The aim is to get under-represented groups into university

The money will be used to fund eight projects across England, including one to help youngsters with learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

The Aim Higher campaign has been promoted by celebrities like Stephen Gerrard and Naomi Campbell.

The scheme backs the government's aim to get 50% of people under the age of 30 into university by 2010.

The �5.24m funding package will support a partnership between Leicester University and The Royal Society of Chemistry to encourage more students to take up courses in the chemical sciences.

Activities will include providing hands-on access to modern laboratories through summer schools and open days.

Football in the community

A project at Manchester Metropolitan University will combine out-of-school homework and coursework sessions with football coaching and mentoring sessions with ex-footballers and local students.

Another scheme aims to raise the profile of learning disabilities such as dyslexia and organise activities to support young people with these problems.

The Aim Higher scheme is supported by the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Learning and Skills Council.

John Rushforth, Hefce's director of widening participation, said: "We are delighted to be able to announce this funding which supports the development of Aim Higher activity at a national level."

"The wealth of high quality, innovative and exciting projects throughout the country will in turn help to raise aspirations and encourage under-represented groups to participate in higher education."