Students in four school districts are kicking off the new Utah Scholars initiative, aimed at getting students to take tougher classes in high school to better prepare for college and the workplace.

"We need brain power that's developed at the earliest stages" in today's global economy, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. said in unveiling the program Thursday. But even more, he said, program participants will enjoy a better quality of life.

Utah is one of 22 states participating in the State Scholars initiative, and one of eight this year to receive $300,000 in two-year federal grants to boost numbers of students taking rigorous classes in high school.

The following schools are participating:

Granite School District: Granger High, Valley and West Lake junior highs, and the Academy for Math, Engineering & Science (AMES); Jordan School District: Hillcrest High, Midvale and Union middle schools; Park City School District: Park City High, Ecker Hill and Treasure Mountain International middle schools; Provo School District: Provo and Timpview high schools and Centennial and Dixon middle schools.

The initiative encourages students to take four years each of English and math courses, 3 1/2 years of social studies, three years of science and two years of a foreign language.

Those who complete the program will be recognized at graduation and may qualify for additional federal financial aid.