ST. PAUL – The application deadline is Dec. 2 for high school juniors interested in gaining hands-on experience with Minnesota’s state government by serving as a page at the Capitol in St. Paul during the 2017 legislative session.
The House of Representatives page program has been in place since 1975 and is one of only a select few programs in the nation to provide young people with such an in-depth look into state government. High school pages attend meetings with legislators, assist members during the session, participate in mock committee sessions and more. There are 10 four-day sessions available in 2017, from early February until late April.
“This is one of those opportunities for local students to take what they have learned in the classroom and see it in action,” said Rep. Jeff Howe, R-Rockville. “There really is no better way than the page program for a young student to get an up-close look at our state government. I hope we have some local students at the Capitol during the 2017 session.”
Program participants are selected in the fall of each year based on a formal process which includes an application, faculty recommendation and an essay. Stipends are available to defray expenses. More information is available by logging on to www.house.mn and clicking the “High School Page Program” link near the bottom of the site, or by calling (651) 296-7452. Local schools also can provide further guidance.