The University of Hawai'i Student Equity, Excellence and Diversity Office has been awarded a four-year $880,000 grant through the McNair Student Achievement Program.

The university says the money will help first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students in Hawai'i achieve doctoral degrees.

Each year, the program will target 25 juniors at the university. They will be mentored in research opportunities, and participate in summer research internships and workshops to strengthen academic skills for graduate-school entry.

According to the National Office of Postsecondary Education, students from lower-income families have lower rates of academic preparation and success rates than students with higher-income family backgrounds.