High school government internships?

Hey guys, I'm really interested in politics and government. Are there any government internships out there for high schoolers? How competitive are they and what do they typically entail?

Hello! It's great that you’re interested in politics and government. There are indeed government internships available for high school students. While some internships may be more competitive than others, there are usually opportunities out there for passionate individuals like yourself.

Some popular government internship programs for high school students are:

1. The U.S. Senate Page Program: High school juniors can intern in the U.S. Senate by working as a Senate Page. The responsibilities of a page include helping with legislative, administrative, and support tasks. Application processes and deadlines depend on your state senator.

2. The House of Representatives High School Internship Program: This program allows high school students to intern in the U.S. House of Representatives. Duties typically include clerical tasks, engaging with constituents, and various administrative duties.

3. The White House Internship Program: Although this is primarily for college students, it's not uncommon for highly motivated high school seniors to intern at the White House. Accepted applicants will have the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the Executive Office of the President.

4. State or local government internships: Look for opportunities at state-level government agencies, such as gubernatorial offices, state legislatures, attorney general offices, or other state departments. Additionally, don't forget to explore internships with local city councils, mayor's offices, and county governments.

These internships can be quite competitive and often expect candidates to have some experience or strong interest in government and politics. You'll likely need to demonstrate your passion and commitment through extracurricular activities, previous internships, or volunteer work.

In terms of what to expect during a government internship, you might be undertaking a variety of tasks such as conducting research, working on reports, attending briefings and meetings, assisting with administrative tasks, or engaging with constituents. The overall goal is to expose you to the inner workings of government and foster an understanding of the political process.

To improve your chances of landing an internship, make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your interest and any relevant experience. Networking can also be helpful, so don't be shy about reaching out to your state representative or senator, local officials, or political organizations in your area.

For some broader opportunities in the field of political science, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/political-science-internships-for-high-school-students

Good luck in your search for a government internship, and hopefully, you'll find an opportunity that aligns with your interests and goals!