The Butler County Council of Governments is funding two Local Government Academy interns for two municipalities to use in 2011.

The program is meant for college students who are interested in a public administration career.

Jeff Smith, executive director of the COG, said the sponsorship is one way his organization works to improve the way government works in the county.

The COG covers half of the interns’ wages. The LGA pays for the remainder.

After municipal projects are selected by the LGA, those governments’ representatives will meet potential interns at the LGA fair on Feb. 16 in the William Pitt Union at the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland.

Students may register at www.localgovernmentacademy.org or attend the fair without prior notice.

Along with the Butler COG, Allegheny County, Westmoreland County, the Redevelopment Authority of Washington County and the Department of Community and Economic Development Governor’s Center for Local Government Services financially support the program.

The LGA is a nonprofit collaboration of business, government, education and civic leaders.