Purdue, Indiana State receive U.S. innovation grants

Purdue and Indiana State universities are among 24 colleges and universities receiving grants from the Education Department to foster innovation in college value and efficiency.

The new competition is called "First in the World" and 500 schools applied. Applicants submitted proposals with plans in areas such as improving graduation rates, making it smoother to transfer between schools and increasing enrollment in science and technology programs.

Purdue says it will use its four-year, $2.3 million grant to redesign large lecture courses in areas such as science to more fully engage students.

Indiana State says it will use its four-year, $1.6 million grant for a project that builds on research that found that when students truly believe they can be successful, a large portion will be successful.