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.
2. U.S. Senate Page Program
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
- 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.
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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): TBD
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. 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. Tuition runs upward of $5,000, though need-based aid is available.
Eligibility: The program is open to students in grades 9-12
Application Deadline: June 13, 2025
Program Dates: June 23, 2025 – July 11, 2025
If you are fascinated by the intersection of politics and economics, the U.S. Treasury Student Internship Program offers hands-on policy research in Washington, D.C. In this program, interns assist and analyze reports to study issues ranging from taxation to international finance. Open to U.S. citizens in high school, the program runs during spring, summer, and fall. Though the internships are unpaid, the chance to work within the Treasury Department provides an invaluable insight into how financial policy is shaped.
Applications for the Summer 2025 session closed in late 2024, but future cycles remain open.
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.
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years and older, and must have current working papers/employment certification at the time of application.
Internship Timeline: October 20, 2205 – April 10, 2026
Application Timeline: August 11, 2025 – August 31, 2025 (11:59 pm)
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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
Application Deadline: February 17, 2025, at 11:59 PM (PST)
Program Dates: June 9, 20,25 through August 1, 2025
Join Aralia’s Research Program, 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.
