AUGUSTA – The MELMAC Education Foundation has announced a new initiative, “Support Early Success in College,” with $3.4 million in grants to be distributed to Maine colleges over the next seven years.

MELMAC will disburse $225,000 to 13 four-year institutions over the next six years. Three two-year institutions will receive $150,000 over four years.

Bates College of Lewiston and Maine Maritime Academy of Castine will each receive a special one-time Strategic Focus Grant of $10,000 to support targeted research and analysis of how to retain the small number of students who do not complete their degree.

Other schools also may receive a $6,000 planning grant.

The funding provided by MELMAC is expected to reach nearly 51,000 students.

For more information, log on to the foundation’s Web site at www.melmacfoundation.org.