13 Political Science Summer Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 43 minutes ago
- 9 min read
As a high school student, summer programs can be a great way for you to explore academic interests beyond the school curriculum. Summer programs provide structured environments where you can engage with new ideas, strengthen critical thinking, and build habits that prepare you for college-level study. They also allow you to meet motivated peers and learn from experienced instructors or university faculty.
Why should you attend a political science program?
If you’re curious about how governments function, policies are made, and global issues are addressed, a political science summer program can help you explore these questions in depth. You’ll study areas such as public policy, law, diplomacy, and international relations while improving your research, writing, and communication skills. These programs also allow you to learn from experts, participate in debates and simulations, and collaborate with peers who share your interests.
To help with your search, here are 13 political science summer programs for high school students.
If you are looking for political science internships, check out our blog here.
13 Political Science Summer Programs for High School Students
Location: Cornell University, the University of Maryland, and the University of Michigan
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: June 21- July 25
Application Deadline: December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (ages 15–17) from all backgrounds (both US and international students are welcome to apply)
TASS offers you a deep, seminar-style experience focused on critical thinking, history, and politics. You’ll join a six-week program centred around themes such as Critical Black Studies or Anti-Oppressive Studies, where you'll explore how power, race, privilege, and social structures shape society. You’ll engage in college-level classes with extensive readings, discussions, and writing assignments, diving into topics like the political history of Black movements or the dynamics of resistance. Beyond academics, you’ll live and collaborate with fellow scholars, helping run your community through shared budgeting, activity planning, and service projects. You’ll receive close guidance from professors and teaching assistants to sharpen your analytical and writing skills.
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students with strong academic performance
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Location: Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; $10,000 college scholarship for selected students’ undergraduate studies
Dates: March 7- March 14
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors. Check full eligibility criteria here
The U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is one of the most prestigious political science programs for high school students. If selected, you’ll spend a week in Washington, D.C., meeting Senators, top officials, and policy leaders to gain a firsthand look at how the federal government works. Only two students are chosen from each state, making it an incredibly competitive and selective experience. You'll attend high-level briefings, explore complex policy issues, and connect with peers equally passionate about public service. Each delegate also receives a generous college scholarship, making this both an academic and financial opportunity to support your future in government or law.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Dates: Spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites; see here.
Horizon Academic gives you the chance to pursue guided research in subjects such as political theory, public policy, and data science. In the Political Theory track, you’ll be paired with a PhD mentor from a top university and work one-on-one to produce a 20-page research paper at an undergraduate level. Through regular video meetings and feedback, you'll learn how to conduct literature reviews, build strong arguments, and apply political theory to real-world issues. You'll gain exposure to academic research standards and may even have the chance to present or publish your work. The flexible, virtual format allows you to balance the program with your school schedule, while still experiencing graduate-style research.
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: June 16- July 3
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Students must reside and attend high school in Los Angeles County
At USC’s Annenberg Youth Academy, you’ll explore the powerful connection between media, journalism, and civic responsibility. In this program, you’ll sharpen your writing, public speaking, and digital media skills while diving into how media shapes public opinion and policy. You'll learn from experts, collaborate with peers, and build the tools to navigate today’s media-driven world with purpose and impact. You’ll also get a glimpse into college life at USC and explore potential careers in media, politics, and public affairs.
Location: Hybrid: Virtual and Residential (Princeton University campus)
Cost: Free
Dates: Online workshops starting during the week of July 1; Residential experience on Princeton's campus from July 24- August 3
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: Applicants must be high-achieving juniors from high school and preferably from low-income backgrounds
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) stands out for those interested in politics and current events through journalism. You'll take part in virtual workshops during junior spring, then spend 10 days on Princeton’s campus learning from top journalists and faculty. The program emphasizes political journalism, covering current events, visiting media outlets, and reporting on real political and community issues. You'll work on projects like newspaper articles or multimedia pieces, all while receiving college counselling and admissions prep. With only about 40 students selected each year, PSJP is highly competitive and fully funded, making it especially valuable for students from low-income backgrounds. If you’re passionate about politics, media, and public issues, this program offers a powerful mix of writing, analysis, and real-world exposure.
Location: University of Notre Dame, Indiana
Cost: $5,200 (Total includes tuition, housing, and enrollment fees)
Dates: Session 1: June 6- June 20; Session 2: June 27- July 11
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors with strong academic standing and solid extracurricular activities (at least 16 years old)
As a Summer Scholars participant, you'll spend two immersive weeks on Notre Dame’s campus taking a challenging college-level course taught by the university’s faculty. In the politics track, you'll explore the field of international relations, covering topics such as theories of global politics, terrorism, trade, and human rights, among others. The class time combines lectures, discussions, film, group projects, and debates, which are designed to deepen your understanding of international affairs and sharpen your analytical skills. The coursework is rigorous and rewarding, and you may even earn one transferable college credit upon completing the program. You'll also collaborate with peers outside of class, just as you would in a real college environment.
Location: University of California, Los Angeles
Cost: $2,456 total estimated cost
Dates: June 23- July 11
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders
At the UCLA Political Science Summer Institute, you’ll spend three weeks exploring American politics through lectures, discussions, and hands-on projects. You'll study key topics such as the Constitution, elections, and policy debates, while also analyzing current events through a social science lens. The program includes career panels with professionals such as lobbyists, policy consultants, and public officials, who show how political science translates into real-world careers. You’ll work on group projects, such as drafting a mock policy proposal, and gain experience managing your time in a college setting. This program offers strong academics and valuable exposure to college-level political science.
Location: Residential, Yale University
Cost: $6,500 program fee and $75 application fee
Dates: Session 1: June 21- July 3; Session 2: July 5- July 17; Session 3: July 19- July 31
Application Deadline: Early Action: October 15; Regular Decision: January 7
Eligibility: At least 16 years old by the first day of Session III; A current sophomore or junior (or any international equivalent); A first-time participant
At Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS), you can join the Politics, Law & Economics session if you're interested in political science, governance, and global issues. You'll attend lectures by Yale faculty, join seminar-style discussions, and work in small teams to analyze case studies on topics such as human rights, elections, climate policy, and economic development. Through a capstone project, you'll get to research a real-world issue and present solutions, building your collaboration and presentation skills. The program brings together students from over 100 countries, offering a rich mix of perspectives and a global peer network. You'll also get a taste of college life through virtual seminars and interactions with Yale students and admissions staff.
Location: Stanford University, California; Virtual option available
Cost: $5,295 for residential program (includes housing and meals); around $695 for virtual program; Financial aid available
Dates: In-person Program: July 07- July 27; Virtual Program: July 10- July 28
Application Deadline: Stay updated here
Eligibility: High school students in 9th-12th grade
The JSA Stern Civics Immersion Program at Stanford gives you a deep dive into American democracy, public policy, and leadership. You'll take college-level classes on the Constitution, elections, and policymaking, while also building practical skills through debates, mock Congress sessions, and policy writing. The program focuses on real-world engagement; you'll meet public officials, work on a civic capstone project, and explore careers in public service. Outside the classroom, you'll live in dorms, join leadership activities, and connect with politically engaged peers from across the country. JSA values diverse perspectives and offers generous scholarships to make the program accessible.
Location: Residential (Brown University Campus) OR Online (through Canvas, Brown’s Learning Management System)
Cost: On campus Residential: $5,788; On campus Commuter: $4,540; Online: $5,528
Dates: On Campus I: June 29- July 11; On Campus II: July 13- July 25; Online: June 23- July 1
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Students completing grades 10 to 12, ages 16 to 18 by June 15
Brown University’s Leadership Institute is designed for students passionate about politics, justice, and social change. You’ll explore collaborative leadership models while building research and problem-solving skills to create an Action Plan addressing a real issue in your community. You can choose a course that fits your interests—covering topics such as law, social movements, global health, or intercultural communication—while learning how to lead with purpose and impact.
Location:
Cost: $4,133 + Application fee of $60
Dates: July 9- July 27
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10, 11, and 12
At Emerson College’s PAL Institute, you’ll spend three weeks learning how to create change through communication, activism, and leadership. You’ll explore topics such as grassroots organizing, political campaigns, social justice, and media strategy, then apply those skills by crafting speeches, campaigns, or digital content. Classes include field trips around Boston and workshops that help you “find your voice” and lead on issues that matter to you. You’ll finish with a project, like a campaign plan or video, that showcases your advocacy skills and can strengthen college applications. It’s a hands-on, creative program for students ready to turn passion into action.
Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Cost: $3,500 + $60 non-refundable application fee; Limited need-based scholarship funding is available
Dates: July 5 – 10; July 12 – 17
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until all seats are filled. Opens on November 1.
Eligibility: Current 9th-12th graders
At Wake Forest’s Policy and Politics Institute, you’ll explore American democracy, constitutional rights, and international politics through engaging discussions and hands-on activities. You'll analyze political ideologies, party systems, and how laws are made, all while developing your own policy proposals. The program emphasizes persuasive communication, leadership, and real-world application, including interactions with policy experts and media analysis.
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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