Imagine getting a front-row seat to the inner workings of government, helping to shape policies, and rubbing elbows with influential leaders—all while you’re in high school.
Sounds like a real deal, right?
Well, political internships for high school students can turn that dream into reality.
These internships offer a unique blend of real-world experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to make a genuine impact on your community and beyond.
The political internship can take you to an influential career path.
Let’s explore how you can get started:
Table of Contents
- Summer Political Internships For High School Students
- 1. U.S. Senate Page Program
- 2. U.S. House of Representatives Page Program
- 3. The White House Internship Program
- 4. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) R2L NextGen Program
- 5. The Junior Statesmen of America (JSA) Summer School and Symposiums
- 6. The YMCA Youth and Government Program
- 7. The Close Up Foundation Washington Program
- Best Political Internships For High School Students
- 8. Girls State/Boys State Programs (American Legion)
- 9. The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Political Action and Public Policy
- 10. The Civic Education Project (CEP) – CivicWeek
- 11. The Presidential Classroom Scholars Program
- 12. United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) Global Classrooms
Summer Political Internships For High School Students
Here are the best internships for high school students in politics:
1. U.S. Senate Page Program
The U.S. Senate Page Program offers high school students a chance to work in the Senate, helping with daily tasks and gaining firsthand experience in how laws are made.
Pages assist senators during sessions, deliver messages, and prepare the Senate chamber.
Seeing the government in action from inside the Capitol is a unique opportunity.
Related: law Internships For High School Students
2. U.S. House of Representatives Page Program
Like the Senate program, the U.S. House of Representatives Page Program is a political internship for high school students to assist members of the House.
Pages run errands, deliver documents, and help with various tasks around the House chamber. This program gives students an up-close look at the legislative process.
3. The White House Internship Program
The White House Internship Program is an opportunity for students to work in different offices within the White House.
Interns get to see the day-to-day operations of the executive branch, help with important projects, and sometimes even meet high-level officials.
It’s a great way to understand how the President’s office functions.
4. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) R2L NextGen Program
The CHCI R2L NextGen Program is a week-long leadership program for Latino high school students.
Participants travel to Washington, D.C., where they learn about the U.S. government, meet with members of Congress, and discuss important issues affecting their communities.
5. The Junior Statesmen of America (JSA) Summer School and Symposiums
The JSA Summer School and Symposiums offer students a chance to dive into politics, government, and leadership.
These programs include classes, workshops, and debates, often held at prestigious universities.
Students engage with policymakers and develop their public speaking and leadership skills.
6. The YMCA Youth and Government Program
The YMCA Youth and Government Program lets students simulate government processes through mock legislative sessions. Participants create and debate bills, run for office, and learn about the democratic process. It’s a hands-on way to understand how government works and to develop leadership skills.
7. The Close Up Foundation Washington Program
The Close Up Foundation Washington Program is a week-long political internship where students visit Washington, D.C., and learn about government and politics.
They participate in workshops, meet members of Congress, and visit important landmarks.
This program helps students gain a deeper understanding of the political system.
Best Political Internships For High School Students
Listed below are a couple of political internships for high schoolers:
8. Girls State/Boys State Programs (American Legion)
The Girls State and Boys State programs, run by the American Legion, are week-long internships where students simulate state government processes.
They create their own government, run for office, and learn about civic responsibilities.
These political internships for high school students are great for understanding state politics and developing leadership skills.
9. The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Political Action and Public Policy
The NSLC on Political Action and Public Policy offers workshops and seminars on leadership, politics, and public policy.
Students meet with government officials, participate in simulations, and learn about the political process.
This conference helps students develop skills and knowledge to become future leaders.
10. The Civic Education Project (CEP) – CivicWeek
CivicWeek is a program by the Civic Education Project that takes students to Washington, D.C., for a week of learning about public policy and community service.
Participants engage in discussions, meet policymakers, and work on community projects. It’s one of the best political internships for high school students to understand civic engagement and public service.
11. The Presidential Classroom Scholars Program
The Presidential Classroom Scholars Program lets students study government and public policy. Participants attend lectures, engage in discussions, and visit governmental institutions. This
program provides an in-depth look at how government works and encourages active citizenship.
12. United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) Global Classrooms
The UNA-USA Global Classrooms program simulates the workings of the United Nations through Model UN conferences.
Students debate global issues, learn about diplomacy, and develop public speaking skills.
It’s a fantastic internship to help them gain a global perspective on political issues and understand international relations.
Over To You
Political internships for high school students are more than just something to add to your resume.
They help you discover what you’re passionate about, build important skills, and make connections that can shape your future.
These internships give you a real look into how government and public service work, which you can’t get from just reading books.
If you want to make a difference and start building your future now, why wait?
Find a political internship and take your first step into the world of politics today.