Co-op Match Day Celebration
March 26, 2025
The college’s inaugural Co-op Match Day was a joyous celebration of the 35 employers and nearly 80 students participating in the college’s Co-op Program. The Co-op team officially announced which students will be working for which organization, then each student-employer pairing received applause and high-fives from the crowd as they headed down the aisle to take an official “We Matched” photo. Many employers brought hats, shirts, and other swag for their matched students, akin to NBA Draft Day.
“This event was a wonderful celebration of our students’ hard work to earn these spots,” said co-op Director Adrienne Palomeque.
Franklin Cummings Tech alum Luis Viera Pereira, who works for Columbia Construction as an Assistant Superintendent, served as the event host.
“I got my job at Columbia through the Co-op Program,” said Viera Pereira, a 2024 graduate of the Construction Management associate degree program. “”My education at [Franklin Cummings Tech] was nothing short of phenomenal. I got amazing opportunities to work under my professors….They always pushed us to go harder and learn more. The friendships I made here are lifelong friendships; they’re amazing people and I’m grateful for them. When I started my internship, I was nervous. …In this year that I’ve been working at Columbia, I’ve learned a lot and I’ve learned there’s a lot more to learn. I love being a sponge and soaking it all up.”
In her remarks, President and CEO Aisha Francis noted that paid co-op opportunities will be embedded into every associate degree program offered at Franklin Cummings Tech by the end of 2026. “We are a co-op college. This idea really expands on work that we’ve done over the past couple of years….Our mission is to deliver transformative tech and trade programs that lead to economic advancement. The way we do that is to make sure we have embedded, integrated learning opportunities. The showcase we’re having today is a fabulous opportunity to celebrate that.”
Franklin Cummings Tech Alum Robert Pardo, Director of Central Fleet, City of Boston Public Works Department, was the keynote speaker.
“I always knew automotive was my passion,” said Pardo, who was attending Match Day to celebrate his company’s match with Electric Vehicle Tech student Angel Cruz Ortiz. “I always look at life as if I’m playing chess and I look to what moves I should make now for long-term gains. I found Franklin Cummings and my goal became earning the bachelor’s degree in Automotive Management. Having that degree really set me apart.”
Pardo said his bachelor’s degree in Automotive Management prepared him for technician roles at auto dealerships and also allowed him to transition to his current role overseeing the City of Boston’s fleet of Public Works vehicles.
