Education & Workforce Training

Ulster County is home to some of the best educational institutions in the region. They work closely with the business community to develop a skilled and well-trained workforce.

SUNY New Paltz

Committed to providing high-quality affordable education to students, SUNY New Paltz is the only residential 4-year public university in the mid-Hudson region that includes graduate programs.

New Paltz is nationally recognized among the top public colleges in the U.S. Some of its accolades include: US News & World Report ranking the College 6th among public masters institutions in the North; Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Higher Education ranking of New Paltz 49th nationally, and listing it among Kiplinger’s 30 Best College Values in the Mid-Atlantic as well as Kiplinger’s Best College Values Under $30,000. The College also ranked 2nd in the U.S. in the Affordable Colleges Online list of the nation’s most affordable colleges with the biggest return on investment, and it ranked 6th in Great Value Colleges 2014 list of “50 Affordable Colleges in the Northeast.” SUNY New Paltz was also cited in The Princeton Review’s Guide to 332 Green Colleges, and was recognized by the U.S. Department of State among the nation’s leaders in Fulbright Scholars. For more information about SUNY New Paltz, click here.

SUNY Ulster

SUNY Ulster is a two-year community college that offers a rich curricula for full- and part- time students as well as continuing education for adults. To learn more about their full-time program, click here. For continuing education click here.

SUNY Ulster also specializes in economic and workforce development. Any company with two or more employees may apply for a SUNY Workforce Development Grant. First priority is given to businesses that are newly relocated to New York State, new business start-ups, businesses that are expanding their operations and/or employers creating new jobs. Consideration is also given to employers improving productivity, efficiency, effectiveness and profitability through training. The once-a-year grant requires at least a 10 percent cash match. The grant is written and administered by SUNY Ulster on behalf of the applicant company. For more information, click here.

Ulster BOCES

Providing career and technical education programs as well as adult education within the County, Ulster BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) opens doors to innovative and exciting programs for hundreds of students each year. BOCES staff members have particular skills and expertise related to each of the programs and services offered. To learn more about Ulster BOCES, click here.

Ulster County Office of Employment and Training

The Ulster County Office of Employment and Training (UCOET) provides job seekers and employers the needed assistance to create a highly skilled and qualified workforce for Ulster County. By providing job training for eligible and suitable dislocated workers, low income and otherwise disadvantaged adults and youth, UCOET answers the needs of employers seeking a well-trained and capable workforce. Business services include job postings, employee screenings, tax credit information, customized training and on-the-job training. For more information, contact the Office of Employment and Training at (845) 340-3170 or via email at: oet[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us or visit its website here.

Nearby, World-class Colleges

Ulster County is also adjacent to some incredible world-class, 4-year and graduate colleges that include: Vassar College; Bard College; Marist; and the famed Culinary Institute of America