ST. PAUL – Rep. Jeff Howe, R-Rockville, urges high school juniors to gain hands-on experience with Minnesota’s state government by serving as a page at the Capitol in St. Paul during the 2018 legislative session.
The House of Representatives high school page program has been in place for more than 40 years and Minnesota is one of only a select few states in the nation to offer this program, providing young people with such an in-depth look into state government. High school pages attend meetings with legislators, constitutional officers, members of the judiciary and others. Pages also assist during House floor sessions, participate in mock committee hearings and more.
“Pages I have spoken with say the experience is something they’ll always remember,” Howe said. “Getting behind the scenes allows them to see first hand how our government functions. They come away with new perspectives and with a better sense for the process.”
Program participants are selected each year based on a formal process which includes an application, faculty recommendation and an essay. Stipends are available to defray expenses. December 1 is the deadline for high school juniors to apply.
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 assistance and Howe said he will provide guidance as well. He may be reached at (651) 296-4373 or rep.jeff.howe@house.mn.
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