Civic engagement.

Two new studies released by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement show that high school students required to perform community service are 22 percent more likely to graduate from college. Students also are more likely to achieve greater progress in reading, math and science.

The CIRCLE reports are titled "Civic Engagement and High School Academic Progress" and "Do Gender and Ethnicity Affect Civic Engagement and Academic Progress?" The researchers found male students reaped greater benefits than females, except in the case of student government involvement.

Both papers can be downloaded at www.ciwcyouth.org.