WINTHROP — Applications are available for the State YMCA of Maine’s annual Youth in Government program. Students from any high school in Maine in grades nine through 12 are eligible to be a part of the opportunity to get a hands-on experience into the working of the Maine Legislature.

Youth in Government in Maine has been operating for more than 60 years and will have students attending from over 20 high schools and YMCAs.

This year’s program will take place from Nov. 12 to 14. The session is held at the State House, with participants debating and discussing bills they have submitted, run by leadership they have elected. The program will be led by the 2010 Youth Governor Will Cadigan from Kennebunk High School. Participants will serve in every position from Speaker of the House and President of the Senate, committee chairs, lobbyists and newspaper reporters.

Last year, students wrote bills dealing with issues covering a broad spectrum that were debated. Topics included same sex marriage, Sunday hunting, making the whoopie pie the official dessert in Maine, billboards in Maine and tax incentives for wind power.

The program is now accepting registrations and submission of bills. The goal is for more than 150 students and 100 bills to be submitted. There is no need to be elected or selected. Any student may participate.

For more information about the program, visit www.yiginme.org or contact program director Lonney Steeves at [email protected] or 377-9686.