LEWISTON – The Maine College Republicans will host the Leadership Institute’s flagship program, the Youth Leadership School, at Bates College from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 12-13, in the Edmund S. Muskie Archives at 70 Campus Ave. in Lewiston.

The school is the only training available for young conservative activists in Maine.

The program is sponsored by the Maine College Republicans and the Leadership Institute, an Arlington, Va.-based organization that trains aspiring conservative leaders. The Youth Leadership School is open to high school and college students. Its $60 registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, course materials and optional local hotel accommodations.

Founded in 1979 by conservative activist Morton Blackwell, the organization uses quick-paced multimedia presentations and experienced instructors to share with students the organizational and campaign techniques necessary to effective leadership.

Famous graduates of the Youth Leadership School include Karl Rove, senior strategist to President Bush; James Gilmore, former Virginia governor and chairman of the Republican National Committee; Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.; and Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist.

College Republicans from Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont and New Hampshire are expected to attend.

To register for the Youth Leadership School at Bates or for more information, people may contact Nathaniel Walton by e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (781) 248-0808. More information on the Leadership Institute is available on the Internet at www.leadershipinstitute.org.