JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Education has awarded $17 million in grants to some Mississippi schools.

U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., says the funds are provided through the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program.

He says the program provides money to establish or strengthen the academic resources, management capabilities, and physical plants of the schools.

Grants were awarded to Tougaloo College ($2.19 million), Hinds Community College-Utica campus ($1.59 million), Jackson State University ($5.31 million), Mississippi Valley State University ($2.53 million), Coahoma Community College ($2.47 million) and Alcorn State University ($2.98 million).