The University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine is expanding a 35-year-old program to bring more disadvantaged students into medical school.

The university announced Friday that the Imi Hoola Post-Baccalaurate Program is increasing its 2010-2011 class from 10 to 12 students.

The program recruits college graduates from socially, educationally or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. They enter into an intensive, 12-month course of study that strengthens their knowledge of science and the humanities.

The school says it allows them to overcome challenges that may have prevented them from being accepted into medical school.

Students who successfully complete the program are admitted into the next medical school class.