20 Political Science Internships for High Schoolers in 2023
What’s Covered:
- Senate Page Program
- Stage Legislature Page Programs
- Other Political Science Internships
- How Much Do Internships Impact Your College Chances?
An internship focused on political science is a good idea for high school students interested in pursuing a political science major in college and, ultimately, a career in government, politics, or public policy. A political science internship looks great on your college resume, builds your network, and gives you an inside look at life in politics.
Senate Page Program
A spot in the Senate Page Program is one of the most coveted internships among students with an interest in political science. Page positions are available both during the school year and over the summer and combine employment in the Senate (performing tasks like delivering messages) with rigorous academic coursework. Rising juniors and seniors who are 16 or 17 years old, U.S. citizens, and have a GPA of at least 3.0 are eligible to apply.
1. Lisa Murkowski Senate Page
Application Deadline: Varies
- Fall and Spring sessions: Approximately five months
- Summer Sessions: Between three and four weeks
Alaska high schoolers will want to take advantage of this opportunity to participate in one of the nation’s most prestigious programs. Students will live in Washington, D.C., and get the opportunity to meet some of the nation’s most prominent leaders and listen to debates over pressing political issues, all while continuing their studies. They’ll also get an up-close look at the fast-paced environment of one of the country’s most influential Senators.
2. Maggie Hassan Senate Page
Application Deadline: Varies
- Fall and Spring sessions: Approximately five months
- Summer Sessions: Between three and four weeks
New Hampshire’s Daniel Webster received his first page appointment in 1829, and the U.S. Senate has welcomed young students to assist in its day-to-day operations ever since. Senator Maggie Hassan’s office continues the tradition, welcoming high-achieving juniors and seniors from New Hampshire between ages 16 and 17 to play a role in the functioning of the federal government. These students continue their schooling while working for a Senator hailing from a state known for its first-in-the-nation presidential primary and large role in national politics.
3. Sherrod Brown Senate Page
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration:
- Fall and Spring sessions: Approximately five months
- Summer Sessions: Between three and four weeks
Paging for Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown provides an exciting opportunity to participate in the impressive Senate Page Program—working for a U.S. Senator while also living and learning in the nation’s capital. It also provides a unique perspective of working in one of the country’s most recognizable swing states.
Stage Legislature Page Programs
Only 30 page positions are available per session, making the Senate Page Program extremely competitive. State legislatures provide an excellent alternative for high schoolers who want to gain personal experience working in government.
4. Alabama House of Representatives Page Program
Application Deadline: N/A
Duration: N/A
The Alabama House Page Program allows young Alabamans between the ages of 10 and 18 to get an up-close look at the inner workings of state government, observe committee meetings, and meet others with an interest in politics. Pages are typically tasked with running errands for members and staff, delivering messages, and obtaining copies of bills, resolutions, amendments, substitutes, and other official documents for members. Students interested in applying for a page position should contact their House member.
5. Washington State Legislature House Page Program
Application Deadline: N/A
Duration: One 40-hour week
Since 1889—prior to statehood—the Washington State Legislature House Page Program has provided young Washingtonians the opportunity to participate in the process of state government. Pages perform duties such as presenting the flags and distributing amendments during legislative sessions. This week-long experience is open to students between ages 14 and 16, and participants receive a stipend of $35 a day for their work and can earn up to 20 hours of community service. Those interested in the page program are encouraged to contact their member of the House of Representatives.
6. Florida House of Representatives Page and Messenger Program
Application Deadline: Rolling
Duration: One week
The Florida House of Representatives Page and Messenger Program is a long-standing tradition in the Sunshine State—the program dates as far back as 1865. Participants in the program serve for one week—out of a 60-day session—observing the legislative process up close while performing their duties. Students who serve in the Page and Messenger Program will have their names appear in the Journal of the House, the official record of the Florida House of Representatives.
7. Georgia General Assembly House Page Program
Application Deadline: N/A
Duration: One day
For over five decades, the Georgia General Assembly House Page Program has connected the state’s elected leaders with students interested in the legislative process. The program is open to Georgia students between 12 and 18 years of age. Pages duties include delivering documents, bills, and letters to legislators in the House Chamber. Pages are paid $10 for their work, are served a lunch provided by Chick-fil-A, and receive a certificate of service.
Other Political Science Internships
Numerous internship opportunities for students with an interest in political science exist outside of the federal and state page programs and can provide students with direct experience working in politics and government.
8. State of Maine Office of Governor Janet T. Mills Internship
Application Deadline: Rolling
Duration:
- Winter/Spring: December through April
- Summer: May through August
- Fall: September through November
By interning in the governor’s office, Maine students can gain valuable firsthand experience with state government, learning how a state governor serves their constituents. Internships are offered on a seasonal basis and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Participants are required to work a minimum of 12 hours a week and qualifying students receive a stipend.
9. Pasquines Internship
Application Deadline: Rolling
Duration: N/A
The non-profit news organization Paquines is dedicated to bringing U.S. territories into the national conversation and covers the impact that federal issues such as those involving politics, policy, design, and innovation have on them. into the national conversation. The organization is always searching for unpaid, virtual interns who are passionate about politics, public affairs, writing, and reporting to assist in a variety of positions. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
10. International Leadership Foundation Youth Leadership Academy
Application Deadline: Rolling
Duration: June through August
This program is designed to cultivate the next generation of civic leaders by helping students better understand U.S. democracy and their place in it. Participants take part in a week-long intensive seminar and participate in a project of their choice—interning, volunteering, or shadowing with a local government, non-profit, or community service organization. The program is open to rising high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are involved in their communities.
11. Political Research Associates (PRA) Internship Program
Application Deadline: N/A
Duration: N/A
PRA produces research and analysis on issues such as reproductive justice, LGBTQ rights, racial/immigrant justice, civil liberties, and economic justice. PRA strongly encourages people of color, LGBTQ persons, and women to apply. The internship is mainly focused on college students and recent college graduates, but they will consider candidates who are otherwise a great fit—so sell yourself and show them you’re meant to fill an internship spot!
12. U.S. Department of the Treasury Student Internship Program
Application Deadline:
- Spring: October.
- Summer: December
- Fall: June
Duration:
- Spring: January through May
- Summer: May through August
- Fall: September through December
The U.S. Department of the Treasury offers a handful of interesting internship opportunities (including positions for students with an interest in studying political science) for high school students who are accepted at an accredited college or university. Internships are unpaid, but the experience students get working in a cabinet-level federal agency, exploring a career in the public sector, and building a professional network is invaluable.
13. Department of Education Student Trainees Volunteers
Application Deadline: Rolling
Duration: Eight to ten weeks
This eight- to ten-week program allows students 16 years of age or older to build professional and personal skills while working in a field of interest. Internships are available in a variety of areas, including fields of interest to prospective political science majors like educational policies and project management and communications. In addition to their official duties, participants also take part in a brown bag lunch series with senior Education Department officials, professional development workshops, and tours of notable Washington, D.C., landmarks.
14. Edward M. Kennedy Institute Education & Visitor Experience Volunteer Program
Application Deadline: Rolling
Duration: Minimum four hours per week
This volunteer program is a great way for high schoolers to share their passion for politics by teaching others about government and the importance of civic engagement. Volunteers are responsible for greeting visitors and providing information about exhibits. Although volunteers are unpaid, they do receive extensive training and can attend enrichment classes and programs for free.
15. United States Senate Youth Program
Application Deadline: N/A
Duration: One week
While not an internship, students with an interest in politics will want to look into this prestigious week-long, intensive, Senate-sponsored program. The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is open to outstanding high school juniors and seniors and is designed to provide students with an in-depth look at the Senate as well as a provide a better understanding of how the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government work. This program is extremely competitive and just two students from each state are selected to participate.
16. Workshops Foundation Congressional Seminar
Application Deadline: N/A
Duration: One week
The Workshops Foundation Congressional Seminar isn’t an internship, it’s a paid opportunity. That said, the program offers an incredible chance to experience the legislative process up close. Participants meet Senators and Representatives, attend briefings from those involved in all areas of the political process, and visit landmarks around Washington, D.C. Participants also participate in a model Congress, giving them hands-on experience with the dynamics and challenges of policy making.
17. American Legion Boys Nation
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration: One week
The Boys Nation program teaches young leaders about the structure and function of the federal government. Two representatives are selected from each state—Hawaii is the only state that doesn’t participate in the program—and act as Senators in a mock government. Senators caucus at the beginning of the session, organize into committees, and conduct hearings on bills—ultimately gaining firsthand experience with the legislative process. Participants are also treated to lectures, visit federal offices, visit notable sights, and meet with elected officials from their home states.
18. American Legion Auxillary Girls Nation
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration: One week
A complementary program to American Legion Boys Nation, Girls Nation operates in a similar manner. Two “Senators” are chosen from each state and participate in a mock legislature—submitting bills and resolutions, participating in senate sessions, and electing officials such as president and vice president. Participants will also visit historic Washington, D.C., monuments, Arlington National Cemetery, and the White House, as well as meet with their state Senators and Representatives.
19. Oakland Mayor’s Internship Program
Application Deadline: N/A
Duration: Three months
This is a great opportunity for Oakland high school students with an interest in political science, public policy, and community engagement. Participants work closely with the mayor’s staff and city departments on a variety of projects and support administrative tasks. Interns are required to work a minimum of ten hours a week—preference is given to those who can commit to between 15 and 20 hours of service—and must commit to interning for three months. Currently, interns are not paid.
20. Senator Chris Van Hollen Internship
Application Deadline:
- Fall: June 23
- Spring: November 3
Duration:
- Fall: August through January
- Spring: January through May
Senator Chris Van Hollen provides internship opportunities to high school juniors and above in his Capitol Hill, Rockville, and Baltimore offices. Interns are responsible for general office work, including answering phone calls, drafting responses to constituents, and attending meetings, briefings, and community events. Participants are also provided professional and educational opportunities and will gain a deeper understanding of the operation of government agencies. This is a paid position and priority is given to applicants who reside in Maryland.
How Much Do Internships Impact Your College Chances?
Internships are an extracurricular activity that can count for as much as a quarter of admissions decisions. However, their influence on admissions depends on their impressiveness and rarity, which is best quantified using the 4 Tiers of Extracurricular Activities.
For example, a Senate page position is a tier-one extracurricular activity, as it is extremely prestigious, competitive (just 30 pages are selected per session), and high-profile. Conversely, local, less selective, and more common internships fall into the lower tiers—three and four.
Wondering how your internship will affect your odds of acceptance? CollegeVine can help! Our free admissions calculator factors in your GPA and standardized test scores, along with other considerations such as extracurricular activities (like internships), to calculate your odds of admission at hundreds of schools across the country.
