The University of Kansas has announced that it received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help recruit and support migrant students.

The school made the announcement last week. The five-year grant is to be used to establish a Heartland College Assistance Migrant Program at the school.

The program aims to recruit and retain students who are migratory or seasonal farmworkers, or children of such workers, who are enrolled in their first year of undergraduate studies. According to program director Stacy Mendez, the program pays for about half of students’ tuition for their freshman year. Students also receive a small stipend to defray living costs, a loaner laptop and personal coaching from university staff.

Mendez said only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for the program.

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Associated Press information from: Lawrence Journal-World