MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi youth are applying for grants to help them gain pride in themselves and in their communities through an environmental improvement program.

Community Pride is a grants and awards program sponsored by the ChevronTexaco Companies and administered by Mississippi State University’s Extension Service.

“The program helps provide youth with incentives to improve their local environment. The grants are intended to stimulate additional investments by the local community,” said Betty Rawlings, Extension associate with the state 4-H Department. “By investing in environmental education projects for youth in grades kindergarten to 12, the program helps youth learn cooperative skills that will bring success and prepare them as future leaders.”

The Community Pride program empowers youth-serving organizations to plan and conduct community improvement projects with an emphasis on improving the environment.

Groups submit applications on March 1 and Nov. 1 for projects to be completed within a year’s time. Grants of up to $400 are awarded to quality projects that provide environmental awareness and improve the natural environment within a community. Projects range from soil conservation and gardening to recycling programs and community beautification.

The best Community Pride programs receive awards and recognition at congressional district and statewide levels. Recent awards recipients include groups from Bolivar, Clay, Forrest George, Smith, Wayne and Winston counties.

“Dreams become reality when the Community Pride participants acquire that sense of community and pride in working together to improve the community and enhance the environment,” Rawlings said.

For more information on the Community Pride program, contact the local county Extension office.