Past Cohorts of the High School Summer Internship Program

Join USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future (CPF), in partnership with the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability, in honoring the past cohorts of the High School Summer Internship Program! These amazing high school students participated in a unique internship experience where they summarized and analyzed one of CPF’s annual signature events, the “Climate Forward Conference.” Read what each student shared about their experience and check out their conference summary papers.

2024 High School Summer Internship Program Cohort

The 2024 High School Summer Internship Program cohort shared their experiences below. Read each student’s summary paper on CPF’s annual “Climate Forward Conference” by clicking on the student’s name.

• Prisha Bhat (Senior, Plano East Senior High School): “I really enjoyed the internship at the USC Center for the Political Future! It was very valuable in allowing me to interact with other high schoolers with similar interests, while also gaining more experience with the impact of public policy on climate action. I learned a lot about expert perspectives on climate action and its challenges.”

• Jonathan Chen (Junior, Gretchen Whitney High School): “The CPF internship was an incredible experience that transformed my writing and ability to interpret intricate dialogue regarding policy issues. The supportive staff at CPF provided detailed feedback throughout the internship, which helped me improve my writing immensely. The staff’s mentorship highlighted avenues for beginning a career in politics. The opportunity to listen to a diverse group of panelists reinforced the value of collaboration in tackling the climate crisis and throughout public policy discussions. The analysis portion of the internship honed my skills in research and applying data to policy decisions. I am grateful to CPF for running this program and allowing me to experience it firsthand.”

• Claire Chin (Junior, Monte Vista High School): “CPF’s rewarding internship program significantly improved my analytical research writing and encouraged me to become a more environmentally aware citizen. I synthesized the ideas of notable climate figures, expanding my knowledge beyond what’s typically available to me. I was introduced to CPF’s annual Climate Forward Conference, an event that presented me with evidence-based perspectives on a diluted yet crucial issue. This experience was an opportunity to refine my ability to think open-mindedly and write concisely, preparing me for future research. I am grateful to CPF for this opportunity and look forward to continuing my research at the intersection of politics, the environment, and the economy.”

• Anish Chowdhury (Senior, Palos Verdes High School): “I gained deeper insights into the intersections of political science and climate change. Analyzing the conference and the required tasks of writing a summary and drawing a definitive conclusion allowed me to improve my analytical writing skills and understand the importance of public policy’s role in politics. I have a better grasp of how political internships work and the importance of summarizing political discourse. This internship empowered me to write a political paper for the first time, teaching me critical thinking and writing skills, which I will employ in my future endeavors.”

• Jack Clawson (Senior, Pine Creek High School): “My CPF internship offered a glimpse into the complex world of climate change and public policy. Working alongside supervisors at CPF allowed me to explore a vast network of ideas and leaders, all working in pursuit of a brighter future. This internship was a formative experience, and I will be utilizing my new knowledge of research and advocacy in all of my future endeavors. I’m now more committed than ever to fighting for climate justice and making an impact in my community.”

• Krish Comar (Senior, The Bolles School): “My CPF internship was a transformative experience. I’ve gained a deep understanding of policy analysis and environmental advocacy, honing my skills in research and analysis. Collaborating with passionate experts at CPF has broadened my perspective on sustainability and political strategy. I particularly enjoyed engaging in hands-on projects that address real-world environmental issues. This internship has not only enriched my knowledge but also fueled my commitment to making a tangible impact on our planet’s future.”

• Andrew Cui (Senior, Ridge High School): “This internship has been truly eye-opening. The program pushed me to analyze a variety of perspectives on the climate response, cultivating my interest in modern politics in the process. I learned how to properly organize, write, and proofread collegiate-level essays. The CPF staff was very helpful, providing tips on resume and cover letter writing that will undoubtedly support me far beyond my time as an intern. I cannot state how thankful I am to the CPF staff for providing such an amazing opportunity!”

• Dorothy Cui (Senior, Lincoln High School): “The internship experience at CPF was rigorous yet enlightening. I learned about climate change as a multifaceted issue that requires creative thinking and bipartisan collaboration to find solutions. I found the essay writing process valuable because I was able to practice my research and critical thinking skills. I’m now better equipped with the tools necessary to think critically and act consciously about climate change.”

• Gavin Herbers (Senior, West High School): “I learned about the intricacies of climate policy and addressing climate change through the U.S. government. My research enabled me to form a new perspective and reflect deeply on possible climate change solutions. The staff helped me in my analysis and summary every step of the way, which strengthened my writing and analytical thinking. This program fueled my passion for intensely researching new topics and advocating for addressing this global issue.”

• Elisa Kim (Junior, Emerson High School): “My CPF internship was an enriching experience, deepening my knowledge on a range of political issues and the complexities surrounding them. I’m extremely grateful for this incomparable opportunity, as it has equipped me to be a stronger advocate, ready to engage in meaningful discussions, contribute to positive change, and be a more confident writer. The kindness from CPF, along with the inspiring group of determined students, made this experience unforgettable and has fueled my passion to make a difference. I cannot thank Steph Domond and the CPF staff enough for this once in a lifetime opportunity!”

• Gracie Kim (Junior, Santa Susana High School): “I gained a deep understanding of how climate change intersects with policy and the actions America has taken to address it through legislation. By researching and writing collegiate-level papers on the complexities of the Invest in America Act introduced by the Biden-Harris Administration, I’ve learned about the multifaceted effects of climate change and the diverse impacts of this policy. This experience was fascinating and profoundly impacted me academically, sparking a deeper interest in environmental policy and its implications.”

• Hanah (Yoonseo) Kim (Junior, Fayston Preparatory of Suji): “My CPF internship exposed me to the deeper interconnections between climate change action and politics. This opportunity evolved my view of climate change, as I began understanding how to look at the climate issue through various lenses. CPF’s emphasis on seeking common ground between differing opinions to find various solutions helped me write in a bipartisan manner in my summarizing and analytical essays. I’m so grateful for the kind, hardworking, and trustworthy CPF staff in this professional setting; I will always look back fondly at my time at CPF.”

• Irene Kim (Senior, Denver School of the Arts): “This internship was an enriching experience, providing me with deep insights into environmental policy and sustainability. I honed my research skills by analyzing complex data and contributing to impactful projects. I loved engaging in interdisciplinary research that addresses real-world challenges, while deepening my understanding of environmental policy, sustainability, and political innovation.”

• Jayden Kim (Junior, South High School): “My CPF internship was an amazing experience! I learned so much about climate change and how important it is to find solutions for climate change, but specifically bipartisan solutions. Listening to experts and discussing different viewpoints widened my perspective on these issues and made me realize all the hard work and progress that goes on behind the scenes. The skills I gained in research and writing will definitely help me in the future. This internship made me more passionate about finding solutions to the climate crisis and more interested in how climate change is directly affected by politics and power.”

• Ankita Kumar (Junior, Wayzata High School): “The CPF internship gave me the opportunity to further educate myself about the politics of the climate crisis. It reinforced my passion for public policy and economics as I witnessed firsthand how interconnected these fields are in the context of environmental justice. The panelists’ conversations inspired me. Steph Domond was an amazing mentor; he supported me beyond the program by providing me with resume feedback. I’m so grateful for being challenged to think critically about the pressing issues affecting our world today and grow as a student, researcher, and advocate for change.”

• Alexis Lee (Senior, West Torrance High School): “This opportunity was incredibly enriching and educational. I delved deeply into the study of climate change, where I developed comprehensive summary and analysis papers. This process has significantly enhanced my research and writing skills, as well as my ability to synthesize complex information. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the multifaceted impacts of climate change and engaging with the latest discussions and policies in this critical field. The program provided me with valuable insights into the intersection of environmental issues and political processes, further fueling my passion for environmental advocacy and public policy.”

• Robinson Louie (Junior, Harvard-Westlake School): “The CPF internship helped me deepen my understanding of climate change and hone my critical writing skills. I gained more insight into existing climate initiatives and the roadblocks slowing their adoption. This internship introduced me to a network of mentors who shared their valuable experience working in all areas of politics.”
  

• Carolin Mitterberger (Junior, Oaks Christian School): “I gained a deeper understanding of the government’s current actions to combat global warming and how crucial these efforts are not for our planet and the American economy. Learning about the Biden Administration’s environmental agenda made me understand the importance of proactive and informed policymaking. I enjoyed listening to renowned professionals who have dedicated their lives to working on environmental issues. Their insights provided me with a unique, richer understanding of their fields, far beyond what I could have learned by simply searching online.”

• Anna Nazaryan (Freshman, Burbank High School): “This program was an amazing first step for me as a future climate advocate. Watching the conference was an amazing experience. It allowed me to find out about a great roster of experts that I want to continue following. I learned about the role of the 2024 election and politics overall in the battle against climate change. I had an amazing time in this program and I’m very grateful to have experienced it with amazing hosts and peers.”

• Joseph Or (Junior, Martin Luther King High School): “The CPF research internship was a transformative experience, deepening my understanding of U.S. environmental policy and the role the government, private sector, and nonprofits play in addressing climate change. I’m leaving this internship with a plethora of knowledge about landmark climate legislation (e.g., the Inflation Reduction Act) and the stakes of the election year. I feel prepared to actively participate in meaningful discussions about climate policy and I’m motivated to become more involved in voter engagement efforts to promote sustainability, conservation, and environmental justice on the 2024 ballot.”

• Evan Shin (Senior, Granada Hills Charter High School): “I want to extend my gratitude to CPF for this amazing opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and learned so much about the intersections of environment and politics. I refined my writing skills as I had to independently conduct interdisciplinary research and author two quality papers. I broadened my perspective when it came to tackling the climate crisis, particularly on the importance of the private sector, as what I learned continuously challenged my beliefs about the solutions to global warming. The bipartisan perspective taken by the panelists inspired me to continue to initiate climate action in my local community through political action. This internship was an incredible start for my future in policy research.”

• Justin Sinderbrand (Senior, Westlake High School): “I had an incredible experience in this internship. This program allowed me to deepen my knowledge of the complexities of climate change by working alongside experts and other young advocates with aspirations similar to mine to gain insight into many different environmental strategies. This experience helped set a strong foundation for my future endeavors to impact global ecological issues. I will never forget this internship as a starting point in a life of environmental advocacy.”

• Noah Wilson (Senior, De La Salle High School): “The CPF internship significantly expanded my understanding of environmentalism and the intersection of politics with climate change. Analyzing the two panels from the conference transformed my knowledge of the world’s climate challenges and reinforced my belief in bipartisanship. This invaluable opportunity allowed me to explore my passion for public policy and prepared me to advocate more effectively for climate action. Working with Mr. Domond was particularly inspiring, his unique background in politics and key insights inspired me to start volunteering on a political campaign in my city. I hope to use the analysis, research, and writing skills I learned to succeed in the field of politics.”

• Fiona Wu (Junior, Claremont High School): “My favorite part of the internship was conducting research and learning from the conference. Doing an analysis piece on the election’s impact on the climate turnaround was a fascinating process but extremely bleak. It made me challenge philosophical ideas such as nihilism and “doomerism” in the climate, as well as research the environment’s disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Despite the melancholy surrounding climate change, learning about this topic didn’t make me nihilistic but pushed me to try and find solutions.”

• Bella Zhao (Senior, Keystone Academy Beijing): “The CPF research internship allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the politics of resolutions to climate change. I gained the soft skills that would equip me for future collegiate and professional studies and the knowledge of the crucial intersection between political decision-making and climate science. I also appreciate the helpful lectures on the basics of an internship and general advice on succeeding in the field of politics.”

2023 High School Summer Internship Program Cohort

The 2023 High School Summer Internship Program cohort shared their experiences below. Read each student’s summary paper on CPF’s annual “Climate Forward Conference” by clicking on the student’s name.

• Anya Chauhan (Junior, Bonita High School): “The CPF internship deepen my knowledge on climate change and the complex issues surrounding it. I gained valuable insights from experts and community leaders as they gave their perspectives on topics such as climate science communication, bipartisan collaboration, and effective policy mechanisms. I’m grateful for this opportunity, as it has equipped me to be a stronger advocate for climate awareness, ready to engage in meaningful discussions and contribute to positive change.”

• Madison Ems (Senior, Yorba Linda High School): “I had the incredible opportunity of analyzing two panels from the 2023 Climate Forward Conference, where esteemed panelists engaged in thought-provoking discussions about sustainable government action to combat climate change. This experience deepened my understanding of the complexities of passing climate legislation and the importance of collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors in addressing this global issue. Working alongside fellow students and supervisors at CPF exposed me to a rich network of ideas and leaders who are dedicated to shaping a better future for our planet. This internship was truly transformative, and I hope to carry my new knowledge of research, leadership, and advocacy forward.”

• Aurora Hao (Junior, Concord Academy): “My CPF internship introduced me to framing and reconstructing dialogues on climate change through analytical writing. Learning about sustainability across the political spectrum and understanding the importance of effective communications showed the importance of diverse perspectives and the voice of our generation. Centered on finding common ground, this internship provided the opportunity to take an interdisciplinary approach to addressing environmental challenges.”

• Daneya Hussien (Junior, Richardson High School): “I learned invaluable lessons about the importance of staying educated, working with others, discussion, and taking proactive measures in addressing global challenges. This internship had a positive impact on my intellectual and personal growth. I’ve grown as a writer, thinker, student, and hopefully, future politician. I’m thankful this experience allowed me to witness how institutions like USC actively work everyday towards progress, which is inspiring. Interning with CPF played a significant role in making me more committed to making a positive impact on the world and fueling my passion to make a difference.”

• Valerie Li (Junior, The Harker School): “My CPF internship experience was extremely insightful and rewarding. The opportunity to listen to panel discussions by a diverse group of experts genuinely transformed my view of the climate crisis, as I realized that climate change is a multifaceted issue, not just an environmental problem. The in-depth research enabled me to expand my topic knowledge, and the essays gave me the opportunity to explore my passion for climate activism and to discuss my personal opinions on the best approaches to this issue. This internship undoubtedly broadened my knowledge of the climate crisis through its detailed research and climate discussions, and it challenged me to think about how pervasive the climate crisis is.”

• Gaurav Mellacheruvu (Senior, Westlake High School): “This enriching experience granted me valuable insights into the complexities of climate change and the pressing need for collaborative efforts to address them. Engaging with diverse perspectives from the panelists reinforced my belief in the significance of finding common ground and embracing bipartisanship. The internship undoubtedly augmented my understanding of environmental policy and sharpened my skills in critical analysis. I’m immensely grateful to be able to participate in this unique internship and I’ve learned plenty that will help me further progress my political future.”

• Dilan Mummert (Senior, Tesoro High School): “The CPF internship allowed me to work alongside experts in the field, collaborate on various projects, and develop a deeper understanding of political dynamics. Through analyzing the Climate Forward Conference, I gained the ability to process media information and create an informative and analytical essay. CPF’s emphasis on seeking common ground and finding solutions to complex issues allowed me to view the topics through a bipartisan lens. This internship taught me valuable skills to help me be a better writer, political advocate, and researcher.”

• Vianny Nunez (Junior, Alliance Collins Family College Ready High School): “I will never find another internship quite like this one. For a virtual internship, I’ve never been so immersed in today’s politics. I learned how to formally write, edit, and organize an essay several pages long. This program gave me a clear view of my past note-taking habits that helped me grow as a future college student. The tight-knit sense of community that CPF brings ensured that ALL students are on the correct path and should be unafraid to ask for help. CPF communication is like no other; I’ve never come into contact with more trustworthy, kind, and caring people within a business setting. CPF will be something I hold extremely close to my heart as it helped me grow into a better, smarter, and more informed person.”

• Suzuko Ohshima (Sophomore, North Hollywood High School): “I’ve always valued writing essays as a method of articulating an argument. This internship allowed me to work on that skill while communicating about the climate crisis, an issue I care deeply about. I expanded on my ability to work with outside sources, while being mindful of conciseness and clarity. The thing I enjoyed most about this internship was the freedom I had to organize my thoughts the way that I wanted to.”

• Jiya Patel (Senior, Canyon High School): “This internship informed me about the politics of climate change and taught me how to write a college-level research paper. I found the Climate Forward Conference very insightful, and I was interested to see politicians’ perspectives on this pressing issue. The CPF staff was helpful all summer, and I’m grateful to them for providing this opportunity to high school students!”

• Christina Perez (Senior, La Serna High School): “I experienced a flexible, engaging opportunity to communicate my thoughts in a self expressive way and learned about the status of climate change near me. As a teenager, it can often feel as though we are shut out from the real issues of the world. Fortunately, inspiring leaders like those at the conference, worked hard to get the community to hear them. I was able to understand the severity of division by the government to urgently create support. I enjoyed being able to hear the truth in full effect and not watered down because of my age.”

• Brendan Poon (Senior, Polytechnic High School): “I started my CPF internship with a relatively simplistic understanding of the issues around climate change but a desire to better understand them. Over the last two months, I conducted interdisciplinary research and encountered diverse perspectives that challenged and refined my assumptions and opinions about solutions to global warming, particularly regarding the role of the private sector. I enjoyed seeing Gina McCarthy and Bret Stephens trade barbs, but ultimately reach unexpected points of consensus. Thanks very much to Steph Domond, Kamy Akhavan, and the entire CPF team for making this experience possible.”

• Xavier Ramirez (Junior, Abraham Lincoln Senior High School): “CPF provided the best staff and mentors to work with over the course of writing my paper. My research was done with full freedom, which gave me the opportunity to express myself academically. I enjoyed refining my writing and research skills while learning about the politics of climate change. It was helpful that the internship was held virtually because it gave me flexibility with my summer schedule. CPF created a welcoming space for young learners to thrive in and I cannot be more thankful. This internship was a great start for my future in policy research.”

• Arjun Tewari (Senior, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South): “The CPF internship taught me about the intersection between climate and policy. I was able to fuse my passion for international relations with sustainability, as well as learn about the global impacts of climate change. I learned about current climate policy and explored possible new solutions. I also learned about how USC is combating climate change on campus, across the nation, and world. The CPF internship allowed me to explore my passions for policy and the climate.”

• Aditi Vikram (Junior, Greenhill High School): “I gained valuable experience and knowledge from the program directors that I believe will help me succeed in the future. Summarizing the panels taught me the importance of good word economy, and the essay allowed me to express my own opinions in relation to the panelists. The feedback I received on my summary was incredibly helpful and I’ll be applying it to my future writing. I’m grateful for the advice I received on succeeding in the political science field.”

• Camille Whetsel (Senior, South Pasadena High School): “The conference videos were interesting and showed a range of opinions. I learned to evaluate the different perspectives and identify common themes to ensure that politicians can support and advance climate change opportunities. I appreciated the assistance I received in reviewing the information and presenting clear arguments to evaluate and support options. I enjoyed the flexibility of the program and found the program managers very committed and helpful. I found the internship to be an interesting, fulfilling use of time where I was able to explore issues that interested me and present my opinions.”

• Jerry Yang (Sophomore, North Hollywood High School): “The internship experience helped me gain insight into the workings of a college, think deeper about many of the issues addressed at the conference, and developed my writing skills. I enjoyed how responsive the staff was, reliably replying to emails and addressing any concerns, which I found extremely helpful since this was my first ever internship. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it was insightful for me, as I want to pursue environmental law and policy.”

2022 High School Summer Internship Program Cohort

The 2022 High School Summer Internship Program cohort shared their experiences below.

• Ella Avital (Senior, Corona del Mar High School): “My CPF internship taught me the importance of educating, discussing, and taking action towards combating issues facing the world around us. Watching intellectuals discuss California issues forced me to think more about the big picture and the future we’re facing. I’ve grown as a writer, thinker, and someone who cares deeply about the environment and our actions to save it. As a California resident, it excites and inspires me to see institutions such as USC working towards progress. Interning with CPF has been hugely impactful in building my future and passions.”

• Anvi Bhagavatula (Junior, Yorba Linda High School): “The CPF internship impacted my knowledge of the technical aspects of sustainability and changed my perspective on the obstacles. On the technical aspects of sustainability, I learned nuclear energy can bridge the gap between the amount of solar energy needed and the amount of solar energy produced. The perspective on the obstacles of sustainability were more financially-based than I realized. I learned USC is involved in multiple research projects to facilitate solutions to these problems, such as increasing shade, finding alternative sources of biofuel, and sustaining a more eco-friendly campus overall.”

• Maulik Dhakal (Sophomore, Los Altos High School): “My internship at CPF helped me gain knowledge on how solutions for climate change can be bipartisan and business-friendly. I learned how we can depoliticize the debate around climate action and build a more sustainable future. These tools are essential as we need all Americans, no matter their political affiliation, to be committed to saving our planet. Ultimately, I left with a deep appreciation for the work being done at CPF and new insight into what a collegiate-level research internship was like.”