12 Government Internships for High School Students

Are you a high school student eager to explore the world of government and public service? For a moment, imagine immersing yourself in the day-to-day workings of public administration, policy-making, and legislative processes. The busy buzz of productivity floats down the halls with the smell of coffee as important decisions are being made…

Guess what? Internships can help you get there!

Like in many other industries, internships in government open a window for students to take a close look inside our governing institutions. These internships provide not just observational roles, but active participation in significant projects and research across various government departments. Networking with professionals, mentors, and like-minded peers will also be a significant part of the experience, helping you forge valuable connections for your future. For instance, having real-world experience opens a lot of doors for internship positions and even employment in college and beyond.

Whether you're aspiring to be a scientist, lawyer, policymaker, or environmental advocate, these government internships provide a solid foundation for your government career. Ready to explore how these opportunities can shape your future? Let’s dive into the top 12 government internships that offer exciting experiences and valuable skills for high school students.

These internships are designed to engage students directly in impactful work, from environmental conservation and biomedical research to legal studies and legislative affairs. You won’t just be filing papers or sitting on the sidelines; you’ll be involved in meaningful tasks that build your understanding of public service and governance!

Through these programs, students will develop essential skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while also gaining insight into the ethical and societal responsibilities associated with government roles. 

The internship is a week-long, action-packed opportunity for high school students to get first-hand experience in the process of legislation making. Interns provide support services to the House of Representatives, serving on the chamber floor, running errands around the Capitol Campus, and generally acting as runners for this body. Additionally, they take a tour of the Page School, where they understand and learn about the process of legislation and the structure of government. This internship is not only action-oriented but also full of knowledge about the state's governance.

• Duration: One week (40 hours) between January and April (interns can choose the week)
• Requirements: High school students from 14-16 years old
• Application Deadline: TBA, Applications open November 1st

This is the Air Force Research Laboratory's opportunity for high school students to engage in advanced aerospace projects. Working with cutting-edge technology and participating in real-world projects are but a few opportunities interns get involved in. This program aims at nurturing future scientists and engineers with a foundation in STEM and an insider’s view on government-funded research.

• Duration: 10-16 weeks
• Requirements: High school students 16 years of age or older
• Application Deadline: Varies

The New York City Office of the Mayor Internship provides high school students with an excellent opportunity to contribute to all aspects of the Mayor's Office. Interns take part in activities such as research, data analysis, and project development to get a clearer look at how the government works at the city level. Moreover, students participate in a biweekly Speaker Series where they discuss with senior officials, study public policy, and learn about career options in public service. The program will be valuable for those interested in learning about the complexities involved in running a municipal government.

• Duration: Fall, Spring, or Summer 
• Requirements:  High school students 16-18, NYC residents
• Application Deadline: March 30th 

The NASA internship opportunities mean that high school students can participate in both in-house and virtual internships in aerospace engineering projects. In this respect, interns at NASA engage in missions ranging from research and development to data analysis and project management. Through the internships, the students can be involved with NASA scientists and engineers on leading-edge space exploration projects. The program nurtures an intense curiosity about STEM fields among its participants and motivates the next generation of inventors and government scientists.

• Duration: Fall, Spring, or Summer
• Requirements: High school students
• Application Deadline: Summer 2025: Feb. 28, 2025, Fall 2025: May 16, 2025 

This program invites high school students to engage in constructive work on issues concerning national finance and policy. Interns are involved in policy data collection, research, and analysis, and serve as support to the various departments at the Treasury. The program will help students achieve a deep understanding of economic policies, financial management, and how the federal government as a whole works. This is an outstanding stepping stone into the fields of economics, finance, and public administration.

• Duration: Fall, Spring, or Summer 
• Requirements: Students must be U.S. citizens who are either enrolled or accepted by an accredited institution.
• Application Deadline: October for Spring, December for Summer, June for Fall

The U.S. Department of Education internship program is designed to consider students' interests. This internship allows high school students to serve in multiple disciplines, from Education Policies and Data Analytics to Grants Management. Interns help the department fulfill its mission to increase student achievement and prepare students for global competitiveness. It gives them an understanding of the educational policy formation process, participation in research and development studies, and joining initiatives to make a difference in the country's educational scene.

• Duration: Varies
• Requirements:  Students at the high school level who are 16 years or older
• Application Deadline: Rolling, dependent on program dates

The American Bar Association offers a program under the judicial internship opportunity that places high school students as interns with any state or federal judge. Such interns would be involved in the process of a judicial proceeding, assist in legal research work, attend court proceedings, and feel the pulse of the judicial system. This would mainly be useful to a student who is looking to have a career in government law since it involves an in-depth view of the legal proceedings and the work of the judiciary in ensuring justice.

• Duration: 6 weeks, typically in the summer
• Requirements:  High school students
• Application Deadline: January 10th 

Through the NIH High School Summer Internship Program, students will work in the NIH facilities and carry out biomedical research. Paid interns work in association with some of the world's biggest scientists and researchers to contribute to projects that potentially affect current understanding in areas like genetics, neuroscience, or public health. This program provides students with a strong platform through which to develop research skills and acquire hands-on laboratory experience, with aspirations for possible careers in biomedical science.

• Duration: May 18th to August 4th
• Requirements: All high school juniors and seniors living within 40 miles of the NIH campus on which they will intern
• Application Deadline: Rolling

Offered by U.S. senators, the Senate Page Program offers high school students the opportunity to assist with legislative duties, including delivering correspondence and legislative material on the Capitol floor. The pages also attend Senate Page School in the early morning, studying subjects dealing with the workings of the Senate and the federal government. This is a highly competitive program, allowing participants to be exposed to a firsthand account of the legislative process and offering an extraordinary view into how laws are made and the daily operations of the Senate.

• Duration: Varies 
• Requirements:  Rising Junior or Senior in high school, U.S. Citizen
• Application Deadline: Rolling

TMSLIP's program places high school students with New York City legal employers and governmental organizations. Interns work on tasks such as legal research, document preparation, and client interaction. They also attend workshops and networking sessions to gain insight into the practice of law and the administration of justice. The program seeks to further the diversification of the profession by giving mentorship opportunities and exposing them to the practice of law.

• Duration:  May-August
• Requirements: NYC public high school students
• Application Deadline: January 13th

The Bureau of Land Management offers internships to students in the policy areas of land conservation, management, and protection. Students participating as interns in this program work on various projects related to environmental conservation, resource management, and public land stewardship. Fieldwork, data analysis, and policy development are some major activities they engage in towards the preservation of natural resources and their usage in a sustainable manner. This opportunity will especially suit students in the fields of environmental science, ecology, and natural resource management.

• Duration: Varies 
• Requirements:  High school students 16 or older
• Application Deadline: Rolling

The Youth Conservation Corps offers a program that immerses high school students in hands-on activities in conservation work in the national forests and parks. Activities may include but are not limited to, trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and environmental education. The students will be involved in real work concerning conservation while focusing on the values of teamwork, environmental stewardship, and community service. It aims to inculcate responsibility toward the preservation of natural resources and promote practices that are supportive of sustainability. This internship is great for students interested in the environmental sector of the government. 

• Duration: Varies 
• Requirements: Any high school student 15 years or older
• Application Deadline: Rolling 

Government internships for high school students offer more than just a glimpse into the world of public service—they can be transformative experiences that shape your career path. These opportunities provide invaluable hands-on experience, allowing students to dive into the inner workings of government while developing essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

By participating in these internships, students not only enhance their resumes and college applications but also build meaningful connections with mentors and professionals in the field. These relationships can be pivotal as you chart your career path, offering guidance and support for future endeavors.  Not to mention, these mentors in your internship can provide you with a great letter of recommendation. The practical experience and insights gained through these internships are assets that will serve you well, no matter where your career takes you.

Ready to elevate your academic and career prospects? Empowerly is here to support high school students in finding and securing prestigious government internships that align with their passions and goals. Our personalized guidance includes expert advice on crafting standout resumes, writing essays, and preparing for interviews. Unlock your potential, gain invaluable experience, and build a brighter future with Empowerly. Start your journey to success today!