Got a high school student who is excited by politics and government?
If your civic minded teen would like the chance to see how laws are made, encourage them to check out the Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program. Open to high school seniors, the program provides students the opportunity to serve in Maryland’s House of Delegates or Senate.
Annually, 105 pages and 36 alternates are selected from across the state to represent their schools and counties in Annapolis while the General Assembly is in session, which runs from the second week in January to early April. Each page serves two non-consecutive weeks.
Typical duties of a page include keeping up-to-date the General Assembly members’ bill books, distributing materials and delivering messages to members, as well as running errands, answering the phone, and assisting visitors. Each page is paid a stipend of $55 per day to cover expenses. Lodging and meals are not included.
Last winter, Dylan Heid, pictured with State Delegate Nic Kipke, served as a page during his senior year at Archbishop Spalding High School. During his service, in addition to their official duties, pages were treated to tours of the State House and the Governor’s mansion, and also had the opportunity to attend bill hearings. Heid encourages others with an interest in the legislature to apply, saying, “It was a unique opportunity to get firsthand experience at the policymaking process, and a great way to meet your state’s representatives.”
Applicants must apply between mid September and mid October (Anne Arundel County’s deadline is Oct. 12). Selections are made by a county page coordinator after reviewing students’ applications and conducting personal interviews.
For more information, visit dls.maryland.gov/careers/student-page-program.
—Matt Heid