15 Civic Summer Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 4 days ago
- 11 min read
If you’re a high schooler, summer is the perfect time to explore your interests and enhance your skills, especially if you want to go beyond the classroom and engage deeply with a specific area of interest.
Civic summer programs offer you many opportunities to do just that. These programs primarily focus on community service. They provide opportunities for you to engage in real-world problem-solving while gaining exposure to college-level academics, practical skills, industry insights, and valuable connections.
Unlike many costly pre-college programs, civic summer programs are often fully funded or low-cost and short, making them accessible options for those eager to make a difference without burning a hole in your pocket!
If you’re interested in tackling local issues, advocating for change, or understanding governance, these programs are worth considering. They are designed to challenge and connect you with like-minded peers and equip you with the tools to become active and informed citizens.
To help you find the best opportunities, we are here with a compilation of 15 top-notch civic summer programs for high schoolers in the US!
1. Civic Innovation Academy at Georgetown University
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 5-10% acceptance rate. Highly selective! (25-75 students per cohort)
Location: In-person at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free, including housing and meals at Georgetown dorms with financial aid available! (Travel not covered)
Dates: June 22 – June 28 (One week)
Application Deadline: Not specified. Typically late June or July
Eligibility: Current high school students in the U.S. who have completed a prior Civics Unplugged program (e.g., Civic Innovators Fellowship)
The Civic Innovation Academy is a one-week, in-person program for young change-makers to engage with leaders and develop solutions to national issues. This program offers daily design challenges and civic simulations that replicate real-world policy-making and leadership scenarios. You’ll engage in immersive sessions led by thought leaders and professionals from government, nonprofit, and business sectors. Collaborative group projects with peers lead to impactful, peer-reviewed action proposals further enriched by field visits and opportunities for cultural exploration.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective. 200 students selected each year
Location: Virtual/Online
Cost: Varies based on programs. Need-based financial aid available!
Dates: Cohort starts on July 14
Application Deadline: June 22
Eligibility: High school students
The Horizon Academic Research Program is a selective opportunity for exceptional high school students to conduct advanced research alongside top professors and PhD scholars. The program culminates in a 20-page research paper, helping you to develop essential research and academic writing skills.
It offers two tracks: the Professor Seminar program, where small group sessions are led by professors from top global universities, and the one-on-one PhD Labs program, where you will work individually with PhD or postdoctoral mentors from leading institutions.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective with estimated 3-5% of applicants selected each year
Location: Cornell University and University of Maryland
Cost: Free including program costs, tuition, books, room and board, and field trips
Dates: June 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (Both US and international students) at least 15 years old
The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) is a fully funded summer program for high school sophomores and juniors. It is designed to cultivate in you the qualities of leadership and service through intellectually rigorous, community-based learning experiences, democratic decision-making, and transformative justice. TASS offers two academic tracks, Critical Black Studies (TASS–CBS), which explores the contributions and experiences of people of African descent, and Anti-Oppressive Studies (TASS–AOS), which examines systems of power and strategies for social change. You will select a track based on your academic and social interests.
You will collaborate on democratic decision-making, fostering inclusion, and even spending from a program budget. You will also practice transformative justice to strengthen the community and work through internal conflicts. You’ll participate in a public speaking program with your classmates and hear lectures from guest speakers.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective. Up to 40 students from across the country each year
Location: Online workshops followed by 10-day residential experience on Princeton's campus
Cost: Free, including air travel or ground transportation, housing, meals, and equipment for assignments
Dates: July 1 for online classes and July 24 – August 3 for the 10-day residential experience at Princeton's campus
Application Deadline: Opens every winter in early December
Eligibility: High school juniors interested in journalism from low-income backgrounds
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) offers a comprehensive experience combining virtual and residential components. You will have to complete three application rounds to apply for PSJP. During the residential intensive at the Princeton University campus, you will live in undergraduate dorms and engage in hands-on journalism training through lectures and workshops led by renowned educators and journalists.
You’ll also have a chance to visit top news outlets like The New York Times, HuffPost, and Bloomberg, cover local and professional news events, produce digital content, conduct investigative reporting, and co-author The Princeton Summer Journal. All residential expenses, including transportation (air and ground), housing, meals, and assignment-related equipment, are fully covered by the program.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 26 students
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free (Transportation scholarship available upon request)
Dates: June 16 - July 3 (Three-week program)
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Students must reside and attend high school in Los Angeles County
Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement program engages you at a college-level coursework to deepen your understanding of media, communications, and journalism as tools for civic leadership and innovation.
Through this program, you will build skills such as writing, critical thinking, public speaking, multimedia, and ethnography while exploring USC Annenberg’s programs, career paths, and connecting you with leading scholars and professionals in the field. This program offers a robust college prep component that includes personal statement workshops, college advising, campus exposure, and mentorship equipping you with the skills and support needed to confidently pursue higher education, especially in media and communication fields.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Seminar and Internship vary by schedule and placement
Cost: Free
Dates: June 16 – June 27 for Seminar and July 7 – July 25 for Internship (Five weeks)
Application Deadline: March 3 – March 28 window
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors, preferably academy and pathway students
Elk Grove Civic Summer is a 5-week program for EGUSD high school students, through which you will be introduced to the world of public service and advocacy. It’s a collaboration between the Elk Grove Unified School District, the City of Elk Grove, and local public agencies empowering you through education, leadership, and community engagement.
The seminar course offers you the chance to engage with local and civic leaders, participate in discussions on community issues with peers from other campuses, and explore the unique history of Elk Grove while the internship provides hands-on experience at a public sector agency, where you can contribute to city projects by developing key skills in communication, problem-solving, and professionalism.
You’ll get a chance to hear from local leaders, intern with public agencies, build essential skills, and present at a City Council meeting. Moreover, you will earn 10 non-paid summer school credits, gain valuable work experience, build networks, secure recommendation letters, and juniors become eligible for the State Seal of Civic Engagement.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 5–10% (highly selective).
Location: In-person at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
Cost: Free, including housing and all meals in UCLA dorms. Students to cover travel costs, with financial aid available!
Dates: 1 - week program
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current U.S. high school students who have completed a prior Civics Unplugged program (e.g., Civic Innovators Fellowship)
This one-week, in-person academy by Civics Unplugged at UCLA, focuses on civic innovation with pressing issues such as housing justice, climate action, and community-driven innovation with local leaders and impact-driven organizations. You’ll get to collaborate with top researchers, industry experts, and policymakers to craft solutions to both local and national challenges. You’ll also get a chance to meet with legislators, organizers, CEOs, and academics, and collaborate with government department staff, including from the State, Treasury, Education, and the White House.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective. Two participants from each Boys State are chosen
Location: Washington, D.C
Cost: Free. Scholarships may be offered
Dates: July 18 – July 26 (Varies by state)
Application Deadline: Not specified (Varies by state)
Eligibility: High school juniors selected on merit basis
Boys and Girls State, supported by The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary, are prestigious summer programs for high school students who demonstrate strong leadership, character, academic achievement, and dedication to school and community.
You will simulate government by forming political parties, running elections, proposing legislation, and learning foundational civic procedures. Those selected for Boys/Girls Nation travel to Washington, D.C., to collaborate with peers nationwide. It's a solid opportunity for you if you are interested in Political Science, Law, Public Policy, and related fields.
Two selected students from each Boys State attend Boys Nation in Washington, D.C., where you will spend a week simulating the role of U.S. senators through mock legislative sessions, political conventions, and visits to national landmarks. Programs comply with federal disability regulations and typically require a consent form signed by a parent or guardian, as well as a licensed physician. In most cases, schools nominate students to their local American Legion post, which conducts interviews and selects delegates.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost: $500 fee with need-based scholarships available
Dates: Session 1 from June 23 to June 27 and Session 2 from July 14 – July 18 (2 week in-person sessions)
Application Deadline: Starts from February 1 until available spots are filled
Eligibility: High school students from grades 9-12, recent high school graduates
The Ohio State Philosophy and Critical Thinking (PACT) Summer Camp offers you a thematic week-long introduction to philosophical thinking. Hosted by the Department of Philosophy at The Ohio State University, the camp combines rigorous and engaging learning experiences with a fun, collaborative atmosphere. The first session is themed Democracy and Justice, while the second session is about Science, Faith and Reality.
Your day will include creative projects and debates on real-world scenarios. You will explore meaningful issues, hear presentations from Ohio State professors on key philosophical topics, and dive into some of today’s most profound philosophical questions.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Estimated 10 - 20% based on program scale.Competitive due to 750 spots for a global applicant pool
Location: Virtual fellowship/fully remote
Cost: Free
Dates: February 12 - April 8
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High School students
The Civic Innovators Fellowship is an eight-week virtual program that brings together 750 high school students from across all 50 states and over 100 countries to explore the field of civic innovation.
Through case studies, solvathons, and mentorship, you will develop five key skills essential to civic innovators. The program also offers you access to mentors, internships, and funding opportunities to help transform ideas into real-world impact. Completion is required for those interested in attending Civics Unplugged’s in-person summer academies.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2 - 3% Highly selective. (Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity)
Location: In-person. Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free, including travel, lodging, and meals. $10,000 college scholarship awarded for undergraduate studies
Dates: March 7 – 14
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: Outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service
The U.S. Senate Youth Program is a prestigious, week-long, in-person experience in Washington, D.C., for two high school student leaders from each state, D.C., and DoDEA.
Student delegates must hold high-level elected or appointed leadership positions to apply. During the program, you will engage with top government officials, including senators, cabinet members, and often the president and a Supreme Court justice, to gain a deep understanding of federal government operations. All expenses are covered by The Hearst Foundations, and each participant receives a $10,000 college scholarship.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 150 students each from Middle and High schools
Location: University of Maryland
Cost: Free. Meals and transportation available!
Dates: June 23 – June 27 (One week)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle and high school students interested in government and/or politics, preferably rising tenth graders (for the high school program)
Civic Leaders, a summer program developed by Close Up in collaboration with Prince George’s County Public Schools, offers you a dynamic opportunity to strengthen your civic and political understanding. It’s guided by Close Up instructors, where you will follow a curriculum focused on developing citizenship skills, democratic values, and aligning with Maryland College and Career Ready (MCCR) Standards.
You’ll engage in community-based activities, practice persuasive writing and speaking, and explore current issues through critical thinking and discussion. You will be engaged in one of the many multi-part simulations of the Legislative Process in the House of Representatives taking on the role of an elected Congressperson presenting arguments in support or opposition of real bills and having the opportunity to vote on their passage into law.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified. Approximately 50 students
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: $17 per hour
Dates: Between June and August. (Six-week program)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students who have just finished their senior year
The Mikva Challenge Fellowship equips you with civic activism skills through real-world projects focused on issues such as education equity and gun violence prevention. You will collaborate with community organizations, create advocacy campaigns, and engage with local leaders, gaining leadership experience and the tools to drive policy change in your communities. You’ll serve as a Fellow in the offices of city, county, state, and federal officials in Chicago.
Mikva’s four core programs engage young people in civic life through immersive, project-based learning experiences that significantly shape their civic attitudes, skills, and sense of empowerment.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Virtual but with a possible in-person annual convening in Washington, D.C.
Cost: Paid fellowship. Stipend available at the end of the program
Dates: Year-long, with summer components likely August - May (10 months)
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: U.S. high school students
This year-long iCivics Youth Fellowship is a mostly virtual program (with a possible in-person gathering) that equips high school students with civic leadership skills while making civic education more engaging and accessible.
You will get to work together on projects aimed at closing civic learning gaps, utilize iCivics’ resources, and connect with a nationwide community of civic educators and peers. The focus is on developing practical solutions to support and strengthen democracy.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Tufts University’s Medford / Somerville campus, Massachusetts
Cost: $5,750 fee
Dates: July 6 – July 18 for session 1 and July 20 – August 1 for session 2 (two-week)
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students from 10-12 grades, must be 15 years of age by the start of the program
Tufts University's Tisch College of Civic Life offers a two-week summer program for high school students who are passionate about creating social change. It’s centered on equity, inclusion, and civic engagement and helps you develop the skills to become impactful leaders.
You will delve into key topics like education inequality, environmental justice, public policy, and grassroots activism, while engaging with Tufts faculty and community leaders. The experience also encourages you to align your personal passions with academic and civic goals.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, 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 received over 4,000 student applications for 500 program spots. 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!
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.
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