MISSISSIPPI STATE -- 4-H in Mississippi is looking for four young people to spend a week in Jackson supporting the operation of government during the 2004 legislative session.

Eligible candidates are 4-H youth ages 15 to 17 as of Jan. 1 who have at least a B average in high school. Participants will stay in Jackson and work as legislative pages or executive department interns March 15-19. Jan. 30 is the deadline to apply for the program.

Selected youth will participate in the Legislative Page and Executive Department Internship Program. The program is offered by the 4-H Youth Development Program in cooperation with the Center for Governmental Training and Technology, part of the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

"We continue to enjoy sponsoring this program because of the wonderful opportunity it affords young people to see government in action," said P.C. (Mac) McLaurin Jr., leader of the Center for Governmental Training and Technology. "While serving as pages or interns, the 4-H members have direct participation in the governmental process."

A committee will select four youth from among the applicants. The goal is to choose two males and two females from among the applying 4-H'ers.

McLaurin said pages and interns will work with legislators or executive department official for five days and will have the opportunity to meet people from around the state. The experience is both educational and fun.

Contact local 4-H program leaders or the Center for Governmental Training and Technology to obtain an application. More information and an application can be found online at http://www.mslocalgovernment.org. Fax completed applications to CGT at (662) 325-8954 or mail them to CGT, Box 9643, Mississippi State, MS 39762.

Applications must be postmarked not later than Jan. 30 and faxed applications must be received by 5 p.m. that day.