The Senate Youth Program, Senate Page Program and Internship Programs are great ways for students to learn about the legislative process and serve the people of South Dakota. All of the programs have a competitive admission program and provide a valuable and unforgettable experience.

Internships
My office offers summer, fall, and spring internships in Washington, D.C., Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls. Each office is unique and provides a variety of opportunities. The goal is to make sure that each intern’s experience is truly rewarding.

The internship program allows students to work in the office they are interested in, and provides them with the opportunity to learn how a Senate office operates. Interns in the state offices participate in state outreach activities, as well as assisting the state staff, while students in my Washington, D.C. office have the opportunity to witness the legislative process, give Capitol tours, and attend Senate votes and hearings. Both in-state and Washington D.C. internships allow students to work closely with constituents, hone their research and writing skills, and learn a multitude of office skills.

The fall session is from mid-August to the end of December, and the spring session is from the beginning of January to mid-May. The summer program is divided into two sessions. The first summer session is from mid-May until the end of June, with the second session following until mid-August.

If you are interested in an internship, please note which office location and session you are interested in and send your resume and cover letter to my office at:

Office of U.S. Senator John Thune
Attn: Internship Coordinator
511 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

If you have any questions about the internship program with my office, you may contact my internship coordinator at (202) 224-2321 or toll free from South Dakota at 866-850-3855.

Senate Page Program
The Senate Page program is a wonderful way for you to see firsthand what happens in the United States Senate while furthering your education and assisting in the legislative process. If selected, you will have the opportunity to meet some of the nation’s most prominent leaders while conducting your duties in the day-to-day operations of the Senate.

The daily tasks of a Senate Page consist of attending classes, delivering correspondence and legislative material, taking messages for Members, calling Members to the phone, carrying bills and amendments to the desk, and preparing the Senate Chamber for session.

The Senate Page Program limits page eligibility to students who are 16 years of age, juniors in high school, and who have at least a 3.0 grade point average. Students who are 18 years of age are not eligible; however you may turn 18 during your tenure as a page.

The Senate Page Program consists of only 30 pages to assist 100 Senators;  therefore, the program is highly competitive.  If you would like to apply for such a position, I am able to nominate South Dakota students for this honor and encourage you to contact my office for more information.

If you have any questions about the Senate page program or are interested in serving, you may contact my Senate page liaison at (202) 224-2321 or toll free from South Dakota at 866-850-3855.

The United States Senate Youth Program
The United States Senate Youth Program is an excellent opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to deepen their knowledge of the Senate and the federal government overall, as well as receive a one-time $5,000 college scholarship to the undergraduate college of their choice. Begun in 1962 through a Senate Resolution, the program is sponsored by the Senate each year to encourage high school students to pursue careers in public service.
 
Two high school juniors or seniors are selected each year from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity to serve as delegates to Washington Week, a week-long educational program that takes place in Washington, D.C.  Public and private high school teachers and principals nominate qualified students beginning in early fall.  To qualify, students must hold student body office or another elected or appointed position in their communities and show academic interest and aptitude in government, history and politics. The chief state school officer in each state makes the final selection by December 1.  The program is merit-based and highly competitive and the chosen delegates are consistently outstanding. For more information, please go to:  www.ussenateyouth.org