COHOES, N.Y. -- Underprivileged and underserved youth at Cohoes High School will soon have the chance to earn dozens of college credits, long before their graduation day. The opportunity is part of the district's new "Future-Ready Pathways" program, in partnership with two local colleges.

The program, which will begin in the spring 2018 semester, will be available to 25 freshmen students who meet one or more criteria: first-generation college attendees, minority students, low-income families and more. The students apply in the fall semester and will be chosen by a committee after the November 30 application deadline.

Winners will be supplied with a one-on-one mentor, a Google Chromebook computer, and an augmented learning schedule, including as much as 90 extra hours of class time each year. The entire offering is free of charge.

The goal will be to foster collegiate experience for children who would otherwise not have the opportunity for higher learning.

"We know how important (college) is; we're trying to educate our students about the impact it will have on their futures," said superintendent Jennifer Spring, who spearheaded the program and its partnerships.

"Future-Ready Pathways" is funded by a grant from the New York State Education Department. It will be available to each freshman class over the next four years, and will continue further pending future grant approvals.