Kansas has recently joined 30 other states in enrolling students in a federally funded program aimed at raising high school graduation rates and helping students prepare for college and careers.

Education Commissioner Diane DeBacker says the Kansas State Department of Education had been hoping for several years to introduce the program, called Jobs for America’s Graduates, but didn’t have the funds until this year.

The program targets students who might be at risk of dropping out of school, offering them extra mentoring and support.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families secured the $3.6 million federal grant this year to launch the program.

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Associated Press information from: The Topeka Capital-Journal