Public policy is not where one would initially think to associate with summer programs for teens. But for high school students who are passionate about addressing real-world issues such as climate change, health disparities, or online privacy, public policy simulations and case competitions provide an amazing platform to showcase your skills and learn from others. If you're a high school student interested in debate, social studies, or just wants to know how decisions are being made in society, this list is all about that.
1. Model United Nations (MUN)
Location: Global (various high schools, universities, and online)
Dates: Year-round conferences
Cost: Varies ($30–$150+ per conference)
Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide
Deadline: Depends on conference
Model UN (MUN) is an activity where students take on the roles of different countries or leaders and pretend to be part of the United Nations. They learn about global issues, write short papers explaining their country’s views, and take part in organized debates. During these debates, students practice speaking clearly, working with others, and finding peaceful solutions. At the end of each MUN conference, students work together to write resolution plans for solving the problems they discussed. MUN helps students understand how the UN works, how countries interact, and how complicated real-world issues can be.
2.Harvard Public Policy Challenge for High School Students
Location: Cambridge, MA (in-person)
Dates: Summer (check Harvard Pre-College Program site)
Cost: Paid program (financial aid available)
Eligibility: High school students (ages 15–18)
Deadline: February (varies by year)
Students work in teams to analyze contemporary policy problems ranging from healthcare reform to education equity and craft innovative, research-backed proposals. The challenge features mentorship from Harvard affiliates, peer feedback sessions, and formal presentations judged by policy experts. Participants build skills in policy analysis, public speaking, and ethical decision-making while being challenged to think like policymakers and civic leaders.
3.YMCA Youth and Government
Location: U.S.-wide
Dates: School-year and summer sessions
Cost: Varies by state (often under $300)
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Deadline: Rolling (check local Y branch)
Participants experience the full legislative process by drafting bills, debating in mock legislative chambers, and simulating roles such as governor, judge, or lobbyist. The program encourages students to explore constitutional law, budget planning, and electoral processes. Many programs also include judicial components where students prepare legal arguments and participate in moot court simulations. It cultivates a strong foundation in civic literacy and participatory democracy..
4.Civic Leadership Institute – Northwestern University
Location: Evanston, IL / Online
Dates: 3-week summer session
Cost: Paid; financial aid available
Eligibility: Rising grades 10–12
Deadline: February
Students dive into critical issues such as urban inequality, immigration, and environmental justice through academic seminars and real-world site visits. They engage directly with nonprofit leaders, government officials, and community organizers to understand policy from multiple perspectives. Through collaborative group projects, students propose solutions to local challenges, practicing advocacy, systems thinking, and stakeholder engagement.
5.Junior State of America (JSA) Summer School
Location: Various universities (Stanford, Georgetown, etc.)
Dates: Summer (3–4 weeks)
Cost: ~$5,000 (scholarships available)
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Deadline: March
JSA fosters a deep understanding of American political philosophy and democratic institutions. Students participate in daily debates, town halls, and legislative simulations where they must craft bills, form coalitions, and argue policy positions. The program is run by students, for students giving teens a unique opportunity to practice self-governance and leadership. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, media literacy, and ethical policymaking.
6.International Public Policy Forum (IPPF)
Location: Global (virtual rounds + finals in NYC)
Dates: Fall–Spring
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school debate teams
Deadline: October
IPPF begins with a written policy essay evaluated by expert judges. Selected teams progress to engage in live online debates, culminating in in-person finals in New York. Topics often include international trade, climate policy, or global security. The format promotes rigorous research, persuasive writing, and rapid-response argumentation. Students sharpen their ability to defend policies using logic, evidence, and global awareness.
7.Brown Leadership Institute
Location: Providence, RI
Dates: 2-week summer sessions
Cost: Paid; need-based aid available
Eligibility: High school students 15–18
Deadline: March
This program blends leadership training with in-depth policy exploration on themes like criminal justice, education reform, or public health. Students examine the root causes of systemic issues and work in groups to design action-oriented policy projects. Workshops in ethical leadership, community organizing, and policy advocacy are led by experienced facilitators. Participants finish the program with a detailed capstone project aimed at creating real-world impact.
8.Princeton Summer Journalism Program (Policy Track)
Location: Princeton, NJ
Dates: August
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High-achieving, low-income juniors
Deadline: February
Participants study how media influences policy and public perception by exploring topics like political bias, legislative framing, and investigative reporting. They write opinion pieces, conduct interviews, and attend policy seminars that reveal the journalistic side of civic life. With guidance from reporters and scholars, students learn to ask tough questions and articulate nuanced views on complex issues, becoming informed storytellers and change agents.
9.Congressional App Challenge
Location: United States (virtual/in-district)
Dates: September–November
Cost: Free
Eligibility: U.S. high school students
Deadline: November
Students identify societal challenges and build tech-based solutions through app development. Many apps center on civic engagement such as platforms for mental health support, tools for understanding local government, or games that teach constitutional rights. The challenge encourages creativity, coding skills, and an understanding of how digital tools can drive policy innovation. Participants often present their work to members of Congress and industry professionals.
10.The School of the New York Times – Policy & Ethics Simulation
Location: New York City
Dates: Summer (2-week intensives)
Cost: Paid (need-based aid available)
Eligibility: Grades 10–12
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Students are placed in high-stakes, real-world scenarios involving ethical dilemmas in policy like regulating AI, managing healthcare crises, or handling immigration reform. They roleplay as journalists, policy advisors, or corporate leaders, analyzing data, drafting policy briefs, and participating in mock press conferences. The program emphasizes moral reasoning, collaborative strategy, and policy communication under pressure.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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