Merkley seeks Senate page applicants

Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., announced Wednesday that he will be accepting applications to the U.S. Senate Page Program. From now until December 31 rising high school juniors or seniors will have an opportunity to apply to be part of the page program in summer 2017.

Pages play a critical role in the day-to-day work of the U.S. Senate by helping deliver bills, correspondence, and legislative material within the Congressional complex on Capitol Hill and assisting Senators on the Senate floor. By assisting the legislative process, Senate pages gain valuable insight into Congress and our political system overall.

“My message to young leaders is this: Get informed and get involved in the political process to create the change you wish to see in the world. The Senate Page Program is an excellent way for young Americans to do exactly this,” said Merkley. “I encourage all eligible Oregonians to apply and take advantage of this unique opportunity to come to our nation’s Capitol and see the inner workings of Congress firsthand.”

Senate pages must be appointed and sponsored by a Senator. Unlike interns who work in the Senators’ offices, pages work for the Senate as a whole. Pages receive a stipend, live in a dormitory near the Capitol, and attend classes in addition to performing their page duties.

Interested participants should apply online and must upload the following items:

· An official copy of your high school transcript(s);

· A current resume;

· A cover letter explaining why you wish to be a Senate page;

· A letter of recommendation from one of your teachers;

· A letter of recommendation from a supervisor familiar with your work on a job or in volunteer service;

· A short essay (250 to 500 words) responding to the question, “Describe one major problem that the United States is currently facing and – if you were a U.S. Senator from Oregon – how you would try to fix that problem.”

Click HERE for more information about the page application process. For any questions or for further assistance, please contact Senator Merkley’s office at 202-224-3753.