INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ A new program aims to help certain college students make it to graduation.

The program supported by a $2.4 million grant from the nonprofit USA Funds to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education will connect nearly 2,500 college freshmen at Indiana State University, IUPUI and Ivy Tech Community College with a trained coach.

The initiative hopes to increase graduation rates by up to 15 percent for students enrolled in the state's 21st Century Scholars program.

College coaches will develop one-on-one relationships with students and help them map out a plan to meet their goals not just in school but in life, the commission says.

Only about 15 percent of 21st Century Scholars currently earn a two- or four-year degree on time.