The Minnesota House plans a return of in-person student opportunities for high school juniors and college undergrads for the 2023 legislative session, which starts in January. 

The High School Page Program was sidelined by COVID-19 the last two years. Since its inception more than 45 years ago, the program has provided high school juniors with a unique and valuable educational experience.   

During their week at the Capitol, pages will learn about the House, the legislative process, and state government. They attend meetings with legislators, constitutional officers, members of the judiciary and others. Pages also assist members and staff during House floor sessions, participate in mock committee hearings and more. 

Rep. Jordan Rasmusson, R-Fergus Falls, participated in the page program when he was in high school and encourages today’s students to take advantage of this rare opportunity to work behind the scenes at the Capitol. 

“This program is the definition of hands-on, experiential learning,” Rasmusson said. “I can’t say enough about the good experience I had serving as a high school page and thoroughly recommend juniors look into this program themselves.” 

Program participants are selected through a formal process which includes an application, one faculty letter of recommendation and an essay. Pages receive a small stipend to defray the cost of meals and lodging is covered for those staying at the designated hotel. All other expenses are the responsibility of the participants. 

The deadline for high school juniors to apply is Nov. 18 and details may be found at https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sergeant/introduction.

The House also is planning for the second year of a revitalized Undergraduate Internship Program after conducting activities remotely last session. The goal is to give interns a broad and in-depth understanding of the House and to afford them the opportunity to interact with members, staff, and stakeholders from across the Capitol complex. 

In addition to hands-on learning through their responsibilities with the assigned member’s office, House interns will attend weekly meetings throughout the session – starting the week of Jan. 9 and ending the week of May 15. Scheduling of the meetings will occur after availability information is collected from participants. Sessions will be scheduled weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

The deadline for students to apply is Nov. 4 and more information can be found at https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sergeant/internship.

Call (651) 296-7452 with any questions.