Mercantile Bank and FutureBuilders, a Missouri School Boards Association foundation, have teamed up to sponsor "Community Counts," a program designed to challenge sixth through 12th grade students to improve their communities.

The program awards funds to students who design community improvement projects. It is and attempt to get more young people involved in their communities.

To learn more about the program, visit the Web site at www.communitycounts.com. Project ideas must be submitted by Dec. 1, and winners will be chosen in January. All projects for this school year will be completed by May 15.