Attention WA teens. Apply now to serve as a page during 2024 legislative session

Applications opened Nov. 1 for students to apply for the Washington State House of Representatives Page Program.

Pages work for one 40-hour work week assisting House members with a variety of duties, including serving on the chamber floor, making deliveries throughout the Capitol Campus, supporting member offices, and attending Page School, according to a news release from state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia. Page School supplements the hands-on learning experience with a classroom component geared toward understanding the legislative process.

Eight different weekly opportunities are available for the 60-day legislative session that begins Jan. 8 and ends March 7. When applying, potential pages can select which weeks they are available to work.

“Since territorial days, legislative pages have made sure the lawmaking branch runs smoothly,” Abbarno said in a statement. “And while page duties no longer include tending horses or cleaning laundry, every young person who serves as a page in Olympia puts in an honest 40-hour work week and gains valuable first-hand knowledge of how their government works.”

In the upcoming 2024 legislative session, House members can sponsor two pages. Last year, the news release says Abbarno received 11 requests and helped them find page positions with other legislative sponsors after his allotment was filled.

Eligible students must be at least 14 years old but not reached their 17th birthday. Pages earn a stipend of $65 per day and can also earn up to 20 hours of community service.

Applicants who need financial assistance to travel and stay in Olympia can apply for the Gina Grant Bull Memorial Legislative Page Scholarship, which helps to offset expenses.

This story was originally published November 1, 2023 at 10:29 AM.