(a) The council, acting by and through the commissioner, is hereby authorized to develop, organize or operate, or to provide for the development, organization and operation, of not more than 8 neighborhood education centers.
(b) For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this act, the commissioner, on behalf of and with the approval of the council, is hereby authorized to enter into contracts and agreements with, and to make payments of money based thereon to, sponsors of neighborhood education centers.