The Senate page and internship programs are great ways for students to learn about the legislative process and serve the people of South Dakota. Both programs have a competitive admission program and provide a valuable and unforgettable experience.

Internships
Our 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. It is my goal to make sure that each intern’s experience is truly rewarding.

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

All intern interviews are conducted by telephone and notification of the final decision arrives at least one month prior to the beginning of the internship.

If you are interested in an internship, please note which office 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
493 Russell 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 not every Senator may appoint a page. As a newly elected Senator, I am not currently able to appoint a page, however I do have the opportunity to recommend page applicants from South Dakota for possible appointments to other Senators.

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.