GateWay Community College is proud to announce that Johnson Controls has renewed a $100,000 grant for the 2024-2025 school year.
The grant, awarded through the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, is part of the Community College Partnership Program, and will enhance the already robust HVAC program offered at GateWay’s Washington Campus. GateWay will receive $72,125 in financial support and $27,875 of in-kind equipment, including water source heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow systems.
“We’re thrilled that Johnson Controls continues to recognize the deep potential we see in our community,” said GateWay Community College President, Dr. Amy Diaz. “This grant will help ensure success for students who might ordinarily be at risk of leaving the program before graduation or award completion.”
Since 2021, the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program has distributed $1 million annually to ten community colleges across the United States. As part of the program, Johnson Controls employees will work with GateWay to mentor and encourage students to join the skilled trades workforce, allowing students to gain insight into the promising career opportunities available upon program completion.
Johnson Controls and GateWay are committed to ensuring every student can thrive in the HVAC industry regardless of their background.
“Growing up in South Florida without AC inspired me to view HVAC installers as heroes when my family finally got one,” shared HVAC student, Francois Etienne. “Losing my job of 15 years put my family in a tough financial spot, but this award has been invaluable in funding my college education and supporting us during this challenging time.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the HVAC industry in the United States is experiencing continuous growth. Over the next decade, the industry could see more than 37,000 job openings each year.
To learn more about the HVAC program at GateWay Community College, please visit https://www.gatewaycc.edu/hvac.
To learn more about community partnerships with the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, please visit https://www.mcccdf.org/community-partnerships.