To the Editor:

As the school year starts to pick up, I wanted to make Albany County residents aware of a great internship program for high school juniors and seniors. The Cornell Cooperative Extension 2014-15 Albany County Government Intern Program is in its 24th year and offers high school students a tremendous opportunity to learn firsthand about our county government.

This school-year-long program is open to any high school junior or senior who is a resident of Albany County and is also attending school in the county. Students will attend monthly meetings, as well as participate in seminars and field trips to gain a better understanding of local government.

Depending on the school, students even have an opportunity to receive academic credit for this internship program.

As an Albany County legislator, I believe strongly that keeping our citizens informed about government is critically important to the foundation of our democracy. School programs focus on state and federal governments, but often do not address the structure and organization of local government despite the large impact local governments have on our daily lives.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County Government Intern Program will give students a chance to meet and interact with local government officials, learn about how local governments have an impact on our lives, and tour local facilities that many Albany County residents often do not take the time to see.

At a time when many high school juniors and seniors are looking to round out their college résumés or are wondering what their next steps will be, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Internship program provides students with an excellent opportunity to examine and explore different career paths.

It is my hope that interested students will take the opportunity to apply for this very special program. For more information, please go online to ccealbany.com/offerings8.htm or give Cornell Cooperative Extension a call at 765-3521.

Travis Stevens

Albany County Legislator, 31st District

Knox