FALL RIVER - The federal government has given a $1.9 million grant to Bristol Community College for a program to keep first-year students from dropping out.

The grant is expected to be awarded over five years with a first installment of $398,234 due this year.

BCC is one of just two colleges in the state to get the grant, which comes from the U.S. Department of Education's Strengthening Institutions Program.

BCC operates a branch campus in Attleboro.

College officials said the money will be used to create a program called the Connected College, which aims to increase the success of freshmen and keep them in school. The program will strive to create stronger attachments between freshmen, faculty and other students through technology and new practices.

First year studies will be revamped and special individual learning plans will be developed to foster first-year success.

"The Connected College will bring powerful tools to Bristol Community College," college President John Sbrega said. "It will take advantage of the latest in technology to connect first-year students to their learning, to the college and to each other. It addresses a common issue in higher education, keeping first-year students in college."