FARMINGTON (AP) — The University of Maine at Farmington is receiving $20 million over seven years to help at-risk students prepare for and be successful in postsecondary education.

The Maine grant is projected to serve up to 7,600 students annually from 63 high-poverty, rural schools in 26 districts.

The University of Maine at Farmington will be working with 19 partners.

Officials said participants will work closely with students from low-income families beginning in seventh-grade to help improve their academic performance. In addition, they’ll work to increase students’ and their families’ knowledge of post-secondary education and the options available to them.