LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Science, math and engineering afterschool programs in two southern New Mexico school districts will benefit from a $4.78 million grant.

New Mexico State University's STEM Outreach Center plans to work with the Gadsden and Las Cruces school districts to expand the afterschool programs.

Over the next four years, the grant will supply $880,000 per year for Gadsden schools and $315,000 per year for Las Cruces schools.

The university says thousands of students benefit from the afterschool programs each year. Director Susan Brown says students who participate are testing higher in science and math on standardized tests.

The programs include the Southern New Mexico Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy and the Digital Media Academy. Each academy lasts several weeks.