Connecticut on Wednesday announced it has become the first U.S. state to require that high schools offer an elective course on black and Latino studies.

“Increasing the diversity of what we teach is critical to providing students with a better understanding of who we are as a society and where we are going,” Gov. Lamont said in a statement announcing the requirement.

The course is the result of a state law signed last year which aims to give students a better understanding of how African American, black, Latino and Puerto Rican populations have contributed to the nation’s history.

Last week, the Connecticut State Board of Education approved the curriculum.

The course can be provided next school year — and by fall 2022, high schools will be required to offer it.

“Adding this course in our high schools will be an enormous benefit not only to our Black and Latino students, but to students of all backgrounds because everyone can benefit from these studies,” Lamont said.