POTSDAM -- The four colleges in Canton and Potsdam are working to plug the "brain drain" of young people leaving the North Country to find opportunities elsewhere.

The Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley -- Clarkson University, St. Lawrence University, SUNY Canton, and SUNY Potsdam -- and Penski Staffing will host the second annual Regional Small Employer Career/Internship Fair & Networking Event on Wednesday, March 7, at Clarkson University.

This program is specifically designed to collaborate with and to meet the needs of organizations in the North Country and Adirondack region.

Businesses and non-profit organizations will have an opportunity to recruit students for short-term projects, as well as for summer, semester, internship, volunteer, and full-time positions. Attendees will have a chance to meet with students from the four area colleges and universities.

For organizations unfamiliar with internships, associated regulations, and university services, there will be two informational workshops held in the Clarkson University Student Center prior to the recruiting event.

The workshops, presented by small business and university representatives, will discuss how to utilize students to enhance business operations, as well as the legalities surrounding internships.

For more information on this regional initiative, contact Clarkson University Career Center Director Jeffrey Taylor at 268-6477.

The entire program will take place on the second floor of the new Clarkson University Student Center.