SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Indiana University South Bend is one of 44 schools across the country participating in a new program aimed at improving the performance of first-year college students.

According to the South Bend Tribune, the Re-Imagine the First Year program is being led by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities with help from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and USA Funds.

The schools will work through 2018 to try to develop ways to help students improve performance. The program is aimed in particular at low-income students, first-generation students and students from racial minorities.

Indiana University’s northwest, east and southeast campuses are also part of the program.