Topeka ? Gov. Sam Brownback and other state officials will announce a $1 million grant to a program aimed at increasing the number of engineering graduates in Kansas.

The announcement, representing the first grant under the new program, will be made at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday during a news conference prior to the Kansas Board of Regents’ monthly meeting.

The Kansas Legislature and Brownback approved legislation last session that provides state gambling revenue to Kansas University, Kansas State University and Wichita State University for the purpose of recruiting and retaining more engineering students.

Brownback, Kansas Department of Commerce Secretary Pat George, regents members, and Andy Tompkins, who is president and chief executive officer of the regents, will announce the first $1 million grant.

In future years, the program will provide $3.5 million per year in grant funding to each of the three schools and will require a dollar-for-dollar match provided by the universities.