<p>I'll be graduating from high school this June; I'm a senior now. I'm looking into political summer internships opportunities as I am a hopeful poli sci major and want to work in the government or politics one day. Eventually, I'd like to intern at the White House.</p>
<p>I'm just wondering -- several of the internships' descriptions say that you must be enrolled in or in a college program...I've been accepted to a school already, my early decision school of choice, but am of course yet in high school. If it matters, I do hold a job at a restaurant and assist in teaching martial arts locally; I can change those hours easily, I just say this for what work I do. Furthermore, I am extensively involved in my school and lead many groups, and am involved in student government and journalism.</p>
<p>Can I still apply for internships with Representatives of the House and the Senators of my state? Should I just go for it, or would I definitely be rejected? I can't figure out the precedent on this. I am very grateful for any advice or experience you can share!</p>
<p>In the spring of my son’s freshman year of high school, he contacted our state senator and sent him a “resume” of his activities,… The man let him intern - unpaid - for that summer. It was a GREAT experience and our state senator, as well as his staff, were fantastic with him. He had so many experiences that I am still amazed. Additionally, when he was in 8th grade, he volunteered to work on the campaign for one of our county’s commissioners. Again, it was an amazing experience and I was shocked at the things they allowed him to do. I was expecting him to be licking envelopes, which would have been fine, but he made phone calls, attended meetings, worked voting polls, attended celebratory party,… Interestingly, he’s not really interested in politics after those experiences - more law interest. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to contact some local politicians to see what they will let you do. You may be surprised, plus it might open some doors for later.</p>
<p>My D interned with a senator from our state while in college. I’ll be honest… she did less “real” work there than at any other internship she held (and she had 3 others). That said, it is a good experience for someone who is interested in politics. Mostly my D learned that she did NOT want to work on the Hill in DC; she now works for a DC firm, though. Just be aware that if you plan to intern in DC, you have to find housing in DC and cover your own expenses, which is not cheap. </p>
<p>That said, you may be able to intern for a rep or senator at their home office in your state. Less exotic, but still valuable experience for someone who wants to get a flavor for that side of government/politics. Or do you happen to live in or near the state capitol in your home state? That is another option, to volunteer for a state level senator or representative near home.</p>
<p>To answer your initial question, go ahead and apply. The worst that can happen is that they say no.</p>