The University of Kansas is joining 10 other major institutions in an initiative to increase graduation rates for low-income and first-generation college students.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports the University Innovation Alliance will develop what the group calls a “playbook” on how to help such students complete their degrees.

Kansas chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little was in Washington on Tuesday as the alliance was announced. Gray-Little says the initiative will allow university leaders to share and adapt ideas that have proven to help students from all backgrounds.

The group said studies show students from wealthy families are seven times more likely than low-income students to earn college degrees.

All of the participating universities have large numbers of low-income and first-generation students and have developed programs to help them succeed.

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Information from: Lawrence Journal-World