ST. PAUL – November 29 is the application deadline for high school juniors interested in gaining hands-on experience with our state government by serving as a page at the Capitol in St. Paul.
The House of Representatives’ page program has been in place for 30 years and is one of only three programs in the nation to provide young people with 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 nine four-day page sessions from early March to mid-May.
“This is a great opportunity for local students to get a behind-the-scenes look at how our state government operates," said Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Acton Township. "High school pages always seem to come away with new perspectives and a new understanding for what goes on at the Capitol. These are first-hand lessons you cannot learn from a textbook."
Program participants are selected in the fall of each year based on a formal process which includes an application, faculty recommendation and an essay. More information is available by logging on to www.house.mn and clicking the “High School Page Program” link, or by calling (651) 296-7175. Local schools also can provide further guidance.
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