JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Three high schools in the St. Louis area will share $1.3 million in grants to establish innovation programs.

Gov. Jay Nixon announced the awards Thursday. The programs will allow students to intern with local businesses and earn college credit through St. Louis Community College.

The Pattonville School District and St. Louis Innovation High School were awarded $500,000 each, while the Ferguson-Florissant district received $300,000.

Missouri is one of six states qualifying for the funding, which is administered by Harvard University and Jobs for the Future.