Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Neil Abercrombie is seeking applications from high school juniors interested in an appointment to one of the nation’s most unique work-study programs: the U.S. House of Representatives Page Program in Washington, D.C.

“Members of the U.S. House are given the privilege of selecting an outstanding high school junior to represent our home districts in the Page Program,” says Abercrombie. “This is a once in a lifetime experience that opens doors of opportunity—beyond the Page experience—to students who qualify and are selected.

“One former page I had the honor of appointing to the summer program in 2006, Angelie Angeles of Waipahu, said the experience enhanced her education, strengthened her leadership skills, opened doors to other programs and inspired her to return to Washington, D.C. as a college student. Today, Angelie is a freshman in International Studies at American University and a part-time intern in my Capitol office.”

Abercrombie is now accepting applications to the Page Program’s 2009 summer session, which runs from July 5 to August 1, 2009. The summer program offers selected students the opportunity to live in the House Page Residence Hall on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., attend seminars, and work full-time as support staff in the U.S. House of Representatives.

(Applicants may download the application by clicking here and see a video about Abercrombie's most recent page appointee.)

Selected House members are given the opportunity on a rotating basis to fill 72 Page positions for the summer session. One student will be selected from all the applicants, and his or her name will be forwarded to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for final approval.

Students applying for Abercrombie’s sponsorship for the 2009 summer session must meet the following requirements:

• 3.0 GPA based on major courses, no electives;
• Be at least sixteen years of age prior to the start of the program (July 5, 2009) and must have completed the 10th grade, but not started the 12th grade;
• Reside in the First Congressional District (Honolulu, Aiea, Pearl City, Mililani, Ewa Beach, and most of Waipahu);
• Be a U.S. citizen

Applicants must provide Abercrombie’s Honolulu or Washington office the following information and material by 4:30 P.M., Friday, May 1, 2009:

• Completed Congressional Page Application
• Social Security Number
• Parental consent form
• Written essay (150-200 word autobiography)
• Resume with extracurricular activities
• Three letters of recommendation.

Pages are supervised by adult, full-time House employees and serve principally as messengers, carrying documents between the House and Senate, congressional offices, committees, and the Library of Congress. They also prepare the House Chamber for each day’s business by distributing the Congressional Record and other documents related to the day’s agenda, assist in the cloakroom and chambers, and when the House is in session, sit near the dais where they may be called by House members for assistance.

Pages will earn a salary with automatic deductions made for federal and state taxes, Social Security, and residence hall fee. Pages are responsible their uniforms, and for travel to and from Washington, D.C.

Interested students may obtain more information by contacting Terry Visperas of Congressman Abercrombie’s Honolulu office at terry.visperas@mail.house.gov and 808-541-2570. More online information about the program is available at http://pageprogram.house.gov.

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