A $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education will help Umpqua Community College support Douglas County middle and high school students from disadvantage backgrounds on their path to attending and graduating from college.

The grant is part of a Talent Search program and will enable UCC to provide low-income and first-generation college students with expanded academic tutoring and advising opportunities.

As many as 590 students from Douglas County schools can apply to be a part of the program. High schools included in the program are Roseburg, Douglas, South Umpqua, Sutherlin, Glide and Riddle. Middle schools include Fremont, Winston, Coffenberry, Sutherlin, Glide and Riddle.

The program is up for renewal every five years.

To learn more about Umpqua Community College call 541-440-4606 or visit www.umpqua.edu.