Kansas University has received a $60,000 grant from the NCAA to promote women’s basketball next season.

KU is one of only 18 institutions or conferences to receive a grant as part of the NCAA Div. I Women’s Basketball Grant Program, which is in its second year. The 2009-10 NCAA grant program dedicated approximately $750,000 nationally to increase awareness, exposure and increase attendance of women’s basketball.

With its grant, Kansas Athletics will implement a program entitled “Schools for Success.” Through partnerships with community schools, Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Jason’s Deli, Kansas Athletics’ overall goal is to enhance attendance at and promote awareness of KU women’s basketball home games.

“Schools for Success” includes a seasonlong attendance challenge, as well as a “School Day,” in which Kansas Athletics invites local students to spend a day with the Jayhawks. The event includes educational programming provided by Kansas Athletics staff and student-athletes, Lawrence Memorial Hospital staff, a KU women’s basketball game, lunch courtesy of Jason’s Deli, and a T-shirt to commemorate the occasion. A similar event last season drew a crowd of 5,186 fans to Allen Fieldhouse to witness the Jayhawks’ 76-55 victory over Iowa, televised live on ESPN.

At the end of the season the women drew a Big 12-record 16,113 fans to Allen for the championship game of the WNIT.