The Murphy Institute collaborates with CUNY colleges and labor-management education funds of New York City unions such as the United Federation of Teachers, Local 94, 32BJ, and TWU Local 100, forming partnerships that meet the educational needs of workers and the workforce development needs of the city. We create sector and union specific programs to help workers master new technology and earn credentials that advance their careers.
United Federation of Teachers (UFT)
The LEAP to Teacher Program
The LEAP to Teacher Program, also known as the Para to Teacher Program, is offered in collaboration with the UFT and the New York City Department of Education. This program provides paraprofessionals working in the New York City public schools with a host of academic support services and up to 6 credits per semester on a tuition-free basis. Services include access to free college prepration courses, tutoring, academic counseling, test preparation for teacher certification and other licensing requirements. Program offered at our Queens College, Flushing, College of Staten Island and Lehman College locations. If you are interested in this program, please contact Iris Delutro at (718) 997-3060.
Local 94 of the International Union of Operating Engineers
The Environmental Control Technology Programs
The Murphy Institute offers in collaboration with Local 94 specialized technical education in combination with liberal arts study for workers in highly technical occupations and rapidly changing industries where advancement requires new skills and knowledge. The associate's program in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is a new program for members of Local 94 who have completed the union's apprenticeship program with 15 college credits toward the degree. This puts those who qualify a full quarter of the way to earning their degree.
Those who want to advance further can apply their credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management--providing them with both the latest training as well as the credentials they need for occupational advancement. New programs for other unions in the building trades and building services industry are currently under development. Programs offered at New York City College of Technology (City Tech).
If you are interested in this program, please contact Kevin Simmons at (212) 642-2082.
SEIU Local 32BJ
Environmental Technology and Green Building
The Murphy Institute works with the Thomas Shortman Training Fund of SEIU Local 32BJ to link members to CUNY programs related to their work and interests. A counselor from the Institute meets regularly with members at the Fund during designated hours. Through the Institute, Local 32BJ members have enrolled in courses at New York City College of Technology's Department of Environmental Technology and at the City College's Center for Worker Education. Members also participated in the Green Building Stewards course held at the Institute and funded by a grant by the Environmental Protection Agency. Programs offered at New York City College of Technology (City Tech), City College's Center for Worker Education and the Institute's mid-Manhattan site. If you are interested in this program, please contact Kevin Simmons at (212) 642-2082.
Transit Workers Union Local 100
Transit Certificate Program
The continued modernization of public transit systems has important implications for urban communities and for the workforce that supports the transit industry. In partnership with CUNY's School of Professional Studies (SPS), and at the request of the Transport Workers Union Local 100/New York City Transit Authority Training and Upgrading Fund, the Murphy Institute offers two of three required courses that are part of the Transit Certificate Program: The Development of Mass Transit in New York City: The Industry and its Workers (3 credits) and Worker Health and Safety (3 credits) are designed to provide transit workers with an enhanced understanding of their working environment and to prepare them for promotional opportunities within the industry. Program offered in mid-Manhattan and at the TWU Local 100 Training and Upgrading Fund.
Please note that the third course Job Duties of the Train Operator is offered at the Fund. For more information about this third course, call 646.505.4500. If you are interested in this program, please contact Kevin Simmons at (212) 642-2082.