Summer Institute of Politics
"Politics" is how every society resolves its biggest questions. Maybe that's not the lesson we thought we learned in school or saw on social media, and maybe American politics in 2025 deserves some of the cynicism the term engenders.
But What If…
What if there was another approach to politics, rooted in the conviction that a healthy political process is central to a democracy's ability to resolve complex issues peacefully?
What if there is an approach to public service predicated on serving others?
What if there are still idealists who want to get some things done?
Spend a week this summer on Salve Regina University's distinctive coastal campus in Newport, Rhode Island, and learn more about politics and yourself.
About the Program
I used to think politics were extremely divided. Now, I think we share more ideals than I would have thought.
Sunday, July 13 to Saturday, July 19, 2025
The Summer Institute of Politics at Salve's Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy is a weeklong residential program that offers promising high school students the opportunity to grapple with the great challenges facing the United States, the international community, and even their hometown.
Along the way, you will learn more about yourself, develop your own style of personal leadership and get a flavor for what it means to live and study on a college campus.
We're going to work hard and take some time to enjoy Newport too. We will:
- Explore the contours of the American political system.
- Develop an understanding of interest groups.
- Unpack political polarization.
- Consider what the politics of inclusion really means.
- Grapple with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
- Discuss the role of the press in a democracy and the challenge of disinformation.
- Examine major policy issues like immigration, climate change, police reform and more.
You'll hear from experts and faculty drawn from Salve, elected officials, people who have run campaigns and others whose insights you will carry back home. There will even be group excursions to take advantage of all that Newport has to offer in the summer.
Over the course of the week, we're going to ask you to develop your own policy idea. We'll give you time to research, access to the resources in the Salve library and an opportunity to present your proposals as part of a "policy shark tank." We'll even go so far as to name the best policy proposal of the week – bragging rights you can take with you back to school and off to college.
Finally, you're going to learn something about yourself. You're going to grow as a leader. You're going to develop skills and analytical frameworks that help you understand yourself and the world around you.
How to Apply
I used to think there weren't many other people engaged like me in my age group, but I've met so many people like me through this experience.
Eligibility
You are eligible to participate in this program if you are preparing for your junior or senior year of high school. There are no prerequisite course requirements, but it is expected that if you are applying for this program, you have a strong interest in American politics, domestic or international policies and personal development.
Cost
The $2,884 program fee includes three meals a day, snacks, shared housing (double occupancy) in a Salve residence hall, excursion fees and access to University facilities. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from campus at the start and conclusion of the program.
All applicants will be considered for financial aid.
Required Materials
- Online application
- Essay (500 words max): "What policy challenge matters most to you and what role does politics play in its solution?"
- Letter of recommendation from a recent teacher that reflects on the applicant’s overall academic and leadership potential.
Applications for the 2025 institute are now closed. Contact pellcenter@salve.edu with any questions.