SUNY Ulster launches first-of-its-kind workforce program in New York

SUNY Ulster is now the first community college in New York to implement a SNAP Employment and Training program. This initiative, developed alongside the Ulster County Department of Social Services, provides direct assistance to students enrolled in workforce training classes.

The program offers federal funding to cover essential costs for eligible participants. Students can receive help with transportation expenses, childcare, and specific workforce training fees. By accessing these resources, the college aims to remove financial barriers that often prevent students from finishing their degrees or certifications.

College leadership worked for three years alongside state and national organizations to secure the framework for this partnership. The initiative operates by seeking federal reimbursement for college expenditures on student support services. This structure allows the institution to reinvest money into student success, specifically for those in workforce development paths.

Starting this fall, eligible students at SUNY Ulster will have access to these benefits. University president Alison Buckley noted that the project required significant coordination between various government entities but ultimately provides a replicable model for other schools across the state. This initiative marks a shift in how community colleges in the region manage resources for non-traditional and low-income students.