9 Political Science Research Opportunities for High School Students
Research opportunities provide high school students with valuable exposure to college-level academics and professional experience, all before joining college for an undergraduate degree. If you’re passionate about political science, political science research opportunities meant for high school students can help you build practical skills, gain industry insights, and form meaningful connections with mentors and peers—all while strengthening your college applications.
We’ve identified the top 9 fully funded political science research opportunities for high school students, hosted by prestigious organizations with highly competitive acceptance rates. These programs offer hands-on experience to help you explore political science in-depth and prepare for future academic and professional success.
Location: Remote — participate from anywhere in the world!
Cost/Stipend:
$2,990 USD - Individual Research Program (12 weeks)
$5,900 USD - Premium Research & Publication Program (16-20 weeks)
$8,900 USD - Research Fellowship (6-12 months)
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3; no prior knowledge in the field required.
Application Deadline: Varying by cohort; Spring Cohort deadline is February 9.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Spring Cohort starts on March 3.
Acceptance Rate: Competitive, with a low cohort size.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with an opportunity to explore advanced academic research through personalized mentorship from Ph.D. scholars. This remote program welcomes participants from around the world, offering flexibility and accessibility to students with varied schedules. You will work one-on-one with a mentor on independent research projects in fields such as political science, economics, psychology, and more.
The program supports you in crafting a professional-level research paper, guiding you through every step of the process. You will also have the chance to present your work, gaining valuable experience in academic communication. Designed to balance rigorous research with a flexible structure, this program equips you with critical thinking skills and early exposure to scholarly research. If you are looking to expand your academic horizons, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers a structured and supportive environment to help you achieve your goals.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; monthly stipend based on $35,360 annual salary.
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.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates:
Spring: Jan 28 - Jun 7
Summer I: Jun 9 - Jun 21
Summer II: Jul 21 - Aug 2
Fall: Early Sept - Late Jan
Acceptance Rate: Low, 30 spots per term.
The U.S. Senate Page Program offers high school juniors a rare chance to engage directly with the legislative process in Washington, D.C. This prestigious program provides hands-on experience in governance, as you assist senators by delivering correspondence, preparing the Senate Chamber for sessions, and supporting roll call votes. Sponsored by U.S. senators, you will take on meaningful roles that contribute to the day-to-day operations of the Senate.
As a Page, you’ll live in supervised housing with covered expenses like rent and laundry. The program focuses on mentorship and hands-on learning, allowing you to work with Senate staff and observe the legislative process. With only 30 spots per term, it’s highly competitive and requires sponsorship from a U.S. senator.
Location: Remote and in-person (Philadelphia, PA) options available
Stipend: Fully funded; no stipend provided. Ten paid stipends for Summer 2024 part-time internships, based on financial need.
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the U.S.
Application Deadline:
Spring Session: December 15
Summer Session: April 15
Fall Session: Typically in July (Dates TBA)
Program Dates:
Spring Session: February – May
Summer Session: June – August
Fall Session: September – December
Acceptance Rate: Competitive, with a low cohort size.
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers competitive remote and in-person internships for high school students passionate about international relations. This program pairs you with scholars and professionals to develop skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking while gaining hands-on experience in foreign policy research and analysis.
You’ll attend weekly seminars on foreign policy and career development, and have access to all FPRI events. A key aspect is working on a research paper, with the potential for publication. Internships in research, events, communications, and operations allow you to tailor your experience. With mentorship and real-world exposure, the program offers a strong foundation for careers in international relations.
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $4,236; Scholarships are available.
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9–12 who are at least 15 years old.
Application Deadline: June 13
Program Dates: June 23 – July 11
Acceptance Rate: Low
UCLA’s Political Science Summer Institute is a 3-week residential program that introduces high school students to the fundamentals of U.S. politics. The curriculum examines the development and functioning of political institutions, collective action, and the evolution of the U.S. political system in historical and contemporary contexts. You will explore topics such as American politics, political theory, and international relations while learning how social scientists study political phenomena.
The program includes coursework, a career panel with guest speakers, and mentorship from graduate and undergraduate students. You’ll earn five units of college credit, applicable to high school or future college studies. It offers a blend of theory and practical insights for students interested in political science and its real-world applications.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; no stipend provided.
Eligibility: High school U.S. citizens and be enrolled or accepted at an accredited institution and maintain eligibility throughout the internship.
Application Deadline:
Spring Internship: October
Summer Internship: December
Fall Internship: June
Program Dates:
Spring Period: January–May
Summer Period: May–August
Fall Period: September–December
Acceptance Rate: Moderate
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program offers high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in policy research, data analysis, and government operations. Based in Washington, D.C., interns will analyze policy data, conduct research, and summarize key literature. Working with Treasury officials and U.S. agencies, you’ll develop research, analytical, and organizational skills. This program provides insight into federal operations and international policy, preparing students for careers in public service, economics, and international relations.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,700 program fee + $75 application fee
Eligibility: Open to current 9th–11th grade students.
Application Deadline: TBD
Program Dates: July 5 - July 26
Acceptance Rate: Moderate
The University of Pennsylvania’s Social Justice Research Academy immerses high school students in the sociological, historical, and political dimensions of inequality and social resistance. Through lectures and workshops led by Penn faculty, you will develop leadership, research, and analytical skills. Topics include gun control, historical narratives, women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ issues, and the impact of poverty on children.
The program includes a capstone project where you’ll create a research question based on course topics. Past projects have addressed issues like AAPI representation in Hollywood, redlining, and gun violence among Black men. You’ll also visit Penn's Van Pelt Library and explore Philadelphia landmarks like the National Constitution Center and local nonprofits such as Mural Arts and Philabundance.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid.
Eligibility: Must be a high school student (graduating seniors are not eligible) with minimum GPA of 3.0 required.
Application Deadline: To be announced; The application will reopen in April.
Program Dates: June 1 - August 1 (Tentative).
Acceptance Rate: Low, only 20-30 students selected per term.
The USC Center for the Political Future offers high school students a hands-on internship in politics, policy-making, and public service. The High School Summer Internship Program mirrors collegiate-level internships, providing exposure to political research and nonprofit work.
You will critically analyze the Center’s ‘Climate Forward Conference,’ reviewing recordings and completing assignments throughout the summer. The program culminates in a comprehensive summary and analysis. This internship offers a deep dive into political research and public service dynamics, providing valuable experience for aspiring students. Detailed responsibilities and application information are available on the program's website.
Location: New York City
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $16 per hour (paid hourly).
Eligibility:
Must be 16 years or older.
Must be a New York City resident (for Fall/Spring Term internships).
Must have valid working papers/employment certification at the time of application.
Must be enrolled in high school or accepted into an undergraduate degree program.
Application Deadline: August 23.
Program Dates: October 21 - April 11.
Acceptance Rate: Low
The New York City Office of the Mayor Internship Program offers high school students the opportunity to gain experience in city government and policy operations. You will be placed in departments that match your interests, working closely with staff on tasks like research, meeting attendance, data analysis, drafting briefings, and event staffing.
In addition to your daily duties, you’ll attend a bi-weekly Speaker Series with Deputy Mayors, Commissioners, and senior staff, gaining insights into city government. You will also collaborate on a service project aimed at benefiting New York City communities, contributing to meaningful social impact.
Location: Internships are available in various locations in California, Illinois, and Texas and other cities like DC, Miami, and New York. Applicants can specify geographic and legal preferences, but not specific courts.
Stipend: Interns receive a $2,000 stipend for their summer work.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
Application Deadline: Typically closes in January.
Program Dates: May - June 2024 (six weeks in the summer, dates TBA).
Acceptance Rate: Low
The ABA's Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) offers high school students the chance to intern with federal or state judges across the U.S. The program fosters diversity in the legal field, offering students hands-on courtroom experience, legal research, and direct work with judges. Ideal for those interested in a legal career, particularly in the judicial branch, it provides a deep understanding of the judicial process.
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.