State District 44 Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, recently announced the Indiana Senate has begun accepting applications for the page program.

This full-day interactive program gives students in Grades 6 through 12 the opportunity to tour the Indiana Statehouse, observe session debates on the Senate floor and assist staff with age-appropriate tasks. Students also will meet with their state senator.

“This educational opportunity is a perfect way for students to witness state government firsthand,” Koch said. “Often, the call for public service comes at a young age, and I hope that the page program will spark an interest in students to get involved by serving their communities.”

The program will run from Jan. 23 through mid-April. Positions fill quickly, so it is important to sign up early. Pages are scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays during the legislative session, starting at 8:30 a.m. and dismissing at 3:30 p.m. Groups serve together Wednesdays.

Serving as a page is considered an excused absence from school.