DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — The National Science Foundation has awarded five-year, $1 million grant to a university in southwest Ohio for student scholarships and research experience.

Wright State University says the grant that runs through February 2020 will fund scholarships, research and other activities for the Applying Scientific Knowledge program. The program at Wright State was started in 2016 with around 10 students.

The Dayton Daily News reports that the university anticipates the scholarships will open the program up to students who previously may not have considered

The chairman of Wright State’s physics department says the goal is to increase retention, academic success and work/career advancement with the idea of providing students who have financial need with scholarships to perform in the sciences.

Information from: Dayton Daily News, http://www.daytondailynews.com