Opportunity Academy Announces First Graduating Class

LONG ISLAND CITY, New York (June 27, 2016) —The first cohort of the Opportunity Academy, a construction administration training program that can lead to employment opportunities with city agencies or small businesses throughout the city, graduated on June 23 at LaGuardia Community College.        

Developed by the NYC School Construction Authority (SCA), in collaboration with LaGuardia Community College and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC), the program promotes career readiness by preparing individuals for openings in construction office administration—jobs that require knowledge of processes, compliance laws and regulations about public construction management, procurement, labor and more.

“When all individuals participate in our economy regardless of their race, gender or ethnicity, the City as a whole flourishes – which is why we strive to be an inclusive City. I applaud the great work DDC, SCA, LaGuardia Community College, and the Opportunity Academy is doing to prepare people for a great career in construction. I also want to thank them for getting us closer to our goal of awarding $16 billion in M/WBE contracts by 2025,” said NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“The offices of SCA and DDC are in a building next to our campus—so we’re thrilled to collaborate with our neighbors on Opportunity Academy! This innovative program brings together the expertise of New York City’s construction agencies and faculty here at LaGuardia, to help interested City residents become skilled in the high demand field of construction office administration,” said Dr. Gail O. Mellow, President of LaGuardia Community College. “The program reflects what we at LaGuardia do best—educating and training people who want to get a high-quality job with employers who need their skills.”

Opportunity Academy is a free program that offers students a stipend during training and internship phases, funded by SCA and DDC.

Twenty-nine students graduated from the 10-week program, which began in April 2016, and featured classes led by SCA and DDC construction and procurement professionals. As part of the training, students studied various processes and procedures necessary to conduct business with the SCA and DDC from bidding to project closeout.

Next, the 29 graduates will begin 42-week internships with certified minority-owned, woman-owned and locally based business enterprises (MWLBE) enrolled in SCA’s mentor program, as well as with various SCA and DDC departments. By working directly with these potential employers, Opportunity Academy graduates will have opportunities to gain job skills that will allow them to compete as industry professionals.

“With Opportunity Academy, the SCA is growing our commitment to students and MWBLE firms. By teaching the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the construction industry, we not only strengthen our MWBLE firms but have opened a new pathway to middle-class career readiness at LaGuardia Community College,” said Lorraine Grillo, president and CEO of SCA. “Our partnership with LaGuardia has been invaluable and through our shared dedication and commitment to Opportunity Academy, we’ve made tremendous gains.”

“This unique and innovative program at LaGuardia Community College will allow interested students to gain valuable on-the-job training in construction management and procurement,” said Rev. Jacques DeGraff, Chair of SCA’s Diversity Advisory Council. “To gain access to middle-class jobs in a highly-competitive 21^st century environment, students need the transferable skills that Opportunity Academy provides. I am thrilled to be a part of creating a link between our MWLBE firms and a newly trained, skilled workforce, allowing them to grow their businesses and provide additional employment opportunities.”

“DDC is a leading agency in awarding contracts to minority- and women-owned firms, with $242 million awarded in contracts last year, and is committed to the Mayor’s vision of increasing opportunities for the City’s MWBEs community,” said DDC Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora. “We’ll continue to identify ways to enhance the abilities of MWBE firms.”

For more information, visit Opportunity Academy.