Around the country and around California 4-H youth learned about bio-fuel by conducting a national science experiment yesterday. The 4-H members learned how cellulose and sugars in plants such as switchgrass, sorghum corn and algae can be converted into fuel. Oct. 7 was 4-H Youth Science Day, but some California 4-H clubs and groups will conduct the experiment at their next meeting, according to the ANR news release.

The National 4-H organization used the science experiment announcement to also share information from a recent Tufts University study on the impact of 4-H involvement on youth.

• Nearly two times more likely to get better grades in school;
• Nearly two times more likely to plan to go to college;
• 41 percent less likely to engage in risky behaviors; and
• 25 percent more likely to positively contribute to their families and communities.

Overall, the study found that the advantages of 4-H participation include higher educational achievement and higher motivation for future education, the news release said. In addition, youth in 4-H are more civically active and make more community and civic contributions than youth in other out-of-school activities.