Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) is seeking enthusiastic high school students from Richland and Lexington Counties to participate in KMB's Student Advisory Board, a new initiative to expand participation in litter prevention, recycling, beautification and sustainable practices among area high school students.

The Student Advisory Board, which is made possible through the support of Keep America Beautiful and Waste Management, will work with Keep the Midlands Beautiful to develop increased awareness of environmental issues and pursue community improvement projects in participating students' schools and communities. Students will gain leadership skills and valuable community service experience, while also connecting with like- minded students from other schools.

"Partnership is how we can improve the quality of life in the Midlands," said Russ Hightower, Waste Management spokesman for the Carolinas Market Area, "As we move to meet our corporate sustainability goals, it is important to work with the future workforce here in the Midlands. Waste Management is proud to support the extraordinary efforts of Keep the Midlands Beautiful and the Student Advisory Board."

The 2008- 2009 Student Advisory Board will be comprised of up to 50 students from public and private schools in Richland and Lexington Counties. Members will serve on the board for the 2008- 2009 school year. An application is required. Full details and the application form are available on the Keep the Midlands Beautiful website at keepthemidlandsbeautiful. org.

There will be two mandatory Saturday workshops, one in the fall and one in the spring. Participants are also expected to help plan one service project and participate in one other. A full listing of the tentative dates for both workshops and service projects can be found on the Keep the Midlands Beautiful website.

About Keep the Midlands Beautiful

Established in 1989 to serve Richland and Lexington counties, Keep the Midlands Beautiful provides sustainable solutions for individuals and groups to improve the community through beautification, waste reduction, recycling, and litter prevention.

For information, visit www.keepthemidlandsbeautiful. org.

About Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation's largest volunteer- based community action and education organization. For information, visit www.kab.org.

About Waste Management, Inc.

Waste Management, Inc. is the leading provider of comprehensive waste and environmental services in North America. For information about Waste Management, go to www.wm.com.