Mackee M. Mason, the new Associated Students, Inc. president at California State University, Fresno, is among 30 student leaders participating this week in the ninth annual Leadership Seminar at the Leon & Sylvia Panetta Institute for Public Policy in Seaside.

The annual weeklong seminar’s curriculum focuses on the essential skills and strategies of leadership. A special session will focus on California environmental issues and leadership insights.

Presenters include local and state officials, decorated military leaders, reporters, religious leaders, business leaders and educators.

Mason, a senior mass communication and journalism major from Lake Elsinore, started his term as ASI president on June 1.

The conference is among Panetta Institute programs intended to inspire young people to become involved public service. The institute, which is headquartered at California State University, Monterey Bay, was founded by and is directed by former White House chief of staff Leon Panetta and his wife, Sylvia Panetta, director of the institute.

Support for the program is provided by the California State University Office of the Chancellor, Panetta Institute trustees and public and private donations.

For more information on the seminar, call 831.582.4200.