"We'll be able to start working with these students in seventh grade and support them and their families to create a college-going culture," said Katherine Yardley, UMF associate provost, dean of the College of Education, Health and Rehabilitation and grant program manager.
"As we're trying to use different cutting edge strategies, you want to make sure you know what is most effective in creating a college going climate and raising student achievement," said Yardley
After the study the different intervention methods, she
said they can then share those findings with other schools.
In addition it will work working directly with students, the program will work with their families.
"So one aspect would be supporting families so they have an understanding and feel comfortable understanding financial aid and visiting schools," she
When choosing the schools to work with, Yardley
said they looked at factors like the number of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, the high school graduation rates and the number of students going on to college.
"This program is exciting because it then works on multiple levels to look at what the resources are and what can then strengthen academics," she