Tempe has opened up the application process for its free preschool pilot program, which has 316 seats available.

To qualify for the program, residents must live within Tempe city limits and be living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

The first classes in this two-year pilot program will begin in August.

Tempe City Councilman David Schapira said he’s excited to begin seeing how and if the program impacts student performance.

"So we’re working with Tempe Elementary School District as well as Kyrene School District to ensure that we have enough sites," said Schapira. "We have 15 sites in those two school districts that will be opening in August." 

By mid-morning Monday, Tempe officials reported that about 70 applications had been submitted. If they end up getting more applications than seats available, officials will hold drawings at the end of June and in mid july.