For more than eighty-seven years the Capital District of New York has been home to one of the nation's finest business schools. In 1917, when a shortage of office workers in the Capital District occurred because of World War I, many positions previously held by men opened to women. Many young women became excited about the opportunity to obtain the skills needed to fill these well-paying office positions.

A group of young women turned to Mrs. Augusta Mildred Elley, known in the community as a woman of letters. Educated at a New York City private school, she held a four-year college degree. Mrs. Elley was a well known suffragette and respected for her intellectual pursuits. She agreed to teach typing and shorthand in her home at 245 Quail Street in Albany, New York.
In 1919 fifty students graduated from Mildred Elley's school. The school soon outgrew the Elley home, and in 1927, the school moved to a "modern commercial building" at 227 Quail Street. For nearly seventy years, this building was the home of educational and career opportunities for many women.

In 1985, Faith Ann Takes became President of Mildred Elley School. Under her leadership, the school entered an era of change and growth. In ten years, the enrollment grew from thirty-seven to over five hundred students. In 1985, the school became co-educational. In 1989, an evening division was created and has grown to nearly the size of the day division. In 2002, a weekend division was added.

Since January 1997, graduates have been able to earn the Associate in Occupational Studies (A.O.S.) degree. In 1998, Mildred Elley moved into its current location at 800 New Loudon Road in Latham. This modern 21,000 square-foot facility is conveniently located in Latham Circle Mall, close to major access roads in the Capital Region.

Mildred Elley is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to award diplomas, certificates, and the Associate in Occupational Studies (A.O.S.) degree. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education. This accreditation is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Mildred Elley's Latham, New York Campus is approved by the New York State Board of Regents to offer the Associate in Occupational Studies (A.O.S.) degree. Mildred Elley is also approved by the New York State Education Department (SED), Veterans of the Armed Forces, and the Office of Vocational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID). Mildred Elley is also registered with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Office.

Mildred Elley's Pittsfield, Massachusetts Campus is licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Education.

Mission Statement
The mission of Mildred Elley is to provide quality career education and technical training to allow students of diverse educational, cultural and personal backgrounds to become successful in an ever-changing global economy. Mildred Elley strives to afford students quality placement opportunities and instill in all of our graduates a desire for lifelong education and learning.