A number of “high-need school districts” across the Hudson Valley are eligible to receive funding for quality after-school programs.

On Tuesday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced $35 million in funding is available for high-need school districts across New York to establish quality after-school programs.

"This investment in our youngest New Yorkers is an investment in the very future of this state," Governor Cuomo said. "With this funding, we will further level the playing field for children in underserved cities across New York by expanding their access to programs and community resources that will help them get ahead and help create a stronger, fairer Empire State for all."

Eligible local school districts include Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, Fallsburg, Monticello, Kiryas Joel, East Ramapo and Yonkers.

Eligible school districts may partner with non-profit agencies to provide after-school programs.

"Research shows that after-school programs are associated with lower drop-out rates and reduced juvenile crime," said acting OCFS Commissioner Sheila J. Poole. "The addition of these 22,000 slots will contribute to both the academic and social success of our children."

In order to be eligible school districts must:
• Be located in municipalities designated under the Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative;
• Be located in a county that had a child poverty rate of over 30 percent in 2015;
• Have a district child poverty rate of over 30 percent in 2015; or
• Had between 5,000 and 20,000 students living in poverty within the school district in 2015.

According to the Governor’s Office, high quality after-school programs have a $3 return on investment for every dollar spent.

"This program will help to close the achievement gap in communities with underserved children," said State Education Department Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. "Extending the school day will provide educational opportunity in a safe and learning-rich environment."

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