Political Science Summer Institute – UCLA
Three-week pre-college program in American politics offered by UCLA's Political Science Department. Students earn UCLA credit while studying political behavior, institutions, and political decision-making and meet practitioners via career panels.
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NSLC Political Action & Public Policy (National Student Leadership Conference)
Intensive summer program where students simulate roles in Congress, draft legislation, run campaigns, and explore political leadership and public policy careers.
Political Science – U.S. Elections Program at Cal Poly (Summer Springboard)
Summer public policy and political science program at Cal Poly focusing on U.S. elections, campaigns, and governance. Students study electoral systems, campaign strategy, and public opinion.
California Association of Student Councils – Summer Leadership Conference (SLC)
Multi‑day residential summer leadership camp focused on student government, advocacy, and project‑based leadership training; all curriculum is peer‑led by high school/college students and includes skills like project planning, public speaking, and facilitative leadership.
California Association of Student Councils (CASC) – Region Conferences
CASC is California's student‑run leadership and advocacy organization that trains student leaders and gives them direct experience in democratic decision‑making and lobbying for student issues. Region Conferences are one‑day or multi‑day local leadership conferences where high school students get training in advocacy, running student government, and civic engagement.
Leadership in Civic Engagement – Monterey County Elections High School Summer Internship
Week-long summer internship at the Monterey County Elections Department. Students receive professional training, learn about election administration and civic engagement, and design youth outreach activities.
Norman Mineta Bay Area High School Summer Academy (MTC / ABAG)
Paid regional program introducing Bay Area high school students to public sector careers in transportation, planning, and regional policy (e.g., housing, climate). Legally more "public policy / urban governance" than pure civics, but very political science adjacent.