Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced $15 million has been awarded to 26 school districts to increase access to high-quality pre-kindergarten for over 2,000 three and four year-old children.

This funding will also support the expansion of pre-K to high-need and underserved school districts as part of the state's ongoing effort to promote early education and improve academic outcomes for all students.

None of the funding will end up in St. Lawrence County, according to the press release.

"New York is making an unprecedented commitment to universal pre-kindergarten for children living in high-need and underserved school districts," Cuomo said. "This funding will help ensure more children than ever before are able to attend pre-K and enjoy the proven benefits of early childhood education into adulthood."

Funding was awarded to school districts based on quality of applications and other factors such as district and student need, the state's effort to target the highest need students, and a focus on maximizing the total number of children served in pre-kindergarten programs.

The funding will support the expansion of pre-K into high-need districts, including those where there are currently no pre-K seats.