Est. 2014
Our Story
Founded in 2014, Renaissance Technical Institute (RTI) is a New York based non-profit organization that is dedicated to empowering and transforming the lives of adults, immigrants, and underlooked communities by providing FREE vocational education and training that creates inspirational careers in the trades.
Our Story
Before RTI started as a non-profit, David Hiraldo, Founder and Executive Director, as well as being a Dominican Immigrant himself, worked as a Special Education Teacher here in New York for eleven years. He worked with high school students who learned and experienced things differently than others, and whom were unable to afford college tuition. David learned of all the struggles from these students, and especially of their fates of joining gangs or being incarcerated, and knew he needed to make a change for more opportunities to be made.
David felt compelled to take action and make a difference in the lives of those who struggled. Thus, he decided to combine his passion and skill for teaching with his love and dedication for his community, and founded Renaissance Technical Institute in 2014 as a non-profit organization which offered workforce development for those in need. His first classes in 2016 had just 8 students in Plumbing, 12 in HVAC, and were held in just a small conference room.
Over the years, RTI would continue to grow into a major success, being located in centers within Harlem, Queens, and Staten Island, as well as offering courses in English, Spanish, and French. Thousands of students have entered and succeeded through our program, gaining well-paying jobs and setting up their futures. David was able to grow his dream from helping those students as a teacher, to being a inspirational figure in his community by giving opportunities to people who needed a second chance.
Our Mission
We are on a mission to educate and inspire youth and adults through an all-inclusive education and integrated vocational training. At our center, we fully support each student with hands-on, job-ready programs that empower them to build brighter futures and access life-changing opportunities in a matter of months.
Our training have a specific focus to the youth who didn't get a good chance to excel. We want these students to know that even if they didn't graduate with flying colors from high school, they still have opportunities waiting for them to take advantage of and improve their lives.
Here at RTI, students can learn one or multiple trades of their choice. Our programs prepare them for state and industry certifications, apprenticeships, and job placements. Upon graduation, our students can work amazingly in their fields, such as Electricians, Plumbers, Solar Panel Installers, Carpenters, Optometrist Assistants, CDL drivers, and more!
What We Stand For
Our Values and Visions
As we strive to grow further and further, we envision centers all across every borough in New York City, and one day nationwide, to be able to assist any and all communities who need our vocational development services.
Our values guide all the work we do and help us inspire and instill hope within our students to do better.
Be accountable for your own success
Be humble, have respect for others
Strive to learn and do your best
Work hard and have fun
The People Behind RTI
Meet Our Team
David Hiraldo
Founder & Executive Director
FounderMaria Santos
Director of Operations
Carlos Rivera
Director of Education
Jennifer Thompson
Student Services Manager
Michael Chen
IT & Technology Instructor
Ana Flores
Healthcare Track Coordinator
James Williams
Building Trades Instructor
Sofia Morales
Admissions Coordinator
Robert Johnson
CDL Program Instructor
Lisa Patel
Development Director
Marcus Brown
HVAC Instructor
Carmen Reyes
Student Success Coach
Kevin Park
Electrical Instructor
Destiny Williams
Program Administrator
Antonio Garcia
Community Outreach Manager
Sandra Lee
Site Coordinator
Omar Martinez
Trades Instructor
Patricia Johnson
Student Advisor
Brian Torres
Site Coordinator
Michelle Davis
Program Instructor
Raymond Cruz
Student Advisor
Graduate Voices
Testimonials
“The CRED program at Renaissance Technical Institute helped me close that gap. I didn't need someone to teach me what a wrench was. What I needed was someone to show me how things are done here. The instructors understood that. They worked with me where I was at and made sure I understood the standards, the safety requirements, the little things that matter on a job site. Earning my NCCER accreditation meant something because it showed I could do the work the right way—the way it's expected here.”
ALHASSANE DIALLO
CRED PROGRAM - PLUMBING GRADUATE - COHORT 2
“Taking the HVAC class at RTI was a great decision for my career. The instructors were knowledgeable and focused on real-world, hands-on training that prepared me for the field. The skills I learned in troubleshooting, diagnostics, and installation directly helped me land a job in HVAC. RTI gave me the confidence and practical experience employers look for, and I would highly recommend the program to anyone serious about working in the HVAC industry.”
GEORGIE HERNANDEZ
CRED PROGRAM - HVAC GRADUATE - COHORT 2
“At RTI, I didn't just learn to handle tools; I learned the art of the trade under the mentorship of my instructor, Mario. His teaching style was a perfect balance of patience and precision. Whether we were mastering the NCCER Core Curriculum or practicing hands-on framing techniques, Mario ensured that no student was left behind. He taught me that carpentry is not just about speed it is about the patience to measure twice and the discipline to execute the hands-on training correctly every time.”
JESSICA EMILE
CRED PROGRAM - CARPENTRY GRADUATE - COHORT 2
A Decade of Impact
RTI Timeline
Founded by David Hiraldo, a former NYC special-education teacher, in Washington Heights.
First class launched with 8 plumbing and 12 HVAC students in East Harlem.
Expanded to 5,250 sq ft dedicated training center at 173 East 112th Street.
Added healthcare track: CNA, Home Health Aide, and Patient Care Technician.
Launched IT and Solar Installer programs; enrolled 100+ students per year.
20 active programs across 4 tracks; partnerships with NYC Council, INFOTEP, and more.
Community Support
Donors & Partners
We are grateful for our list of Donors and Partners and their support provided to our educational mission, community, and dream. Thank you!
Dezier Air LLC
501 W 187th St Ste 51, New York, NY 10033
“The RTI HVAC Program in Harlem has been an invaluable resource for our company. Through their program, we were introduced to two exceptional candidates who joined our team as interns and have already demonstrated strong technical aptitude, work ethic, and genuine commitment to the trade. Based on their performance and growth, both interns will be transitioning into full-time positions on February 23rd.”
BNPMechanicalContracting LLC (TRI-STATE Pump and Motor Inc.)
4206Barnes Ave. Bronx,NY10466
“We currently have 3 interns working with us and we cannot be happier with the situation. These individuals have been reliable, on time, willing and able to work alongside our head plumber helping with all tasks that have come with the job. They have shown initiative and capability of handling our workload, working as a team and getting the job done. They have been an absolute asset to our company.”
Compton Eye Associates
4738 Broadway | New York, NY 10040 | info@comptoneye.com | (800) 936-0036
“We have had the opportunity to work with several students through the CRED internship program oKered by The Renaissance Technical Institute, and the experience has been extremely positive. As the host site for RTI's Paraoptometric Technician Program, Compton Eye Associates provides the clinical training environment where these students gain hands-on experience in ophthalmic procedures, diagnostic testing, and patient care under the direct supervision of our clinical team.”
Verified & Licensed
Credentials & Transparency
NYSED BPSS License
#12501
501(c)(3) EIN
47-2048750
NCCER Affiliate
Accredited Provider
Founded
2014 · East Harlem, NYC
RTI is licensed by the New York State Education Department Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS License #12501) and recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.