Eight Washoe County teens will have the opportunity to build a 6-foot rocket that can fly over one mile into the air. Reno Rocketry is partnering with 4-H, a youth development program of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, to help eight students design, fabricate and fly the rocket. Interested students must apply to be part of the program by March 20.

The finished rocket will reach speeds of over 400 mph and will be launched using a 38-millimeter-diameter motor, which is made of the same fuel as the Space Shuttle booster stage.

"This club will focus on the emerging engineering of autonomous vehicles," said Washoe County 4-H Program Coordinator Sarah Chvilicek. "Youth will learn first-hand about possible careers using these types of rockets, as well as other autonomous flight vehicles."

Those interested in applying for the program must be 13-19 years of age. Participants will need to be able to spend one to three hours per month on class homework and must be able to work as part of a team. For more information and meeting dates, and to submit an application, visit renorocketry.com/4h.

Cooperative Extension's 4-H activities teach youth ages 5-19 leadership, citizenship and life skills, as well as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Fueled by university-backed curriculum and led by trained staff and dedicated volunteers, 4-H programs engage youth in experiential, or "hands-on," learning. Girls in 4-H are two times more likely to participate in science, engineering or computer technology programs as their peers. In addition, 4-H youth are two times more likely to plan to go to college than their peers. For more information, visit http://www.unce.unr.edu/4H/.