Governor Cuomo stopped in Sullivan County on a statewide tour to announce $35 million of additional funding to increase capacity for after school programs across the state.

For the after-school programs at Rutherford, that money translates to more homework help, wellness programs and extracurricular enrichment.

"Practice helps every child ... and the more they have, the better they're going to do, and they'll keep reaching those goals that they strive for," explained third grade teacher Giulia Jones. "I think it's amazing to have that extra time with students, because there's not enough time to get through everything that needs to get through throughout the day." 

Cuomo said the programs will help prepare students for their future and put them on track for college.

"There are more and better things we can do after 3 [p.m.] than you just go home and hang out at home," Cuomo said. "Going home at 3 and just playing with video games doesn't really help you."

Across the Mid-Hudson Valley, districts received more than $7.7 million in additional funding. For education leaders in the Monticello School District, it means students will get field trips, robotics programs and special presentations -- and will also help working parents lessen the burden of finding after-school care.

"These funds will allow us to show our kiddos the world," said Monticello Central School District Superintendent Tammy Mangus.