Alabama A&M University’s work to improve basic education in Ethiopia has received a $13 million boost from the federal government.

The grant from the U.S. International Development Agency was one of three federal contracts announced Thursday by the university.

A&M also received a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation for research in advanced materials and nanophotonics and a $2.2 million foundation grant to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

The three-year Ethiopia grant is part of a larger $600 million initiative to pair historically black colleges with African nations. A&M’s grant funds its Textbooks and Learning Materials Program, which puts books and other materials in Ethiopian schools.

“Day to day, African nations confront horrendous obstacles in their quest to properly educate their children,” said A&M President Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr. “The textbook program offers (A&M) an opportunity to appreciatively give back to Ethiopia, a country with an ancient and rich heritage, while furthering our mission on an international scale.”

“The textbooks are used by 100 percent of the children of the country,” said Lamin Drammeh, manager of a similar program for Tanzania based at South Carolina State University. “The learning materials reflect what’s needed for the country’s work force, are culturally relevant, and are published in Africa by local African publishers using African distribution centers.”

A&M has developed English-as-a-second language textbooks for children in grades 1, 6, 7 and 8. The university has also trained teachers.

The science grants will help upgrade A&M research facilities and equipment and develop programs in nanoscience, nanotechnology and other areas of engineering.