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    In-person Program

    Public Policy High School Course

    by Summer Springboard

    A two-week, campus-based public policy course where high school students analyze government decisions, social issues, and real-world policy problems.

    Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Public Policy High School Course

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    Public Policy Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Closed

    Eligibility

    Grades 9-12; minimum 3.0 GPA

    Age range / Year group

    Grades 9-12 (about 14-18)

    Location / Region

    Durham, North Carolina

    Cost

    $5,798 residential; $2,998 commuter

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Latest deadline

    17 May 2026 · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Get next-cycle reminder
    PoliticsSocial Sciences

    Accommodation: Residential or commuter

    Meals: All meals residential; commuter lunch

    Latest verified cycle: 2026

    Campus experience: Duke classes, excursions and activities

    Tutors / faculty: Expert instructor and policy practitioners

    Public Policy Course summary

    This campus-based course examines how laws, regulations, government action, and funding priorities shape society.

    Students discuss contemporary issues, work in teams on practical policy problems, and learn from experts and experiential visits.

    It suits students curious about politics, government, advocacy, policy analysis, or public service.

    What is Public Policy High School Course?

    The Public Policy High School Course is a Summer Springboard academic experience on Duke University’s campus. It examines how governments use laws, regulations, actions, and funding priorities to address issues including public health, education, immigration, criminal justice, and disaster preparedness.

    Students combine discussion with collaborative policy analysis, expert engagement, and hands-on learning. The experience connects classroom ideas to practical local, regional, and global problems, with past activities including a Durham city tour and a visit to the North Carolina State Legislative Building.

    Why Succeed highlights Public Policy Course

    • The course links public policy theory to practical government and community problems.

    • Team-based analysis gives students an active role in examining possible policy responses.

    • Expert engagement introduces real policymaking practices and related career paths.

    • Campus activities and policy-focused excursions connect academic study with lived communities.

    • Residential and commuter options accommodate different family preferences.

    Who is Public Policy Course for?

    Best for

    High school students who enjoy discussing social issues and want to understand how governments develop and implement policy.

    Not ideal if

    You want a narrowly technical course or prefer independent study without discussion, teamwork, excursions, or a structured campus schedule.

    Is Public Policy Course worth it?

    This course can be worthwhile for students testing an interest in government, politics, advocacy, or policy analysis. Its strongest feature is the combination of academic discussion, collaborative problem-solving, expert insight, and campus-based experiential learning.

    The limitation is the substantial tuition and short duration, so families should judge whether the residential or commuter experience adds enough value. It offers exploration rather than a formal qualification or guaranteed admissions advantage.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $5,798 residential; $2,998 commuter; 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, the academic course, and excursions., Commuter programming runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday..

    Accommodation

    Residential or commuter

    Meals

    All meals residential; commuter lunch

    Provider details

    Review the Summer Springboard provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; Durham, North Carolina.

    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 programs

    How much preparation does Public Policy Course need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Begin four to six weeks before the next published application deadline to review eligibility, compare tuition options, and prepare required information.

    Main challenge

    Forming evidence-based views on complex and sensitive policy questions.

    Typical preparation

    • Read across several viewpoints on one current policy issue.

    • Practice separating evidence, values, stakeholders, and possible consequences.

    • Prepare to explain why public policy interests you.

    • Review the residential and commuter arrangements with a parent or guardian.

    Useful if

    You already follow current affairs or enjoy politics, history, economics, or social sciences.

    What do students do on Public Policy Course?

    Students explore how public decisions are made and apply policy-analysis methods to real social, political, and economic problems.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Discuss contemporary issues including health, education, immigration, criminal justice, and disaster preparedness.

    2. 2

      Examine how laws, regulations, government actions, and funding priorities develop.

    3. 3

      Analyze social, political, economic, and bureaucratic systems.

    4. 4

      Work in teams to apply social science methods to practical policy problems.

    5. 5

      Engage with experts about policymaking and related careers.

    6. 6

      Connect coursework to communities through experiential visits and activities.

    Public Policy 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.

    First application wave

    22 February 2026

    The application fee increased after this date.

    Reference date

    Second application wave

    19 April 2026

    A later general application checkpoint.

    Reference date

    Final admission deadline

    17 May 2026

    Final general admission date for 2026 programs.

    Reference date

    Public Policy session

    12-24 July 2026

    Two-week Duke University course session.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Open to students in Grades 9-12

    • Entering high school and recent graduates may qualify

    • Minimum 3.0 GPA or local equivalent

    • International students must demonstrate English proficiency

    • Students must meet Essential Eligibility Criteria

    • Students must follow instructions and communicate in English

    How much does Public Policy Course cost?

    Program tuition

    $5,798 residential; $2,998 commuter — Choose the campus-living or weekday commuter option.

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: $99+
    • Deposit: $600 — Paid during the application to hold a place.
    • Alumni scholarship: $500 — Published for eligible alumni in the 2026 cycle.

    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, the academic course, and excursions., Commuter programming runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

    How to apply to Public Policy Course

    1. 1

      Open the official application portal and enter basic contact information.

    2. 2

      Confirm the verification email and sign in to the applicant dashboard.

    3. 3

      Complete the account details and select Create New Application.

    4. 4

      Choose Duke University, the session, Public Policy, and a tuition type.

    5. 5

      Enter the student’s information with the student present.

    6. 6

      Pay the required deposit and application fee, then submit the application.

    7. 7

      Complete any additional forms or supporting-document requests.

    What does Public Policy Course cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Government and society

    Examine how public decisions affect health, education, justice, and daily life.

    Policy development

    Study how laws, regulations, actions, and funding priorities are created.

    Contemporary policy issues

    Critically examine immigration, drug use, reproductive rights, and other debates.

    Policy analysis

    Apply social science methods to practical community and government problems.

    Politics and media

    Explore how social media influences political campaigns and movements.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Public Policy Course?

    A typical day during the program.

    9:00 a.m.

    Students attend their selected college-style academic course.

    1:30 p.m.

    Students join a recreational activity or course-connected academic excursion.

    3:00 p.m.

    College readiness or True You sessions develop practical and personal skills.

    7:00 p.m.

    Residential students participate in clubs or scheduled social activities.

    Who teaches on Public Policy Course?

    The named instructor is David Tyroler Romine, Ph.D., a historian specializing in race, social movements, and public policy. His teaching experience includes public policy and history courses at Duke University and Winston-Salem State University.

    The course also includes engagement with experts who can discuss policymaking practice.

    Where do students stay on Public Policy Course?

    Residential plan

    • University housing: Students share traditional-style dorm rooms on Duke University’s campus.
    • Meals and dining: All meals are included and most are served in the campus dining hall.
    • On-site support: Staff live in the dorms and provide support around the clock.
    • Campus security: Access-controlled halls and regular Duke Security patrols support safety.

    Non-residential plan

    • Weekday attendance: Commuters attend programming from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
    • Commuter lunch: Lunch, the academic course, excursions, and daytime programming are included.

    Residential rooms are shared, bathrooms are communal, and housing is separated by gender.

    What happens after Public Policy Course?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Build a foundation for further study in politics or public policy.

    Strengthen evidence-based analysis of social and governmental issues.

    Explore careers in public service, advocacy, policy analysis, and leadership.

    Develop material for reflecting on academic interests in future applications.

    Use college readiness workshops to plan later education choices.

    The course is exploratory and does not promise university credit or admission.

    Where does Public Policy Course take place?

    The course takes place on Duke University’s campus in Durham, North Carolina, within the Research Triangle. Students experience university facilities and may connect classroom study to Durham and state institutions through course-related excursions.

    Summer Springboard states that Duke University does not run or control this program.

    Public Policy Course FAQs

    Students examine how laws, regulations, government actions, and funding priorities shape issues such as health, education, immigration, criminal justice, and disaster preparedness.

    The course takes place on Duke University’s campus in Durham. Summer Springboard states that the university does not run or control the program.

    The course combines discussion, expert engagement, collaborative social science work, policy analysis, and hands-on experiences connected to real-world issues.

    Yes. Families can choose residential tuition or a commuter option with weekday programming from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    It includes lodging, all meals, the academic course, excursions, and weekend excursions.

    It includes lunch, the academic course, excursions, and weekday programming. Lodging and other residential inclusions are not part of the commuter package.

    The campus dining information lists vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and food-allergy accommodations.

    The initial application takes approximately 30 minutes, and the student must be present. Additional forms may become available following acceptance.

    Alternatives to Public Policy Course

    Compare these related politics, policy, law, and international-relations programs before deciding which academic setting fits best.

    Alternatives to Public Policy Course

    Law & Politics in Cambridge

    Cambridge course combining legal and political study

    Politics
    Deadline: Not announced
    From £4995
    16-18
    Cambridge
    In-person

    Best for

    Students comparing government with legal systems.

    View details

    Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content 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.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Essential Eligibility Criteria | Policies & Terms | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Terms & Conditions | Policies & Terms | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Duke University Summer Program for High School Students - Summer Springboard
    • Public Policy | Duke Course | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Tuition Protection Plan T&C
    • Public Policy| Course | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard

    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)

    • Course details checked

    • Campus information reviewed

    • Tuition options verified

    • Eligibility criteria reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Policies and refunds reviewed

    • Accommodation details checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.