New York officials say they are making grants available to schools in distressed areas so they can provide support services for children and their families including health care, counseling, nutrition and employment help.

Administration officials say that in the first round, about 30 schools will be selected to get grants up to $500,000 each over three years.

They say it’s part of the program Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced in January meant to provide critical academic, health, social services and extra-curricular activities mainly in school buildings.

The State Education Department plans to accept applications until Sept. 18 with selections in the early in the 2013-14 school year and services expected to start during that year.

(AP)