Connecticut is investing $6.2 million in a program designed to improve school attendance after chronic absenteeism rates dropped significantly over the past five years.

Gov. Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker announced the funding will go to 29 school districts through the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program, known as LEAP.

The program focuses on building relationships between students and school staff to improve attendance and engagement.

State officials say chronic absenteeism has fallen from 23% to just over 16% since LEAP launched five years ago.

The new funding will help districts continue efforts to connect students with support systems aimed at keeping them engaged in school and reducing absenteeism.