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 page sessions available in 2017, from early February until late April.
“We have had a number of students from our area participate in the page program during my time in the House and I hope more partake next year,” said Rep. Bud Nornes, R-Fergus Falls. “This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see how the Legislature functions from behind the scenes. Students come away with a whole new understanding of the House and gain valuable insight.”
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.
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