Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced $2.8 million in Empire State After-School Program funding has been awarded to two high-need school districts on Long Island. This funding will support the addition of 1,762 new slots, bringing the total number to 4,708 - a 60 percent increase over last year. First announced in January as part of the Governor's 2017 State of the State, a total of $35 million in funding has been enacted in the 2017-2018 Budget to provide districts across the state with these five-year grants.

"An investment in our children is an investment in the future of this state," Governor Cuomo said. "These after-school programs will help ensure young New Yorkers in high-need school districts receive the guidance they need, while helping bring positive change to these communities and laying the foundation for a stronger New York for all."

Research has shown that after-school programs are associated with lower school drop-out rates and a reduction in juvenile crime. School districts receiving funding are in communities with high rates of child poverty and many are in communities designated under the Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative. Additional research has shown that children enrolled in high-quality after-school programs have better peer relations, emotional adjustment, conflict-resolution skills, and overall conduct in school, as well as higher scores on standardized tests in math, reading, and language arts. Quality after-school programs have also been found to have a $3 return on investment for every dollar spent.

The following districts have been awarded funding on Long Island:

School District	Children Served	Funding Amount
Hempstead Union Free School District	877	$1,400,000
Uniondale School District	885	$1,420,000
Total	1,762	$2,820,000

The following schools by district have received funding in the Mid-Hudson Valley:

Hempstead Union Free School District:

Schools and Community Partners Receiving Funding:

• Hempstead High School
• Alverta B. Gray Schultz (ABGS) Middle School
• Front Street Elementary
• David Paterson Elementary
• Jackson Annex Elementary
• Jackson Main Elementary
• Barack Obama Elementary
• Franklin Elementary
• Family and Children's Association
• Hispanic Counseling Center
• Hempstead Boys & Girls Club
• Legal Aid Society
• Peace Valley Haven, Inc.
• Pilot Assistance Foundation
• CulturePlay

Uniondale School District School District:

Schools and Community Partners Receiving Funding:

• California Avenue Elementary School
• Grant Avenue Elementary School
• Northern Parkway Elementary School
• Smith Street Elementary School
• Walnut Street Elementary School
• Lawrence Road Middle School
• Turtle Hook Middle School
• Uniondale High School
• Uniondale Community Council
• STRONG (Struggling to Reunite our New Generation)
• Code Scholars
• Girl Scouts
• Girls Inc.
• Nassau County Museum of Art
• Uniondale Public Library

The Governor first announced the availability of funds in May, which will support the creation or expansion of after-school programs in high-need school districts statewide. Administered by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, the two Long Island school districts will receive annual installments for the five-year grant period.

The Empire State After-School Program funding builds on Governor Cuomo's continued commitment to advance education across the state. This year alone, funding for education increased 4.3 percent on Long Island, delivering $3.1 billion to schools throughout the region. These investments have led to a growth in graduation rates across New York, including a 48 percent graduation rate on Long Island in 2017, up from 40 percent in 2015.

Funding for New York's Community Schools initiative also received an increase in funding this year, with an additional $50 million to support children and families across the state, and increased access to services including health care, elder care, nutrition education, job training and counseling.

State Office of Children and Family Services Acting Commissioner Sheila J. Poole said, "This funding will provide thousands more children in our state with a safe, supported and nurturing place to go after school, which gives parents peace of mind while providing students with an environment that will contribute to their academic and social success."

New York State Board of Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa said, "A child's development doesn't stop when the school bell rings at the end of the day, and neither should our support of that learning," Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa said. "After-school programs, like those funded by these grants, are a critical piece of the effort to provide equitable learning to all of our children and offer families additional support they need to make sure students are prepared for successful futures."

State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia said, "The research is clear. Strong afterschool programs provide a wide range of benefits for children, families and their communities. These programs can enhance academic performance, improve classroom behavior, reduce unhealthy and risky behaviors, encourage physical activity and good dietary habits, and provide a safe and supportive environment for the children of working parents. I applaud the Governor and the legislature for making these benefits available to so many children and families across the State."

Senator Carl L. Marcellino, Chair of the New York State Senate Education Committee, said, "We have seen time and time again the positive impact after school programs have on our students. By providing increased opportunities for learning in a safe environment, children are given the choice of pursuing constructive progress instead of destructive mistakes. Anytime we have the resources to add significant seats to these programs, we must. I commend Governor Cuomo for his dedication to these efforts and look forward to doing even more next year."

Assemblymember Cathy Nolan, Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, said, "I am very excited about the progress that we are making for students across our state. Educators, parents and stakeholders all agree that the hours immediately following the end of the school day are among the most difficult for working families who struggle to access resources for their children. This funding will not only provide peace of mind, it will ensure that there are safe and rewarding options within reach of the students and families who need it most. I want to thank our partners in government and all of the hardworking educators and advocates for their tireless efforts to promote success for New York's students."

Shimon Waronker, Ed. D., Hempstead Superintendent, said, "I applaud Governor Cuomo's $35 million to increase after-school programs. His plan will help working families by providing the extra support our children desperately need."

Uniondale School District Superintendent Dr. William K. Lloyd said, "This new investment in after school programming will ensure the Uniondale School District can continue its trajectory of success, supporting students as they learn and grow and thrive. Based on Governor Cuomo's initiative, this will help enable our students to be totally prepared with a 21st century education and to continue to exceed standards. This grant is greatly valued and appreciated by our community."

About the Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative

The New York State Empire Poverty Reduction Initiative includes the cities with the highest concentration of poverty: Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Elmira, Jamestown, Oneonta, Oswego, Syracuse, Utica and Troy. ESPRI focuses on using existing resources more effectively and purposefully to end poverty, strengthen relationships between the business, public and nonprofit sectors in each community, and ensure greater coordination between state and local government to expand economic opportunity for all New Yorkers.