Opportunity for Students to Learn About Government by Serving at the Capitol
The Georgia House of Representatives and the State Senate are now accepting applications for students interested in serving as Pages during the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session. Aimed at students ages 12-18, the Page Program offers a unique opportunity to get a firsthand look at the legislative process while serving at the State Capitol.
The first day of Georgia’s 2025 legislative session is fast approaching, set to begin on Monday, Jan. 13. For those interested in the Page Program, the House Page Program is scheduled to begin on Jan. 27. Students can apply to participate by filling out a Page Interest Form, which has been available since Jan. 2.
Serving as a Page: A Day at the Capitol
The Page Program allows students to serve as Pages for one day during the 40-day legislative session. Each day, members of the Georgia House and Senate sponsor students from their districts to be Pages. During their service, Pages assist lawmakers by delivering messages and important documents to either the House or Senate chambers.
This is not just a chance to help out in the legislative process. Students also get to observe firsthand how government works, including seeing lawmakers, government staff, consultants, and constituents interact in the process. Serving as a Page is a memorable way to engage with local government and gain a deeper understanding of civics.
Pages will receive an honorarium as well as a certificate of participation for their time at the Capitol. Importantly, the time spent serving as a Page is counted as a school day for students, making it both an educational and practical opportunity.
The Importance of Learning Civics Early
State Rep. Rhonda Taylor, who represents House District 92, has been actively promoting the Page Program to her constituents, especially during a recent virtual town hall. Taylor emphasized the importance of giving young people the chance to learn about government early in their lives.
“Make sure that your children take advantage of the Page Program,” said Taylor during the town hall, which included participants from Rockdale and neighboring Newton Counties. “It is an opportunity for them to come down to the Capitol and learn how government works…It is so important that our children learn about government and civics now so that as they grow older, they are in a position to take our place.”
Rep. Taylor’s statement reflects the importance of nurturing an informed citizenry and empowering the next generation to be active participants in the democratic process. The Page Program serves as a stepping stone for young people to learn how legislative decisions are made, and to understand the vital role they will play in shaping the future of Georgia.
How to Apply for the Page Program
Students interested in participating in the Page Program must submit a Page Interest Form, which is available through the Georgia House of Representatives website. Those selected will have the opportunity to shadow their local legislators and assist with the day-to-day work of the General Assembly.
For those seeking to serve during the 2025 session, it’s important to get applications in quickly. This year’s program begins on January 27, and spots for Pages tend to fill up fast.
