Since the early 19th century, the Senate has employed young people, known as pages, to assist senators in the Chamber. The earliest pages were relatives of Senate employees, some as young as nine years old.
Today’s pages, appointed and sponsored by a senator, must be high school juniors, at least 16 years old, and attend school. Senate page duties consist primarily of delivery of correspondence and legislative material within the Capitol complex. Other duties include preparing the Chamber for Senate sessions and carrying bills and amendments to the desk.
There are four established page sessions. The academic year consists of two semesters which run from early September through mid-January and from mid-January through mid-June. Pages attend classes in the early morning at the United States Senate Page School, a program fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The summer program consists of two sessions which are three or four weeks duration depending on the legislative calendar.
Contact your senator’s office for more information on applying to be a Senate Page.
Location(s)
- Washington, D.C.
Schedule
- Semester programs run from early September to mid January, and mid January to mid June
- Summer programs consist of two sessions which are three or four weeks depending on the legislative calendar.
Cost/Compensation
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a high school junior, at least 16 years old, and attending a high school.
Deadline
Application or Entry Requirements
- Contact senator's offices for more information on application details.
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
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The United States Senate is one of the two chambers of the U.S. Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government. Established by the U.S. Constitution, the Senate is composed of 100 senators, two from each of the 50 states, serving six-year terms. As a key part of the bicameral legislature, the Senate shares responsibility with the House of Representatives for drafting, debating, and passing federal laws. It holds unique powers, including confirming presidential appointments, ratifying treaties, and serving as the jury in impeachment trials. The Senate's role in the American political system is to represent state interests and provide a check and balance to the executive and judicial branches of government, ensuring a separation of powers and maintaining a system of accountability to the citizens of the United States.
