Eastman Cooke and LaGuardia Community College Join forces to Develop Workforce Program

New York, NY – Eastman Cooke & Associates (“ECA”), a Manhattan-based, mid-sized construction company, is working with LaGuardia Community College (“LaGuardia”), now in its 50th year, to expand a gateway to careers in the building industry for the school’s Adult & Continuing Education and associates degree students. In addition to collaborating with LaGuardia on relevant curriculums and mentorships, ECA has committed to providing on-the-job experiences. 

“Our co-initiative with LaGuardia supports economic equity, while attracting more trained people into the various sectors of the construction industry,” points out Peter Morandi, CEO, LEED AP, Eastman Cooke & Associates. “An integral part of our program will include bringing industry owners, business leaders, and experienced architecture, engineering, and construction professionals into the classroom -- and out in the field -- for hands-on instruction. The program will additionally focus on arranging mentorship opportunities.” 

In addition, ECA will again sponsor the Marc C. Healy Scholarship Fund Golf Outing on October 4, 2021. Now in its eighth year, the Golf Outing is part of the College’s current campaign to raise $15 million for LaGuardia students, many of whom are low-income or come from disadvantaged communities and eager to make better lives for themselves and their families through higher education.

“We are grateful to Eastman Cook for its ongoing support of the College,” says LaGuardia president Kenneth Adams. “Through this new partnership our students will learn about the many career opportunities in the construction industry and how to navigate this dynamic field.”

LaGuardia Community College is known for its workforce development programs, which prepare New York City students for careers in high-demand sectors of the economy, including healthcare, IT, and construction. Students who complete their training obtain industry-recognized credentials and, in some programs, academic credits that may be applied to a LaGuardia degree. 

Adds Mr. Morandi, “Today’s construction industry increasingly requires workers with an understanding of technology and jobsite knowledge, which the curriculum will address. Ultimately, we will develop an employment portal where students completing these courses can actively look for job openings. With the right skills, well-trained craft workers will build New York City and beyond!”