A new proposal will help expand after-school education to children in 16 high-needed areas across the state, including one local area.

On Monday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed a $35 million pilot program to create 22,000 new after-school slots in high-need areas across the state. With this investment, the state is on track to increase enrollment in these areas by 36%, officials say.

According to the governor’s office, this plan will give New Yorkers access to the highest number of after-school programs in state history.

The pilot program will focus on 16 cities, including Newburgh, that are part of the state’s Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative, focusing on kids who do not have a safe and supportive place to go after school.

A more productive day leads to higher academic outcomes, lower dropout rates, a reduction in juvenile crime and a better chance at succeeding in life, officials say.

“After-school programs play an important role in enriching the lives of students, and this proposal helps in our efforts to provide these opportunities to all children, regardless of their zip code,” Cuomo said. “This pilot program will further level the playing field for children in underserved cities across the state by expanding their access to programs and community resources that will help them get ahead in school and later on in life.”

Along with Newburgh the other cities involved with the plan are Albany, Bronx, Binghamton, Buffalo, Elmira, Hempstead, Jamestown, Niagara Falls, Oneonta, Oswego, Rochester, Syracuse, Troy, Utica and Watertown.

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