SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota's two largest public universities are now part of a nine-university collaborative expanding an early-childhood education initiative initially funded by philanthropist T. Denny Sanford.

The University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University are among the schools that will train teachers on a program targeting the social and emotional development of children in preschool through sixth grade.

A $20 million anonymous donation announced Tuesday to a San Diego university leading the collaborative will allow for the expansion of the Sanford Harmony and Sanford Inspire programs at school districts nationwide.

The Harmony Program is the only one being implemented in South Dakota. It encourages students to work together to foster empathy and cooperation.

The expansion is expected to reach over 2,000 schools, including some in Sioux Falls and Vermillion.

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