Page Program frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When may I submit my application?

Applications open on November 1st for the next year's session. Since we are not able to accommodate all rescheduling requests, please submit your application once you know your activity schedule for the school year. You may note weeks you are unavailable on the application. Applications should be submitted no later than five weeks before the end of the legislative session.

Who is my Senator or Representative?

There are several ways to find the Senator or Representative for your legislative district. Use our district finder or call the Legislative Information Center Hotline at (800) 562-6000.

If I have paged before, in either the House of Representatives or Senate, will I be allowed to page again?

No. We have a waiting list of students hoping to be accepted into the Page Program. For this reason, we do not accept applications from students who have paged previously in House of Representatives or the Senate.

What requirements do I need to meet to participate?

In order to serve as a page, the application requires a parent or guardian’s permission, a recommendation from a teacher and principal, sponsorship from a Senator or Representative, and to be at least 14 years old and have not reached you 17th birthday. To receive the stipend of $65 per day, you are required to provide a copy of your Social Security card.​

Can I participate if I do not have a Social Security card?

Yes! If you do not have a Social Security card you are still able to serve as a page but will not be paid the daily stipend.

​If I have a disability will I be able to page?

Yes! The Washington State Legislature is committed to making legislative activities and facilities accessible to all people. To meet this goal, the Legislature has taken steps to ensure that individuals with disabilities or mobility restrictions have full access to legislative activities, programs, and services. In order to ensure you have the accommodations you need, please call contact us before you arrive for your week of paging.

When will I find out if I have been accepted?

The paging schedule is set 4 weeks in advance of the page's arrival date. An information packet is mailed at that time. The packet includes an acceptance letter, with date of page assignment and other pertinent information. Everything you need to know to prepare for paging is addressed in the information packet.

If something unexpected comes up and I have to cancel, may I reschedule?

Maybe. It is very important that you let us know on your page application what weeks you are not available. We are frequently asked to reschedule students due to conflicts with sports activities, final exams, family obligations, etc. It may not be possible to accommodate these requests. Please do your best to anticipate any scheduling conflicts and specify weeks you cannot page in the application.

How do I get to the capitol? Where do I park?

Parking information can be found at ​on the capitol campus parking page. The physical address of the capitol building is 416 14th Avenue SW, Olympia, WA 98504. Directions and parking information will be provided in detail in the information packet sent to you prior to paging.

I don't live close enough to the capitol to commute. Where can I stay and how much will it cost?

The legislature maintains a list of local families who host pages in their homes which includes information about each option and its cost. The cost for housing can range between $200- $250 for a 5-day week, which includes breakfast, dinner, and transportation to and from the capitol each day. The housing list will be included in your information packet. Arrangements are your responsibility and is not organized by the House of Representatives or Senate. In addition, pages often stay with friends, family, or in a hotel in the Olympia area.

What if I cannot afford to pay for housing, clothing, and meals while paging away from home?

If you need financial assistance to be a page, we have a scholarship option. Learn more at the Gina Grant Bull Scholarship page.

Do I need to buy new clothes for paging? ​

No. Pages are required to wear clean and pressed black slacks, a white blouse or collared shirt and black shoes (all black tennis shoes are acceptable). Make sure shoes are comfortable as you will spend much of your time on your feet. Boys are required to wear a solid black tie.

I would like to find out more about the page program and what to expect before I come to the Capitol. Where can I get this information?

You will receive a packet of information with your letter of acceptance. This packet will include a page handbook, a page housing list and other pertinent information. If, after reading this information thoroughly, you have questions, please call or e-mail:

Leo O’Leary
House Civic Education Director
(360) 786-7889
Leo.oleary@leg.wa.gov or Civic.Ed@leg.wa.gov

Myra Hernandez
Senate Civic Education Director
(360) 786-7498
Myra.Hernandez@leg.wa.gov​ or SenatePageProgram@leg.wa.gov

What do pages do?

Pages perform a variety of tasks including making deliveries to offices, going on errands, assisting offices, presenting the flags at the opening of each day's session, and working in the House and Senate chambers. Pages will spend 2 hours a day in Page School learning about the legislative process.

What days and hours will I work?

The page work day begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 4:50 p.m. Monday through Friday. You will also be required to attend a 2-hour orientation the Sunday before your paging week.

How much and when will I be paid?

Pages are paid $65 for each day worked (Sunday through Friday). You will receive a check in the mail approximately 2 weeks after paging.

What do I do if I have a problem?

We hope your time as a page will be one of the best experiences of your life. The page supervisors, page school teachers and civic education staff are here to help you. No problem is too big or too small. Please let the page supervisor know if a problem exists so they can help resolve it.

How can I learn more about the Washington capitol and the places I will see while I’m a page?

To learn more about the capitol campus you can take a ​virtual tour of the Senate chamber or get info about the full campus on the campus tours page.

How can I learn more about the Washington State Legislature?

The Washington State Legislature's website leg.wa.gov​ is an excellent resource for information about the Legislature. You can find information on your senator and representatives, the legislative session, and bills going through the legislative process.