Final application deadline
17 May 2026
General admission deadline for Summer 2026
In-person Program
Political Science High School Course
A hands-on political science course exploring constitutional law, elections, Supreme Court decisions and political careers through practical simulations.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
In-person Program
Political Science High School Course
A hands-on political science course exploring constitutional law, elections, Supreme Court decisions and political careers through practical simulations.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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Political Science Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Recently closed
Eligibility
Grades 9-12; 3.0 GPA
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
San Luis Obispo, California
Cost
$2,998 commuter; $5,398 residential
Duration
Two weeks
Format
In-person
PoliticsLaw & justiceDebatingPublic Speaking
Accommodation: Residential and commuter options
Meals: All meals residential; lunch commuter
Certificate / Outcome: 3 CEUs and completion certificate
Latest verified cycle: 2026
Campus experience: Dorms, excursions and college workshops
Tutors / faculty: Cal Poly faculty
Political Science Course summary
This college-style course introduces constitutional law, the Judicial Branch, Supreme Court decisions and election systems through a political-science lens.
Students learn by doing, including a mock Supreme Court or legal simulation and a simulated campaign for Congress.
It suits students considering politics, law, government or public policy who want academic study combined with practical speaking, analysis and campaign work.
What is Political Science High School Course?
The Political Science High School Course is a Summer Springboard academic course taught on the Cal Poly SLO campus. It examines constitutional law, the Judicial Branch, judicial review, Supreme Court decisions and the operation of US elections.
Students move beyond lectures by arguing a mock Supreme Court case and managing a simulated congressional campaign. Career exploration connects the academic work to government, campaign strategy, public policy and legal advocacy.
Why Succeed highlights Political Science Course
The course turns constitutional principles into practical experience through mock-court and campaign simulations.
Its focus connects Supreme Court decisions and election systems to their effects on citizens and government.
Students can explore political and legal careers through conversations with local officials and discussion of internships.
The wider campus program combines academic study with college-readiness workshops and university life.
Successful students can earn Cal Poly continuing education units alongside a completion certificate.
Who is Political Science Course for?
Best for
Students curious about politics, constitutional law, elections or public service who learn well through discussion and simulations.
Not ideal if
You want a low-cost course, an online option or a broad social-sciences survey rather than a concentrated US politics and law focus.
Is Political Science Course worth it?
The course can be worthwhile for a student who wants to test a serious interest in politics or law through practical work, not just classroom reading. The combination of constitutional study, simulations, career exploration and college experience offers several ways to assess whether the subject fits.
The limitation is value for money: tuition is substantial, and the academic course lasts only two weeks. Families should compare the commuter and residential experiences carefully and decide whether the campus setting, excursions, workshops and credentials justify the price.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$2,998 commuter; $5,398 residential; includes Residential tuition includes all meals and lodging., Residential tuition includes the academic course and excursions., Residential tuition includes weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes lunch and the academic course., Commuter tuition includes excursions and weekday programming., Need-based scholarships may reduce residential or commuter tuition..
Accommodation
Residential and commuter options
Meals
All meals residential; lunch commuter
Provider details
Review the Summer Springboard provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
Two weeks; San Luis Obispo, California.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Political Science Course need?
Effort level
Moderate to high.
Best started
Begin six to eight weeks before the next application deadline to organize documents, funding and travel.
Main challenge
Turning complex constitutional and electoral ideas into clear arguments and strategic decisions.
Typical preparation
Review the basic structure of the US federal government and the Supreme Court.
Choose one recent court decision and summarize its reasoning and public impact.
Practice making a short evidence-based argument aloud before the course.
Plan accommodation, travel documentation and payment alongside the application.
Useful if
You already follow current affairs or enjoy debate, history, government or law.
What do students do on Political Science Course?
Students study how courts, elections and campaigns operate, then apply the material through legal and political simulations.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Learn how the Judicial Branch, judicial review and Supreme Court decisions work.
- 2
Compare voting methods and how election results are counted and certified.
- 3
Analyze the Electoral College and debates around election integrity.
- 4
Prepare and argue a mock Supreme Court or legal case.
- 5
Manage a simulated congressional campaign with other students.
- 6
Discuss internships and careers in politics, government and legal advocacy.
Political Science Course dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Political Science session
19-31 July 2026
Cal Poly SLO Session 2
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Final application deadline | 17 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Political Science session | 19-31 July 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Entering Grades 9-12
Minimum 3.0 GPA or equivalent
Incoming high school students may apply
Recent spring high school graduates may apply
English proficiency required for international students
Essential Eligibility Criteria must be met
How much does Political Science Course cost?
Program tuition
$2,998 commuter; $5,398 residential — Course and excursions included
Funding or discounts
- Application fee: From $99 — Mandatory and nonrefundable
- Deposit: $600 — Paid during application
- Need-based scholarship: Up to 30% residential — Up to 60% of commuter tuition
- Tuition protection plan: $699 — Optional campus-program cancellation plan
What's included
Residential tuition includes all meals and lodging., Residential tuition includes the academic course and excursions., Residential tuition includes weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes lunch and the academic course., Commuter tuition includes excursions and weekday programming., Need-based scholarships may reduce residential or commuter tuition.
How to apply to Political Science Course
- 1
Open the application portal and enter basic contact information.
- 2
Confirm the verification email and complete the account details.
- 3
Create a new application from the applicant dashboard.
- 4
Select Cal Poly, the session, Political Science and a tuition type.
- 5
Complete the student details with the student present.
- 6
Pay the deposit and application fee, then submit the application.
- 7
Complete any additional forms released after acceptance.
What does Political Science Course cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Constitutional law
Study the Judicial Branch, judicial review and limits on judicial power.
Supreme Court decisions
Examine how cases reach the Court and affect citizens and government.
Elections and campaigning
Explore voting systems, certification, the Electoral College and campaign coordination.
Political career pathways
Investigate internships and careers in government, campaigns and legal advocacy.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Political Science Course?
A typical day during the program.
Academic course
The selected college-style course begins at 9:00am.
Lunch
Students eat in the campus dining hall.
Activities and workshops
Academic excursions, recreation and college-readiness workshops follow lunch.
Residential activities
Dinner is followed by clubs or other scheduled activities.
Who teaches on Political Science Course?
The Cal Poly campus program is taught by Cal Poly faculty through the partnership with Cal Poly Extended Education. The course page profiles an instructor with an MSc in Comparative Politics and experience working on presidential, congressional and state-senate campaigns.
Residential mentors live near students and provide community and practical support.
Where do students stay on Political Science Course?
Residential plan
- Campus accommodation: Students stay in a private room within a shared Cal Poly apartment.
- Meals: All meals are included, with dietary options available on campus.
- Residential support: Mentors live nearby, and staff provide 24-hour emergency support.
- Campus security: Dorms use electronic keys, with 24-hour university patrols.
- Excursions and activities: Residential tuition includes excursions and weekend trips.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter option: Weekday programming runs from 9:00am to 5:00pm and includes lunch.
The 2026 infosheet describes private rooms in shared apartments; residential floors are gender-segregated.
What happens after Political Science Course?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Earn 3.0 Cal Poly continuing education units with satisfactory performance.
Receive a Summer Springboard certificate of completion.
Build analysis, legal writing, debate and public-speaking skills.
Explore internships and careers in government, campaigns and public policy.
Test possible further study in politics, law or related social sciences.
The course offers exploration and continuing education units rather than a university degree qualification.
Where does Political Science Course take place?
The course is based at Cal Poly SLO in San Luis Obispo, between the California coast and rolling hills. Students use campus facilities and may join local excursions, while the university setting provides an introduction to residential college life.
Families arrange transport to and from campus unless they purchase an available transfer supplement.
Political Science Course FAQs
Students study constitutional law, the Judicial Branch, judicial review, Supreme Court decisions, voting systems, the Electoral College and political campaigns.
It combines academic study with hands-on projects. Students participate in a mock Supreme Court or legal simulation and manage a simulated campaign for Congress.
Yes. The commuter option includes lunch, the academic course, excursions and weekday programming from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Residential tuition includes lodging, all meals, the academic course, excursions and weekend excursions.
Students receive a Summer Springboard certificate of completion and may earn 3.0 continuing education units from Cal Poly EPaCE, subject to satisfactory performance.
International students must demonstrate English proficiency through a telephone interview or an accepted minimum test score.
Residential mentors live near students, while other staff remain on campus for support and emergencies. Dormitories use electronic-key access and university security patrols around the clock.
Alternatives to Political Science Course
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Alternatives to Political Science Course
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Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- Tuition and Financial Aid FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- (1) New Messages!
- Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- (1) New Messages!
- (1) New Messages!
- Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Tuition Protection Plan T&C
- 2026 HS 2-week Cal Poly V6
- Political Science Program for High School Students at Cal Poly
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 26 Aug 2026)
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