. American Legion Boys Nation
The American Legion Boys Nation is a prestigious week-long program held annually in Washington, D.C. It aims to educate high school seniors about the intricacies of the U.S. federal government. Each state, except Hawaii, sends two student representatives who act as senators in a simulated government.
These Senators participate in realistic political processes—forming party caucuses, working in committees, holding bill hearings, and even electing a Boys Nation President. Boys Nation offers participants enrichment opportunities. They attend lectures from experts, tour federal buildings, visit historical landmarks, and even meet with elected officials from their home states.
3. American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation
The American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation is a prestigious week-long program held annually from July 20th to July 27th. Mirroring the Boys Nation program, it selects two outstanding young women from each state to serve as “senators.” These senators work in a simulated government environment, drafting and debating bills and resolutions within a mock legislature.
They also hold elections for key positions like president and vice president. Girls Nation participants gain first-hand exposure to American history and government through visits to iconic landmarks like Washington D.C. monuments, Arlington National Cemetery, and Capitol Hill.
4. Department of Education Student Trainee Volunteers
The Department of Education offers an eight-to-ten-week Student Trainee Volunteer program for high school students accepted into accredited colleges or universities. This program provides work experience in a chosen field of interest, like educational policy (relevant to political science majors), project management, or communications.
Trainees gain professional and personal skills through their assigned duties while also participating in enriching activities like brown bag lunches with department leaders, professional development workshops, and tours of historic Washington, D.C., landmarks. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so interested students can apply at any time.
5. The Florida House of Representatives Messenger Program
Be a part of Florida’s legislative history by joining the House Messenger Program. This long-standing tradition, dating back to 1865, offers high school students an opportunity to witness government in action. Selected students will spend one week out of the 60-day session assisting representatives and their staff while gaining firsthand experience with the legislative process.
Not only will messengers contribute to the daily operations of the House, but they will also have their names recorded in the official Journal of the House, a prestigious honor.
6. Georgia General Assembly House Page Program
The Georgia General Assembly House Page Program offers a chance for Georgia students aged 12 to 18 to gain firsthand experience with the legislative process. Students participating in the program act as pages, delivering important documents, bills, and letters to legislators in the House Chamber.
This program lasts for one day and allows students to connect with the state’s elected officials. In addition to the valuable experience, pages are compensated $10 for their service, receive a Chick-fil-A lunch, and are awarded a certificate of service.
7. International Leadership Foundation Youth Leadership Academy
The International Leadership Foundation’s Youth Leadership Academy empowers aspiring high school leaders to become active participants in shaping their communities. Through a week-long intensive seminar, students gain a deeper understanding of American democracy and their unique role within it.
This knowledge is then translated into action through a personalized project. Participants choose between interning, volunteering, or shadowing with a local government agency, non-profit, or community service organization. This hands-on experience allows them to develop essential skills and gain real-world experience, all while giving back to their communities.
8. Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program
The Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program is a prestigious five-week summer program designed to nurture the Commonwealth’s most promising rising high school seniors. This free residential program offers an opportunity for selected students to live on a college campus, build a network with future leaders, and explore their academic interests in depth.
Unlike an internship, the Governor’s Scholars Program focuses on intellectual and personal development. Students work on a chosen subject alongside coursework in community leadership and service learning. Additionally, leadership seminars discuss important topics like values, career paths, and interpersonal relationships, providing students with the skills they need to become future civic leaders in Kentucky.
9. Maggie Hassan Senate Page
The Maggie Hassan Senate Page program invites high-achieving juniors and seniors from New Hampshire, aged 16 to 17, to participate in the daily operations of the U.S. Senate. She’s continuing a tradition that dates back to Daniel Webster’s first-page appointment in 1829. This opportunity, spanning approximately five months for fall and spring sessions and three to four weeks for summer sessions, allows students to balance their academic pursuits with firsthand experience in the federal government.
Senator Hassan’s office upholds this tradition, offering students from the Granite State a chance to engage in the workings of the Senate, situated in a state renowned for its influential role in national politics and its hallmark first-in-the-nation presidential primary.
10. Maine Youth Council Internship
The League of Women Voters of Maine offers an internship program for high school students passionate about making a positive change. This program allows students to work on areas like community organizing, communication strategies, youth activism, and building a more just and equitable society.
Throughout the internship, students will gain skills in how to influence their communities, understand the legislative process, and develop strong organizational abilities. Interns have the flexibility to shape their experience, with past projects ranging from hosting events to creating public service announcements. The internship offers a competitive hourly rate of $15 and requires a 5-hour weekly commitment.
11. Michael Bennet Senate Page
Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado is a strong advocate for the Senate Page Program, having participated in the program himself during his junior year of high school. The program offers an opportunity for a select group of high school students (only 30 per session) to live in Washington, D.C., for part of the year.
While continuing their high school studies, pages gain firsthand experience in the fast-paced world of a senator’s office. They witness debates on important issues, meet prominent leaders, and learn about the inner workings of the Senate from a privileged vantage point.
12. Mikva Challenge Programs
The Chicago-based youth organization, Mikva Challenge, offers high school students a chance to understand government and civic engagement through hands-on experiences. Through their Campaign Experiences Program, students connect with campaigns to assist with tasks like door-knocking, phone banking, and voter registration.
Additionally, the Student Election Judge Program allows over 2,000 high school juniors and seniors each election cycle to gain firsthand experience with the electoral process by serving as polling place judges in Chicago and Washington, D.C. In this role, they help their fellow citizens cast their ballots.
13. Montana Legislative Page Program
The Montana Legislative Page Program is an incredible opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to gain firsthand experience in the legislative process. Selected students will serve for a week, assisting legislators and House and Senate staff with various tasks. This includes running errands, delivering messages, and distributing important documents like bills and amendments.
Pages will have the prestigious privilege of working on the floor of the House or Senate, witnessing legislative action unfold right before their eyes. Additionally, pages are compensated at the minimum wage rate and get the chance to meet high-level Montana officials like the Governor and Secretary of State, making this program an invaluable chance to learn, contribute, and connect.
14. North Carolina Governor’s Page Program
The North Carolina Governor’s Page Program offers high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates an opportunity to immerse themselves in the workings of state government. Selected participants spend four intensive days learning from government officials, collaborating on a policy project, and touring historical landmarks and government buildings.
This program fosters not only civic engagement but also social responsibility, as Pages dedicate time to planning a service project for their communities. To help alleviate expenses associated with travel and lodging, participants receive a $200 stipend.
15. New York Mayor’s Office Internship Program
The New York Mayor’s Office Internship Program offers an opportunity for high school students over 16 to gain experience in shaping the future of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Running from June 24th to August 16th, the program allows interns to work on real-world challenges faced by New York City residents.
Interns will be placed in departments ranging from administrative services to operations and even the press office, giving them a well-rounded perspective on city government. To further enrich the experience, interns will participate in a bi-weekly speaker series and collaborate on a service project, ensuring they gain not only practical skills but also a deeper understanding of the city’s needs.
16. Oklahoma State Legislature High School Page Program
The Oklahoma State Legislature High School Page Program is an opportunity open to high school juniors and seniors in Oklahoma with a passion for political science. Selected students will serve for a week during the legislative session, gaining hands-on experience in the heart of the action. From working within the House chamber itself to running errands for representatives and staff, pages will witness the inner workings of lawmaking firsthand.
The program even features a mock legislature, where students will elect officers, participate in the legislative process, and gain a deeper understanding of how the Oklahoma state government makes decisions. This program is a great way to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world politics.
17. Pasquines Internship
Pasquines is a non-profit news organization focused on U.S. territories. They cover the impact of federal issues on these territories, including politics, policy, design, and innovation, to elevate their voices in the national conversation.
If you have a strong interest in politics, public affairs, writing, and reporting, Pasquines offers an internship program that allows you to gain valuable experience in a fast-paced environment. There is no application deadline, so interested candidates can submit their application materials at any time.
18. Sherrod Brown Senate Page
The Sherrod Brown Senate Page opportunity invites individuals to join the esteemed Senate Page Program. It offers a distinctive chance to serve under the guidance of Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown. This immersive experience provides an enriching environment for both work and learning. The duration of the program varies based on the session—fall and spring sessions span approximately five months, while summer sessions last between three and four weeks.
Serving as a page not only offers first-hand exposure to the inner workings of the U.S. Senate but also grants a unique perspective on the dynamics of a pivotal swing state, making it a compelling opportunity for those eager to engage in civic service and gain invaluable experience.
19. U.S. Department of the Treasury Student Internship Program
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Headquarters Student Internship Program provides valuable firsthand experience for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students interested in public service careers. While unpaid, the program offers a chance to work within a prestigious cabinet-level agency.
Interns gain exposure to federal government operations, explore career paths in areas like political science, and build professional networks through their assignments. Internship terms are flexible, lasting a semester (Spring: Jan-May, Fall: Sept-Dec) or over the summer (May-August).
20. United States Senate Youth Program
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is a highly competitive program designed to introduce outstanding high school juniors and seniors to the inner workings of the U.S. government. This prestigious, week-long program provides an educational experience. Selected students dig deep into the Senate, gaining first-hand exposure to its functions and how it interacts with the legislative, judicial, and executive branches.
21. Washington State Legislature House Page Program
The Washington state government offers the House Page Program. This opportunity allows students aged 14–16 to participate in the legislative process for a week (40 hours). You’ll gain firsthand experience by assisting legislative offices, running errands, and even presenting the flags.
This program not only provides valuable insight into government operations but also offers a stipend of $65 per day and the chance to earn up to 20 hours of community service. However, keep in mind that students can only participate in one House or Senate Page Program offered by the Washington State Legislature.
22. Washington State Legislature Senate Page Program
The Washington State Legislature Page Program is offered every year to hundreds of students. These are sponsored by legislators to participate in this informative program. Selected students serve for a week during a legislative session and gain firsthand experience with the legislative process.
Pages contribute in meaningful ways by assisting legislative offices with tasks ranging from administrative duties to delivering messages. In addition to practical experience, pages attend Page School, where they learn about how the state government functions. This program is an opportunity to learn about state government and contribute to its daily operations but remember, students can only participate in either the Senate or House Page Program once.
23. Wisconsin Senate Scholars Program
The Wisconsin Senate Scholars Program is a competitive program that is offered for one week across three sessions (January, February, and March). It is open to only 33 outstanding high school juniors and seniors from across the state. Selected students will gain invaluable, real-world experience in the legislative process.
Working alongside Senators, legislative staff, and even UW faculty, Senate Scholars will work on areas like policy development, constituent relations, and how legislation is passed. While many state programs are free, the Wisconsin Senate Scholar Program does have a $250 tuition fee that covers lodging, meals, and program events.
24. Workshops Foundation Congressional Seminar
The Workshops Foundation Congressional Seminar is a week-long educational program that requires a program fee. While there’s no hands-on work experience, you’ll gain invaluable insights. You’ll meet with Senators and Representatives, attend briefings from political insiders, and tour Washington, D.C.’s landmarks. The highlight is the model Congress simulation, where you’ll play the role of a lawmaker, learning firsthand about the challenges and intricacies of crafting legislation.
25. USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future High School Internship Program
High school students interested in political science and current events have an opportunity to participate in the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future’s High School Internship Program. This prestigious eight-week program offers a glimpse into collegiate internships.
Interns will gain experience in political research by summarizing the Center’s signature event, the Climate Forward Conference. They will then analyze their findings and draft an essay with their conclusions, which will be published on the Center’s website and social media platforms.
From the Desk of Yocket
Political science internships for high school students offer a much-needed bridge between classroom learning and the real world of politics. Instead of just memorizing facts and theories, you get to see how the government functions firsthand. Whether it’s assisting with research for a local politician or helping out with an advocacy group, internships provide practical experience that can be immensely helpful when deciding on a future career path.
These internships also allow students to develop essential professional skills. Communication, research, and organization are all key aspects of political science internships, and these skills are valuable in any field. Students learn to work effectively with others, manage their time efficiently, and think critically about complex issues.
By being involved in the political process, even in a small way, you can develop a deeper understanding of the issues that matter to people and their communities. This encourages you to stay informed and potentially participate in future elections and advocacy efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I do a political science internship in high school?
Political science internships offer a firsthand look at government, campaigns, or advocacy groups. You’ll gain experience, develop professional skills, and see if a political career interests you.
What will I do in a political science internship?
Responsibilities vary, but you might assist with research, constituent services, administrative tasks, or event planning. Internships can be a great way to develop communication, writing, and critical thinking skills.
Are political science internships paid?
Some political science internships offer a stipend, but many are unpaid. It’s recommended to focus on the experience you’ll gain and how it aligns with your future goals. You can always look for part-time work to cover expenses.