A Kansas University program designed to encourage poor high school students to attend college will expand with $598,804 in federal grants.

Upward Bound, which promotes intensive skill development among low-income high school students preparing for college, will receive two grants from the U.S. Department of Education. Participants are often the first college graduates in their families.

With the funding, Upward Bound also will offer a second program for first-generation military veterans who are looking to transition into academic programs at area colleges and universities. The courses will offer short-term remedial training for returning adult students.