CAI Awards $72,000 in Academic Grants To 12 Hudson Valley Students
TARRYTOWN, NY — In its continuing efforts to increase the number of experts and professionals working within the building and construction sectors in the Lower Hudson Valley, the Construction Advancement Institute (CAI) awarded $72,000 in early August to 12 regional undergraduate and graduate students. The students are enrolled in a range of disciplines, including engineering, architecture, construction technology, construction management and other construction related programs. CAI is the educational and advocacy organization aligned with the Building Contractors Association of Westchester & The Mid-Hudson Region, Inc.
More than two dozen scholarship applications, which included school transcripts and essays, were reviewed by the CAI Scholarship Committee in June, said CAI Chairman Mark Fante of Darante Construction Ltd. of Elmsford, NY. Each of the 12 recipients received a $6,000 grant for use during the current 2026 to 2027 academic school year. The grants were mailed beginning in August.
“The scholarship funds that CAI awards annually for academic excellence and achievement are one of several annual charitable efforts performed by the organized labor and construction contracting community aimed at benefiting families and schools throughout the Hudson Valley region and nationwide,” Mr. Fante said. “We hope that by issuing these scholarships, we can strengthen the ranks of engineers and technologists employed at companies that are members of the BCA. It’s how we continue to grow our economies while keeping our member companies competitive.”
Since the inaugural scholarships were awarded in 2009, the CAI Scholarship Program has awarded 158 grants to more than 85 students attending more than 45 colleges and universities throughout the United States. This year’s grants bring the total amount awarded by CAI to more than $736,000 since the program’s first year, when only six grants were awarded.
The following scholars were chosen from among the many applicants:
C Christopher Altomare, of Yonkers, NY, will be a senior attending Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. Christopher is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering and mathematics. He is the grandson of Mario Altomare, a member of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1 NY.
Natalia Azevedo, of Yonkers, NY, will be a sophomore attending the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, NY. Natalia will be pursuing a degree in architecture. She is the daughter of Rui Azevedo, a member of Carpenters Local 279.
Carter Bucci, of Ardsley, NY, will be a freshman attending Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY. Carter is pursuing a degree in engineering and mathematics. He is the grandson of George “Rusty” Meinel, a member of Bay Crane and Operating Engineers Local 137.
Anthony Darrow, of Hopewell Junction, NY, will be attending Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY. Anthony is pursuing a degree in civil engineering. He is the son of Justin Darrow, an employee of the BCA member company Darlind Associates.
Alexis LeBlanc, of Mahopac, NY, will be a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI. Alexis is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. She is the daughter of Joseph LeBlanc, a member of Operating Engineers Local 137.
Michael LaMagna, of Mamaroneck, NY, will be a junior at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT. Michael is pursuing a degree in civil engineering and construction engineering. He is the grandson of Vincent Ibelli, a member of Carpenters Local 279.
Luke Marotta, of New Fairfield, CT, will be a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH. Luke is pursuing a dual degree in sustainability and political science, with a focus on construction management. He is also minoring in international security. He is the grandson of Jay Martino, an employee of Martino Contractors, Inc., a BCA member contracting company.
Abigail Meinel, of Bedford Hills, NY, will be a college freshman at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. Abigail is majoring in engineering. She is the daughter of James Meinel, who works for Bay Crane and Operating Engineers Local 137.
Luca Piazza, of Valhalla, NY, is a freshman at High Point University in High Point, NC. Luca is pursuing a degree in civil engineering. He is the son of John Piazza of Piazza, Inc., a BCA member company.
Valeriano Valdovinos, of New Rochelle, NY, will be a college sophomore at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, CT. Valeriano is pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering. He is the son of Valeriano Valdovinos, a member of Laborers Local 60.
Hailey Weber, of Southbury, CT, will be a junior at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT. Hailey is pursuing a dual major in civil and environmental engineering. She is the daughter of James Weber, a member of Operating Engineers Local 137.
Anthony Zhina, of Carmel, NY, will be a freshman at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, NY. Anthony is pursuing a degree in civil engineering. He is the son of Luis Zhina, a member of Carpenters Local 279.
