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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) The U.S. Department of education has awarded a more-than $371,000 grant to help a North Dakota program reduce binge drinking among college students.

The North Dakota Higher Education Consortium for Substance Abuse Prevention won the grant. The state Board of Higher Education created the consortium in 2003. The group works to prevent alcohol and drug abuse in Jamestown, where Jamestown College is located, and the 11 communities that are home to North Dakota University campuses.

The grant will be used to train staff members on intervention strategies for at-risk students. It will provide online alcohol education for first-year students. It also will help provide options to students for alcohol-free, late-night activities.

On the Net: Consortium for Substance Abuse Prevention: http://www.und.nodak.edu/org/ndhec/ (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-26-09 1542CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list