High school students today are growing up in a world shaped by rapid change and complex issues like climate change, global health, and political unrest. As these challenges unfold, understanding the systems behind public policy and governance becomes more important than ever.
If you're interested in how laws are made, how governments function, or how communities respond to social issues, exploring political science can give you a solid foundation. Spending your summer studying political science is a great opportunity to explore your interest in the field and prepare for a potential career.
Affording these programs can be difficult, so we've compiled a list of 12 free political science programs and internships to help you get started without financial worries.
12 Free Political Science Programs for High School Students
Program Dates: Spring 2025: March 3, 2025; Summer 2025: June 16, 2025! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Application Deadline: Spring 2025: February 16, 2025; Summer 2025: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
Location: Virtual
Subject Areas: Political Science, Political Theory, International Relations
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders. Some tracks require formal prerequisites, which can be found here.
Cost: Financial aid is available
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students interested in political science, political theory, and related subjects. It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research! If you’re interested in political science, you could choose courses like International Relations or Political Theory and Philosophy.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper based on political science theories or analyzing political events or trends, that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. This program also provides a letter of recommendation for each participant and detailed feedback on your project, which can be helpful for future projects and college applications. Apply here
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Political Science Track
Location: Remote - you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school, and have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher. No prior knowledge of your field of interest is required.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Winter Cohort II application deadline is December 29, 2024!
Program Dates: Summer: June - August, Fall: September - December, Winter: December - February, Spring: March - June.
Cost: Full financial aid available
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students, across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose to do research in political science, public policy, and governance. The programs are entirely virtual and vary in duration based on the student’s end goal concerning how much of a deep dive they would prefer. The research opportunities range from pure political science to combining politics with other social sciences.
Past research conducted by students in this program has explored the impact of social movements on effective political change and public political attitudes and their effect on democratic backsliding in countries. You can find more details about the application here!
Cost: Free program. All students are eligible to receive a stipend at the end of the summer based on their participation.
Location: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Newark
Application Deadline: The application cycle for Summer Institute 2024 is now closed. Summer Institute 2025 applications will open in Spring 2025. For any queries please reach out to the summer planning team at nashers@sadienash.org.
Program Dates: 5-week program from July 5th - August 15th
Eligibility: Applicants must be young women and gender-expansive youth who are enrolled in high school and live in New York City or Newark.
The Nashers Leadership Program is a summer opportunity for self-identified young women and gender-expansive high school students in New York or Newark, NJ. The program helps you explore leadership potential within a supportive group of peers, focusing on identity and societal issues.
You’ll take courses on topics like social justice, identity, and activism while attending workshops and field trips that expand your learning. Some of the courses include:
- "Creating Change: Art and Activism in America" – Learn how art can inspire social change using various forms of expression.
- "Getting Schooled or Getting Educated: Education for Liberation" – Examine how schools shape education and explore its broader impact.
- "Anthropology of Gender" – Study how gender roles have evolved and influenced societal values.
Cost: Free program, $750 stipend at the end of the program.
Location: Texas Tech University
Application Deadline: The 2024 Application is now closed. For any queries please stay updated on this website.
Program Dates: June 16, 2024, to August 1, 2024, dates for 2025 to be announced
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date, and should graduate in 2024 or 2025, along with being a US citizen
The Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University offers a seven-week summer research experience for high school juniors and seniors with a focus on subjects like history. You will work on topics such as Modern American Politics, Conservatism, and the post-1945 fusion of the South and West, particularly within Texas and Sunbelt political culture. This program provides an opportunity to explore these themes through hands-on research, enhancing critical thinking and academic skills in a stimulating environment.
You will participate in weekly seminars, field trips, and social activities, fostering intellectual development and peer collaboration. With only 12 students admitted each year, this program offers a focused opportunity for those interested in history and politics. You will also receive a $750 stipend upon completing the program.
Cost: Free
Location: Purdue University West Lafayette, IN
Application Deadline: The 2024 Application is now closed. For any queries please stay updated on this website.
Program Dates: June 22– July 20, 2024, dates for 2025 to be announced
Eligibility: All 16-18 years old U.S. citizens may apply. International applicants, please contact the US Embassy/Consulate in your respective country to apply and stay updated on this page.
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship (BFTF) is a fully-funded, month-long exchange program hosted by Purdue University and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. You will join 45 international and 10 U.S. students, aged 16–18, to take part in seminars, workshops, and activities focused on diplomacy, media, civic education, and global citizenship. The program includes a model United Nations, discussions on democracy and governance, and hands-on projects that connect academic ideas to real-world challenges.
You’ll also experience cultural immersion by staying with local families and visiting significant sites. The curriculum is based on four main areas inspired by Benjamin Franklin: International Relations & Diplomacy, Media & Communication, Civic Education & Democratic Citizenship, and Service & Volunteerism.
Cost: $461, with scholarships available for 9th-11th grade California high school students.
Program Dates: June 23, 2025 – July 11, 2025
Application Deadlines: June 13, 2025
Location: In-person program at the Department of Political Science at UCLA
Subject Areas: Political Science, American Politics, Political Theory, Race Ethnicity & Race Politics, and Comparative Politics. Check out the syllabus here
Eligibility: You must be a California high school student (grades 9–11 in Spring 2025), at least 15 years old by June 23, 2025, continuing in Fall 2025, with a family income of $100,000 or less.
The UCLA Department of Political Science offers a three-week program for high school students to study key topics in American politics and political science. You’ll build analytical skills to understand political behavior, institutions, and collective action. The program covers areas like International Relations, American Politics, Political Theory, and Comparative Politics.
You’ll also join a career panel where experts share insights into different pathways in the field. The curriculum blends political history with contemporary issues, helping you explore political systems and research methods used by social scientists. By completing the program, you earn five units of college credit and connect with mentors, providing academic and professional guidance.
Cost: No cost, but pages (students) are paid on an annual basis of $37,238
Program Dates: Spring 2025 (Jan 26 - Jun 6), Summer Session I (Jun 8 - Jun 27), Summer Session II (Jul 6 - Aug 1).
Deadlines: Not mentioned. Students who wish to apply for a Senate page position, and meet the eligibility requirements listed, may find their senators’ websites using this link. Many offices provide information on their application process and dates online.
Location: US Senate, Washington, or at the discretion of the assigned Senator’s office
Subject Areas: Governance, Public Service, Politics, Diplomacy, Public Relations
Eligibility: To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a Social Security number, must be juniors in high school who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and provide a health assessment and immunization records.
The U.S. Senate Page Program allows you to engage directly with the legislative process in Washington, D.C. As a Senate Page, you will develop skills in communication, time management, and teamwork while supporting Senate operations by delivering legislative materials, assisting during debates and roll call votes, and preparing the Senate Chamber for sessions. The program includes exposure to public service, opportunities to observe political debates, and interactions with prominent national leaders. You will attend school early morning, work variable hours based on the Senate schedule, and participate in organized activities to explore the capital.
Cost: No cost, but participants receive a $10,000 stipend as an undergraduate college scholarship to the college or university of their choice.
Program Dates: March 1 – 8, 2025
Deadlines: December 1, 2024
Location: Washington DC
Subject Areas: Governance, Political Science, Law, Public Service
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising juniors or seniors, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and hold leadership positions in student government, civic, or educational organizations for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) provides high school juniors and seniors with a week-long experience in Washington, D.C., focused on understanding the federal government and public service. You’ll meet and engage with senators, Supreme Court justices, cabinet members, and federal leaders, learning directly about the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
The program highlights leadership, public policy, and governance, inspiring participants to consider careers in public service. Delegates also receive a $10,000 college scholarship and mentorship from senior military officers, building skills in critical thinking, communication, and civic engagement. Funded by The Hearst Foundations, the program is fully covered and requires academic excellence, leadership experience, and a commitment to public affairs. Selection is competitive and based on state nominations.
Cost: No cost, interns are paid $16 per hour
Program Dates: Summer (June-August), Fall/Spring (September-April). Please refer to the Internship Timeline for exact dates.
Deadlines: Aug 23, 2024, for the Spring Session, TBD for the next summer internship session
Location: New York City
Subject Areas: Urban Governance, Public Administration, Community Affairs, Municipal Governance, Urban Policy Planning.
Eligibility: Applicants must be 16 years or older, a New York City resident, have current working papers/employment certification, and be enrolled in high school or accepted to an undergraduate degree program.
The Mayor’s Office Internship Program in New York City gives high school students the chance to work within city government. You’ll take on tasks like research, data analysis, event coordination, and policy drafting. You will be placed in specific offices, such as Community Affairs, Climate and Environmental Justice, or Gender Equity, contributing to projects that address issues affecting NYC residents.
The program includes bi-weekly Speaker Series sessions with city officials, tours of municipal facilities, and a group service project to support underserved communities.
Cost: $500 to participate however full financial aid and scholarships are available on a need basis
Program Dates: TBD but likely to be July 13 to July 29, 2025
Deadlines: The 2025 application will be available in March 2025. Check here for updates
Location: Virtual and Washington DC
Subject Areas: Policy Issues impacting Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities, Economics, Political Theory, American Politics
Eligibility: Applicants must have community service experience, be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors, and maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.
The ILF Youth Leadership Academy Workshop is a summer program for high school students from the AAPI community. It aims to build leadership skills and provide a deeper understanding of policy issues impacting AAPI populations. Through weekly workshops, you will engage in leadership training, policy discussions, and community activities, developing critical skills like public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving. The program also offers mentorship opportunities, helping you connect with peers and professionals. You’ll explore careers in public service while gaining insights into issues relevant to the AAPI community.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Spring (January-May), Summer (May-August), Fall (September-December).
Application Deadlines: Spring (October 2024), Summer (December 2024), Fall (June 2025).
Location: Washington DC
Subject Areas: Governance, Economics, Monetary Policy, Public Policy, International Affairs, International Development, STEM fields, Law
Eligibility: Students must be U.S. citizens and maintain student eligibility and enrollment throughout the internship. (Students must be enrolled or accepted at an accredited institution)
If public service interests you, the U.S. Department of the Treasury offers an internship where you can gain valuable experience in economics, policy research, and government operations, preparing you for a public service career. You get to work in various Treasury offices, contributing to tasks such as data analysis, policy research, briefing preparation, and event coordination. The program helps you develop analytical, leadership, and communication skills while providing exposure to fields like economics, political science, public policy, and STEM.
Location: Remote or in-person (Philadelphia, PA)
Application Deadlines: Summer: February 3, 2025; Fall: TBA
Program Dates: Spring: February–May 2025; Summer: June–August 2025; Fall: September–December 2025
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the U.S.
Cost: Free; 10 paid positions available
If you're interested in international relations, the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers internships that provide hands-on experience in the field. You’ll work alongside scholars, develop workplace skills, and attend seminars on foreign policy and career development. Internships are available in areas like research, communications, events, and operations. You may also have the opportunity to publish research papers and assist with event logistics, gaining practical experience in international relations.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.