Kansas University has received $1.28 million for two partnership grants from the U.S. Department of Education to help at-risk students prepare for college.

KU will receive two partnership grants under the education department’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, or GEAR UP.

Institutions receiving grant funding will serve an entire group of students, usually beginning no later than seventh grade, and will follow them through high school, according to a statement from the federal education department.

The partnership projects must involve at least one low-income middle school, one college or university and two community or business organizations.