Opportunity Academy graduation

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - The Opportunity Academy held its first graduation. The construction administration program just launched this spring as a collaboration between La Guardia Community College, the city's Department of Design and Construction and the School Construction Authority.

Students learn all the aspects of architecture and construction engineering. And perhaps most importantly they are learning what happens behind the scenes in construction in back offices. The skills are in high demand, according to DDC Commissioner Feniosky Pena-Mora.

The program was completely free for the students

The graduation was just the beginning. From here the students will begin 42-week paid internships where they'll gain hands-on experience in the construction and design fields. From there, the sky is the limit.

This Opportunity Academy session was just a pilot, but administrators say it was so successful they hope to offer another class in the fall.