How can high schoolers get experience in law and policy?
High schoolers interested in law and policy can practice arguing, writing and governing long before law school. Try mock trial, Model UN, speech and debate, youth government programs, summer law institutes and volunteering with local officials.
Mock trial teams argue a case in front of real judges and attorneys in many states. Model UN and YMCA Youth and Government let you write and debate resolutions or bills. City councils, state legislators and campaigns often welcome teen volunteers, which shows you how policy actually gets made.
What should you look for in a law or policy program?
Pick programs where you research, write and argue yourself, not ones built mostly around guest speakers. Ask how big the groups are and whether you get feedback on your arguments. Pricey summer law institutes exist, but school teams and youth government programs often give more practice for less money. Check the time commitment too: mock trial and debate seasons take many evenings and weekends.
How can you start in law and policy this month?
- Join your school's debate, mock trial or Model UN team, or ask a teacher to help start one.
- Read one local ordinance or school policy and summarize it in plain language.
- Watch a city council meeting online and write a short memo on one decision.
- Write a letter to the editor on an issue you care about, with sources.
- Volunteer for a local campaign or civic group, whatever your views.
Where Nextreks fits
Briefs, speeches, policy memos and published letters can all go in your Nextreks portfolio, private until you choose. Law and policy work depends on durable skills like communication, critical thinking and staying calm when someone disagrees, which Nextreks Challenges help you practice.
Programs in Explore are run by other organizations. Nextreks lists them but does not run or guarantee them.