Senate Page Program
Introduction
Welcome to the North Carolina General Assembly’s Senate Page Program website.
The Senate Page Program offers students the opportunity to learn about and participate in the legislative process of our state. It is an experience that enables high school students in tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade to observe firsthand how laws are made.
Senate Pages assist members and staff of the Senate during the legislative session. They are given the unique opportunity to work on the Senate Chamber floor and in committee meetings, in the middle of the legislative action. Pages perform additional duties including, but not limited to, delivering messages and materials within the legislative complex, clerical work, distributing documents and running errands.
Selection Process
Senators are allotted a certain number of students they can “sponsor” each session. Each Senator has their own criteria which they use to select Pages. The selection process for this program is competitive. Official appointments are made by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate based on recommendations by individual Senators. Appointments are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Available Weeks
Information regarding available weeks during the 2025 Legislative Session will be posted early next year.
Qualifications
In order to be a Senate Page, you must:
- Be in tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade
- Be sponsored by a member of the North Carolina Senate (accomplished through the application process described below)
- Be in good academic standing at school
- Have prior approval by the principal of your school if you are appointed to serve as a Page during the school year
When to Apply
- When the application window opens for each session, applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are full.
- The Home page will reflect when applications are no longer being accepted.
How to Apply
- Contact your Senator to request an application. Please note that applications are not available online or through the Page office.
- Return your completed application to your Senator for their consideration.
Notification of Appointment
- If appointed, the student will receive an official letter of appointment from the Senate President Pro Tempore along with a packet including all necessary information and forms.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a Senate Page?
Page duties and responsibilities vary, but typically include:
- Daily Senate Sessions - All Pages attend daily Senate Sessions which are held in the Senate Chamber. They may be asked to deliver messages and other documents as requested by Senators and staff.
- Committee Meetings - Pages assist with various committee meetings held throughout the day.
- Office Assistance - Page duties could include filing, copying documents, or helping with mailings. They may also assist the Page Coordinator with tasks inside and outside the Page Office.
What is the schedule for a typical week?
- Pages report to the Legislative Building no later than 1:00 p.m. on the Monday of their assigned week. Monday afternoon consists of orientation, training, and a tour of the Legislative Complex. Pages participate in the Monday evening session, if one is scheduled.
- Pages are scheduled to work Tuesday-Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Will I shadow my Senator while serving as a Page?
- Not typically. Pages work with all Senators, not just their member.
Is there a dress code for Senate Pages?
Appropriate business attire is required of all Senate Pages.
- Young men must wear a coat and tie at all times while they are on duty.
- Young women are expected to wear dresses, pant suits, or a skirt and blouse.
- Denim-wear is not allowed.
- All Pages should wear comfortable, flat shoes; however, tennis shoes and thong sandals (flip flops) are not acceptable.
- A comprehensive dress code is outlined in the information packet Senate Pages receive upon their official appointment.
Is lodging provided?
No housing is provided. It is the responsibility of the Page and their parent or guardian to make accommodation arrangements.
Do Senate Pages receive compensation?
- Pages receive a stipend of $150 per week to cover expenses.
- In lieu of payment, Pages may elect to receive thirty hours of community service in accordance with the Page's school or organization community service policy. A form verifying such service may be secured from the Page Coordinator upon request.
What additional funds will Pages need during their week of service?
There is no need to bring large sums of money; however, Pages will need to bring enough money to cover lunch each day and any miscellaneous expenses they may choose to incur.
Are parking spaces provided for Pages who drive themselves?
- The General Assembly does not provide parking or parking fee reimbursement for commuting Pages.
- Self-commuting Pages may park in nearby paid visitor parking lots.
MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have further questions about the Senate Page Program, please contact the Senate Page Coordinator's Office:
Allison Hicks, Senate Page Coordinator
allison.hicks@ncleg.gov
16 W. Jones Street
Legislative Building, Room 1029
Raleigh, NC 27601-2808
Phone: 919-733-5702
“This has been the experience of a lifetime. It has been awesome to learn how this system works and to be able to meet the staff and other Pages. I’d do this again in a heartbeat.” - (Bakersville, NC)"
“This was an amazing learning experience and introduction to politics.” - (Cameron, NC)
“This is a wonderful program that really gives you inside insight into the legislative process. I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about how state government works.” - (Hickory, NC)
“This program helped me build confidence and gave me a strong desire to pursue a career in politics. It inspired me to study political science and potentially serve as an intern or a legislative assistant in the future.” - (Fuquay-Varina, NC)
“I enjoyed meeting and getting to know the other Pages. I also enjoyed spending time with my Senator and watching history take place.” - (Leland, NC)
“The program helped introduce me to state politics. I was able to see a much more realistic view of the inner workings of how a bill can become a law.” - (Charlotte, NC)
“I enjoyed having a schedule set up every day. I like that I could attend various meetings and Sessions. It prepared me for time management in the adult world.” - (Bullock, NC)
“I had a lot of fun – especially listening to debate among Senators. I loved that we had an organized schedule and that I never felt stressed about what I needed to do.” - (Cary, NC)
“The Senate Page program was fun and interesting. I felt like I had learned so much in just four days.” - (Cary, NC)
“I enjoyed making connections and meeting Senators on a personal level. I also enjoyed being a part of the legislative process.” - (Dunn, NC)
“I enjoyed learning about different bills and watching the procedure of the committee meetings.” - (Lenoir, NC)
“Being a Senate Page was an incredible experience. The staff, Senators, and fellow Pages were all very kind and fun to spend time with during my week of service.” - (Huntersville, NC)
