Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is currently seeking applications from high school seniors to join the Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program, a unique opportunity that allows participants to experience state government in action. The program selects three seniors and one alternate annually to work closely with the General Assembly during its legislative session from January to April in Annapolis.
Participants in the program will spend two nonconsecutive weeks in the capital. The first week occurs within the first seven weeks of the legislative session, and the second is scheduled during the last six weeks. This schedule allows students to witness and participate in different phases of the legislative process.
The role of a student page includes various responsibilities crucial to the smooth operation of the General Assembly. Pages are tasked with maintaining bill books, distributing documents on the floor, assisting visitors, and conveying messages among members. The position is designed for students with a keen interest in government and history, offering them a hands-on experience in legislative proceedings.
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Residency in Maryland and enrollment in a public or non-public Maryland high school.
- Registration as a high school senior at least 16 years old.
- Possession or acquisition of a Social Security number.
- Demonstrated interest in government and history.
- Maintenance of an average or above average academic record and good conduct.
- Reliability and courteous demeanor.
- Parental or guardian permission and signature.
Interested students must submit a formal application and an essay detailing their interest and qualifications for the program. These documents are available through the county coordinator, who can be reached at llove@ccboe.com or by phone at 301-934-7389. Further information and application forms are also accessible at www.ccboe.com, with a direct link to the application and essay template here.
The application process includes an email submission of the completed forms to llove@ccboe.com by 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 3. A panel of CCPS staff will then review all submissions, and selected candidates will be invited for Zoom interviews on Wednesday, October 16. Final selections will be communicated to successful candidates by November 15 through the offices of the Maryland Senate President and the Speaker of the House.
This program represents a significant opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the legislative process, contributing to their educational and personal development.
