Alabama youth interested in developing leadership and citizenship skills while they explore the nation’s capital are encouraged to apply by Feb. 27 to attend Alabama’s 2009 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) trip to Washington, D.C.The trip, tentatively scheduled for May 31-June 6 “plus travel days,” offers participants an opportunity to strengthen communication, leadership and other citizenship skills on a national level as they receive a behind-the-scenes look at the nation’s capital and a chance to meet members of Congress.Attendees also get to visit the Capitol, Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, presidential and war monuments and memorials and Smithsonian museums. Between tours, participants relax at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center.Delegates returning from the 2009 CWF may be asked to make a brief presentation about their experiences to local civic groups, county governing bodies, state legislators and local sponsor representatives.The trip is for youth 14-19 years of age as of Jan. 1. Twenty youth will be selected to represent Alabama. Delegates will pay just $400 of the $1,200 cost of the conference.Application instructions and forms are available at www.Alabama4H.com under programs. Applications are due Friday, Feb. 27. Mail all applications to Denise Legvold, Upper Coastal Plains Extension Center, P.O. Box 706, Winfield, AL 35594.For more information, contact Denise Legvold, 4-H Program Coordinator, at (205) 310-0168 or visit www.4hcwf.org.