10 Online Political Science Internships for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 4 hours ago
- 8 min read
If you’re a high school student interested in exploring political science in an accessible manner, consider a virtual internship in the field.
Online political science internships can help you develop essential skills such as researching voter trends, policy analysis, assisting advocacy groups, and helping connect with professionals in the field, without having to move states/cities!
Online political science internships for high school students also provide a firsthand look at how governments, think tanks, and advocacy organizations operate. You can also receive virtual mentorship from think campaign organizers, think tank researchers, and nonprofit staff, making them an excellent resume booster for college applications and future political science careers. In the process, you will sharpen your critical thinking and communication skills - skills admissions officers love!
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Program Dates: February – May (Spring Session), June – August (Summer Session), September – December (Fall Session)
Application Deadline: July 23
Eligibility: High school students with strong writing and research skills.
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) High School Internship is one of the most prestigious online political science internships for high school students interested in foreign affairs, policy analysis, and international relations. Interns work alongside leading scholars and policy experts, contributing to research on national security, diplomacy, and global conflicts. During the internship, you will participate in policy writing, data analysis, research projects, and drafting policy briefs. You may also get to attend weekly foreign policy and career-focused seminars by guest speakers. This internship will help you sharpen crucial real-world skills beyond your curriculum such as time management, research, critical thinking, and collaboration. You may also have the chance to publish your research paper on FPRI’s Intern Corner.
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Ongoing (interns are hired for an indefinite period)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Pasquines Internship is a virtual internship for high school students interested in journalism, politics, and public policy. Pasquines is a non-profit news organization that covers political and policy issues affecting U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
You will be involved in writing, reporting, and political analysis, and work on articles that highlight local issues within a broader national context. The program offers flexible hours and the chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals passionate about policy and government affairs. While this internship is unpaid, it will help you obtain college credit.
Location: Olympia, Washington / Remote options may be available
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Varies by legislative session
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students in Washington State aged 14-16
The Washington State House of Representatives Page Program offers high school students a unique opportunity to engage in the legislative process and gain firsthand experience in state government. As a page, you will assist House members, perform ceremonial duties, and participate in civic education programs that provide a deeper understanding of how laws are made.
You will work directly with state legislators, legislative staff, and government officials, helping with distributing materials throughout the capitol campus, working on the chamber floor, carrying flags at each legislative session’s opening, and delivering important messages. The program is designed to foster leadership, communication, and civic engagement skills while giving students a taste of the workings of the legislative process. You are eligible to be paid a stipend of $65 per day if you provide a Social Security card.
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 1- August 1
Application Deadline: Applications for the Summer cohort will open in April
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in politics and public service with minimum GPA 3.5
The USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future’s High School Summer Internship Program gives students firsthand experience of politics, public service, and civic engagement. You will gain exposure to expert perspectives on climate change and its intersection with politics by being part of public policy decisions. CPF staff will give you detailed feedback, guidance, and support, which will help you develop your analytical research writing skills.
This internship involves hands-on projects that address real-world environmental issues while deepening your understanding of environmental policy, political innovation, and sustainability. You will be asked to watch and analyze the ‘Climate Forward Conference, the internship’s flagship event, via 10-page collegiate summaries and essays. All these activities will help develop your essay-writing, research, and critical-thinking skills, creating a strong base for future collegiate and career endeavors.
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Varying dates based on cohorts. Applicants can propose their own starting date.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines with a two-month gap starting from 15 February to 15 December
Eligibility: Open to high school and university students with sound communication skills
The Institute for Cultural Relations Policy (ICRP) Virtual Internship is a remote opportunity for students passionate about world politics and international relations. The program involves activities such as researching independent studies on cultural relations policy, organizing and participating in virtual events, courses, and lectures, gathering information, and analyzing data for ICRP’s Online Resources. You will also contribute to ICRP’s Cultural Relations Review monthly e-journal and its special edition publication of Human Rights Issues.
You will be part of weekly group webinars and discussions with participants from across the globe, helping you gain an international perspective on worldly affairs. You will also get the opportunity to interview diplomats and other important figures, participate in international conferences, or be guest speakers in them. The program will help you develop the ability to conduct research, analyze, and create opinion or fact-based articles on current affairs. You will also develop professional skills required for career advancement.
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Academic year (September – May)
Application Deadline: July 31
Eligibility: Open to U.S. students who are ‘in student status’ pursuing higher education
The program is run by the U.S. Department of State and offers you a chance to work with various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, USAID, NASA, and the Department of Justice.
Activities involve research, writing, data analysis, management and communication in projects defined by participating federal agencies. You will be guided by a mentor and professionals from such agencies and have to dedicate 10 hours per week. This internship is unpaid, but you may be eligible for a course credit. You will also have the opportunity to develop an influential professional network owing to working closely with important governmental agencies.
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Varies by position
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors
The PHC Group High School Summer Program offers the perfect blend of marketing, leadership, and public health to high school students. In this client-based role, you will work on real-world social media projects, conduct market research and community engagement, and provide technical support as guided by the Public Health Director.
You will be expected to attend meetings, create thought-provoking social media posts, analyze and research trends, monitor social interactions, and compile a report of these elements for clients, along with implementing their feedback. You will become well-versed in Microsoft Office on the job, which will be an essential skill for your future career. This is one of the paid online political science internships for high school students where you will gain leadership experience working with a global team.
Location: Remote
Cost: $800 - $2300 with a $300 deposit to lock your spot (depending on duration)
Program Dates: Flexible (varies based on session)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students who are 16 and above and professionals worldwide
The Virtual Internship & Virtual Volunteer Opportunities program offers remote placements ideal for both students and professionals interested in making a positive impact while gaining crucial experience. You can choose from fields such as children’s education, community development, global health, and environmental sustainability, all while gaining work experience in an international context.
You will work with organizations from across the globe, tackling social issues like poverty, inequality, homelessness, economic development, women’s rights, and more. Key activities include supporting community-based projects, conducting research, assisting in health or education initiatives, and helping to address environmental challenges. The program also provides pre-placement training, ongoing support, and cultural activities to ensure a successful experience. You can also gain a graduate or an undergraduate-level credit via this program.
Location: Various locations across the United States and remote options available
Cost/Stipend: Varies by position
Program Dates: Flexible, varies based on session and position
Application Deadline: Year-round (posted on USAJobs as needed)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in educational institutions (high school to graduate school levels)
The U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Program offers two distinct internships: the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). Both programs provide U.S. students with paid opportunities to explore federal careers in agencies such as NASA, the CDC, and FHWA among others.
Internship Experience Program (IEP): This program provides non-temporary, excepted service appointments, lasting through the duration of the intern’s academic program. You will also be eligible for federal benefits such as health insurance and retirement. This internship can convert to a permanent role within six months of program completion.
Internship Temporary Program (ITEP): This temporary program offers internships during seasonal and holiday breaks or year-round, with positions lasting up to one year or until graduation. You can be eligible for federal benefits if you complete 90 days or 130 hours in the internship.
Both programs provide a unique opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience in federal agencies, develop professional skills, and explore potential career paths in public service. You also stand to earn a competitive stipend in these internships.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in political science, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Image Source - USC Dornsife Logo
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.