JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri officials announced Wednesday that nearly $9 million worth of grants will help develop so-called “Innovation Campuses” to help students complete their degrees sooner and land jobs in high-need fields.

The projects involve partnerships between colleges and universities, businesses and, frequently, area school districts to help students earn college credits and get work experience. Among the programs that won grant funding is an innovation campus in central Missouri that involves local high schools, Linn State Technical College, Lincoln University and several businesses.