July 30, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY— SUNY Ulster has been awarded a $620,054 Future of Work Center for Healthcare grant from the State University of New York, funded through New York State, to expand workforce training opportunities that address critical healthcare staffing needs across Ulster County.
The three-year grant will enable SUNY Ulster to train approximately 150 individuals for in-demand allied health careers through industry-recognized certification programs, including Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified EKG Technician (CET), and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT). The program will include funds for student tuition, childcare assistance, and other supports to ensure the broadest access to Ulster County residents.
Working in partnership with local hospitals, healthcare providers, and community organizations, SUNY Ulster will strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce while creating accessible pathways to family-sustaining careers for county residents. The project will also expand access to workforce training in Ellenville and communities throughout southern Ulster County, helping remove geographic barriers to education and employment.
“This investment allows SUNY Ulster to respond directly to one of our region’s most pressing workforce challenges,” said Dr. Alison Buckley, President of SUNY Ulster. “By working closely with our healthcare partners, we will prepare residents for meaningful careers while helping local employers meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. At the same time, these short-term credentials create pathways for students to continue their education and advance into higher-level healthcare careers.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY is proud to champion initiatives that bolster student success and upward mobility for the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through the Future of Work Center Grant, SUNY Ulster is using collaboration and innovation to address a critical workforce shortage and ensure future healthcare providers have the resources they need to achieve their dreams.”
Ashima Butler, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ellenville Regional Hospital stated, “Ellenville Regional Hospital is proud to partner with SUNY Ulster on this important initiative. This grant will help strengthen healthcare education and career pathways by aligning workforce training with the real-world needs of healthcare employers. By sharing our expertise, engaging with students, and supporting curriculum development, we can help prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals while building a strong, sustainable workforce to serve our region. We congratulate SUNY Ulster on this significant achievement and look forward to our continued collaboration.”
As healthcare continues to evolve, the initiative is designed not only to prepare individuals for immediate employment but also to build educational pathways into degree programs and advanced healthcare credentials. Graduates will be positioned for career advancement while supporting the long-term workforce needs of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations throughout the region.
The grant is part of SUNY’s Future of Work Centers, a statewide initiative funded through New York State’s Job Linkage program. Future of Work Centers foster partnerships between SUNY community colleges and employers to rapidly develop workforce training that addresses regional labor shortages. The initiative supports the creation of short-term, non-degree and degree-eligible credential programs that prepare New Yorkers—particularly individuals from historically underrepresented communities—for careers in high-growth industries. Programs are aligned with regional employer needs and support the goals of SUNY Reconnect by expanding access to education and career opportunities.
SUNY Ulster’s Future of Work Center for Healthcare reflects the college’s commitment to providing innovative workforce solutions that strengthen the local economy, support healthcare providers, and connect residents with rewarding careers that offer family-sustaining wages.
About SUNY Ulster
SUNY Ulster is a community college of the State University of New York, serving Ulster County and the Hudson Valley with high-quality, affordable education to over six thousand students annually across 70 academic programs. The college offers transfer and career programs, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities that prepare students for success in college, careers, and their communities.
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