I am fascinated by politics and intend to pursue a degree, and ultimately a career, in politics. For that reason, I am hoping to apply for internships in any of the above levels of government, specifically within the democratic party (if possible/applicable) to participate in during my upcoming senior year of high school. I live in Maryland in close proximity to Washington, DC, so an internship at the national level is not out of the question.

However, I am finding it rather difficult to ascertain resources for government internships. Being that I am still a high school student, I do not qualify for the vast majority of internship opportunities (i.e. shadowing a House representative or a Senator). I have been able to locate two possibilities at the national level thus far, but I was only able to do so after hours of Googling. I have not yet been able to find any resources for the state or local governments. My current method is obviously very inefficient and apparently mostly fruitless.

I have already spoken with my guidance counselor who told me to speak to the head of open campus programs at my school; both were clueless. Apparently the guidance office at my school has stopped communications regarding internship opportunities with all levels of government, and therefore has no resources or suggestions for a starting point. So, I am essentially on my own.

I have also already learned about the Page Program during my hours of searching, which seems like a great opportunity and is an option, but it is a bit more involved than what I am looking for.

So, to those Flutherites who managed to muddle through my very long and tedious description, any ideas on where I can start looking? What types of people and/or organizations should I be contacting? Any insight/advice from people who have participated in similar types of internships or who have worked for the political aspect of any level of government would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Topics: education, politics, government, democrat, political science, careers, Democratic, democratic party, internships