Research opportunities provide high school students valuable exposure to college-level academics and professional experience before college. If you’re interested in political science, research opportunities for high school students can help you build skills, gain industry insights, and connect 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. These programs are hosted by prestigious organizations and have highly competitive acceptance rates. They offer research experience to help you explore political science in-depth and prepare for future academic success.

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Political Science Track

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.

Location: Remote, you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.

Cost: Full financial aid is available!

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. You can find more details about the application here. 

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.

2. U.S. Senate Page Program

Location: Washington, D.C.

Cost/Stipend: No cost; monthly stipend based on a $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 chance to engage with the legislative process in Washington, D.C. This prestigious program provides experience in governance as you will 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, allowing you to work with Senate staff. With only 30 spots per term, this program is highly competitive. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.

3. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute

Location: Remote and in-person (Philadelphia, PA) options available

Stipend: Free; stipend may be provided 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

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 interested in international relations. This program pairs you with scholars and professionals to develop skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking while gaining 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 potential for publication. Internships in research, events, communications, and operations allow you to tailor your experience. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.

4. UCLA’s Political Science Summer Institute Program

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 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, which can be applied to high school or future college studies.

5. U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program

Location: Washington, D.C.

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; no stipend provided.

Eligibility: High school U.S. citizens who are 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 experience in policy research, data analysis, and government operations. Based in Washington, D.C., you will analyze policy data, conduct research, and summarize key literature. By 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 you for careers in public service, economics, and international relations. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.

6. University of Pennsylvania’s Social Justice Research Academy

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 introduces high school students to the sociological, historical, and political dimensions of inequality and social resistance. You will develop leadership, research, and analytical skills through lectures and workshops led by Penn faculty. 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 and redlining. 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.

7. Internships and Career Development - USC Center for the Political Future

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid.

Eligibility: Must be a high school student (graduating seniors are not eligible) with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Application Deadline: To be announced; the application will reopen in April.

Program Dates: June 1 - August 1.

Acceptance Rate: Low, only 20-30 students selected per term.

The USC Center for the Political Future offers high school students an 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. Detailed responsibilities and application information are available on the program's website.

8. New York City Office of the Mayor Internship Program

Location: New York City

Cost/Stipend: No cost; $16 per hour (paid hourly).

Eligibility: Must be 16 years or older, a New York City resident (for Fall/Spring Term internships), have valid working papers/employment certification at the time of application, and 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 with staff on 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 to benefit New York City communities, contributing to social impact. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.

9. Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) by ABA

Location: Various locations in California, Illinois, and Texas, and 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.

Eligibility: Open to all high school students.

Application Deadline: Typically closes in January.

Program Dates: May - June (six weeks in the summer).

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 courtroom experience, legal research, and the chance to work with judges. Ideal for those interested in a legal career, it provides a deep understanding of the judicial process. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.

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.