Guidelines to Apply for Congressional Page School

Currently, 72 young men and women are appointed by their Members of Congress to serve as Pages in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Republican members appoint 48 of these high school juniors.

All applicants requesting Congressman McKeon’s nomination to the Page program must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • 16 years of age at the time their appointment begins
  • Must be a junior in high school (or just finished his/her junior year for the summer page session)
  • Reside in the state of California and preference is given to students within Congressman McKeon’s district
  • Have a cumulative grade point average of (3.0 or 85/100) or better in the five major subjects to date. The subject areas counted are: English, science, mathematics, social studies and foreign language – electives will not be included.

Along with the application, the Speaker's Office requires the following information:

  • Signed parental consent form
  • Essay (50 – 100 words) on why they want to become a Republican Page
  • Resume of extra-curricular activities
  • Three letters of recommendation

The Speaker’s Office will NOT accept applications from students directly – only Members of Congress may forward an application.

If you wish to be nominated by Congressman McKeon, please send the application and appropriate information to the Washington, DC office at the following address:

The Honorable Howard “Buck” McKeon
Attention: Congressional Page Coordinator
2184 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Ph.202-225-1956
Fx.202-226-0683

Summary of page program:

Beginning at 6:45 a.m., the school-year Pages attend five 40-minute classes at Page School. Located on the 4th floor (Attic Level) of the Library of Congress Jefferson Building, the Page School is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.  There is no school for those in the Summer Page Program.

Five courses are selected from the current school curriculum, consisting of:

  • American, British or world literature (all with composition), or humanities
  • Algebra II/trigonometry, trigonometry/pre-calculus or pre-calculus
  • Physics or chemistry
  • U.S. history or government and politics
  • Intermediate or advanced French or Spanish


First-year language courses are not offered nor are Advanced Placement classes. In addition, all school-year Pages participate on alternate Saturdays in a Washington seminar program called Washington Interdisciplinary Studies Program (WISP).

The workday begins immediately following the last class (at 9:00 a.m. for summer pages) and extends to at least 5:00 p.m., or until the House adjourns for the day—whichever is later. Pages report to their Page Supervisor, where the first order of the day may be the filing of the Congressional Record from the previous day’s proceedings. The Pages serve primarily as messengers delivering legislative material between the various buildings of Capitol Hill. During the course of the day, the Pages accumulate points for “runs” (or deliveries). Those with the highest number of points may be excused early when the House goes into late-night sessions.

The dress requirement for males is a navy blazer, long-sleeved white shirt, dark gray slacks, dark socks, dark shoes and a standard-issue tie (navy with red and white stripes). For females, a navy blazer, long-sleeved white shirt, dark gray skirt or pants, dark shoes, appropriate hosiery and a standard-issue tie (navy with red and white stripes) that is provided during orientation.

All Pages are required to live at the Page Residence Hall, 501 First Street, S.E., under the supervision of a resident manager and five proctors who reside on the premises. The Pages agree in writing to abide by the strict Code of Conduct, which includes a curfew of 10:00 p.m. on the weeknights and midnight on the weekends.

Pages are paid a monthly stipend. Money is taken out to pay for room and board. They are responsible for their transportation to and from Washington, their uniform, breakfast (other than cafeteria-style provided to school-year Pages) and lunch on weekdays, weekend meals, school supplies and all incidental expenses. In addition, a one-time, refundable security deposit of $100 payable to the U.S. Treasury is required for the dorm.

Please keep in mind that Pages are employees of the U.S. House of Representatives and are an important part of the legislative process. Before making your decision to become a Page, it is imperative that you understand that all family activities, as well as home school and community activities, which would interrupt your Page school or work activities must be put on hold until you are no longer a Page. Pages will not be permitted to return home to attend family reunions, parent promotion ceremonies, family trips, home school activities such as conferences, sports events, proms, etc., if they occur during the school or work week.

Deadlines for the Congressional Page Program for 2010 – 2011:  TBA