SUNY Ulster announced 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.
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