ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — The University of Georgia has launched a $10,000 program billed as a way to attract more black males to the student body.

Currently, black males are 3 percent of undergraduates at the Athens campus. There are nearly twice as many black females enrolled. But both figures are dwarfed by the statewide African-American population, which accounts for almost a third of Georgia residents.

UGA leaders note black male students have a 77 percent graduation rate, considerably higher than the national average of 40 percent. But they want more African-American students in the freshman class from the start.

Much of the initial grant, which comes from the state university system, will pay for recruiting events to get prospective students to the campus. Currently enrolled black men also will step up recruiting efforts.