INDIANAPOLIS (AP): The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded a total of more than $1.3 million to 16 local housing authorities in Indiana to help families living in public housing and those participating in a housing choice voucher program further their education, find good jobs, and attain self-sufficiency.

The Indianapolis Housing Authority is receiving nearly $282,000 in the grants announced this week, while housing authorities in Evansville, New Albany, Fort Wayne and Terre Haute will receive grants of $100,000 or more. Smaller grans are going to housing authorities in Vincennes, Kokomo, Hammond, Gary, South Bend, Michigan City, Bloomington, Elkhart, Marion, Columbus and Peru.

The grants allow public housing agencies to work with social service agencies, community colleges, businesses and other partners to help the affected residents gain job skills.