Students Share $30,000 in CAI College Grants
August 1, 2015
Tarrytown, NY – As part of its mission to spur improvements to the building and construction industry sectors, the Westchester-based Construction Advancement Institute (CAI) has awarded six scholarships to college undergraduate students enrolled to study science technology, engineering, math or other courses of study this fall.
On July 16, the CAI Scholarship Committee presented each student with a $5,000 grant toward the 2015-16 academic year at an awards luncheon near its headquarters in Tarrytown.
The scholarship awards announcement by the CAI, which is the educational and advocacy component organization aligned with the Building Contractors Association (BCA), was made by CAI Chairman Mark Fante of Darante Construction, Ltd.
“The fund our industry raises and disburses for college scholarships is one of several charitable efforts the members of organized labor and our construction contracting companies perform jointly for the community,” said CAI Chairman Fante. “Our goal is to strengthen the ranks of engineers and technologists who re employed in the region to help keep our local economies competitive and growing.”
The six students receiving 2015 CAI scholarships were judged by the CAI Scholarship Committee that received more than three dozen applications. The winners are:
Michael DiBenedetto of White Plains, NY, attends the University of Delaware in Newark, DE. Mr. DiBenedetto is continuing to pursue his degree in Chemical Engineering. He is the son of an associate of BCA-member company Peter Gisondi & Co., Inc.
Joao Anjo of Ossining, NY attends The City College of New York in New York City. Mr. Anjo continues to pursue his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is the son of a member of Carpenters Union Local 279.
Matthew Carducci of Harrison, NY attends Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA Mr. Carducci is continuing to pursue his degree in Mechanical Engineering. His father is a member of Operating Engineers Union Local 137.
Ryan Neuman of New Fairfield, CT attends Manhattan College in Riverdale, NY. Mr. Neumann is continuing to pursue his degree in Civil Engineering. He is the son of an associate of BCA-member company Martino Constructors, Inc.
Zachary Prekalaj of Carmel, NY will be attending SUNY Purchase College in Purchase, NY Mr. Prekalaj will pursue his degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. He is the son of a member of Carpenters Union Local 279.
Joshua Wyant of Germantown, NY will attend Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY to pursue his degree in Engineering. He is the son of a member of Carpenters Union Location 279
The BCA/CAI program offers scholarships $5,000 each college-bound students who qualify. Applications will be available online next spring or 2016-17 scholarships on the organization’s website, www.caiweestchester.org.
Scholarships are available for family members of companies that are members of the BCA as well as non-BCA-member independent contractors that contribute to qualifying industry advancement funds. Applications will also be accepted from eligible students who are related to the members of the following building construction union locals: Bricklayers Local 5, Carpenters Local 279, Laborers Local 235 and Operating Engineers Local 137.
Since its inception, the BCA/CAI College Scholarship Program awards have helped more than three dozen students throughout the Hudson Valley region attend undergraduate institutions throughout the U.S. Its affiliated organization, the Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc. also offers college grants for the children of employees of companies that are members of the CIC.
For additional information or application please contact Laurel Brunelle at 914/631-1033 or by email at [email protected].