Inspiring Future Arkansas Leaders

Opportunities for young Arkansans to learn more about government through first-
hand experience and serve their communities are plentiful and worthwhile. Public
service and civic engagement are incredibly important, which is why my staff and I
provide multiple avenues for high school, college and graduate students to grow
personally and professionally.

While school was out for the summer, Springdale’s Nora Shitandi had a front-row seat
to a unique lesson on American government as a U.S. Senate Page. The rising high
school senior said her experience in the prestigious program was one she wouldn’t
forget.

The Senate Page program is a way for students to continue their high school education
in the nation’s capital while also contributing to the daily business of the greatest
deliberative body in the world. They provide vital assistance to the chamber’s
operations and interact with senators and staff. During the school year, pages attend
classes to obtain academic credit and continue their education. The Senate Page
program offers fall, spring and summer sessions. This summer we were blessed to
have Shitandi and Fayetteville’s Joshua Ofodile representing Arkansas as pages.

A few years ago, we launched the Congressional Youth Cabinet (CYC) for Natural
State students who want to learn more about the legislative process.

This initiative is designed to inspire public service among Arkansas youth and involve
the next generation in creating policies. Participants represent their community and
discuss issues facing our state and nation, working with my staff to research an issue
and create solutions culminating in a presentation at the end of the year. I enjoy
watching the proposals come together, and I am always impressed with the hard work
and attention to detail the students bring to the table to address something they are
passionate about. The CYC is open to high school juniors and runs throughout the

school year. We are accepting applications for the next group of students through
September 1.

College and post-graduate students also have a role to play in the nation’s capital or at
a local congressional office in Arkansas through my office’s internship program.
Interns in the Washington, D.C. office learn about the legislative process and the
federal government by working closely with the policy, communications and
constituent services staff members. By assisting my state staff, interns gain direct
insight into how a senate office serves and represents Arkansans – including by
advocating on their behalf with federal agencies –, engages with the community
and helps share feedback with my entire team.

Participants in these programs are truly the leaders of tomorrow. I am grateful for
those who choose to take part in these experiences, and my hope is always that they
learn as much as possible and walk away with practical skills and valuable
knowledge. Time spent representing their state will undoubtedly help them in their
future pursuits, and I can’t wait to see where these talented, aspiring leaders end up.

These opportunities all have a lot to offer youth and young adults in our state, and I
look forward to welcoming them to the ranks of public service and community
engagement in the months and years to come. To learn more about these programs
visit the Educational Opportunities page on my website (boozman.senate.gov) to get
all the details or start the application process.