PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Department of Education is receiving more than $7,500 in an effort to help more low-income students take Advanced Placement exams.

The Advanced Placement Test Fee Program aims to encourage historically underserved students to take the university-level tests and earn college credit for high school courses. The U.S. Department of Education says the goal is to reduce the time and cost required to earn a degree after high school.

The grant funding will be used to help pay for low-income students taking approved Advanced Placement tests administered by the College Board, the International Baccalaureate Organization and Cambridge International Examinations.

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