Gov. Tom Ridge is hoping that before students head to New York or California for jobs, they will look for employment closer to home in Pennsylvania.

When Ridge learned about Pennsylvania's declining population, he responded in the beginning of February with the "Brain Gain" initiative, a plan designed to keep the state's college students in Pennsylvania after they graduate.

"Really, the young people are the future of Pennsylvania," said Evelyn Tatkovski, spokeswoman for the state's department of community and economic development.

According to a study done by Gordon De Jong, professor of sociology and demographics, Pennsylvania continues to lose more residents than it gains. Moreover, migration out of the state is particularly concentrated in the 20 to 30 age group, De Jong said.

The Brain Gain initiative integrates other already-existing state programs that promote job growth and quality higher education.

"Stay Invent the Future", a marketing campaign, promotes job opportunities in Pennsylvania college students by supporting 5,000 internships with in-state companies. In addition, Ridge's plan will fund regional initiatives run by universities and businesses that directly involve students.

Many state businesses have also announced creation of jobs to prevent its college graduates from moving to other states.

During his budget address, Ridge announced Free Markets Inc., a business-to-business global marketplace, which will add 1,000 jobs over the next three years.

In addition to his efforts to increase the information-technology sector, Ridge also proposed $8.2 million for scholarships in science and technology to prepare Pennsylvania's workforce for a highly developed economy.

Tatkovski said the reason for the technology focus in "Brain Gain" was because of the potential for growth within tech industries.

"One program is unlikely to turn it around, but it's a step in the right direction," De Jong said.

While state officials and demographers reason that a lack of jobs and internships are the basis for young people's migration out of the state, students give other explanations.

"When you live somewhere your whole life, you kind of want a change in environment," said Ed Thomas (senior-kinesiology). As a Pittsburgh native, he said he sees both positive and negative aspects of living in Pennsylvania.

On the positive side, Thomas mentions proximity to New York City being a plus for Pennsylvania residents. Philadelphia is also a city attractive to recent graduates, he said.

Chrissy Greco (junior-management science and information systems) also has mixed feelings about living in Pennsylvania.

Although she favors the South for its warm climate, Greco said, "I always said after I get married, I would come back to Pennsylvania."

Another reason affecting her decision about living in Pennsylvania is her job. "People aren't too picky when (companies) say you have to travel," Greco said.

"(I'll go) wherever my job would take me," she said.