Overview
The Executive Branch Leadership Institute (EBLI) provides an opportunity for youth to have an in-depth experience in the executive branch of Missouri State Government. The Model Government Program (State Conventions) focuses on giving students experience in the legislative, judicial, print press, and video news program areas. The two components, EBLI and the Model Government Program, provide a more holistic view of how government really works by tying together the role of state departments with the legislative and judicial processes.

The specific objectives of EBLI include:

• Gain an awareness of issues currently of concern to the people and state departments of Missouri.
• Increase understanding of the executive branch of state government, and in particular, the role state departments play in carrying out legislation that has been passed into law.
• Increase understanding of how state departments can identify solutions to problems that may initiate the drafting of new legislation.
• Develop increased understanding of the needs, responsibilities and opportunities within state government.
• Consider future career options related to State Government.
• Strengthen research and critical thinking skills.

• Research State Departments and become familiar with their purpose.
• Learn in detail about the daily functions and discuss issues facing State Departments.
• Interact with key staff and tour State facilities.

Up to thirty students will be assigned to various state departments. For more information on each department, check out the Missouri State Government website at http://www.mo.gov/Government/Agencies/.

Dates
EBLI will be held April 5-7, 2010, in Jefferson City.