State of Washington Legislative Internship Program

The Legislative Intern Program offers Washington college students the opportunity to gain paid work experience while studying the state legislative process up close. Join hundreds of students who have started their careers here and forge lifelong connections in public policy.

The internship offers unparalleled access to Washington’s most influential leaders and policy makers, professional development to build transferrable skills, and hands-on simulations to learn all aspects of the legislative process. This experience will encourage you to learn quickly, think critically, and develop professionally as you forge lifelong connections in public policy.

Political experience is not necessary, and students of all majors are encouraged to apply. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and political ideologies who are active leaders, engaged in campus communities, and excited to learn about government while gaining practical job skills. Whether your interest is in law, business, communications, environmental policy, public health, or elsewhere, there is a place for you in Olympia. Interns are matched with legislators in the House of Representatives or the Senate based on interest areas and political ideology. The program also has opportunities for interns to serve as caucus staff, focusing on policy or communications.  

Applications open every Fall. The program runs through legislative session, starting in January each year.

Page Programs

The Washington State Legislature has one of the finest page programs in the country. Hundreds of students throughout Washington State have an opportunity each year to take part in the legislative process and observe the Legislature and other branches of state government in action.

Senate Page Program

In order to serve as a Senate Page, participants must:

• Have parent or guardian permission
• Receive a recommendation from a teacher and your principal
• Be at least 14 years of age and have not reached your 17th birthday
• Provide a Social Security card in order to receive the page stipend of $35 per day. If you do not have a Social Security card, you are still able to participate without receiving the daily stipend. 

Pages are sponsored by legislators and serve for one week during the legislative session, which runs January-April in odd numbered years and January-March in even numbered years. Pages spend their week learning about the legislative process while distributing materials throughout the Capitol Campus, assisting offices, delivering messages, working on the Senate Floor, and presenting the colors at the opening of the day’s legislative session. Pages also spend time each day in Page School learning about all aspects of state government.

Applications open every Fall.

House Page Program

• Youth who are at least 14 years of age and have not reached their 17th bir​thd​ay.​
• Pages participate for one 40-hour work week, assisting the House of Representatives with duties including serving on the chamber floor, making deliveries throughout campus, supporting member offices, and attending Page School. Page School supplements the hands-on learning experience with a classroom component geared toward understanding the legislative process.
• Applications open November 1st. When applying, potential pages can select which weeks they are available to work during the legisaltive session.
• Program takes place on the Capitol Campus in Olympia.

Pages earn a stiped of $50 a day and can also earn up to 20 hours of community service. Want to lea​rn​ more? Check out this video!​