law research opportunities for high school students

21 Law Internships for High School Students – 2024

April 8, 2024

High school can be an excellent time to explore potential career paths, expand your resume, and gain valuable experience. In particular, pursuing an internship during high school can help you identify professional goals and narrow your college search accordingly, while also strengthening your applications. Internships constitute work or extracurricular experiences , and can also result in strong letters of recommendation . There are internships designed specifically for high school students in practically every field, from medicine to computer science to business . Here, we focus on high school law internships, which can benefit both students hoping to attend law school after college, and also those interested in law-adjacent fields like government or political journalism.

Read on for more, including:

• 20 law internships for high school students
• How to find a local law internship
• What to expect from a law internship

20 Law Internships for High School Students

Unfortunately, most law internships are reserved for law students or pre-law undergraduates. However, while not exhaustive, the following list demonstrates the types of law internship opportunities and summer law programs available for high school students—both national and regional. While the internships listed are paid or unpaid, and typically take place over 4-8 weeks, summer law programs tend to offer 1-2 week intensive learning experiences.

Summer law programs can offer incredible experiences and insights into the field of law, but also tend to be quite expensive (although most offer scholarships and flexible payment plans).

1) American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Summer Advocacy Program

In this program, high school students learn about advocacy, legal strategies, and community organizing from prominent lawyers, lobbyists, and experts.

• Pay/Cost: ~$2,700 tuition covers food, lodging, and activities. Scholarships are available.
• Location: Washington D.C.
• Duration/Dates: 1 week in the summer (typically July)
• Eligibility: High School students aged 15-18

2)  Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)

The Atlanta Bar Association offers internships for Atlanta-area high school students. In addition to providing valuable experience and furthering students’ understanding of the law, the program aims to promote mentor relationships and increase diversity in the legal field. If accepted, you’ll be placed with a law firm, corporation, or public office.

• Pay/Cost: Interns are paid $2,000 total for the six weeks ($333 per week).
• Location: Atlanta area
• Duration/Dates: 6 weeks from late May to mid-July (no conflicts or flexible dates permitted)
• Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors. Interns are not allowed to hold second jobs or pursue commitments that conflict with or impact their internships.

3)  Baltimore Law Links Internship

Law Links places students in law firms and law-related agencies. In addition to their specific internships, students also participate in the Law & Leadership Institute—a 50-hour seminar held on Wednesday mornings over the course of the program at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.

• Pay/Cost: Interns are paid $15/hour and are outfitted with professional attire from either Ann Taylor or Joseph A. Banks
• Location: Baltimore
• Duration: 7 weeks over the summer
• Eligibility: Applicants must be in their sophomore or junior year of high school. Students must attend a Baltimore city public high school and live in Baltimore City.

Law Internships for High School Students (Continued)

4)  brooklyn district attorney high school internship.

This internship provides students the opportunity to observe and contribute to the work of the district attorney’s office. Duties include assisting in investigations, preparing and compiling documents, attending trials, and more. All interns are assigned to a general trial zone or to a specialized bureau/unit (homicide, civil rights, crime strategies, etc.)

• Pay/Cost: Interns receive a $150 weekly stipend and Metro Cards
• Location: Brooklyn
• Duration/Dates: Varies
• Eligibility: Must be a high school sophomore, junior or senior who lives in or attends school in Brooklyn

 5)  Broward County Law Office of the Public Defender Intern Summer Justice Program

The Broward County Youth Summer Justice Program exposes high school students to the inner workings of the court system. Participants shadow attorneys and observe court proceedings. The program concludes with a mock trial.

• Pay/Cost: Community service hours are awarded upon completion of the program.
• Location: Broward County, Florida
• Duration/Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
• Eligibility: Summer Justice applicants must be between 15-18 years old and have completed 9th grade at a high school located in Broward County. A GPA of 2.0 or higher is required.

 6)  Communities in Schools of Houston Summer Legal Internship Program

In partnership with the Houston Bar Association , CIS places students in internships at Houston-area law firms, corporate legal departments, and public interest agencies.

• Pay/Cost: Paid Internships; salaries determined by employers
• Location: Houston-area
• Duration/Dates: 8-week summer internship
• Eligibility: Applicants must be juniors or seniors who attend campuses supported by CIS of Houston

7)  Dallas Bar Summer Law Intern Program

This program places student interns in Dallas-area law firms and corporate legal departments.

• Pay/Cost: Paid internships; salaries determined by employers
• Location: Dallas
• Duration/Dates: 4-8 weeks during the summer, full or part-time opportunities available
• Eligibility: Applicants must be Dallas ISD high school juniors with an academic average of 85 or above, and with no more than 10 absences

8) Envision Law Program

In collaboration with Stanford Law School , this intensive program offers hands-on experiences and opportunities to learn from legal experts. The program culminates in a mock trial where students make opening and closing statements and examine witnesses.

• Pay/Cost: $5,145 tuition includes room & board, as well as site visits & transportation during the program. Scholarships and payment plans available.
• Location: Palo Alto
• Duration/Dates : Several 10-day sessions available over the course of the summer
• Eligibility : N/A

9)  Judicial Youth Corps Program

Run by the Supreme Judicial Court’s Public Information Office, this intensive educational summer internship program teaches high school students about the Massachusetts court system and the rule of law. Students work with judges, lawyers, clerks, probation officers, and other court personnel.

• Pay/Cost: Paid summer internships
• Location: Boston, Springfield, and Worcester
• Duration/Dates: 6 week summer session
• Eligibility: Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Boston applicants must be residents of Boston. Worcester and Springfield applicants must attend a high school located in Worcester or Springfield, respectively

10)  Legal Outreach Summer Law Institute

The SLI is hosted by seven law schools in New York City, and is designed specifically for rising ninth-graders. Students study criminal justice topics taught by law students, interact with lawyers, attend field trips to legal institutions, and participate in a mock-trial. Completion of the SLI renders students eligible to apply to the 4-year College Bound program.

• Pay/Cost : Participants receive a stipend
• Location: Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island
• Dates/Duration: First week of July-First week of August, Monday through Friday from 9 AM-4 PM
• Eligibility: Eighth-grade students from Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island are eligible to apply

11)  Louisiana State Bar Association Suit Up for the Future High School Summer Legal Institute and Intern Program

This program is coordinated by the Louisiana State Bar Association, in partnership with the Louisiana Supreme Court, Just the Beginning, and Louisiana law schools. Over the course of 3 weeks, students attend an abridged law school session, tour law schools and courts, and participate in an internship consisting of job shadowing at law offices and courts.

• Pay/Cost: Students who complete the program will be eligible for a stipend of up to $250
• Location: New Orleans
• Dates/Duration: 3 weeks in June
• Eligibility: Open to students entering the 11th or 12th grade or entering their first year of college. Students must commit to attending all three weeks of the program.

12)  Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program

This internship familiarizes students with the criminal justice system and provides opportunities to participate in workshops and mock trials.

• Pay/Cost: Interns are paid minimum wage
• Location: Manhattan
• Duration/Dates: 5-week summer session
• Eligibility: Applicants must be high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who live in or attend school in Manhattan

13)  Miami-Dade State Attorney High School Volunteer Internship Program

The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office is one of the largest prosecutorial offices in the country. High school interns receive hands-on experience in the criminal justice system and assume a range of responsibilities, including researching case law and attending hearings.

• Pay/Cost: Unpaid, although there are opportunities to earn school credit
• Location: Miami-Dade County
• Eligibility: Open to high school students in Miami-Dade County

14)  Nashville Bar Association High School Intern Summer Program

This program offers full-time summer internships in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government law offices in Metro Nashville.

• Pay/Cost: Paid Internships ($10-15/hour)
• Location: Nashville
• Duration/Dates: Early June-Late July
• Eligibility: Open to juniors and seniors

15)  National Student Leadership Conference Law & Advocacy Program

This program offers immersive experiences at Georgetown University, University of Michigan, and Yale University. Students gain hands-on experience in a mock courtroom and are mentored by practicing attorneys. They also visit a law school and meet with trial, jury, and forensic experts.

• Pay/Cost: Tuition ranges from $3,895-$4,095. Flexible payment plans are available, and NSLC awards more than $500,000 in scholarships each year
• Location: Georgetown University, University of Michigan, or Yale University
• Duration/Dates: 9-day program offered various weeks from June to early August
• Eligibility: N/A

16)  National Youth Leadership Forum: Law & CSI

The NYLF law program provides opportunities for high schoolers to observe legal proceedings and participate in a mock trial. The program also enlists law school professionals to introduce students to various career paths. Past speakers have included FBI profilers, Supreme Court justices, former U.S. attorneys general, and more.

• Pay/Cost: $4,195 tuition includes room & board, as well as site visits & transportation during the program. Payment plans and scholarships are available.
• Duration/Dates: Several eight-day sessions available over the summer

17)  Senate Page Program

The Senate Page Program is competitive, prestigious, and rigorous. In order to apply, you must be sponsored by a current senator (either from your state or, more unusually, a senator from another state). Applications vary by senator and state. If accepted, you’ll live in a dorm, go to school in the mornings (if it’s a fall or spring term), and then work in the afternoons. Duties include delivering correspondence and legislative material within the Capitol, as well as preparing the chambers for Senate sessions.

• Pay/Cost: Unpaid Internship
• Duration/Dates: Varies by term
• Fall Term: Early September-Late January
• Spring Term: Late January-Early June
• Summer Session I: Early June-Late June
• Summer Session II: Mid/Late July-Early August
• Eligibility:
• Pages must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or subject to agreements of the Department of State, and must have a Social Security number.
• Semester Page eligibility is limited to juniors in high school who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment.
• Summer Page eligibility is open to rising juniors and rising seniors who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. Students who are 18 years old may not be appointed
• Pages must verify a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0/B  to qualify for school attendance
• Pages must provide a general health assessment completed by a licensed physician and a certification of immunization.
• Pages are required to be covered by health insurance; if not covered, they will be required to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

18)  Teach Democracy Expanding Horizons Institute

EHI provides first-generation, college-bound high school students with opportunities for interactive seminars and paid summer internships, including those in the legal field.

• Pay/Cost: Paid internships; salaries depend on employers
• Location: Los Angeles area
• Duration/Dates: March 26-July 11
• Eligibility: The program is designed for students whose parents have not attended college. Applicants must be a sophomore or junior attending a Los Angeles County Title I School .

19)  Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program

This program places New York City public school high school students with legal employers (law firms, corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies) for full-time summer internships. The program also provides programming and development workshops before, during, and after the summer to help students get the most out of their internships and prepare for a career in law.

• Pay/Cost: Interns typically receive minimum wage, though it varies depending on employer.
• Location: New York City
• Duration/Dates: Internships are typically between 6-8 weeks, but the program officially begins in March with pre-employment workshops.
• Eligibility: Must be a NYC public high school student

20)  US Department of Justice (DOJ) Pathways Internship Program

This competitive program is designed for high school, college, and graduate students. If accepted, you are placed in a department within the federal government relevant to your interests, including the Office of the Attorney General or the Office of Legal Policy.

• Pay/Cost: Paid Internship
• Location: Varies
• Eligibility: For students who are currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited school from the high school to postgraduate level.

21)  US Environmental Protection Agency Internship Programs in Pollution Prevention

Pollution Prevention internship programs are available across the country—from Arizona to Idaho to Pennsylvania. Many of the programs allow participants to gain real-world experience in policymaking and environmental law.

• Pay/Cost: Compensation varies
• Eligibility: Varies

How to Find a Local Law Internship

Law internship opportunities for high schoolers are not limited to national or well-known programs. While many larger cities and some states have widespread, established programs, most areas do not. If you’re interested in pursuing local opportunities, consider:

• Reaching out directly to nearby law firms, even if they don’t advertise internships;
• Contacting your state or regional bar associations to ask about opportunities;
• Phoning or emailing your local, state, or national representatives to inquire about internship opportunities; and/or
• Exploring the websites of local law schools. While most will only list internship opportunities for college or law school students, some will provide more expansive lists or may even offer their own enrichment programs for high schoolers.

When conducting your search, remember to consult with guidance counselors and consider when to apply for summer internships . Be prepared with a resume, and keep your options open.

What to Expect from a Law Internship?

A law internship might include various responsibilities, including:

• Researching Laws
• Drafting Legal Documents
• Assisting Supervising Attorneys in Preparing Cases (drafting memorandums, participating in deposition preparation, helping conduct pretrial interviews, etc.)
• Administrative Duties (filing, scheduling, notetaking, etc.)

Moreover, law internships provide opportunities for observation and mentorship. So, in addition to skill development, you’ll enjoy networking experiences and will gain references. Ideally, you’ll also conclude your internship with a better sense of if you want to continue to pursue a career in law or an adjacent field.

Finally, remember that law internship opportunities only increase during college. If you’re interested in a career in law, consider applying to colleges that have strong career service offerings and internship opportunities .

• Extracurricular Activities

Jordan Conley

Jordan received her BA from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA, where she majored in Religious Studies and Classics. Following her undergraduate work, she spent several years teaching elementary school--first in northern Thailand as a fellow with Princeton in Asia, then in Bozeman, Montana. Jordan went on to receive a Master's in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School, and is currently working toward completing her PhD at Boston University, focusing on religions of the Ancient Mediterranean.

• 2-Year Colleges
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Essay
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Dental School Admissions
• Graduate School Admissions
• High School Success
• High Schools
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Private High School Spotlight
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

I am a... Student Student Parent Counselor Educator Other First Name Last Name Email Address Zip Code Area of Interest Business Computer Science Engineering Fine/Performing Arts Humanities Mathematics STEM Pre-Med Psychology Social Studies/Sciences Submit

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 9 amazing legal programs and law internships for high school students.

Extracurriculars

If you’re a high school student who’s interested in becoming a lawyer, you can actually start preparing for your future career now by participating in high school law internships and other law-focused programs. 

High school law internships, summer programs, and law volunteer opportunities for high school students all allow you to explore legal careers before you ever even get to college. We’ll explain everything you need to know about these programs, including:

• The types of law programs available to high school students 
• Real-life examples of law programs for high school students
• Tips for including your law experience on college applications 

Keep reading to learn more! 

What Programs and Law Internships for High School Students Are Out There?

When it comes to opportunities to explore the legal profession before college, there are four main areas to look at:

• Clubs and Classes
• Summer Programs
• Legal Internships for High School Students 
• Law Firm Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students 

Each of these possibilities has its own pros and cons, but the thing each has in common is that they can all get you ready for a career as a lawyer by teaching you skills you’ll need to succeed. 

Below, we’ve included what you need to know about what each one offers. You can also use the links above to jump to the section that most interests you. 

Legal Clubs and Classes

Clubs and student activities can teach you about the law and provide opportunities that can help you impress colleges.

While there aren’t a lot of clubs that focus directly on preparing you for a law career, you can join your school’s speech and debate team to practice your public speaking and argumentation skills. This is a fun option if you like the idea of going to tournaments and competing against students from other schools. Plus, debate requires you to do research and look at past precedents to make a case—something lawyers do regularly.

Running for a position in student government or taking part in model UN are also excellent options . Both involve public speaking, learning legal procedures, and solving problems to make positive changes. They also teach you valuable leadership skills, and taking part in activities like these demonstrates your willingness to challenge yourself and use your smarts to succeed. 

But that’s not all colleges care about. Universities and law schools also want to see that you’re driven and focused on academic achievement . So don’t forget to take classes that can help you prepare for a legal career. 

Here are a few examples of classes you might consider taking to help your applications stand out. Advanced English classes boost your reading comprehension and writing skills (both of which are extremely important skills for lawyers), and communication classes teach you rhetoric and public speaking. And if you’re looking to give yourself a strong knowledge base that relates to law, taking classes in history, civics, ethics, sociology, and psychology can give you an edge.

The biggest downside to these clubs and high school classes is that they aren’t specifically designed to train you for a law career. So while they’ll give you a good knowledge foundation, they don’t teach you what it’s like to be a lawyer. However, because these clubs and classes are either free or low-cost, it’s a good idea to take advantage of these opportunities!

Sure, summer road trips are fun. But if you want to be a lawyer, a summer law program can help you learn more about your future profession! 

Summer Law Programs

Summer law programs are a great way to learn about your future profession. These are usually one- or two-week long learning experiences that focus on teaching students different aspects of the law. These programs also introduce participants to lawyers, politicians, and other experts who can show students what it’s really like to work in law. As an added bonus: these programs look great on a college application!

The type of law these programs introduce you to can vary . For example, the ACLU’s summer program focuses on legal issues and policy debates related to civil rights and liberties. One thing most of these programs have in common, however, is that they also teach the debating skills that are crucial in the legal field. In contrast, other summer programs offer more of a general overview of the legal field!

The downside to summer law programs is that they’re quite expensive—many cost between $2,000-$4,000 to attend . Additionally, they can be pretty competitive and hard to get accepted into. However, if you’re a strong candidate and can afford the tuition, you’ll get to explore what it’s really like to be a lawyer and get even more prepared for college in the process. 

Law Firm Internships for High School Students

If you’re planning to become a lawyer in the future, you may have heard the advice that working as a legal intern maximizes your chances of getting accepted to law school . However, law internships for high school students are hard to find.

That’s because high school students are considered legal minors. That means lawyers have to be careful about the information they expose you to. This is especially true if the firm deals with high profile cases. Additionally, most of the year your school schedule will conflict with the hours that law firms are open , which limits your ability to work there.  

That said, it’s not totally impossible to find a law internship. The key to finding internships at law firms for high school students is to look locally. Although there are a couple national internship programs available for future lawyers who aren’t in college yet, most of those programs require you to live in a specific state or city. That’s why it’s best to start your search in your own backyard…so to speak, of course! 

Try doing an online search for something like “high school law internships” plus your state or town. You can also talk to local law firms to see if they accept interns who are still in high school on a case-by-case basis. And if you know someone who works in law, you can talk to them to see if they can connect you with a local internship! 

Obviously the main con here is that it’s hard to find law internships for high school students —NYC, Washington D.C., and several cities in California have state-wide programs, but most states do not. That means you’ll have to reach out to law firms in your area one by one to see if they offer law internships for high school students. 

Another potential issue is that most internships are fairly time-consuming and unpaid , so if you need to get a summer job to earn money, you may not be able to do an internship as well.

On the other hand, law internships give you a chance to get real work experience in a legal office . You’ll see what the day-to-day work of a lawyer really looks like, and you’ll probably get some great letters of recommendation for college!

A word of caution though: if you decide to look for an internship, make sure a parent or guardian knows what you’re doing and approves, just to be on the safe side. 

Law Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students

As a volunteer at a law office you’ll likely do the same kinds of things that an intern would—mostly clerical work to assist lawyers and paralegals. Similar to law internships for high school students, volunteer opportunities at a law firm can be useful but hard to come by . 

To try to find one, you’ll likely have to ask around. Talk to your counselors or teachers, and do some online research to see what might be available in your local area. You can also talk to your parents or guardians to see if they know any lawyers that might let you volunteer as part of their team. If you’re able to volunteer, you’ll get a chance to experience life in a law firm and see the judicial system in action.

But just like law internships, volunteer opportunities can be complicated for high school students since legal work is very sensitive. Since most high school students are minors, some law firms may not want, or be able to, involve them in their work. 

That said, both internships and volunteer work during the summer are a good way to explore the many possible areas of law you could practice one day . However, don’t worry too much if you can’t find an internship or law firm to volunteer at while you’re still in high school—you’ll have more of these opportunities once you get to college!

These programs get five stars from us!

Our Favorite Law Programs for High School Students

The list below features some of the best programs for future lawyers. Since most volunteer opportunities and law internships for high school students are based locally, this list mostly features national summer programs that anyone can apply for. 

So without further ado, here are our favorite law-based programs for those of you still in high school!

  ACLU Summer Advocacy Program

• One week in-person program in Washington, D.C.
• Cost: $2,500 (covers food, lodging, and activities); scholarships are available

In this intensive program, students aged 15-18 learn about issue advocacy (particularly civil rights and liberties) and legal strategy from lawyers, lobbyists, and prominent activists and experts. Through classes, lectures, and policy debates you learn how to be an advocate for change in the real world.

One key feature of the program is a Day of Action, where students actually have the opportunity to make their voices heard in Washington! For example, past students have lobbied Congress in person, held rallies at the Capitol, and conducted writing campaigns. If you’re interested in law and social justice, this is a great option!

Cornell University International Summer Debate Camp

• Nine-day in-person program in Ithaca, NY
• Cost: $3,500 (covers food, lodging, and activities); scholarships are available

While this program doesn’t strictly focus on law, students work with Cornell faculty members to learn new debate skills and practice them with other students from around the world . You’ll hear lectures about social issues and contemporary political topics that then become topics for debate, and you’ll take part in a tournament at the end of the program. This is a great option for students who want to hone their argumentative skills.

DOI Pathways Program

• Timing and location vary
• Cost: None; this is a paid internship opportunity

This is one of the only national high school law internships available. If accepted to the program, the U.S. Department of the Interior will place students with an agency that matches their academic interests. You’ll work either full or part-time, and must complete 640 hours of work experience for full credit. 

Keep in mind that while this opportunity is available to high school students, you’ll be competing with college and graduate students for positions . In addition, the workload could be prohibitive depending on your school schedule. That said, this program would give you excellent experience to put on college and job applications in the future!

Envision Law Program

• 10-day in-person program in Stanford, CA
• Cost: $4,095 (includes food, lodging, and activities)

This program allows students to immerse themselves in the theory and practice of law. You’ll learn legal rhetoric and ethics from law professors and legal experts, as well as how to make opening and closing arguments, how to cross examine witnesses, and how to manage a courtroom. 

Best of all, you’ll get to take part in a mock trial simulation and attend skills workshops to hone your writing and speaking abilities.

And if you’re interested in spending more time working on your debate and public speaking skills, the Stanford National Forensic Institute also offers multiple summer programs for that! 

National Student Leadership Conference Law and Advocacy

• Nine-day in-person program at either Duke, Georgetown, or Yale (your choice)
• Cost: $3,595 (includes food, lodging, and activities); check for scholarship availability

This NSLC program gives students a close-up look at what it means to be a lawyer. During the nine days you’re on campus you’ll be teamed up with other students to try a real case in a real courtroom! You’ll learn all about researching evidence, preparing witnesses, crafting arguments, making opening and closing arguments, and cross-examination. 

You’ll also visit a law school to see what it’s like, attend lectures from forensic and legal experts from top law firms and the Department of Justice, and get hands-on leadership training . Past guest speakers have even included Supreme Court justices! You also have the option of enrolling in an additional course for college credit. 

As a bonus: this program is offered at multiple different campuses and cities (and has multiple dates over the whole summer), so it’s accessible to more students. 

School of the New York Times: Government/Law/Ethics

• Two-week in-person program in Washington D.C. 
• Cost: $5,925 for the residential program; $5,325 for the day program

This program lets students explore how government, law, and ethics work to form the political and legal systems in the U.S . It focuses on how the idea of “the law” works in the real world to create the power structures in America.

You’ll go on site visits around D.C. to places like the Supreme Court building and the Capitol, hear lectures from experts in law and politics, and explore and analyze current political events . 

The main benefit of this program is the focus on ethics . Government and the law function on rules and regulations, but ethical considerations play a role in guiding those as well. By learning about the interaction between law and ethics, you’ll get a leg up on your pre-law college competition.

Senate Page Program

• Length of time varies by term. Fall term is four months, Spring is five months, and the two summer terms are around two months each
• Cost: None; this is a paid internship

This prestigious program is another one of the few national law-related internships available for high school students, but is only available to juniors and seniors. If you’re one of the lucky 30 people who are accepted each term, you’ll get an experience that’s guaranteed to impress any college! 

This internship is rigorous. If you’re accepted to the fall or spring terms, you’ll live in a dorm, go to school between 6:15-10:00 a.m., then work as a page in the Senate until 4 p.m . You can expect to be working and studying for 12 to 13 hours each day. (The summer terms don’t include classwork, so they’re a bit less intense.)

Page duties mostly include acting as a messenger, delivering correspondence and legislative materials in the Congressional complex, and preparing the chambers for Senate sessions. 

In order to apply to the program, you have to be sponsored by a current senator (usually from your state, although some senators are willing to sponsor out-of-state candidates). The application materials you need vary by senator and state, so you’ll need to contact your senator’s office if you’re interested in this opportunity.

UCI High School Summer Institute in Law

• One-week in-person program in Irvine, CA
• Cost: $1,110 (covers food, lodging, and activities)

This program introduces students to the legal system and major areas of law, and focuses on teaching the skills needed for a legal career such as: analytical reasoning, public speaking and writing, persuasive techniques, and negotiation. 

The great thing about this program is that even though it isn’t an internship, it still gives students exposure to the law field. 

  Wake Forest University Debate and Public Advocacy Institute

• One-week in-person program in Winston-Salem, NC
• Cost: Overnight $2,500, Day Camp $1,500 (covers food, lodging, and activities)

This program is focused primarily on debate and public speaking with the goal of helping students learn to advocate for themselves and others . You’ll learn about current social and environmental controversies, as well as rhetorical tricks and persuasive techniques that can help you develop your skills as a future lawyer. 

If you’re looking to boost your persuasive speaking skills, this is a good choice. 

Keep a journal while you're doing your legal internship. Those details can come in handy when writing your admissions essays!

How to Impress Colleges With Your Skills and Legal Know-How

No matter what type of opportunity you choose to pursue to boost your skills and prepare for a career in the legal field, you can (and should!) use your experiences to your advantage when it comes to applying for colleges.  

Below are a few tips on how you can let colleges know you’re committed to your future career.

Tip 1: Keep a Journal

Whether you’re taking advanced classes related to the skills you need to be a lawyer, joining a debate club or student government, attending a summer program, or doing an internship, you should record your experiences. 

Write down the kinds of skills you’re learning —like public speaking techniques or ways to advocate effectively for others—and go into as much detail as possible. The point here is to give yourself a written record of your experiences so you can include them in your college applications.

Be sure to also include your personal impressions and ideas about your experiences . If you attend a summer program or internship, write down how the experience impacted your life and future goals. That way you can reflect on them during the college application process and in college, too! 

Tip 2: Talk About the Experience in Your College Essay

Your college essay is one of the main ways that potential colleges get to know you. It’s your chance to really show them what you’re passionate about and why . 

Take a look at your journal and pull out a few of the experiences and law-related skills that are most meaningful to you. You can use these details as a way to focus your essay on why you want to be a lawyer and how you’ve been preparing for both college and your career. 

Schools want to accept driven students, so going into detail about your experiences in the clubs, classes, summer programs, or internships you’ve been involved in will show them how ready you are to excel at their school. 

Tip 3: Make a High School Resume

A high school resume functions as a snapshot of your skills, coursework, accomplishments, activities, and work history . 

Even if your college doesn’t ask you to send in a resume, having one on hand can help you out in a couple ways. First, a resume can help you prepare for a college interview —you can give it to your interviewer as a convenient reference, plus the act of writing it can help you find ways to talk about your skills briefly and effectively. 

Second, you’ll definitely need letters of recommendation, and letters that discuss your interests and abilities specifically are more impressive. By giving a resume to your letter writers, you ensure that your teachers or counselors are able to write you a letter that really makes you (and your accomplishments) shine! 

What’s Next?

Looking for even more information on preparing for a career in the legal field? Check out our article on the five steps to becoming a lawyer to give you an idea of what you can do in high school to get your career journey started off right.

Next, take a look at this ultimate guide to pre-law to get an idea of what college majors are most impressive to law schools. Spoiler alert: you don’t have to major in pre-law to be a great law school candidate!

Finally, we’ve got a list of 11 colleges with great programs to prepare students for law school to help you decide where to go to college. Take some time and choose the best school for your future!

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Introducing PolyPilot:

Our AI-Powered Mentorship Program

Unlocking a Career in Law – The Path to Law Internships for High School Students

By Jin Chow

Co-founder of Polygence, Forbes 30 Under 30 for Education

6 minute read

High school is a pivotal time in a student’s life – marked by self-discovery and the pursuit of future aspirations. For some, the dream of becoming a lawyer takes root during these formative years. While the journey to a career in law typically begins in college and extends through law school, there are still exciting opportunities for motivated high school students to gain a head start through internships in different legal fields. These opportunities can be pivotal and help to inform aspiring law students about which area of law they would like to practice in one day. This blog post will outline what high schoolers can do to prepare themselves for a career in law and how they can seek to obtain relevant summer internship experience to learn more about potential legal careers.

Do your own research through polygence

Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in your area of passion. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own.

Prepare for an Internship by Building Skills

The first step to obtaining a relevant law internship is to build skills that would make an individual an attractive intern to a law firm or legal organization. Good lawyers are experts in writing, speaking, and logical thinking. One of the best ways to build these skills in high school is to join a speech and debate club, participate in mock trial, or take advanced writing courses. Many high schools have a speech club that is part of the National Speech & Debate Association (“NSDA”), which is the largest interscholastic speech and debate organization serving middle and high school students in the United States. Every year, thousands of high school students participate in multiple events including Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum, Policy Debate, and World Schools Debate. Each of these formats teaches students how to write compelling cases and then argue those cases in front of a panel of their peers and judges. Students can also participate in public address and speech interpretation events, which help to build public speaking skills and increase their logical thinking capabilities. 

Additionally, high school students can take advantage of joining their local mock trial team. The work experience from participating in a mock trial allows students to quickly gain perspective on what life is like for attorneys in day-to-day practice as they prepare for trial and represent their clients in the courtroom. Each year, a national competition is hosted where students from around the country compete in a national mock trial tournament. This event allows students to hone their speaking skills and learn more about the American justice system. The event is hosted by the National High School Mock Trial Championship organization.

In addition to these extra-curricular activities, students interested in the law should seek to have a strong command of writing and look to increase their logical thinking capabilities. One of the best ways to improve one’s writing and logic is to take advanced writing courses. These advanced writing courses offer high school students unique opportunities to enhance their communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and academic success. Students should speak with their academic counselor to determine what electives at their school would qualify as advanced writing courses. There are likely AP and college dual credit opportunities for students that would help them increase their writing and logic skills. In addition, there are many advanced writing courses offered online, such as ones listed on Udemy .

Obtaining the Internship – What Options Are Available?

Not only can students participate in activities that would increase relevant skills used in the actual practice of law, but students also have a plethora of legal internship opportunities to participate in. Below is a list of some of the best programs for future lawyers.

Debate Camps 

Cornell University International Summer Debate Camp

9-day in-person program hosted in Ithaca, NY

$3,500 for camp, local commuter rate is $650

This summer program allows students to learn from Cornell faculty members and enhance their debate and logical thinking skills. You will meet students from around the world and be able to practice your argumentative skills.

Wake Forest University Debate and Public Policy Advocacy Institute

In-person program lasting 1 week in Winston-Salem, NC

$2,500 for camp, $1,500 for local commuter option

This program focuses on increasing debate and public speaking skills in order to help students learn to advocate for themselves and others. You will work on your persuasion, legal reasoning, and art of communication skills, which you can take to the boardroom, Congress, and beyond.

Polygence Scholars Are Also Passionate About

Experiencing the practice of law .

Envision Law Program

In-person 10-day program in Stanford, CA

$4,095 for the program, which includes food, lodging, and activities

This is a program where you can join other motivated high school students to get one step closer to the actual practice of law as a future career. As part of this program, you will work with Stanford Law School professors and participate in a full mock trial simulation.

Georgetown University – “How to Think Like an Attorney”

$1,495 to attend

100% online learning program offered in 1-, 2-, or 4-week session options

This program offered by Georgetown University gives students the chance to learn and think like an attorney. Through the course, you will discover the discipline of asking questions, analyzing evidence, and making decisions based on your analysis of the evidence and facts.

Government Law Programs and Internships

School of the New York Times: Government/Law/Ethics

$2,850 and a $75 tech fee

Online program

This program allows high school students to explore how Capitol Hill’s ecosystem works and “how ethics, the government, and law interact to form America’s center of political and legal power.” The core of this program is concentrated on ethics. By learning about the interplay between the law and ethics, students will be able to learn about how attorneys must balance those considerations when holding public office or working for the government.

Senate Page Program

Paid Internship

Must be sponsored by a current senator; length of time varies, but terms of service can be 2, 4, or 5 months

Through this internship, students are able to play an important role in the daily operation of the Senate as a “Page.” Pages play an important role in the daily operations of the Senate by delivering correspondence and legislative material, preparing the Chamber for Senate sessions, working to provide assistance during roll call votes, supporting senators during debates, and carrying bills and amendments to the desk.

Bar and Law Firm Opportunities

In addition to all the formal programs mentioned above, many local bar associations, which are professional organizations for lawyers in a specific geographic area, offer summer internship opportunities for high school students. For example, the Atlanta Bar Association offers a Summer Law Internship Program where students participate in a six-week internship in local law firms, government agencies, and corporations to learn more about the practice of law and obtaining higher legal education. 

Students can also reach out to local law firms via their human resources departments and inquire about employment and internship options. Many law firms need help with administrative tasks and office operations. If a high school student can land one of these legal intern jobs, the opportunity to work at a law firm will offer unparalleled insight into what the day-to-day life of working as a civil rights or criminal law, or district attorney, among others, is like.

As an aspiring law student, there are many ways to build the skills needed for a potential career in law and gain perspective on what the work of an attorney is like. Students can start today by seeking to build skills that will make them effective in the legal profession and obtaining relevant internship experience to inform them about the practice of law.

SLS faculty and students share a commitment to scholarship that catalyzes positive change.

With impact in everything from constitutional law and privacy rights to campaign finance reform and the environment, members of the SLS community shape law and policy through leading-edge research. Students find many opportunities to participate in the work of groundbreaking faculty scholars — or to pursue research interests of their own. Together, faculty and students advance historical inquiries that upend conventional wisdom. They pioneer new frontiers at the intersection of law and many other disciplines. They push legal boundaries and influence policymakers and leaders, in the United States and internationally.

Explore Faculty Research

SLS COVID-19 Research, Analysis, and Expert Opinion

Stanford Law School faculty are actively engaged in trying to solve the real and urgent legal and policy issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and influencing the national conversation, from spearheading research projects, hosting events to facilitate discussions and learnings, providing expertise to journalists, publishing articles and opinion pieces, and more.  Covering a wide range of subject matter including elections, immigration, privacy, ethics, intellectual property, and health policy, here is a selection of their latest work related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SLS is a laboratory of ideas—fueled by the faculty’s dedication and commitment to teaching and the students’ unwavering dedication to improving law and policy.

Daniel E. Ho, William Benjamin Scott and Luna M. Scott Professor of Law & Robert E. Paradise Faculty Fellow for Excellence in Teaching and Research

SLS Scholarship in Action

see all publications

Where’s the Liability in Harmful AI Speech?

• Peter Henderson ,
• Tatsunori Hashimoto ,
• Mark A. Lemley

No. 88: The Interplay Between the European Health Data Space Act and the GDPR: Secondary Use of Health Data and Its Protection

• Ivana Máthéová

Guidebook for Early Climate Infrastructure: Case Studies of First of a Kind Projects

• Madison C Freeman

No. 87: The Proposed Asylum and Migration Management Regulation and the Dublin III Regulation: An Analysis of Asylum and Migration Law in the EU

• Natascha Tanczos

Deprivation of Liberty as a Last Resort: Understanding the Children’s Rights Law Mandate for Youth Justice

• Lauren Meeler ,
• Jonathan Todres

Lights, Camera, (Climate) Action: Bringing Corporations into the Spotlight in Human Rights-Based Climate Litigation

• Donna Minha

Stanford Law Library

The Stanford Law Library, the legal research center at SLS, supports all aspects of faculty research, providing a rich collection of print materials, access to specialized legal research databases, and help on instructional services and research and reference questions. The law library provides support through expertise, resources, and services to enable the law school to carry out its program of legal education, accomplish its mission, and support scholarship and research.

When I was a student, universities were thought of as retreats for reflection, the ivory tower. Now, I think of them as evolving toward a model in which the university is a hub—none more so than Stanford—a connection between scholarly endeavor and certain aspects of the outside world.

A. Douglas Melamed, Herman Phleger Visiting Professor of Law Stanford Lawyer Magazine, Issue 91

Hubs of Research, Source of Solutions

More than 25 programs, centers and special projects engage SLS faculty, students, and visiting experts and leaders in research and problem-solving focused on some of the greatest challenges of our time. Constitutional law and criminal justice, human rights and conflict resolution, international law and the environment, technology and economics, public interest law and the ethics of the legal profession — these are just a few timely topics under investigation and discussion on the SLS campus. Ideas and innovations generated here are shared and applied broadly, catalyzing change on a global scale.

EXPLORE PROGRAMS, CENTERS, AND PROJECTS

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

31 Research Opportunities + Internships for High Schoolers in 2024

What’s covered:.

• Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students
• How to Find Research Opportunities in High School
• How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances?

Research drives innovation across every field of study, from natural sciences to health to history. Pursuing curiosity can impact industries, drive policy, and help us to better understand the world around us. Without curiosity and research, our society would surely stagnate. 

Contrary to popular belief, however, you don’t have to be a seasoned professional to conduct meaningful research. There are plenty of opportunities for high school students to get a head start on their future careers and contribute to substantial change. Keep reading to learn about 30 great opportunities for students looking for early chances to conduct research! 

Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students 

1. memorial sloan kettering human oncology and pathogenesis program.

Application Deadline: February 9

Location: New York, NY

Duration: Eight weeks (June 27 – August 22)

Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) is one of the most well-known cancer centers in the world. The Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at MSK hosts a Summer Student Program for students to conduct independent research projects while participating in extracurricular activities, training, and other opportunities.  

During the eight-week program, participants work with a mentor who will act as a supervisor to help them develop their research skills. Additionally, students have the opportunity to complete an independent research project that aligns with their mentor’s work. All participants will present their projects at a poster session at the end of the summer.

To participate, you must have completed at least 9th grade by June 2024, be at least 14 years old by June 27, have a 3.5 GPA in science subjects, and submit two letters of recommendation. This is a paid opportunity—participants will receive a stipend. 

2. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 5 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 8) 

The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program allows high school students to conduct real, innovative research over seven weeks through the renowned Rockefeller University, under the guidance of leading scientists. 

SSRP scholars will be able to design and conduct their own research project as part of a themed research track, which is modeled after a Rockefeller research topic and/or technique, with the help of scientist mentors from the Rockefeller community. Most of the research will be conducted in the RockEDU Laboratory—a 3,000-square-foot research space specifically dedicated to developing biomedical research skills.

Students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program to participate.  

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Application Deadline : Varies by cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15

Location:  Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year

Founded by Harvard & Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project . At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have written an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as medicine, computer science, psychology, physics, economics, data science, business, engineering, biology, and international relations.

This program is designed to accommodate your schedule—you can participate in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, and the program is also conducted fully remotely. While you must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate high academic achievement (most students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3), no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required. The cost of the program ranges from $2,800 to $8,900, but financial aid is available.

Note that this is a selective program. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program. You can find more details about the application here .

4. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Application Deadline: December 13 

Location: Cambridge, MA

Duration: Five weeks (June 23 – August 3) 

The prestigious RSI, which takes place at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) annually, brings together 100 of the world’s top high school students. The free program blends on-campus coursework with off-campus science and technology research. 

Participants complete individual research projects while receiving mentorship from experienced scientists and researchers, and present their findings through oral and written reports in a conference-style setting at the end of the program. 

5. NYU Tandon – Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Application Deadline: March 6

Duration: 10  weeks (June 3 – August 9)

Open to New York City high school students who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June 2024, the ARISE program provides access to college-level workshops and lab research across fields like bio, molecular, and chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, and AI.

Over the course of 10 weeks—four virtual and six in person—participants will receive guidance from graduate or postdoctoral students at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. 

6. Simons Summer Research Program

Application Deadline: February 7

Location: Stony Brook, NY

Duration: Five weeks (July 1 – August 9) 

During Stony Brook ’s Simons Summer Research Program, high school students conduct hands-on research in areas like science, math, and engineering while working with faculty mentors. Simons Fellows have the opportunity to join real research teams and learn about laboratory equipment and techniques. They also attend weekly faculty research talks and participate in special workshops, tours, and events. 

At the closing poster symposium, students will receive a stipend for their participation. To apply, you must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and currently be in your junior year. 

7. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program

Application Deadline: N/A

Location: Greater Seattle area

Duration: 8-10 weeks 

SPARK is a summer mentorship program that pairs high-achieving and highly motivated high schoolers with industry experts, university professors, and mentors to conduct research on customers and financial markets. The program is only open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.  

8. MDI Biological Laboratory – Biomedical Bootcamp 2024

Application Deadline: March 18 

Location: Bar Harbor, ME

Duration: One week (July 15 – 19) 

In this bootcamp, students will receive a hands-on introduction to biomedical research at MDI Biological Laboratory. Participants will learn essential scientific skills such as experimental design and hypothesis testing, cutting-edge laboratory techniques, data analysis, bioinformatics, and scientific communication. 

During the program, scientists and bioentrepreneurs at the lab will help participants explore scientific ethics at large, as well as career paths in biomedicine, research, and entrepreneurship in Maine and beyond.

Participants must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and must be entering their junior or senior year in September 2024, or graduating in June 2024. 

9. Boston University – Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship  

Application Deadline: February 14  

Location: Boston, MA

Duration: Six weeks (June 30 – August 9)  

RISE is a six-week program for rising seniors with an interest in pursuing a major and/or career in STEM. There are a multitude of tracks available, in areas such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, and neuroscience. In each track, students conduct research under the mentorship of Boston University faculty, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate students. They will also attend weekly workshops with their peers. 

10. The Wistar Institute – High School Program in Biomedical Research

Application Deadline: March 31 

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Duration: Four weeks (July 15 – August 8) 

A leading biomedical research organization, The Wistar Institute is an ideal setting for students to learn research skills. Participants will complete their own research project while being trained in a principal investigator’s laboratory. They’ll also attend seminars, receive mentorship, and deliver a final presentation about their work.

Students are expected to participate Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Absences of more than two consecutive days cannot be accommodated. Students will receive a stipend of $1,000 upon completion of the program, to compensate for commuting costs or other personal expenses accrued during the program. 

11. California Academy of Sciences – Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

Location: San Francisco, CA

Duration: Multi-year, year-round participation (after school and on weekends)

This long term program gives San Francisco students from communities that are underrepresented in STEM the opportunity to learn about the world of science and sustainability. Students receive mentorship, develop career skills, and more—all while getting paid for their work. Students also attend workshops and conferences throughout the course of the program. 

12. NASA OSTEM Internship

Application Deadline: February 2

Location: Varies

Duration: Varies

NASA offers a variety of internships for high school students across its numerous campuses. Interns gain real-world work experience by working side by side with research scientists and engineers, which will strengthen their resume and help prepare them for their eventual careers. All participants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in high school full time.

13. New-York Historical Society Student Historian Internship Program

Application Deadline: April 7

Duration: July 9 – August 15

Not all research is conducted in STEM subjects! Developed for students interested in history, the New-York Historical Society’s Student Historian Program gives participants the opportunity to conduct research on a history topic—2024’s theme is Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America . During the program, participants will work with historian mentors, visit history archives around New York City, lead gallery tours, and develop their historical thinking, communication, and digital media skills.

Applicants must be entering grades 10, 11, or 12, and live in the New York City metro area. This opportunity is unpaid for most participants, but some interns with demonstrated financial need can potentially receive a stipend.

14. Adler Planetarium Summer High School Internship  

Application Deadline: March 1

Location: Chicago, IL

Duration: Six weeks (July 8 – August 14)

During this summer internship program, students will learn about the Adler Planetarium and the career opportunities within it and planetariums and museums in general, in areas ranging from Visitor Experience and Learning to Research. Students will also get the chance to see how research gets translated into a museum experience. 

15. Zuckerman Institute Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia University (BRAINYAC)

Application Deadline: TBA for 2025 program

Duration: Eight weeks  

BRAINYAC participants receive the rare opportunity to work on research in a lab at Columbia University , one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, as high school students, which results in a stronger, more comprehensive understanding of how scientific discovery happens. They connect with real scientists, acquire essential research and laboratory skills, and learn about advances in neuroscience research. 

In order to apply, you must be in 10th or 11th grade and must be nominated by one of the program’s partners—S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, or BioBus.  

16. Brookfield Zoo King Conservation Science Scholars Program

Application Deadline: Rolling admission 

Location: Brookfield, IL

Duration: N/A

Interactive workshops, fun activities, research, and community-based projects are at the core of this exciting internship. It’s an excellent opportunity for students who love animals and also want to gain research skills in the domains of zoology, environmental science, and conservation. 

As a King Scholar, you’ll learn about different topics through Foundation Courses, such as Diversity Awareness and Introduction to Conservation, all while networking with others and preparing for college and an eventual career in a related field. After one year of participation, you’ll be invited to apply for scholarships and paid positions at the zoo. 

17. The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History  

Application Deadline: March 8

Duration: One year (August to June) 

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the most iconic and fascinating places in New York City. Its Science Research Mentoring Program is an amazing opportunity for NYC high school students to conduct a yearlong research project with Museum scientists. 

Students in SRMP get paid to learn how scientific research is conducted. Depending on their topic of study, students can learn a variety of different research skills, like working with DNA in the lab, analyzing data from space-based telescopes, reading scientific articles, and learning to code and analyze data in Python, R, and other programming languages. 

18. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Application Deadline:   February 15

Location: Lubbock, TX

Duration: Seven weeks (June 16 – August 1) 

Through the Anson L. Clark Scholar Program, an intensive seven-week summer research program for twelve highly qualified high school juniors and seniors, students will gain hands-on experience with practical research alongside experienced and knowledgeable faculty at Texas Tech University .

Students can choose to participate in research in one field from a broad variety of options, including cell and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, history, and more! 

To apply, students must complete an online application that includes short essays, high school transcripts, test scores (at least a PSAT if no others are available), three recommendations (at least two from teachers), and a list of the student’s top five activities.

19. UChicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program  

Application Deadline: January 16 

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 2)

The Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program is an immersive eight-week paid summer research program at the University of Chicago . During the program, high school and undergraduate students are paired with a data science mentor, whose expertise could be in computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, biomedical research, or another related field.

Participants will hone their research methodology, research practice, and teamwork skills. No prior research experience is required to apply. All participants will receive access to applied data science research, which they will use to craft a research project. The project findings will be presented in a video that will be shown at an end-of-summer symposium.

20. UT Austin College of Natural Sciences High School Research Academy

Application Deadline: March 24

Location: Austin, TX

Duration: Five weeks (June 10 – July 17) 

Through UT Austin ’s HSRA, high school students participate in interdisciplinary research projects being conducted by active College of Natural Sciences laboratories in fields such as biochemistry, biology, environmental science, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, data analytics, ecology, and more. 

There is a scholarship fund for underserved groups, so some stipends and free tuition scholarships may be available to students with demonstrated financial need. 

21. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience – Summer Research Internship

Location: Jupiter, FL

Duration: Six weeks (June 17 – July 26) 

The MPFI Summer Research Internship offers rising juniors and seniors an immersive laboratory experience where they can learn from seasoned researchers. The program is designed specifically for students with an interest in brain structure, function and development, and the advanced imaging techniques and technologies used in neuroscience. 

Program participants will participate in research projects alongside MPFI scientists, prepare a written scientific abstract based on their research project, and deliver a short presentation at the end of the summer. Research tracks include neuroscience, scientific computer programming, and mechanical engineering as it relates to neuroscience.

Applicants must be entering their junior or senior years in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school, be residents of one of those two counties, and be at least 16 by the beginning of the internship. Interns will be paid at a rate of $12.50 per hour.

22. Lincoln Park Zoo Malott Family Zoo Intern Program

Application Deadline: March 11 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 9) 

During this paid seven-week program, high school students learn how to educate others about animal and conservation sciences while crafting digital messages to engage audiences. The program culminates in a final project. Throughout the internship, students meet with researchers and the Animal Care staff to explore careers in the animal science and conservation fields. 

Applicants must be Chicago residents between the ages of 15-18, and must be entering grades 10-12 or their freshman year of college by the start of the internship.

23. The Scripps Research High School Internship Program  

Application Deadline: April 19

Location: La Jolla, CA

Duration: Seven weeks  

The Scripps Research Institute’s La Jolla, California headquarters is proud to offer a seven-week hands-on research experience for San Diego County high schoolers. The program is specially designed to expose students to careers in the biological and chemical sciences, to provide hands-on laboratory experience, and to motivate and prepare students for continuing education in STEM. 

Because Scripps is committed to increasing the number of students from underrepresented communities in STEM college programs, a special emphasis is placed on identifying and recruiting students who are from groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences. All students will receive a $4,760 stipend.

24. QuarkNet Summer Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 31

Location: DuPage County, IL

Duration: Seven weeks (June 17 – August 2) 

High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a strong interest in STEM have a unique opportunity to work with scientists on research projects during this paid seven-week program at the prestigious Fermilab, located just outside of Chicago near Batavia, IL.

Interns are encouraged to indicate areas in which they have a particular interest, although research projects vary yearly based on the work ongoing at the lab. Broadly speaking, Fermilab’s focus is on particle physics.

Required application materials include a questionnaire, a letter of recommendation, and an essay. To apply, students must have U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status and must provide evidence of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Participants will be paid at a rate of $17.20 per hour.

25. RISE Environmentor Internship

Location: Far Rockaway, NY

Duration: Six weeks (July 1 – August 15)

The Environmentor Internship offers a great opportunity for 9th through 11th graders who live or attend school near the Rockaway Peninsula to gain firsthand research experience. Participants are mentored by scientists from local universities and research institutions as they work on projects focused on the Rockaway shoreline. Past research topics have included sea turtle strandings, octopus behavior, mussel denitrification, and dolphin fin morphology.

Students will also take part in water safety courses, receive CPR training, and explore on-water activities like kayaking and surfing. Students receive up to a $1,200 stipend, as well as community service hours for their participation in the program.

26. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Application Deadline: February 24

Location: Stanford, CA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 1)

Students in this summer program are given the chance to perform research on a medically oriented project and work side by side with Stanford University students, researchers, and faculty. Students can choose from eight areas of research, including topics like immunology, cancer biology, and bioinformatics, which are all designed to increase their interest in the biological sciences and provide a deeper understanding of how scientific research is conducted.

The program is open to current high school juniors and seniors. Students will receive a minimum $500 stipend for their participation in the program.

27. Secondary Student Training Program

Application Deadline: February 16

Location: Iowa City, IA

Duration: June 19 – July 26

High schoolers in grades 10 and 11 can take part in an immersive research experience, which will allow them to explore their interests, enhance their academic skills, and build relationships with their peers during this research-focused summer program.

Participants can choose from a multitude of research areas, ranging from biology to industrial and systems engineering to religious studies. The program culminates with students creating and presenting a poster of their findings. All participants will live on the University of Iowa ‘s campus for the duration of the program, and have access to all of the university’s libraries, study areas, and computer facilities.

Although this program is quite expensive, with a fee of $7,500, financial aid is available to cover up to 95% of the cost.

28. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program

Location: Urbana, IL

Duration: Six weeks (June 20 – August 2)

This program, offered by the prestigious Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) , allows students to gain hands-on research experience in fields such as cancer immunology, AI, physics, quantum mechanics, and electrical engineering. They will also build valuable general life skills by participating in seminars on topics ranging from the college admission process to how to communicate scientifically.

The program is open to rising 10th through 12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

29. Summer Science Program (SSP)

Duration: Varies depending on location and field of focus

Students in the SSP get the chance to work in small teams on a real research project and gain firsthand experience taking and analyzing data. Research opportunities are offered in three fields—astrophysics, biochemistry, and genomics—and are held at a variety of institutions, including University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Georgetown University , Purdue University , and New Mexico State University .

The program is open to high school juniors, although a small number of exceptional sophomores have attended the program. You must be between 15-19 to participate, and have completed prerequisite coursework, which varies by field. Financial aid is available for this program.

30. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

Application Deadline: January 29

Location: Bar Harbor, ME, and Farmington, CT

Duration: 10 weeks (June 1 – August 10)

Students immerse themselves in genetics and genomics research while learning about laboratory discovery and scientific communication, as well as building professional skills. Over the course of the 10-week program, students work with a mentor to develop a research project, implement their plan, analyze their data, and report their results.

This prestigious program is competitive. Just 40 students are selected to participate annually. Participants receive a $6,500 stipend and have their room, board, and travel expenses covered.

31. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

Application Deadline: March 31

Location: Seattle, WA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 24 – August 16) 

This full-time, paid internship opportunity offers students a chance to immerse themselves in activities at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, one of the top cancer research centers in the world. The program begins with two weeks of laboratory training and is followed by six weeks of mentored activities, research seminars, workshops focused on college and careers, and social activities.

The program is open to high schoolers entering their senior year with a strong interest in science and high academic achievement, and is specifically aimed at students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science. Interns receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program.

How to Find Research Opportunities in High School 

Define your area of interest .

Before you start looking for opportunities, narrow your area of interest a bit, whether it’s cancer, engineering, computer science, neuroscience, or something else entirely. Also bear in mind that while there may be more STEM opportunities available for high school students, research isn’t limited to these fields—research is also a key component of the social sciences, humanities, and other non-STEM fields. 

While you should be somewhat specific about what you’re hoping to research, don’t narrow your scope so much that it’s impossible to find a valuable opportunity, especially since opportunities for high schoolers in general are more limited than they are for students who have completed at least some college.

Talk to People in Your Immediate Circle 

Teachers, neighbors, your family, parents of friends, friends of your parents—any of these people could know about a research opportunity for you, or at least know someone else who does. Throughout your life, you will find that networking is often the key to finding career opportunities. 

Leveraging your network can help you uncover unique opportunities crowdsourced by the people who know you best—the best opportunities aren’t always hosted by large universities or programs. 

Reach Out to Local Institutions and Laboratories 

In addition to networking with your immediate circle, reach out to local facilities, such as labs, hospitals, clinics, and universities that conduct research. Even if opportunities aren’t publicized, these institutions and laboratories may be willing to make room for you. Remember: when pitching your idea, don’t make it too niche—this will make it more difficult to find a fit and market your skills to labs. 

Cast a Wide Net 

Research opportunities are hard to secure, especially when you’re a young student, so you need to be persistent. You may need to write a hundred emails, but if you put in the effort and cast a wide net, you’ll vastly improve your chances of landing a great opportunity. 

Try not to be too picky, either. Of course, you shouldn’t just accept any offer , especially if it doesn’t appeal to you. But even if the opportunity doesn’t align perfectly with your skills and interests, it can still be a great chance to gain experience and make you a better candidate for future experiences.

How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances? 

How much participating in research enhances your college admissions profile depends on many factors, including the scope of the project, the prestige of the program or institution, your individual role and performance, the institution’s connections to or sponsorships by certain colleges, and even how much weight a college places on extracurricular activities in general. 

Generally speaking, there are four tiers of extracurricular activities that colleges think about when reviewing applicants’ activities. Selective, competitive, and prestigious activities are often found in the top tiers, Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 includes things such as being a highly recruited basketball player or an award-winning national science fair competitor. 

Tier 2 is similar, but is usually reserved for activities that are less exceptional than those in Tier 1. Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurricular achievements, such as holding school leadership positions or being a member of a debate team.

Research usually falls into Tier 2, and some particularly prestigious opportunities could even be Tier 1. That’s because it’s somewhat unusual for high school students to conduct research in professional and collegiate settings, so it’s more likely to impress colleges than other kinds of extracurricular activities.

Do you want to find out the impact research and other extracurricular activities might have on your chances of admission to top colleges and universities? Try using CollegeVine’s free chancing calculator ! 

Our tool evaluates your admissions profile, by accounting for factors like your grades,standardized test scores, and extracurriculars (including research!) to show you how you stack up against other applicants and how likely you are to get into hundreds of different colleges and universities. You’ll also receive tips on how to improve your profile and your odds—all for free.

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Research Programs & Centers

Harvard Law School’s research programs and centers produce cutting-edge work in a wide range of fields and disciplines while providing students with valuable research and clinical opportunities and the chance to work directly with faculty members on projects at the cores of their scholarly agendas.

Access to Justice Lab (A2J)

The Access to Justice Lab works to transform law from its current status of disdain for evidence-based thinking into one that bases policies and procedures on credible evidence.  The A2J Lab generates the required evidence by conducting randomized control trials, field experiments akin to medical clinical trials, to discover how to make the justice system work best for low-income individuals and families.

Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society

An entrepreneurial research program founded in 1997 to explore and understand cyberspace; to study its development, dynamics, norms, and standards; and to access the new or lack thereof for laws and sanctions.

Brooks McCormick Jr. Animal Law & Policy Program

Committed to analyzing and enhancing the treatment of animals in the legal system. The Program aims to engage with academics, students, practitioners, and decision makers to foster discourse, facilitate scholarship, develop strategies, and implement solutions in the rapidly evolving area of animal law & policy.

Center for Labor and a Just Economy (CLJE)

Center for research, teaching, and creative problem solving related to the world of work and its implications for society. CLJE organizes projects and programs that examine critical changes in labor markets, labor law, and the experiences of working people, and analyze the role of advocates, unions, worker organizations, business, and government in improving the quality of life for working families in the U.S. and around the world.

Center on the Legal Profession (CLP)

An empirical, research organization dedicated to providing a richer understanding of the rapidly changing global legal profession. We do this by conducting, sponsoring, and publishing world-class empirical research on the profession; innovating and implementing new methods and content for teaching law students and practicing lawyers; and fostering broader and deeper connections bridging legal practitioners and the academy.

Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice (CHHIRJ)

CHHIRJ builds, contributes to, and supports evidence-based legal theories at the contemporary frontiers of racial civil rights, offering and fostering innovative, interdisciplinary solutions to ongoing threats to racial equality and justice. To learn more about the current priorities and activities of CHHIRJ, visit the Houston Institute website.

East Asian Legal Studies Program (EALS)

East Asian Legal Studies is one of the western world’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive academic programs devoted to the study of the law and legal history of the nations and peoples of East Asia, their interaction with the United States, and their impact on global order more generally.

Environmental & Energy Law Program

The EELP team of faculty, staff, and student researchers analyze and track federal and state environmental and energy policy developments, and court decisions. We bring innovative, rigorous legal analysis to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon sustainable future, mitigate the disruptive effects of climate change, protect public health and welfare from environmental degradation, promote sustainability and climate adaptation, and ensure environmental justice and a just transition for communities.

Foundations of Private Law

An interdisciplinary research program at Harvard Law School dedicated to the academic investigation of private law. “Private law” embraces the traditionally common law subjects (property, contracts, and torts), as well as related subjects that are more heavily statutory, such as intellectual property and commercial law.

Harvard Law School Project on Disability (HPOD)

The Harvard Law School Project on Disability (HPOD) undertakes scholarship and advocacy across a variety of local, national, and international fora to promote the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, and thereby serve society at large. Since its founding in 2004, HPOD has worked closely with and learned from our partners and clients on a pro bono basis in the US and over 40 other nations.  

Harvard Negotiation and Mediation Clinical Program (HNMCP)

The Harvard Negotiation and Mediation Clinical Program (HNMCP) is an active learning community of students, staff, and faculty who engage in cutting-edge work in dispute systems design, negotiation, mediation, facilitation, and conflict management. HNMCP seeks to contribute to a more just and equitable world through clinical work and student practice organizations; scholarship and original content creation; and innovative coursework and curriculum design. Inspired by a belief that systems should be informed by the people they affect, the Dispute Systems Design Clinic works to help client organizations and communities envision more effective and inclusive systems and engage conflict more effectively, and the HLS Negotiators and Harvard Mediation Program offer students and community members additional practical opportunities. HNMCP also seeks to create space for new voices and dialogues through its blog, podcast series, and public reports.

Harvard Negotiation Project

Founded in 1979, the Harvard Negotiation Project’s mission is to develop theory for practitioners – analytical tools and skills for navigating the real world, dealing with our differences and finding ways to collaborate to crucial issues.  HNP is built on 3 pillars: Teaching, Writing, and Practice.  The HLS Negotiation Workshop and the HNP Teaching Network continue to innovate what and how we teach.  On the Practice front, HNP is also the home of the Rebuild Congress Initiative, whose goal is a strong, functional, representative U.S. Congress that can fulfill its constitutional responsibilities. And HNP is the home of a number of classics in the field, including  Getting to YES, Difficult Conversations, Getting It Done , and  Thanks for the Feedback . 

Human Rights Program (HRP)

In addition to giving impetus and direction to international human rights work at Harvard Law School, the Human Rights Program seeks to inspire critical engagement with the human rights project and to inform developments in the field through impartial, innovative, and rigorous research.

Institute for Global Law and Policy (IGLP)

A collaborative faculty effort to foster new thinking about the ways we are governed at the global level. Fosters research and policy dialog about the structure and potential for global governance as we confront the most pressing issues of global policy.

Institute to End Mass Incarceration (IEMI)

The Institute’s mission is to end mass incarceration in the United States. To do so, it combines a movement-centered advocacy program with a bold and ambitious innovation institute. Across its different areas of work, the Institute aims to build widespread community power to promote the radical democratization and decarceration of communities impacted by the American penal system. The Institute supports fellows engaged in organizing and advocacy work and engaged in research. It hosts convenings and trainings for practitioners and is home to a clinic that trains future lawyers in movement-supporting decarceral lawyering. The Institute also publishes  Inquest ,  an online magazine featuring decarceral ideas and essays from a broad range of authors.

John M. Olin Center for Law, Economics, and Business

Supports research, issues discussion papers, and offers research assistantships and fellowships to Harvard Law students in law and economics.

The Julis-Rabinowitz Program on Jewish and Israeli Law

Pursues excellence in the scholarly study of Jewish law, conceived as a dynamic religious system, and Israeli law, the legal system of a state formally committed to democratic and Jewish values.

The Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics

An interdisciplinary research program dedicated to the unbiased legal and ethical analysis of pressing questions facing health policymakers, medical professionals, patients, families, and others who influence and are influenced by health care and the health care system.

Program in Islamic Law (PIL)

The Program in Islamic Law at Harvard Law School is dedicated to promoting research and providing resources for the academic study of Islamic law. We host a suite of projects toward that end: a portal for organizing the world’s information on Islamic law (SHARIAsource), a set of publications for cutting-edge scholarship in Islamic legal studies (a book series, occasional papers, and a peer-reviewed journal), and myriad program events and support for students, fellows, and scholars working in the field of Islamic legal studies.

Program on Biblical Law and Christian Legal Studies (PBLCLS)

Seeking to inspire confidence in Biblical law as a source of truth powerful enough to meet global challenges, yet personal enough to inspire individual purpose, the Program equips students to become leaders committed to serving constituents in need of hope, clients in need of justice, colleagues in need of encouragement, and adversaries in need of grace.

Program on Behavioral Economics and Public Policy

Studies a range of issues at the intersection of behavioral economics, law, and public policy.

Program on Corporate Governance

Seeks to foster research and scholarship about corporate governance and facilitate discourse in this field among academics, practitioners, and policy-makers.

Program on Institutional Investors (PII)

Seeks to contribute to research, policy-making, discourse, and education with respect to institutional investors and issues of interest to institutional investors.

Program on International Law and Armed Conflict (PILAC)

The program provides a space for research on critical challenges facing various fields of public international law related to armed conflict. HLS student researchers contribute extensively to the program’s initiatives. In addition to publishing academic and policy analyses, the program convenes workshops, hosts scholarly events, and briefs senior practitioners on its research.

Program on Law and Political Economy (LPE@HLS)

LPE@HLS is a vibrant intellectual community committed to advancing the study of political economy as an integral part of law. The program seeks to provide both formal and informal settings for scholarship and teaching anchored in the law school, but encompassing cross-disciplinary interactions with students and faculty throughout Greater Boston who are concerned with how law functions to shape productivity, justice, and power in market societies.

Program on Law and Society in the Muslim World

The Program on Law and Society in the Muslim World (PLSMW) is a research program with a mission to support rigorous and cutting-edge scholarship that addresses the complex relationships between law and society in Muslim majority and minority contexts around the world. We offer visiting fellowships for scholars and practitioners in the field, support student research and academic engagement through travel grants and mentorship, and host a wide range of scholarly workshops and events.

Program on Negotiation (PON)

An innovative, inter-university (Harvard, MIT, Tufts) research center dedicated to improving the theory and practice of negotiation and dispute resolution. PON hosts a wide range of scholarly events, publishes numerous educational materials, and offers negotiation training through its  Harvard Negotiation Institute  and  Negotiation and Leadership  courses for senior managers and executives.

Shareholder Rights Project (SRP)

Works on behalf of public pension funds and charitable organizations seeking to improve corporate governance at publicly traded companies in which they are shareowners, as well as on research and policy projects related to corporate governance.

Systemic Justice Project (SJP)

The Systemic Justice Project is devoted to teaching and working with students to understand and respond to systemic injustices by analyzing the legal, historical, cultural, political, economic, and psychological causes of those problems, by recognizing the intersecting relationships among those problems, and by developing theories of change to respond to those problems. The Systemic Justice Project also collaborates with a variety of justice-centered individuals, organizations, and institutions working to address systemic injustices.

Tax Law Program

Provides opportunities for the study of tax law at Harvard through a significant array of courses, seminars, and reading groups in U.S. tax law, open to students in both the J.D. and LL.M. programs. There are also opportunities for Visiting Scholars and Researchers in Taxation who wish to further their research at Harvard Law School.

Youth Advocacy & Policy Lab (Y-Lab)

The Youth Advocacy and Policy Lab (Y-Lab) advocates for the creation of child-serving systems that are trauma-sensitive, healing-centered, and antiracist, enabling all children to learn and thrive. Y-Lab prioritizes elevating the voices of young people and uses legal and policy tools to transform public systems like schools that impact them and their families. Through legal clinics and courses, Y-Lab teach law students the theory and skills they need to become future leaders in system change advocacy.

Modal Gallery

Gallery block modal gallery.

• Best Colleges
• Application Advice

• Summer Programs

The Best Pre-Law Summer Programs for High School Students

The law school admission process is notoriously difficult for many students. For high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in law, one of the best ways to prepare for law school is to start as early as possible.

Participating in a pre-law summer program is an excellent way to kickstart your legal education. The purpose of attending an intensive summer pre-law program is to understand better what a career in law might look like by giving students first-hand exposure to the legal system. 

Many pre-law programs help students become stronger writers, critical thinkers, and public speakers. These types of programs also offer an opportunity to learn from some of the nation’s leading experts in the law field, from law professors, practicing attorneys, legal scholars, and more.

Each pre-law summer program will have a somewhat different curriculum, but common subject areas that are covered include Constitutional law, courtroom etiquette, trial procedure, and any of the most pertinent legal issues facing our world.  

In addition to serving as an opportunity to develop a basic understanding of law, pre-law summer programs are also a great way to connect with like-minded peers, gain a stronger sense of your professional aspirations, and become a stronger applicant to the college — and law school — of your dreams. 

If you are interested in finding an amazing pre-law summer program for high school students, this article is for you. Read on to discover 10 of the best pre-law summer programs for high schoolers in the United States. 

UCLA Mock Trial Summer Institute (Los Angeles, CA)

Offered at the prestigious University of California – Los Angeles, the Mock Trial Summer Institute is a week-long program for students interested in learning more about American law, and especially trial advocacy. 

In order to be eligible to participate in the Mock Trial Summer Institute, students must be between the ages of 14 and 17 and be enrolled in eighth through twelfth grade. Although the program is targeted toward students who are already involved in competitive high school mock trial programs, no prior experience is required. 

During the Mock Trial Summer Institute, students learn the fundamentals of courtroom etiquette, giving opening and closing statements, examining evidence, and more. In addition, Summer Institute students get the opportunity to visit real criminal felony trials taking place at the Los Angeles Superior Court.

The program is offered both in-person on UCLA’s campus and virtually, taking place in July each year.

NSLC Law and Advocacy Program (Washington, DC)

The National Student Leadership Conference, an organization dedicated to providing young school-aged children and young adults with the opportunity to gain career-focused leadership experience in their desired area of study, offers numerous summer programs for high schoolers. 

One of these is the Law and Advocacy Program , a nine-day summer intensive program open to high school students enrolled in grades 9 through 12, including graduating seniors. 

During the program, students collaborate with real attorneys to examine evidence, research relevant legal issues, and build a case to defend during a mock trial taking place in an actual state courthouse. 

The Law and Advocacy program also offers several workshops, during which students learn to write strong opening and closing statements, how to cross-examine evidence, and what the jury selection process is like.

Other program highlights include field trips to some of the nation’s most prominent law schools.

ACLU National Advocacy Institute (Washington, DC)

One of the most prominent nonprofit organizations in the United States, the American Civil Liberties Union is a crucial player in defending Constitutional rights for all citizens in the country. 

Each summer, the organization holds the ACLU National Advocacy Institute , open to high schools between the ages of 15 and 18. It is led by ACLU lobbyists, lawyers, and activists in the DC community.

The cost of attending the Institute is $2,500. The tuition fee includes not only educational expenses, but also meals and housing in DC for the duration of the program.

Over the course of this week-long summer program, students take part in a series of classroom sessions, engage in lively discussions about policy, go on field trips, and attend lectures, all focused on defending civil rights in the US. 

JTB Summer Legal Institute (Chicago, IL)

Just the Beginning – A Pipeline Organization is a nonprofit organization offering free educational programs relating to legal studies for middle school, high school, and college-aged students who are interested in increasing diversity in the field of law. 

One of these is the Summer Legal Institute , a four-day program with an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for success in the remainder of their high school careers, as well as college and their professional lives down the road. 

Through a series of highly engaging sessions, students at JTB’s Summer Legal Institute work on skills such as reading comprehension, critical thinking, effective writing, public speaking, and even financial literacy.

SLI’s programming is created by practicing attorneys who volunteer their time to the program, offering students a uniquely personal look into legal careers.

Envision Intensive Law and Trial Program (Stanford, CA)

Offered through collaboration with Stanford Law School — the #2 best law school in the United States, according to US News and World Report’s annual rankings — the Envision Intensive Law and Trial Program offers students the opportunity to spend 10 days exploring careers in the legal field in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Open to students in ninth through twelfth grade, the Law and Trial Program involves immersive study of law, ethics, and legal rhetoric under the guidance of professors from Stanford Law School, as well as other prominent legal professionals.

Students in the program practice crucial legal skills, like making opening and closing statements, preparing witnesses for cross-examination, and examining evidence. After students develop these skills during workshops and other interactive exercises, the program culminates with a full trial simulation in a realistic courtroom environment.

UCI High School Summer Institute in Law (Irvine, CA)

The University of California – Irvine offers a wide range of excellent intensive summer programs for high school students, one of which is the High School Summer Institute in Law .

A week-long program open to students entering their junior or senior year of high school, the program exposes its participants to the American legal system and a variety of significant areas of law, from criminal prosecution to First Amendment rights, and many more. 

Beyond law-specific areas of study, the High School Summer Institute’s curriculum also offer students the opportunity to develop various academic skills that are important in practicing law, such as public speaking, analytical reasons, negotiation, and writing. 

Tuition to the Institute is $1,100, which includes the cost of room and board in UC Irvine’s residential halls for the duration of the program. 

Stanford Pre Collegiate Summer Institutes (Stanford, CA)

One of the foremost institutions for higher education in the United States, Stanford University is home to a number of online Pre Collegiate Summer Institute programs allowing high school students to engage with advanced academic areas of inquiry that may not be covered by standard secondary school curriculum. 

Although the 55 different courses offered include many subjects that are highly relevant to the study of law, the most pertinent choice for students considering a career in law is a course titled Legal Studies: Critical Thinking Tools .

Students in this course attend lessons by Stanford professors of law, education, and business, learning how to identify flaws in their own thinking skills, develop effective arguments, evaluate evidence, and anticipate counterpoints. 

The program’s capstone experience consists of an interactive mock trial, during which students play the role of attorneys or witnesses.

Penn Law Pre-College Academy (Philadelphia, PA)

The University of Pennsylvania — an Ivy League university ranking seventh in the nation for its excellent academic programs — is home to an excellent law school, the Carey School of Law. 

Penn Carey Law offers an outstanding Pre-College Academy , a three-week intensive program open to high school students of all ages. 

During the first two weeks of the program, students develop a strong understanding of fundamental aspects of how the American legal system functions. 

In the third week of the program, students have the opportunity to engage in a more in-depth exploration of the specific areas of law they are most interested in, such as human rights, environmental, and business law.

The cost of attending the program is $9,499 for those who opt to stay on campus, with commuter fees coming to $5,999.

National Bar Association Crump Law Camp (Washington, DC)

Established in 1925, the National Bar Association is the oldest and largest network of primarily African-American judges and attorneys in the United States. 

The organization offers a number of programs for young students interested in the study of law, one of which is the Crump Law Camp .

Open to students who are between 14 and 17 years old and in grades nine through 11, Crump Law Camp is run by professors from the Howard University School of Law. Each student is paired with a professor who will offer individual tutoring to hone skills relevant to trial. 

During the program, students are introduced to civil and criminal law through classes, lectures, and panel discussions offered by prominent attorneys from major entities such as Ford Motor Company, Microsoft, and the Bar Association of DC. 

At the end of the program, students participate in the Evett L. Simmons Mock Trial Competition.

Northwestern CTD Academic Summer Camp (Evanston, IL)

The Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University is home to a variety of summer programs for high school students . Although the school offers a wide variety of courses that are highly pertinent for those who are interested in pursuing a legal career, one of the strongest options is the class called equal justice under the law .

This intensive, three-week course is open to students in grades nine through twelve, offering younger students an opportunity to engage with advanced content that would otherwise not be offered at their grade level.

The course provides an overview of the American legal system through rigorous study of landmark cases, Constitutional law, and more. At the conclusion of the program, students have the opportunity to take part in a mock trial.

Related Posts

Summer vacations in high school bring to mind images of lazy days spent hanging out…

For students in Maryland, or in any state for that matter, attending a summer program…

Whether just beginning high school or about to graduate, many students will jump at the…

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Best Basketball Summer Programs for High School Students

Best Robotics Summer Programs for High School Students

The Best Ivy league Summer Programs for High School Students

The Best Animation Summer Programs for High School Students

The Best Data Science Summer Programs for High School Students

The Best Fashion Summer Programs for High School Students

POPULAR POSTS

The 10 Best Marine Biology Colleges in the US

Here Are the 10 Best Optometry Schools in the US

Here Are the 10 Best Dental Schools in the US

Popular category.

• Acceptance Rates 253
• Hidden Gem Colleges 81
• Medical Schools 76
• Ivy League Schools 62
• Law Schools 49
• Performing Arts 45
• Art Schools 42
• Health Sciences 40
• Summer Programs 39
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

• Future Students
• Parents/Families
• Alumni/Friends
• Current Students
• Faculty/Staff
• MyOHIO Student Center
• Visit Athens Campus
• Regional Campuses
• OHIO Online
• Faculty/Staff Directory
• University Community
• Research & Impact
• Alumni & Friends
• Search All News
• OHIO Today Magazine
• Colleges & Campuses
• For the Media

Helpful Links

Navigate OHIO

Connect With Us

Experience law: Rising high school juniors and seniors invited to immersive academic study this summer

High school students are invited to apply for the highly competitive Summer Law & Trial Institute this summer at Ohio University's Athens campus.

Students will engage with OHIO alumni attorneys and judges, litigate a mock trial, observe a Supreme Court argument, learn about law school, and visit various non-governmental organizations.

Preference is given to rising high school juniors and seniors from southeastern Ohio, though students from outside the region also can apply. Learn more and apply online.

Free program for high-achieving, rising high school juniors and seniors

The program takes place from July 15-26, 2024, with the last week in residence at OHIO. Virtual sessions will run from July 15-19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. On July 21, participants will be required to come to Athens, where they will stay in a residence hall on campus through July 26.

The institute culminates in a mock trial that family members are invited to attend, with Common Pleas Court Judge Zachary Saunders presiding. He's one of about 20 Ohio University alumni judges and attorneys who will be participating in the institute. In the days leading up to the mock trial, these alumni and current OHIO pre-law and mock trial students will work with institute participants, getting them ready for roles as prosecutors, witnesses and defense attorneys.

The Summer Law and Trial Institute (SLTI) aims to increase understanding of the law and its possibilities among Ohio high school students. Students accepted into the free program will explore law and the American legal system and learn about a variety of legal careers from the alumni, who will discuss their roles as attorneys, judges and advocates.

Ellen Whitehair , an Ohio University alumna who is finishing her second year in law school this year, participated in the institute in 2016. 

"I knew that being selected to participate in the Summer Law and Trial Institute was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me," Whitehair said. "I did not know that it would also lead me to my mentor,  Larry Hayman , would guide me through the college application process and then to student organizations, scholarships, leadership roles, mock trial team, and study abroad opportunities. SLTI showed me what kind of student leader and lawyer I could be, and Larry has helped me realize that potential year after year."

The deadline to apply for this selective program is June 7 . Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as admission is competitive.  Tuition is free, made possible through support of College of Arts & Sciences alumni.

The institute was founded in 2016 by Hayman, director of pre-law program in the Center for Law, Justice & Culture in the College of Arts and Sciences and the University's pre-law advisor. Hayman joined the law center in 2014 after eight years of practicing law. He earned a B.A. in political science and graduated magna cum laude from the College of Arts and Sciences at Ohio University in 2003. He received his Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, graduating in the top 10 percent of his class, and is licensed to practice law in Ohio and in U.S. District Court.

Opportunities for Students

Student fellowship.

Applications for the 2024-2025 CLP student fellowship have now closed. Stay tuned for the 2025-2026 season.

The Center on the Legal Profession Student Fellowship Program is a one-year program designed for Harvard Law School students interested in learning more about the structures, norms, and dynamics of the global legal profession.

As a Student Fellow, you will conduct original, empirical research on the legal profession, produce scholarly pieces and “short form” thought leadership (essays, blogs, podcasts, videos, etc.), and receive in-depth mentorship from a dynamic community of researchers and practitioners exploring issues ranging from legal careers to diversity and inclusion to globalization to legal education to innovation.

Our Student Fellowship Program includes three main components:

• producing an independent, empirical research paper project on the legal profession with the goal of publication in a scholarly journal and/or the Center’s digital magazine, The Practice ;
• creating short written, video, or audio for the Center’s various publications on a range of topics; and
• acting as an active member of our vibrant intellectual community, including mentorship and privileged access to Center workshops, conferences, and other events.

We are now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 academic year; however, we are open to students who wish to begin their fellowship in spring 2024. Please submit all applications to Dana Walters ( [email protected] ). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis . We are happy to answer any questions in advance of a formal application. Please include:

• Your curriculum vitae
• A proposal describing the research project that you intend to pursue during the Student Fellowship. This is not intended to be final and is simply meant to be a first step in your thinking about your research project.
• A statement on what interests you most about the legal profession, and how the Center’s mission and a CLP Student Fellowship correspond with and further your own professional goals

Research Assistants

The Center on the Legal Profession regularly hires registered Harvard students (including incoming 1Ls) to provide help with our research projects. If you are interested in becoming a CLP research assistant, please email Bryon Fong at [email protected] .

CLP Paper Prize

The purpose of this prize is to encourage deeper reflection and consideration by Harvard Law School students about their chosen profession, its role in society, and the many challenges that lawyers face in a rapidly-changing world.

Paper topics must relate to the legal profession itself or to a related aspect of the delivery of professional services. This could include (but is not limited to) topics such as legal careers, the role, structure and management of law firms, in-house legal departments, and other public and private sector legal service providers, diversity or gender-related issues, the impact of globalization or other social trends upon the profession, the role of lawyers and legal institutions in society, changes in the profession over time, comparisons between lawyers and other professional service providers, and the like.

For the first decade of this prize, it was generously supported by the law firm of Davis Polk .

• Search All Scholarships
• Exclusive Scholarships
• Easy Scholarships to Apply For
• No Essay Scholarships
• Scholarships for HS Juniors
• Scholarships for HS Seniors
• Scholarships for College Students
• Scholarships for Grad Students
• Scholarships for Women
• Scholarships for Black Students
• Scholarships
• Student Loans
• College Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Scholarship Winners
• Scholarship Providers

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here .

Top 10 Summer Law School Programs for High School Students

Varonika Ware is a content writer at Scholarships360. Varonika earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications at Louisiana State University. During her time at LSU, she worked with the Center of Academic Success to create the weekly Success Sunday newsletter. Varonika also interned at the Louisiana Department of Insurance in the Public Affairs office with some of her graphics appearing in local news articles.

Learn about our editorial policies

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Choosing to pursue a career in law is a big step, so you should take advantage of every possible opportunity to learn more about practicing law. Attending a summer law program for high school students might be just the thing. You can never start too early, so keep reading to find out more about law programs that you can take part in this summer!

What is a summer law school program?

Deciding to participate in a summer program is a good opportunity to immerse yourself in one of your major interests. Hopefully, you will leave that program knowing whether you want to pursue that interest in college or as a possible career. Overall, you can gain friendships and skills while still having a fun summer!

Why we chose these programs

Law is a competitive field of study, and there are plenty of summer programs out there to help push your career forward. Unfortunately, we can’t list all of them in this article, but this list includes some of the most established programs. We did our best to include a range of prices, including a number of free programs. Each one has its own benefits, so do your research and pick the right fit for you.

Apply to these scholarships due soon

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

$40,000 Build a College List Scholarship

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

$2,000 No Essay CollegeVine Scholarship

Note about application deadlines and program open and close dates.

Depending on when you start your search for summer programs, some deadlines might be quickly approaching or already passed. However, don’t be discouraged because there’s plenty of time and opportunities to learn more about law. Be sure to stay on top of the deadlines that are still open so you can ensure a spot at your next summer program. Remember, the earlier you apply, the better your chances at acceptance are.  Applying early is especially important when financial aid is needed. Let’s take a look at the programs below. 

Summer law school programs

1. georgetown pre-law college prep.

Start your application today to participate in the Georgetown Pre-Laws College Prep Program! It’s completely online and asynchronous, meaning that you can learn from home and have fun this summer at the same time. Get your first look at a Georgetown education while gaining new skills and mentors! The program offers 1-week, 2-week, and 4-week intensive sessions spread throughout the summer. So, don’t be discouraged if the deadlines below have passed because only the first sessions are listed below!

• Eligibility : Ages 13 and up
• Cost : $1,495
• Application deadline : April 30, May 14, or June 11, respectively 
• Camp dates : May 7 – June 4, May 21 – June 4, or June 18 – June 25 
• Location : Virtual

2. Crump Law Camp

The Crump Law Camp was established by the National Bar Association to educate students, particularly those of color, for a future career in law. This program will give you the necessary tools to help navigate the professional world. You could learn tips about extracurriculars to get involved in and classes to take that’ll make you stand out in your applications. 

• Eligibility : Ages 14 – 17 that have an introduction to the American judicial system.
• Cost : TBA, financial aid is available
• Application deadline : July 10 – 14
• Camp dates : TBA

3. ACLU National Advocacy Summer Institute  

The ACLU National Advocacy Summer Institute is primarily focused on making a difference in society through defending liberties and educating young people to become advocates. Get educated on issues and legal strategy by attending lectures and policy discussions. If you’re interested in politics and legislation, be sure to check this summer program out!

• Eligibility : High school students aged 15 – 18. Requires a letter of recommendation
• Cost : $2,700 (Washington, D.C.) or $2,000 (Atlanta and Montgomery) including room and board ( financial aid is available)
• Application deadline : April 17 (early decision) or May 15 (regular decision)
• Camp dates : June 30 – July 6 or July 9 – July 14
• Location : Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, GA; Montgomery, AL

4. EXPLO Trial Law and American Court System

The EXPLO Trial Law and American Court System is a three-week summer program that aims to educate students on important court cases and law fundamentals. Students can also receive college credit from attending an EXPLO summer program! Fortunately, there are also discounts and scholarships available to make this opportunity just a little more affordable. 

• Eligibility : Grades 10 – 12. Requires a teacher recommendation and a personal essay
• Cost : $7,350 including room and board (grants and scholarships available for those who qualify)
• Application deadline : April 15, 2023
• Camp dates : June 25 – July 14 or July 16 – August 4
• Location : Wellesley, MA

5. NSLC Law & Advocacy

Improve your law skills at the NSLC’s Law & Advocacy Program, where you’ll learn courtroom techniques and professional strategies while working beside practicing attorneys. The program also includes tours of local law schools such as Georgetown University and Yale to prepare you for your future. Students will also receive leadership training through interactive lectures and workshops. They even have the opportunity to receive college credit ! 

• Eligibility : Grades 9 – 12 
• Cost : $3,795 – $3,895
• Application deadline : Rolling admission
• Camp dates : (Georgetown) June 17 – June 25, June 29 – July 7, July 12 – July 20, July 24 – August 1, (Yale) June 24 – July 2, July 6 – July 14, or July 17 – July 25
• Location : Washington, D.C. or New Haven, CT

6. Envision Intensive Law & Trial  

Spend 10 days of your summer at Stanford University when you attend the Envision Intensive Law & Trial Program! You’ll be able to learn straight from Stanford Law School professors while getting exposed to legal rhetoric, case preparation, and opening and closing arguments. There’s even a mock trial simulation for students to participate in!

• Eligibility : Grades 9 – 12
• Cost : $4,345 – $4,645 including room and board ( scholarships and grants are available)
• Application deadline : Closes when all spots are filled
• Camp dates : June 28 – July 7, July 9 – 18, July 20 – 29, or July 31 – August 9
• Location : Palo Alto, CA

7. NYU SPS High School Academy: Criminal Justice

The NYU SPS High School Academy: Criminal Justice Program is the perfect way for you to get out of the house this summer, and experiment in criminology and investigations! Take a deep dive into crime scenes and forensics, and gather up evidence to build your case. You’ll also gain a background in constitutional issues and theoretical concepts. 

• Eligibility : Completion of grades 9 – 11. Requires an official transcript and 250 – 500 word essay
• Cost : $3,102 (includes room and board) (No financial aid or scholarships offered)
• Application deadline : May 15 (residential) or June 15 (commuter)
• Camp dates : July 10 – July 14, July 17 – July 21, July 24 – July 28, July 31 – August 04, August 07 – August 11, or August 14 – August 18
• Location : New York City, NY

8. JTB Summer Legal Institute  

The JTB Summer Legal Institute lasts for four days and offers a unique opportunity to learn from a curriculum created by attorneys. You’ll be able to utilize writing, critical thinking, and public speaking skills throughout your time in high school, college, and law school. Start your application today to hear insights from attorney volunteers and gain empowerment for your future. 

• Cost : Free
• Application deadline : May 5, 2023
• Camp dates : June 26 – June 30 or July 17 – July 21
• Location : San Diego, CA or Chicago, IL

9. Justice Camp

Justice Camp is one of the summer programs hosted by the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Students will learn about free speech, the court system, and bias in jury trials right inside of the federal courthouse! You’ll even participate in a mock trial and gain advocacy skills. 

• Eligibility : Grades 9 – 10
• Application deadline : April 28
• Camp dates : June 12 – June 16
• Location : New Orleans, LA

10. Cornell University International Summer Debate Camp

Tighten up your debate skills this summer at the Cornell International Summer Debate Camp! It utilizes the Worlds Schools Debate format to expose students to a different style of debate that helps make the transition to college-level debate easier. At this camp, you’ll be able to learn directly from Cornell professors while building new relationships with your peers. There are even opportunities to participate in tournament debates!

• Eligibility : Middle and high school students
• Cost : $3,500 (residential), including room and board or $350 (commuter) There are a limited number of need-based scholarships for those in the local area
• Camp dates : July 29 – August 6
• Location : Ithaca, NY
• Start reaching out to teachers and mentors for recommendation letters
• Look through each application essay and start to formulate a list of ideas
• Begin looking at financial aid options if necessary

Additional resources

Check back with us for more resources to help you continue your education, including our high school checklist , our guide on when to start applying to colleges , and how to improve your SAT score .  Make sure that you apply for all the scholarships you qualify for while you are eligible! 

Start your scholarship search

• Vetted scholarships custom-matched to your profile
• Access exclusive scholarships only available to Scholarships360 members

Scholarships360 Recommended

10 Tips for Successful College Applications

Coalition vs. Common App: What is the difference?

College Application Deadlines 2023-2024: What You Need to Know

Trending now.

How to Convert Your GPA to a 4.0 Scale

PSAT to SAT Score Conversion: Predict Your Score

What Are Public Ivy League Schools?

3 reasons to join scholarships360.

• Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
• Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
• Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

Exploring Interdisciplinary Careers: High School Students Engage with Law and STEM at Northwestern Pritzker Law

By Kelly Zimmerman

A cohort of 125 high school students from six STEM-focused Chicago Public Schools recently participated in a unique educational opportunity with the Master of Science in Law (MSL) Program at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.

The event, planned in tandem with International Women’s Day and organized by MSL students, aimed to broaden high school students’ perspectives surrounding their career choices by exploring the intersection of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with law and business.

2024 marked the third year of the MSL’s partnership with CPS. The partnership, which originally launched as a digital series in 2022, was the brainchild of MSL students and has continued to evolve and flourish each year. This year’s program was attended by the largest group of high school participants yet.

MSL student volunteers played a pivotal role in working with CPS and Law School staff to shape the day’s program. 

According to Anjali Patel, MSL ‘24, a big part of the planning was coming up with an interactive way for students to experience law school while still being shown a vast array of intersectional career possibilities.

“We wanted students to participate in activities related to specific law and STEM topics, and also to actually hear from people who work in STEM,” she said.

 The end result for CPS students: A day of discussion, career exploration, panels, and workshopping with MSL students, alumni, and staff – in other words, a completely immersive educational experience into the law school environment.

The day kicked off with a keynote address from Leslie Oster, Director of the MSL Program, during which she emphasized the significance of understanding how various disciplines interact and can influence and affect one another.

“If there’s a discovery made in a lab,” she said, “how can we be sure that the discovery is safe and legal? This is where law and regulation interact with scientific research.” Oster underscored the importance of embracing interdisciplinary perspectives, encouraging students to cultivate a holistic approach to problem-solving.

“There’s an important school of thought that says you’re going to be better at something if you know about the other things that surround it,” she said. “You will be more creative. You will bring more perspective to the process of solving problems.”

After Oster’s speech, visiting students broke into workshop groups led by MSL students to explore how their STEM backgrounds could be used in professions and industries beyond the confines of a laboratory or classroom. Each group focused on the legal considerations in bringing certain technologies, business ventures, or scientific discoveries to market, and also explored different elements of the law, such as intellectual property, regulation, or risk.

Some of the specific topics that were explored included:

• Cybersecurity’s role in wearable technology,
• The regulatory landscape of medical devices and healthcare data,
• Patent issues pertaining to mobile devices,
• And ethical and security concerns surrounding AI and robotics.

In honor of International Women’s Day, the last part of the day featured a panel of MSL alumna who currently work in interdisciplinary environments. During the panel, these women shared their insights on how their legal backgrounds have supported their professional growth across a variety of STEM-based industries – including healthcare, technology, and clinical research. The panel allowed the high schoolers to learn about a variety of careers and see how women with MSL degrees and STEM training are making huge strides in their careers.

The CPS event provided young students with a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of today’s global marketplace, and hopefully, served as a catalyst for them to remain open-minded and resilient in navigating their professional journeys.  

Related Articles

Northwestern Pritzker Law Team Wins Regional Student Trial Advocacy Competition, Advancing to National Championship

A team from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law’s Bartlit Center on Trial Advocacy has won the regional Student Trial Advocacy Competition, an annual event sponsored by the American Association ...

Raising the Bar: Two JD-MBA Students’ Path from Classroom to Startup

Kimberley Charles (JD-MBA ’24) and Kiyan Savar (JD-MBA ’24), students in the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and the Kellogg School of Management’s JD-MBA Program, will have something special ...

Law Courses Recognized for Innovation

A course at Northwestern Pritzker Law, AI and Legal Reasoning, garnered a finalist spot in the Bloomberg Law School Innovation Program for 2023-2024. Three more courses: Writing for the Court, ...

What Applicants Should Ask Law Students and Alumni

Speaking with current students and recent graduates of a law school can fill out your picture of what it's like to go there.

What to Ask Law Students and Alumni

Getty Images

Students and alumni are treasure troves of lived experienced and can answer questions candidly.

Crafting good questions is a critical legal skill, whether you are interviewing a client, leading a deposition, cross-examining a witness in court or resolving an impasse in a complex negotiation.

Key to this skill is asking the right questions of the right people. Think carefully about what kinds of useful information the person you’re talking to can provide, considering their expertise, perspective, biases and comfort level with you.

Naturally, then, the questions you ask law students and alumni should differ from questions to ask admissions officers , in order to determine whether a law school might be the right choice for you,

Students and alumni tend to be less knowledgeable about a school than admissions officers since they can only speak from their own experience, which may be limited or even misleading. Students and alumni are also more likely to answer off the cuff, while admissions officers are a lot more deliberate and practiced in their responses.

On the other hand, law students and alumni may give more honest, unfiltered answers than admissions officers since they are less invested in your decision to apply or attend.

With those considerations in mind, here are some types of questions to consider asking current law students and recent alumni who attended a law school that you are interested in:

• Questions about what being a student at the school is really like
• Questions about career opportunities
• Advice for succeeding at the school
• Questions specific to a shared background or interests

Questions About What Being a Student at the School Is Really Like

It’s hard to know how to feel about spending three years in a place unless you can visualize what life is like there. So, ask open-ended, specific questions about the student experience.

What is the social life like? How do students act toward one another? How competitive or cooperative are they? Where and when do students tend to socialize – mostly with each other on campus or mostly outside the school?

What was good or bad or surprising about their experience there?

Be careful asking such questions of graduates from many years past. The experience of law school is changing so rapidly that may not be able to give you a reliable impression of what law school is like right now. 

Questions About Career Opportunities

While law school admissions officers can give you the aggregate data about graduate employment outcomes , students and alumni are better positioned to tell you what their job search was like.

What resources at the school were most helpful? How willing were alumni to lend a hand? What do they wish they had known before law school about pursuing their career? 

Advice for Succeeding at the School

The challenges and rewards of law school are not always what law students anticipate. It is great to prod students and alumni into reflecting on what they felt most proud of, what they regret and what lessons they learned.

What proved to be their biggest obstacle, and what helped them overcome it? What advice would they give to someone just starting this experience? What skills are most important to practice? What should a new student do to make the most of his or her time there? 

Questions Specific to a Shared Background or Interests

It can be easy to focus on differences between yourself and the person you’re talking to, and those differences are worth keeping in mind. For example, if you want to pursue public interest law, advice from someone pursuing a private sector career may be less relevant.

Instead of letting those differences loom large, home in on potential similarities. For example, if you both pursued law immediately after college , ask for advice to smooth this transition.

It can be particularly helpful for minority applicants , first-generation students , older applicants and veterans to speak with students or alumni who share these experiences and can give advice from such a perspective. 

Even if your conversation with a law student or alumnus gives you only a small part of the full picture of whether a law school is a good fit for you, it can still be worth your time. After all, the specific details you learn can help you explain your interest in a school in an essay or interview. This will show admissions officers that you’ve done your due diligence – just as a good lawyer should. 

Tips to Boost a Law School Application

Tags: law school , graduate schools , education , students

About Law Admissions Lowdown

Law Admissions Lowdown provides advice to prospective students about the law school application process, LSAT prep and potential career paths. Previously authored by contributors from Stratus Admissions Counseling, the blog is currently authored by Gabriel Kuris, founder of Top Law Coach , an admissions consultancy. Kuris is a graduate of Harvard Law School and has helped hundreds of applicants navigate the law school application process since 2003. Got a question? Email [email protected] .

Popular Stories

Law Admissions Lowdown

Top Law Schools

Medical School Admissions Doctor

Morse Code: Inside the College Rankings

You May Also Like

Find a strong human rights law program.

Anayat Durrani April 18, 2024

Environmental Health in Medical School

Zach Grimmett April 16, 2024

How to Choose a Law Career Path

Gabriel Kuris April 15, 2024

Questions Women MBA Hopefuls Should Ask

Haley Bartel April 12, 2024

Law Schools With the Highest LSATs

Ilana Kowarski and Cole Claybourn April 11, 2024

MBA Programs That Lead to Good Jobs

Ilana Kowarski and Cole Claybourn April 10, 2024

B-Schools With Racial Diversity

Sarah Wood April 10, 2024

Law Schools That Are Hardest to Get Into

Sarah Wood April 9, 2024

Grad School Housing Options

Anayat Durrani April 9, 2024

Ask Law School Admissions Officers This

Gabriel Kuris April 9, 2024

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• The Attorney General
• Organizational Chart
• Budget & Performance
• Privacy Program
• Press Releases
• Photo Galleries
• Guidance Documents
• Publications
• Information for Victims in Large Cases
• Justice Manual
• Business and Contracts
• Why Justice ?
• DOJ Vacancies
• Legal Careers at DOJ
• About USAO-NE

MENU Legal Careers Home

• Why Justice?
• Search Attorney Vacancies & Volunteer Legal Internships
• Volunteer Legal Internships
• Eligibility
• Participating Components
• Current Attorney Vacancies
• Valuing Diversity

Legal Careers

Law student volunteer, spring 2025.

The United States Attorney's Office, District of Nebraska contains a Civil and Criminal Division.  The Criminal Division prosecutes violations of federal criminal law - types of cases include, but are not limited to: mail, wire, tax and securities fraud; environmental crimes; firearm crimes; bank robbery; drug crimes, and Internet predators.  The Civil Division attorneys act as defense counsel for government agencies and employees.  Types of civil cases handled include, but are not limited to: Discrimination (race, sex, age, disability, religion); bankruptcy, immigration, ADA, Federal Tort Claims Act; etc.  Civil Division attorneys also act as plaintiff's counsel in areas, which include Medicaid and Medicare fraud; the False Claims Act; and any other cases in which the United States has been injured financially or where injunctive relief is needed.

Our office places a high value on diversity of experiences and perspectives and encourages applications from all qualified individuals from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, veterans, LGBT individuals, and persons with disabilities.

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

Assignments include assisting attorneys with legal research; writing pleadings; trial preparation; and drafting responsive motions, dispositive motions, memoranda of law, and appellate briefs. The law student volunteers will become familiar with the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, the Federal Rules of Evidence, the local rules of practice for the United States District Court, and the local Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure.  They may attend depositions, meetings with investigative agents, and accompany the attorneys to observe court proceedings in cases on which they have worked or in cases of general interest in the office.  Law students who qualify to practice under the district court's student practice rules may also be assigned to handle motion hearings.  Our goal is to introduce our interns to the federal legal system and develop their legal skills.

Must have successfully completed one year of law school prior to commencing internship along with strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills. U.S. citizenship required. Due to the sensitive nature of the work performed by the office, all offers to candidates are conditioned upon the successful completion on a required background check which requires disclosure of any drug use, law enforcement and employment records, and financial credit information.

Applications should be emailed to: [email protected].  Applications should include the following materials (as one consolidated PDF file): (a) résumé, (b) 5-10 page legal writing sample, (c) dates of availability, and (d) telephone number(s) where the applicant can be reached in the daytime and evenings.  A cover letter is also required.  Selections will be made on a rolling basis.  Spring 2025 Internship; applications must be received by October 1, 2024.

Volunteer (without compensation). Course credit and work study may be possible.

*         *         *

Department Policies

Equal Employment Opportunity :  The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.  Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex - including gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy status - or because of age (over 40), physical or mental disability, protected genetic information, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit based factor.  The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full  EEO Statement .

Reasonable Accommodations :  This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities :  The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements.  Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority.  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of  DPOCs .   

Suitability and Citizenship :  It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.  Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see,  https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/ ). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans :  There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website,  www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf  for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that their retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that they were transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

USAO Residency Requirement :  Assistant United States Attorneys must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof.  See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

This and other vacancy announcements can be found under  Attorney Vacancies  and  Volunteer Legal Internships . The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.

• Privacy Policy

College Admissions News

9 Amazing Legal Programs and Law Internships for High School Students

If you’re a high school student who’s interested in becoming a lawyer, you can actually start preparing for your future career now by participating in high school law internships and other law-focused programs. 

High school law internships, summer programs, and law volunteer opportunities for high school students all allow you to explore legal careers before you ever even get to college. We’ll explain everything you need to know about these programs, including:

• The types of law programs available to high school students 
• Real-life examples of law programs for high school students
• Tips for including your law experience on college applications 

Keep reading to learn more! 

What Programs and Law Internships for High School Students Are Out There?

When it comes to opportunities to explore the legal profession before college, there are four main areas to look at:

• Clubs and Classes
• Summer Programs
• Legal Internships for High School Students 
• Law Firm Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students 

Each of these possibilities has its own pros and cons, but the thing each has in common is that they can all get you ready for a career as a lawyer by teaching you skills you’ll need to succeed. 

Below, we’ve included what you need to know about what each one offers. You can also use the links above to jump to the section that most interests you. 

Legal Clubs and Classes

Clubs and student activities can teach you about the law and provide opportunities that can help you impress colleges.

While there aren’t a lot of clubs that focus directly on preparing you for a law career, you can join your school’s speech and debate team to practice your public speaking and argumentation skills. This is a fun option if you like the idea of going to tournaments and competing against students from other schools. Plus, debate requires you to do research and look at past precedents to make a case—something lawyers do regularly.

Running for a position in student government or taking part in model UN are also excellent options . Both involve public speaking, learning legal procedures, and solving problems to make positive changes. They also teach you valuable leadership skills, and taking part in activities like these demonstrates your willingness to challenge yourself and use your smarts to succeed. 

But that’s not all colleges care about. Universities and law schools also want to see that you’re driven and focused on academic achievement . So don’t forget to take classes that can help you prepare for a legal career. 

Here are a few examples of classes you might consider taking to help your applications stand out. Advanced English classes boost your reading comprehension and writing skills (both of which are extremely important skills for lawyers), and communication classes teach you rhetoric and public speaking. And if you’re looking to give yourself a strong knowledge base that relates to law, taking classes in history, civics, ethics, sociology, and psychology can give you an edge.

The biggest downside to these clubs and high school classes is that they aren’t specifically designed to train you for a law career. So while they’ll give you a good knowledge foundation, they don’t teach you what it’s like to be a lawyer. However, because these clubs and classes are either free or low-cost, it’s a good idea to take advantage of these opportunities!

Sure, summer road trips are fun. But if you want to be a lawyer, a summer law program can help you learn more about your future profession! 

Summer Law Programs

Summer law programs are a great way to learn about your future profession. These are usually one- or two-week long learning experiences that focus on teaching students different aspects of the law. These programs also introduce participants to lawyers, politicians, and other experts who can show students what it’s really like to work in law. As an added bonus: these programs look great on a college application!

The type of law these programs introduce you to can vary . For example, the ACLU’s summer program focuses on legal issues and policy debates related to civil rights and liberties. One thing most of these programs have in common, however, is that they also teach the debating skills that are crucial in the legal field. In contrast, other summer programs offer more of a general overview of the legal field!

The downside to summer law programs is that they’re quite expensive—many cost between $2,000-$4,000 to attend . Additionally, they can be pretty competitive and hard to get accepted into. However, if you’re a strong candidate and can afford the tuition, you’ll get to explore what it’s really like to be a lawyer and get even more prepared for college in the process. 

Law Firm Internships for High School Students

If you’re planning to become a lawyer in the future, you may have heard the advice that working as a legal intern maximizes your chances of getting accepted to law school . However, law internships for high school students are hard to find.

That’s because high school students are considered legal minors. That means lawyers have to be careful about the information they expose you to. This is especially true if the firm deals with high profile cases. Additionally, most of the year your school schedule will conflict with the hours that law firms are open , which limits your ability to work there.  

That said, it’s not totally impossible to find a law internship. The key to finding internships at law firms for high school students is to look locally. Although there are a couple national internship programs available for future lawyers who aren’t in college yet, most of those programs require you to live in a specific state or city. That’s why it’s best to start your search in your own backyard…so to speak, of course! 

Try doing an online search for something like “high school law internships” plus your state or town. You can also talk to local law firms to see if they accept interns who are still in high school on a case-by-case basis. And if you know someone who works in law, you can talk to them to see if they can connect you with a local internship! 

Obviously the main con here is that it’s hard to find law internships for high school students —NYC, Washington D.C., and several cities in California have state-wide programs, but most states do not. That means you’ll have to reach out to law firms in your area one by one to see if they offer law internships for high school students. 

Another potential issue is that most internships are fairly time-consuming and unpaid , so if you need to get a summer job to earn money, you may not be able to do an internship as well.

On the other hand, law internships give you a chance to get real work experience in a legal office . You’ll see what the day-to-day work of a lawyer really looks like, and you’ll probably get some great letters of recommendation for college!

A word of caution though: if you decide to look for an internship, make sure a parent or guardian knows what you’re doing and approves, just to be on the safe side. 

Law Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students

As a volunteer at a law office you’ll likely do the same kinds of things that an intern would—mostly clerical work to assist lawyers and paralegals. Similar to law internships for high school students, volunteer opportunities at a law firm can be useful but hard to come by . 

To try to find one, you’ll likely have to ask around. Talk to your counselors or teachers, and do some online research to see what might be available in your local area. You can also talk to your parents or guardians to see if they know any lawyers that might let you volunteer as part of their team. If you’re able to volunteer, you’ll get a chance to experience life in a law firm and see the judicial system in action.

But just like law internships, volunteer opportunities can be complicated for high school students since legal work is very sensitive. Since most high school students are minors, some law firms may not want, or be able to, involve them in their work. 

That said, both internships and volunteer work during the summer are a good way to explore the many possible areas of law you could practice one day . However, don’t worry too much if you can’t find an internship or law firm to volunteer at while you’re still in high school—you’ll have more of these opportunities once you get to college!

These programs get five stars from us!

Our Favorite Law Programs for High School Students

The list below features some of the best programs for future lawyers. Since most volunteer opportunities and law internships for high school students are based locally, this list mostly features national summer programs that anyone can apply for. 

So without further ado, here are our favorite law-based programs for those of you still in high school!

  ACLU Summer Advocacy Program

• One week in-person program in Washington, D.C.
• Cost: $2,500 (covers food, lodging, and activities); scholarships are available

In this intensive program, students aged 15-18 learn about issue advocacy (particularly civil rights and liberties) and legal strategy from lawyers, lobbyists, and prominent activists and experts. Through classes, lectures, and policy debates you learn how to be an advocate for change in the real world.

One key feature of the program is a Day of Action, where students actually have the opportunity to make their voices heard in Washington! For example, past students have lobbied Congress in person, held rallies at the Capitol, and conducted writing campaigns. If you’re interested in law and social justice, this is a great option!

Cornell University International Summer Debate Camp

• Nine-day in-person program in Ithaca, NY
• Cost: $3,500 (covers food, lodging, and activities); scholarships are available

While this program doesn’t strictly focus on law, students work with Cornell faculty members to learn new debate skills and practice them with other students from around the world . You’ll hear lectures about social issues and contemporary political topics that then become topics for debate, and you’ll take part in a tournament at the end of the program. This is a great option for students who want to hone their argumentative skills.

DOI Pathways Program

• Timing and location vary
• Cost: None; this is a paid internship opportunity

This is one of the only national high school law internships available. If accepted to the program, the U.S. Department of the Interior will place students with an agency that matches their academic interests. You’ll work either full or part-time, and must complete 640 hours of work experience for full credit. 

Keep in mind that while this opportunity is available to high school students, you’ll be competing with college and graduate students for positions . In addition, the workload could be prohibitive depending on your school schedule. That said, this program would give you excellent experience to put on college and job applications in the future!

Envision Law Program

• 10-day in-person program in Stanford, CA
• Cost: $4,095 (includes food, lodging, and activities)

This program allows students to immerse themselves in the theory and practice of law. You’ll learn legal rhetoric and ethics from law professors and legal experts, as well as how to make opening and closing arguments, how to cross examine witnesses, and how to manage a courtroom. 

Best of all, you’ll get to take part in a mock trial simulation and attend skills workshops to hone your writing and speaking abilities.

And if you’re interested in spending more time working on your debate and public speaking skills, the Stanford National Forensic Institute also offers multiple summer programs for that! 

National Student Leadership Conference Law and Advocacy

• Nine-day in-person program at either Duke, Georgetown, or Yale (your choice)
• Cost: $3,595 (includes food, lodging, and activities); check for scholarship availability

This NSLC program gives students a close-up look at what it means to be a lawyer. During the nine days you’re on campus you’ll be teamed up with other students to try a real case in a real courtroom! You’ll learn all about researching evidence, preparing witnesses, crafting arguments, making opening and closing arguments, and cross-examination. 

You’ll also visit a law school to see what it’s like, attend lectures from forensic and legal experts from top law firms and the Department of Justice, and get hands-on leadership training . Past guest speakers have even included Supreme Court justices! You also have the option of enrolling in an additional course for college credit. 

As a bonus: this program is offered at multiple different campuses and cities (and has multiple dates over the whole summer), so it’s accessible to more students. 

School of the New York Times: Government/Law/Ethics

• Two-week in-person program in Washington D.C. 
• Cost: $5,925 for the residential program; $5,325 for the day program

This program lets students explore how government, law, and ethics work to form the political and legal systems in the U.S . It focuses on how the idea of “the law” works in the real world to create the power structures in America.

You’ll go on site visits around D.C. to places like the Supreme Court building and the Capitol, hear lectures from experts in law and politics, and explore and analyze current political events . 

The main benefit of this program is the focus on ethics . Government and the law function on rules and regulations, but ethical considerations play a role in guiding those as well. By learning about the interaction between law and ethics, you’ll get a leg up on your pre-law college competition.

Senate Page Program

• Length of time varies by term. Fall term is four months, Spring is five months, and the two summer terms are around two months each
• Cost: None; this is a paid internship

This prestigious program is another one of the few national law-related internships available for high school students, but is only available to juniors and seniors. If you’re one of the lucky 30 people who are accepted each term, you’ll get an experience that’s guaranteed to impress any college! 

This internship is rigorous. If you’re accepted to the fall or spring terms, you’ll live in a dorm, go to school between 6:15-10:00 a.m., then work as a page in the Senate until 4 p.m . You can expect to be working and studying for 12 to 13 hours each day. (The summer terms don’t include classwork, so they’re a bit less intense.)

Page duties mostly include acting as a messenger, delivering correspondence and legislative materials in the Congressional complex, and preparing the chambers for Senate sessions. 

In order to apply to the program, you have to be sponsored by a current senator (usually from your state, although some senators are willing to sponsor out-of-state candidates). The application materials you need vary by senator and state, so you’ll need to contact your senator’s office if you’re interested in this opportunity.

UCI High School Summer Institute in Law

• One-week in-person program in Irvine, CA
• Cost: $1,110 (covers food, lodging, and activities)

This program introduces students to the legal system and major areas of law, and focuses on teaching the skills needed for a legal career such as: analytical reasoning, public speaking and writing, persuasive techniques, and negotiation. 

The great thing about this program is that even though it isn’t an internship, it still gives students exposure to the law field. 

  Wake Forest University Debate and Public Advocacy Institute

• One-week in-person program in Winston-Salem, NC
• Cost: Overnight $2,500, Day Camp $1,500 (covers food, lodging, and activities)

This program is focused primarily on debate and public speaking with the goal of helping students learn to advocate for themselves and others . You’ll learn about current social and environmental controversies, as well as rhetorical tricks and persuasive techniques that can help you develop your skills as a future lawyer. 

If you’re looking to boost your persuasive speaking skills, this is a good choice. 

Keep a journal while you’re doing your legal internship. Those details can come in handy when writing your admissions essays!

How to Impress Colleges With Your Skills and Legal Know-How

No matter what type of opportunity you choose to pursue to boost your skills and prepare for a career in the legal field, you can (and should!) use your experiences to your advantage when it comes to applying for colleges.  

Below are a few tips on how you can let colleges know you’re committed to your future career.

Tip 1: Keep a Journal

Whether you’re taking advanced classes related to the skills you need to be a lawyer, joining a debate club or student government, attending a summer program, or doing an internship, you should record your experiences. 

Write down the kinds of skills you’re learning —like public speaking techniques or ways to advocate effectively for others—and go into as much detail as possible. The point here is to give yourself a written record of your experiences so you can include them in your college applications.

Be sure to also include your personal impressions and ideas about your experiences . If you attend a summer program or internship, write down how the experience impacted your life and future goals. That way you can reflect on them during the college application process and in college, too! 

Tip 2: Talk About the Experience in Your College Essay

Your college essay is one of the main ways that potential colleges get to know you. It’s your chance to really show them what you’re passionate about and why . 

Take a look at your journal and pull out a few of the experiences and law-related skills that are most meaningful to you. You can use these details as a way to focus your essay on why you want to be a lawyer and how you’ve been preparing for both college and your career. 

Schools want to accept driven students, so going into detail about your experiences in the clubs, classes, summer programs, or internships you’ve been involved in will show them how ready you are to excel at their school. 

Tip 3: Make a High School Resume

A high school resume functions as a snapshot of your skills, coursework, accomplishments, activities, and work history . 

Even if your college doesn’t ask you to send in a resume, having one on hand can help you out in a couple ways. First, a resume can help you prepare for a college interview —you can give it to your interviewer as a convenient reference, plus the act of writing it can help you find ways to talk about your skills briefly and effectively. 

Second, you’ll definitely need letters of recommendation, and letters that discuss your interests and abilities specifically are more impressive. By giving a resume to your letter writers, you ensure that your teachers or counselors are able to write you a letter that really makes you (and your accomplishments) shine! 

What’s Next?

Looking for even more information on preparing for a career in the legal field? Check out our article on the five steps to becoming a lawyer to give you an idea of what you can do in high school to get your career journey started off right.

Next, take a look at this ultimate guide to pre-law to get an idea of what college majors are most impressive to law schools. Spoiler alert: you don’t have to major in pre-law to be a great law school candidate!

Finally, we’ve got a list of 11 colleges with great programs to prepare students for law school to help you decide where to go to college. Take some time and choose the best school for your future!

Thinking ahead to college applications?

If you’re a freshman, sophomore, or junior worried about college admissions, our world-class admissions counselors can help. We know exactly what kinds of students colleges want to admit and can make sure your profile shines.

PrepScholar Admissions is the world’s best admissions consulting service. We’ve helped thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

Join our mentoring program today:

Source: blog.prepscholar.com

Upcoming Summer 2024 Application Deadline is May 12, 2024.  

Click here to apply.

Featured Posts

10 Free Engineering Programs for High School Students

10 Online Summer Programs for Middle School Students

Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP) - Our Review

Should You Invest in EdVize as an Educational Consultant? 

Caltech Summer Research Connection - Should You Do It?

8 Medical Internships for High School Students in NYC in 2024

8 Prestigious Economics Internships for High School Students in 2024

8 Wildlife Conservation Programs for High School Students

10 Software Engineering Programs for High School Students

8 ICEF Conferences You Should Be Attending as an Educational Consultant

If you're contemplating a future in engineering, delving into the field during high school offers an excellent opportunity to assess your interest and identify your preferred engineering specialization. However, some of these programs can be costly, and inaccessible to underrepresented segments of the population. Hence, we’ve curated a list of 10 prestigious and free engineering programs for ambitious high school students across the U.S.

Participating in free engineering programs is a prestigious opportunity that sets students apart in college applications. Early exposure to STEM subjects, particularly engineering, showcases a proactive approach to learning and a genuine passion for the field . By engaging in hands-on experiences and mentorship from experts, students not only deepen their understanding but also demonstrate key attributes like curiosity and initiative sought by colleges. Such involvement not only enriches a student's academic profile but also lays a strong foundation for future success in STEM fields.

Note: Many of the programs mentioned below provide stipend as well. 

1. Lumiere Research Scholars Program  

The Lumiere research program, founded by Harvard and Oxford PhDs, offers a unique opportunity for those interested in computer engineering. Through a one-on-one structure, students work closely with a PhD mentor on independent research projects. Lumiere emphasizes cross-disciplinary research, integrating computer science, mathematics, and engineering to address real-world challenges. Participants have the flexibility to choose their area of interest, whether in hardware design, software development, embedded systems, or artificial intelligence. Financial aid ensures accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.

Note: 100% aid is offered for this program. 

Location: Virtual. 

Program Dates: 12 weeks in summer 2024. 

Application Deadline:  12th May, 2024

Eligibility: High school students

2. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs

The internship programs offered by NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) present a distinctive opportunity for high school students to delve into leading-edge projects. These programs enable students to apply their passion for robotics to real-world challenges in the aerospace sector.

Engaging in NASA OSTEM provides an avenue for honing practical skills essential for a career in computer engineering. Interns undertake a variety of tasks such as software system design, algorithm optimization, and active involvement in robotics initiatives. The practical experience garnered through a NASA OSTEM internship not only fosters technical proficiency but also strengthens college applications.  Admission officers highly value hands-on experiences and the fresh perspectives gained from collaborating with NASA engineers. This internship allows participants to showcase their dedication to robotics, distinguishing them in a competitive applicant pool.

Note: Stipend is also provided in this program. 

Location: NASA centers across the country. 

Program Dates: Spring session (Mid January - Early May), Summer session (Late May - August), Fall session (Late August - Mid December) 

Application Deadline:  May 26 (Fall), August 30 (Spring), October 20 (Summer)

Eligibility:

Be a U.S. citizen

Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)

Be a full-time student

Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application 

3. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at TexasTech University

With an acceptance rate below 3%, this competitive program admits only 12 high school students annually. Once selected, students join a cohort to conduct research across various fields, including engineering, under the guidance of top scholars. Alongside 1-on-1 mentorship, participants attend discussions, seminars, and field visits. The program offers practical research experience and knowledge building, facilitated by experienced faculty members. Research disciplines for the upcoming program will be updated on the website; past options included biology, physics, electrical and computer engineering, and chemistry.

Note: Students will receive a stipend of $750 on completion of the program.

Location: TexasTech University campus, Lubbock, TX. This is a residential program!

Program Dates: June 16, 2024 - August 1, 2024 (7 weeks)  

Application Deadline: February 15, 2024

Eligibility: Students who will be at least 17 years old by the program start date, are set to graduate in 2024 or 2025, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents can apply.

4. Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT

RSI, hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education in partnership with MIT, is tailored for students with a fervent interest in technology and a drive for innovative research. Each year, RSI admits 100 high-achieving high school students who delve into on-campus coursework and off-campus research endeavors. Participants thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment, collaborating with peers worldwide and engaging in high-level scientific inquiry.  Through hands-on projects and discussions with leading experts, students actively contribute to pushing the boundaries of technology. The program's commitment to academic excellence ensures that participants not only study technology but also conduct their own research projects under the guidance of experienced researchers. The final week culminates in presentations of their findings, both written and oral, showcasing their achievements.

Location: MIT campus, Cambridge

Program Dates: July - August (6 weeks)

Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 are closed. Please keep checking the program page  for 2025 application dates.

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors are eligible to apply. It is recommended that PSAT Math Scores be at least 740 or higher and the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score be 700 or higher. ACT math scores should be at least 33 and verbal scores at least 34. 

5. MIT Beaverworks Summer Institute (BWSI)

The Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) stands out as an ideal option for students eager to dive into a hands-on journey into robotics, autonomous systems, and mechanical engineering. Within BWSI, you'll delve into practical skills like designing, constructing, and programming robotic systems, all while gaining a deep understanding of computer engineering principles.  The curriculum delves into cutting-edge technologies, engineering methodologies, and computer science techniques.

A standout feature of the program is the collaborative project, where you'll team up with fellow students to create autonomous drones, rovers, or other innovative robotic systems. This project culminates in a final presentation, offering participants a platform to showcase their hard work. BWSI caters perfectly to ambitious, imaginative high school students who are eager to broaden their horizons, tackle challenging projects, and nurture their passion for mechanical engineering within a supportive, intellectually stimulating environment. It's worth noting that admission to the Beaver Works Summer Institute is highly competitive and limited due to its selective nature.

Location: In-person at MIT and Virtual . 

Program Dates: July - August

Application Deadline:   March 31 

Eligibility: Rising High school seniors who attends school in the US

6. MITES Summer

The MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) Summer Program at MIT presents an exceptional opportunity for students with a fervent interest in mechanical engineering and STEM fields. This program holds particular value for underrepresented minority students aspiring to forge careers in engineering.

Throughout the program, participants engage in a rigorous curriculum spanning a broad spectrum of STEM disciplines, with a notable emphasis on computer engineering. By partaking in MITES, you'll acquire foundational knowledge, cultivate problem-solving prowess, and actively contribute to hands-on engineering projects. Often, the culmination of the program involves a capstone project that challenges you to apply acquired skills to real-world problems.

MITES caters to highly motivated, academically proficient students with a thirst for exploring the frontiers of mechanical engineering, especially within the esteemed environment of MIT. It's crucial to recognize that MITES is intensely competitive and academically demanding, which may pose challenges for some individuals. Moreover, given its focus on underrepresented minority students, the program may not suit everyone's aspirations equally.

Location: MIT 

Program Dates: 6 weeks - Late June to Early August

Application Deadline:   Feb 1, 2024

Eligibility: High school juniors; underrepresented, underserved, and first generation students are especially encouraged to apply.

7. Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

SAMS provides an immersive STEM experience tailored for future computer engineers.  The curriculum emphasizes coding, robotics, and design principles through hands-on projects and problem-solving tasks. Participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for the field. The program's group projects culminate in building working prototypes, showcasing engineering abilities. SAMS is competitive, with a challenging admissions process and a fast-paced curriculum that may be demanding. If you're ready for the challenge, applying to SAMS is worth considering!

Location: Carnegie Mellon University

Program Dates: Six weeks from June to August

Application Deadline: 1st March, 2024

Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16; Underrepresented and underserved students are especially encouraged to apply.

8. Boston Leadership Institute Engineering Research Program

The Boston Leadership Institute Engineering Research Program is ideal for students passionate about computer engineering. It offers an opportunity to explore and enhance understanding in this field through hands-on research projects and experiments. Participants delve into advanced topics like computer design and thermodynamics, culminating in a final research project where solutions to engineering problems are presented. This program is perfect for those eager to delve into computer engineering and develop research and presentation skills.

Location: Boston

Program Dates: July 15 - August 2. 

Application Deadline: January

9. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) at NYU

NYU's ARISE offers a comprehensive summer program catering to students interested in various engineering disciplines. Its interdisciplinary curriculum covers subjects like chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, and more. Through hands-on research in labs, workshops on ethics and data collection, and mentorship from NYU's faculty, students develop skills and engage in meaningful projects. The program culminates in a colloquium where students present their findings. The 2024 cohort will accept 76-80 students.

Note: Students will receive a stipend of at least $750.

Location: NYU campus, New York City, NY

Program Dates: June 3, 2024 - August 9, 2024 (10 weeks). The first 4 weeks will be remote after-school workshops, and the next 6 weeks will have in-person labs on weekdays.  

Application Deadline: March 1, 2024

Eligibility: Students residing in New York City, who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June 2024, are eligible to apply.

10.  Kode with Klossy Summer Camps

Kode With Klossy, initiated by model and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss, provides a fortnight-long summer camp designed to empower young women and non-binary individuals in high school by delving into the realms of coding and technology. The program offers four main tracks to choose from: web development, mobile app development, machine learning, and data science. The first two options are particularly well-suited for students with a passion for software engineering, covering aspects such as front-end development, UI/UX enhancement, and programming languages like JavaScript and HTML . Additionally, participants will gain hands-on experience with tools such as Xcode and Apple’s SwiftUI framework. However, prospective attendees are encouraged to review the details of each track to determine which aligns best with their interests.

Location: Virtual and in-person tracks available, with in-person camps taking place in several locations like Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, LA, NYC, Seattle, and more

Program Dates: Session 1 from June 3, 2024 – June 14, 2024, Session 2 from June 17, 2024 – June 28, 2024, Session 3 from July 8, 2024 – July 19, 2024, Session 4 from July 22, 2024 – August 2, 2024, Session 5 from August 5, 2024 – August 16, 2024

Application Deadline:  April 10, 2024

Eligibility: Girls, gender non-conforming and trans students who are between the ages of 13 - 18

If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI  is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here !

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

Image Source: NASA logo

• pre-college program

School Resource Officers (SROs), Explained

• Share article

The topic of school policing remains difficult and contested—from viral videos of police and student encounters gone wrong, to a seeming surge in violence that’s causing some districts to consider adding more cops in schools, to perennial fears about school shootings.

Our explainer outlines the definition of school resource officers, how they differ from other police and school safety personnel in schools, research on their effectiveness, and some of the difficult tradeoffs district officials and others must contend with as they examine their school policing programs.

What is a school resource officer? Are SROs armed?

A school resource officer is a sworn law-enforcement officer with arrest powers who works, either full or part time, in a school setting. Nearly all SROs are armed (about 91 percent, according to federal data), and most carry other restraints like handcuffs as well.

What does school resource officer training look like?

The main difference separating an SRO from other police officers is that, in theory, they have had some special training on how to work with youths. A membership group for SROs, the National Association of School Resource Officers, offers several such courses. NASRO’s basic 40-hour training includes some content on the adolescent brain, cyber safety, and violence prevention in schools, among other topics.

In practice, it’s not clear how many school police actually have had this training or similar types. States set different requirements for what training SROs need to have before working in schools, and some SROs report feeling unprepared for the job. In a 2018 Education Week Research Survey of SROs, about 1 in 5 respondents said they didn’t have sufficient training to work in a school environment, only 39 percent said they had training on child trauma, and about half said they hadn’t been trained to work with special education students.

What do school resource officers do?

As for daily duties, NASRO indicates that officers play a tripartite role of law enforcement, informal mentoring and counseling, and some in-person teaching. In this sense, the theory of school-based policing is aligned with that of community policing: using local partnerships with other public entities to bring more resources to bear on safety.

Similar to the debate about whether community policing truly improves trust in law enforcement and safety—or merely increases surveillance—critics question whether it’s possible for the same officers to play all those roles at once.

A recent NASRO survey underscores this potential tension. It found that two-thirds of SROs responding said they most identified with law enforcement, and just over a quarter most identified with being a mentor. (These findings are generally consistent with prior research on school police officers’ own perception of their roles. ) Yet the officers also reported that they spent the greatest amount of their time—48 percent of it—on mentoring activities.

School resource officer statistics: How many SROs are there?

SROs are not required to register in any kind of national database, so there are only estimates of their numbers—no firm tally.

Federal data estimate that in the 2015-16 school year, there were some 52,000 full or part-time SROs in schools at least once a week, plus another 15,500 sworn law enforcement officers in schools who were not SROs.

Another way to examine this picture is to look at the proportion of schools that employ an SRO.

The most recent federal data available, from the 2017-18 school year, show that about 45 percent of schools had an SRO in place at least once a week. (Another 13 percent of schools reported hosting police who were not SROs.)

This represents a steady growth over the last few decades; only 32 percent of schools reported having an SRO in 2005-06.

As these data suggest, an SRO may not be stationed in just one school; some are responsible for several campuses. The Maryland Center for School Safety found , for instance, that there were 439 SROs serving schools in that state as of 2020, but only 328 were assigned to just one school.

Why has the number of school resource officers grown?

Although school policing has been around since at least the late 1950s, it expanded notably in the 1990s due to three major factors: concerns about rising rates of juvenile crime in the 1990s, the federal government’s funding of community policing programs beginning with the 1994 crime bill and its establishment of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) hiring program, and the 1999 Columbine shooting in Littleton, Colo.

In 1999, the U.S. Department of Justice began specifically making grants to increase the number of SROs in schools through the COPS in Schools program, resulting by some estimates more than $700 million being granted to districts to hire SROs between 1999 and 2005. That grant has ended but districts can still receive federal grants through the broader COPS funding.

Traditionally, SROs have been more common in secondary schools than in elementary schools, but there are indications that the proportion working in elementary schools has risen. This appears to be a relatively recent phenomenon caused by several high-profile school shootings in the late 2010s, as states began to pass laws requiring SROs or other armed personnel in schools.

The end result is that more districts have added SROs in lower grades. Florida saw a dramatic increase in police presence between 2017-18 and 2018-19 after passing legislation developed in response to the 2018 school shootings in Parkland, with much of that due to increases in the the elementary grades .

Besides school resource officers, are there other police officers or armed individuals who work in and around schools?

Yes. These can be campus security officers, regular beat cops who are assigned to school areas, and even laypeople.

A 2018 Maryland law, for example, requires schools to have SROs or “adequate police coverage,” which can include sheriff’s deputies, patrol officers, or others who can access school grounds in response to calls or to conduct other business.

And a Florida law passed the same year required all schools to hire either an SRO or to have an armed guardian, a layperson who carries a firearm and participates in a state training program.

Do districts get to select school resource officers?

This depends on the arrangement that school districts have with law-enforcement agencies. Some have little say in selecting the officers, while in other districts, central office administrators or even principals can interview the officers and select or reject candidates.

A handful of large districts, including Miami-Dade, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston, among others, have their own in-house police forces, presumably because they can more directly control hiring and train them for the nuances of their own schools, though there is little to suggest that an in-house police force yields different outcomes for safety. Other districts, including Shelby County, Tenn., are expressing new interest in these arrangements.

What is an MOU? What do they govern?

A memorandum of understanding or MOU is an interagency agreement that theoretically documents how SROs are selected and trained, prescribes their duties and limitations, details how the agreement can be renewed or modified, and specifies how costs are apportioned among the agencies.

Only about two-thirds of districts in 2017-18 reported having such a document. And even then many respondents were unsure whether theirs specified their SROs’ role in disciplinary matters, on the use of firearms, or on arrests.

Some districts, including Chicago and New York City, have recently modified these documents to clarify that SROs should not be involved in routine discipline matters (like a student interrupting or refusing to follow directions in class). New York’s also calls on them to use diversionary tactics for low-level crimes and only to arrest in the case of violent crimes or felonies.

It’s not clear how such changes might affect outcomes for students, because researchers haven’t yet attempted to analyze a large sample of MOUs or to correlate specific features of MOUs to things like student safety, behavioral incidents in schools, juvenile-justice referrals, or other outcomes.

What do we know about school resource officers and their effectiveness on schools from research?

Studying SROs is a difficult task. They usually aren’t managed by schools, but by police departments, which makes it difficult to track which schools have officers. Until this decade, cause-and-effect research on SROs was virtually nonexistent, despite the millions of dollars spent hiring, training, and placing them in schools.

Now that’s starting to change. Newer studies have used complex statistical methods to link the presence of SROs to both student behavior patterns and their consequences. The emerging picture suggests that while school police do mitigate some types of violence in schools, their presence also increases certain kinds of disciplinary outcomes, including suspensions and expulsions, as well as arrests. (See the next header for details.)

Despite these advances, many holes remain in the research. For one thing, even the best empirical studies don’t offer a lot of insight into what happens in the black box of school culture. Principals, for example, are the ones who ultimately make decisions about school discipline and suspensions, suggesting some of these patterns are not merely due to police officers’ presence but because educators are asking them to intervene. The findings point, in other words, to a larger problem of the cultural context of schools. (In its own survey of SROs, for example, NASRO officers reported that more than a third of arrests they made were referred to them by school staff.)

We also know less about how other differences in SRO characteristics shape school policing. For example, how does an SRO’s age, experience, type or intensity of training, or other factor influence how they work with principals, teachers, and educators?

Case studies, observations and interviews of SROs paint a more qualitative picture of SROs’ beliefs and attitudes about their roles. These tend to be based on non-nationally representative samples, though, which could introduce bias into the results.

Some advocates, including Black Lives Matter activists, argue that school resource officers contribute to a ‘school to prison pipeline.’ Why?

Analyses of federal education data by the EdWeek Research Center and other news organizations have detailed large, persistent disparities in arrests at schools by student race .

Education Week found, for instance, that in 43 states and the District of Columbia, Black students were arrested at school at disproportionately high levels—sometimes at shockingly high rates. In 10 states, it found that the share of arrested Black students was 20 percentage points higher than these students’ share of enrollment. (These figures were most disproportionate for Black students, but, to a lesser extent, also show up for other students of color.)

Such patterns have long been highlighted by civil rights advocates as a product of systemic racism in schools. Those advocates have also pointed to larger structural problems affecting Black students including higher suspension and disciplinary rates, as well as to reduced access to quality teachers and advanced coursetaking.

Research on implicit bias shows that, for example, Black boys and girls as young as 10 are viewed as older, more worldly, and more likely to be perceived as guilty by police than other students. Thus advocates for Black students argue that the police presence tends to subject these students to harsher discipline and to funnel more of them into the penal system.

While suggestive, these data weren’t conclusive evidence that police in schools were directly responsible for these patterns; perhaps SROs were simply more likely to work in schools with more problems.

But now a growing body of new empirical research shows a consistent link between the presence of police officers in schools and these discipline patterns. Most of this research is based on analyses of districts that have participated in the COPS grant program. Researchers have found ways to compare discipline outcomes between schools in districts that received the grants to those that didn’t, while controlling for demographics. Some of these analyses focus on student-level outcomes.

In one study released just this year, for example, researchers found that the presence of SROs in schools that received those grants saw a higher proportion number of suspensions, expulsions, police referrals, and arrests of students compared to those that missed out on the grants; the effects were two times larger for Black than for white students. This study inches closer to a cause-and-effect model than most prior research.

It’s consistent with some other recent studies, one of which found that adding police led to more arrests among children under age 15 as a result of the grants. A study in Texas, found that middle school disciplinary rates rose by 6 percent after schools received the grants and that the increases were concentrated among Black and Hispanic students.

Recent research based on structured interviews with several dozen SROs have found that race was a key factor in their perception of threatening behavior. Those working in an urban, diverse district tended to see students themselves as the greatest threat to safety, citing fights, bullying, and aggression, while those working in a suburban, majority white district tended to view intruders from outside the school as the greatest threat to safety.

Do school resource officers help make schools safer?

In a sense, the answer to this question truly depends on how communities defines a “safe school.” Is a safe school one that has few or no violent incidents? One replete with bulletproof glass and metal detectors? One that values strong, warm relationships among faculty and students? Opinions differ, school communities prioritize different ideas about safety, and not all of the different notions are easily compatible.

That said, by at least one definition, they do appear to make a difference in one dimension of safety. A series of recent studies conclude that the presence of SROs does appear to lead to declines in violent incidents in schools, such as rape, robbery, and physical attacks.

On the other hand, it is far from clear that SROs do much to prevent school shootings—the very phenomenon that prompted a large increase in their numbers in the past decade.

In fact, one recent study found some preliminary though not conclusive evidence that the presence of SROs increased , rather than decreased, the odds of firearm-related incidents on campuses. This could be because having SROs, by definition, increases the number of guns at school. (The researchers urge caution about the finding because the number of school shootings in the sample was so small.)

These safety improvements seem to come at a significant cost for some students, as discussed in the previous section.

Have any districts taken steps to remove school resource officers?

Yes. EdWeek published a database of districts that have either cut funding to their school police programs or removed SROs from buildings.

Even in those cases, though, police may be called in the case of a violent incident or may work with schools in other arrangements.

How are we supposed to interpret these findings overall?

That’s the huge challenge facing school district leaders, school boards, and principals.

One way is to consider whether the safety benefits of SROs still justify the cost, given the documented harms of exclusionary discipline, suspensions, and juvenile justice referrals. In general, violence and crime rates in schools have declined over the past 20 years, raising questions about salience: Is it still necessary to have so many police officers in schools?

High profile school shootings, including Sandy Hook, Conn., in 2014 and Parkland, Fla. in 2018 have complicated the discussion—though there’s little to suggest that the presence or absence of school police might have prevented these.

Thus the larger question seems to be sociological. Uniformed officers and panda cars, along with metal detectors and bulletproof glass, are powerful signifiers for parents and community members that something’s being done to address safety regardless of whether they actually make students safer.

And there remains much uncertainty—as well as considerable doubt from advocates—about whether tweaks, including better-written MOUs and more district control over SRO programs can fundamentally reshape the school policing conversation.

Many research studies and white papers examine the role and impact of school resource officers. Here are some of the most important to get you started.

Fisher, Benjamin W., Ethan M. Higgins, Aaron Kupchik, Samantha Viano, F. Chris Curran, Suzanne Overtreet, Bryant Plumlee, Brandon Coffey. “Protecting the Flock or Policing the Sheep? Differences in School Resource Officers’ Perceptions of Threats by School Racial Composition.” (2020). Social Problems, 00, 1-19. Meister, Craig, and Jeyan Jebari, “Annual School Resource officers/Adequate Coverage Report.” (2020). Maryland Center for School Safety. Mielke, Frank J., Jeremy Phillips, and Beth Sanborn. Measuring the Strategic Fit of the School Resource Officer with Law Enforcement Leaders, the Education System, the Community and Other Interested Parties. (2021). National Association of School Resource Officers. Musu-Gillette, L., Zhang, A., Wang, K., Zhang, J., Kemp, J., Diliberti, M., and Oudekerk, B.A. (2018). “Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2017" (NCES 2018-036/NCJ 251413). National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, and Bureau of Justice Statistics, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Washington, DC. Na, C. & Gottfredson, D. C. “Police Officers in Schools: Effects on School Crime and the Processing of Offending Behaviors.” (2011). Justice Quarterly, 30(4), 1-32. Sorensen, Lucy C., Yinzhi Shen, and Shawn D. Bushway. “Making Schools Safer and/or Escalating Disciplinary Response: A Study of Police Officers in North Carolina Schools.” (2021). Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis. Petrosino, Anthony, Trevor Fronius, and Darius Taylor. “Research in Brief: School-Based Law Enforcement.” (2021). WestEd Justice & Prevention Research Center. Sorensen, Lucy C., Montserrat Avila Acosta, John Engberg, and Shawn D. Bushway. The Thin Blue Line in Schools: New Evidence on School-Based Policing Across the U.S. (2021). Annenberg Institute at Brown University. Stern, Alexis, and Anthony Petrosino. “What Do we Know About the Effects of School-Based Law Enforcement on School Safety?” (2018). WestEd Justice & Prevention Center. Weisburst, Emily K. Patrolling Public Schools: The Impact of Funding for School Police on Student Discipline and Long-term Education Outcomes. (2019). Journal of Policy Analysis and Management.

A version of this article appeared in the December 01, 2021 edition of Education Week as School Resource Officers Explained

Sign Up for The Savvy Principal

Edweek top school jobs.

Sign Up & Sign In

The Busch School of Business

Incoming msb student internship opportunities: week of april 15, internship opportunities.

• Communications: Crypto Council for Innovation  (Summer)
• Data Analyst: Navy Federal Credit Union   (Year Round)
• Human Resources: BAE Systems, Inc.   (Summer)
• Marketing: Washington Mystics   (Summer)
• Operations: Trust for the National Mall  (Summer)
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn