U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona dropped in on some soon-to-be-fourth graders in Queens Tuesday, as they worked on art projects in the last week of the Summer Rising program.

For students, the program, in its second year, provides an opportunity to catch up on academics after the disruption of the pandemic, while also enjoying summer-camp style activities.

“I enjoyed the teachers because they were really nice, and I enjoyed also doing art and learning different techniques like handicraft is when you do art with your hands,” one student said.

And for Cardona, the visit was an opportunity to tout President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, the 20-21 legislation that helped give a financial boost to local governments and school districts reeling from COVID-19.

“The kids said it best — they’re ready for the school year, they’re full of confidence. They have more skills, they have more social skills. The American Rescue Plan dollars are at work, improving the lives of children, period,” Cardona said.

Throughout his visit — which included a roundtable with congressional representative Grace Meng, students, a parent and program staff — Cardona trumpeted that additional federal funding for schools.

But in the city, over 75% of schools are set to have lower budgets this September than they did last year. That’s because of falling enrollment, which is tied to the amount of money each school gets, to hire teachers and create programs. Cardona was asked what his message is to city leaders.

“There’s not time that I can remember where there was more money in education, a greater need from our students, so right now we need to make sure we’re investing in education at all levels not just at the federal level, at the state, at the local level, not only here in New York but across the country,” he said.

Pressed further on the local cuts, Cardona deferred to Meng, who noted most of the city’s congressional delegation had written to Mayor Adams asking him to use federal funds to avoid these cuts.

“I know they are still working with the formula and other considerations, but we’d like them to use that money,” Meng said.

Further complicating the situation is a lawsuit over the city’s schools budget process — which will be tied up in an appeal until at least Aug. 29.