February 3, 2022 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster announces the extension of a 1.5 million grant from the NoVo Foundation to continue its innovative New Start for Women Program that assists women in Ulster County who are living on poverty-level incomes to obtain an education, skills, and the professional network needed for family-sustaining careers. This extension will be disbursed in $500,000 increments over three years.
The program, now in its third year, awards a Certificate in General Management upon completion. The program has a graduation rate of over 70 percent with half of these graduates choosing to continue their education by enrolling in an Associate Degree program at SUNY Ulster or at local four-year colleges.
Breanna Simmons, a current student of New Start who will be graduating in May, says she is already using some of the skills she has learned in her current position working with people who have developmental disabilities. “My plan after graduation is to continue my studies at SUNY Ulster. I would like to pursue a career in nursing.”
“SUNY Ulster has a longstanding commitment to the education of adult students looking to enhance or change their career paths. New Start helps talented women in our community who do not have access to or cannot take advantage of educational opportunities as a result of economic circumstances, overwhelming barriers, or life challenges,” adds Jordan Scruggs, Director for New Start. “And, we are so appreciative to both the NoVo Foundation and to long-time SUNY Ulster donor, Darlene L. Pfeiffer who saw the potential of New Start and invested the first $100,000 in seed money to kickstart this program.”
According to the US Census Bureau, nearly 14% of the population live below the poverty line. The largest demographic group living in poverty is females aged 25-34, followed by females 18-24, and then females 35-44. New Start provides an education, combined with added community support and services to empower participants to succeed, leading to employment within the community.
The program’s success is shared with the community partnerships among the college, local nonprofit organizations, community services, and businesses that provide the tools and services students need such as home-based internet services, childcare, transportation, tutoring, counseling, and more.
About SUNY Ulster
SUNY Ulster, established in 1963, is a comprehensive two-year community college. The college is ranked as the Best Community College in New York State for 2020 and 2021 by BestColleges.com. Offering over 60 academic programs, students are prepared to succeed in a wide variety of careers and industry-specific credentialing programs. Committed to student success, SUNY Ulster offers value and opportunity for all members of the Ulster County community. Visit www.sunyulster.edu.
About Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc.
The Ulster Community College Foundation raises funds to promote academic excellence, accessibility to higher education, and economic vitality in Ulster County in collaboration with SUNY Ulster. In 2021-22, the Foundation created over $4M in revenue and invested nearly $1.2 M in scholarships, programs, and other support for SUNY Ulster and its students.
About the NoVo Foundation
Established in 2006 by Jennifer and Peter Buffett, the NoVo Foundation supports a holistic, interconnected, and healing vision for humanity. For further details about the mission and vision of the NoVo Foundation, please visit www.novofoundation.org.
