1. Harvard International Review (HIR) Academic Contest – Politics Category
For budding writers who want to engage with global politics, the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest offers the chance to publish ideas on an international stage. Students worldwide can submit essays of 800 to 1,200 words on topics such as human rights, foreign policy, or governance.
Open to grades 9-12, the contest runs in multiple cycles, with deadlines in May and late August. Winners are recognized publicly and are invited to join an online symposium with peers from around the globe. This contest offers a great academic platform to showcase your writing and perspective.
The U.S. Senate Page Program is one of the rare programs that brings you to the heart of government. High school students are invited to apply through their senators’ offices to serve as pages in Washington, D.C. Pages assist senators on the Senate floor. Each office sets its own deadlines, so remember to apply early for the best chance. The program is competitive and requires living in D.C. for a semester or summer, but in return, you will get unparalleled access to the workings of the federal government.
Eligibility: Only citizens or permanent residents of the United States are allowed to apply. Students can apply directly to their senators’ offices.
- Semester Page: High school students with junior standing, who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment.
- Summer Page: Rising juniors and rising seniors who will be 16 or 17 years old.
Session Dates:
- Fall 2025: September 1 – January 23
- Spring 2026: January 25 – June 5
- Summer Session I: June 7 – June 26, 2026
- Summer Session II: July 12 – August 7, 2026
Aralia Students Are 4x More Likely to Publish a Research Paper
The Foreign Policy Research Institute, based in Philadelphia, welcomes high school students to assist with research in the Middle East, Eurasia, Africa, or Asia. In the Research Internship, interns work with an FPRI staffer and scholars, attend weekly seminars, draft briefing notes, and sometimes publish reflections in FPRI’s Intern Corner. Programs run in spring, summer, and fall. From there, you will gain practical experience and direct mentorship from scholars working on pressing issues in international relations. FPRI offers a unique experience for those who are curious about research careers in think tanks or policy institutes.
In addition to a research internship, students can also apply for Special Events/Development, Communications, and Operations Internships.
Internship Schedule and Application Dates:
Spring (February – April): Application opens on November 3.
Summer (June – August): February 9, 2026 – March 6, 2026
Fall (October – December): TBD
If you prefer a taste of college life, UCLA’s Political Science Summer Institute might fit well with its academic campus experience. This course introduces students to U.S. politics by examining how and why people engage in collective action and create institutions to organize it. Over three weeks, participants will study American politics at a college level, attend career panels, and build valuable writing and analytical skills.
After finishing your studies, you will gain five UCLA credits (letter grade or pass/no pass college credit)
Eligibility: The program is open to students in grades 9-12
Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 (5 pm PST)
Program Dates: June 22, 2026 – July 10, 2026
Tuition: $2,633.00, and students may apply for scholarships.
If you are fascinated by the intersection of politics and economics, the U.S. Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program offers an unpaid student internship program at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. In this program, interns conduct research and data analysis, draft briefings and reports, attend and summarize meetings and hearings, collaborate with Treasury and other federal agencies, and support management, budgeting, IT, and strategic initiatives.
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen and currently enrolled (or accepted) at an accredited institution
Application Timeline:
- Spring (Jan – May): Apply in October
- Summer (May – Aug): Apply in December
- Fall (Sep – Dec): Apply in June
The NYC Mayor’s Office Internship Program provides rising juniors and seniors a chance to work in a government setting. As a paid intern, you will contribute to research, data analysis, and writing projects in various city departments. There will also be a summer speaker series with civic leaders, providing a behind-the-scenes look at how local policy gets made. If you are interested in urban policy and civic engagement, this program delivers a professional experience with immediate impact.
The internship program Summer Terms run from June to August, and the Fall/Spring Terms run from October to April.
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years and older, and must have current working papers/employment certification at the time of application. Additionally, if students are applying for a Fall/Spring Term internship, they must be New York City residents.
Internship Timeline: July 6 – August 28, 2026
Application Timeline: February 23 – March 29, 2026
Pay: $16.50 per hour
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Project Pull offers paid summer internships for motivated high school and college students from diverse communities in San Francisco. The program connects youth with City and County departments, providing professional mentorship and hands-on experience in STEAM fields and public service.
Eligibility: Students who are entering junior year, senior year, or college-bound freshmen. Students must live or attend high school in San Francisco with a minimum GPA of 2.75 from their last semester.
Application Deadline: February 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM (PST)
Interview Date: April 2026 (Spring Break)
Program Dates: June 8, 2026 through July 31, 2026
Pay: $23/hour
8. Take Aralia's Research Classes
Join Aralia’s Research Classes in Conduct Research and Publication, where you’ll work with expert instructors, explore topics you’re passionate about, and produce publishable academic papers. Many of our students have had their research published in recognized student journals, showcasing their achievements to top universities.
