The National 4-H Council distributed a news release announcing stepped up efforts to engage youth in science, and indicated that California is one of five states that will lead a national initiative to expand the 4-H2O water conservation program.
The release was picked up in at least two publications, the Centre Daily Times in Pennsylvania and TMCnet.com.
The 4H20 program includes new curriculum in environmental science and the launch of 4-H2Online. California, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, and West Virginia were selected to lead the effort, which is funded by a $1.48 million grant from Toyota.
In the same release, the national 4-H office announced that Oct. 8 will be "National Youth Science Day." The event features a "National Science Experiment" - a designated science activity for youth across the country. Details of the experiment will be announced later this summer.
The news release also noted that 4-H's new science focus will resonate throughout its public service campaign. The campaign includes print and broadcast ads based on the theme: "One Million New Scientists. One Million New Ideas." The goal: Engage one million new youth in 4-H science, engineering, and technology programs by 2013.