Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles is seeking middle and high school students to apply for a week-long Senate page position in her office during the 60-day Legislative session scheduled to begin Jan. 11.
The Washington State Legislature has one of the finest page programs in the country. The program provides an opportunity for hundreds of Washington’s students to take part in the legislative process and observe the Legislature and other branches of state government in action.
During their assigned week, pages attend classes in the page school designed to teach students about state government and the legislative process. They also listen to guest speakers, tour the buildings on the Capitol Campus and learn how to draft bills.
Pages also provide invaluable services to legislators and staff by relaying documents across the Capitol Campus, responding to requests from senators at work in the Senate chamber and presenting the flag during floor sessions.
If accepted, students attend a two-hour orientation the Sunday afternoon before their assigned week. Pages work Monday through Friday, beginning at 7:45 a.m. and usually ending at 5 p.m. (Pages work Saturday or Sunday only if the Senate decides to hold session those days.) The Senate also offers students assistance in finding host homes. Pages are paid $35 for each day worked.
To serve as a page, a student must: be at least 14 years old but not older than 16; have a grade point average of a C+ or better; receive parent and school permission; and have a Social Security number.
To receive a page application, contact Sen. Kohl-Welles’ district office at (206) 281-6854.
