| I second that. It's tough, even for college students with more experience under their belts. Actually, a lot of college freshmen and sophomores end up with unpaid positions!
So basically, there are two realistic options:
1. Unpaid internship: I know some congressional offices offer these. It'll be interesting, but you'll be doing a lot of scutwork, and won't be making any money at all! Most internships in offices on the Hill, as far as I know, are unpaid.
2. Paid job: This is what I did the summer after senior year. You get a "typical" high school job...waiter, cashier, office work, etc. You'll get paid, which is SO nice -- you'll want spending money next year. You also get work experience, which you can put on your resume -- and will be REALLY helpful in getting an internship/better job next summer. I've noticed that people who worked in high school have a much easier time getting good internships that those who didn't.
It'll be a lot easier next summer -- schools like UChicago can hook you up with some awesome opportunities. But you'll be helping your case for next year by working this summer, in some capacity! I think proving you can hold down an 8-hour a day job is so important -- I worked a crappy but paying job last summer, and have gotten 3 and counting offers for paid internships this summer! Good luck! | 
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