DURHAM, N.H. (AP) — The University of New Hampshire Department of Education has received a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to start a science-based afterschool program in rural New England communities.

The three-year project will look at changes in the knowledge, attitudes and motivation of more than 2,000 rural and indigenous youth across the region for learning science as they participate in local community-oriented programs.

UNH said the goal is strengthen the connection for youth between science and their home and community lives.