UACCM Awarded $100,000 by Johnson Controls

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) will invest a $100,000 grant from Johnson Controls in training and educational opportunities to support students in the college’s Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology (HVAC) program. UACCM is one of 10 colleges nationwide to receive a grant this year through Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program. 

As thousands of skilled technicians are projected to leave the workforce each year over the next decade due to heightened retirements or career changes, UACCM and Johnson Controls share a common goal of prioritizing investments in workforce training and recruitment to bridge the skilled trades gap. This grant will be essential in providing HVAC students with the best education, equipment, training, and mentoring that will lead graduates to successful careers.

“UACCM is thrilled with this exciting and important partnership. The leadership and vision of Johnson Controls is to be acknowledged and commended. This partnership opportunity made possible by Johnson Controls is a great example of an industry taking the initiative of responding to their workforce needs by growing their own skilled technicians,” said UACCM Chancellor Lisa Willenberg. “By partnering with UACCM’s workforce education and training tech hub through providing scholarships and equipment, Johnson Controls is removing barriers and paving the way for their future technicians by helping fund those trainees in a state-of-the-art training facility with quality instructors who have had successful careers in their field.  Business and industry aligning with education benefits all parties involved.”

Johnson Controls employees in the surrounding area also will work with UACCM to mentor and encourage students to join the skilled trades workforce. Through relationship building with industry professionals, students will be able to ask mentors questions and get a glimpse into the promising career trajectory following training completion. UACCM Vice Chancellor for Academics Dr. Richard Counts noted that during the first year of the multi-year grant, the funds will be split with $50,000 directed toward the purchase of personal protective equipment and new trainers/equipment and $50,000 will be used for “last dollar” scholarships for HVAC students.

“Not only are we investing in the next generation of workforce leaders, but the mentoring associated with this initiative reminds our employees why we do what we do,” said Julie Brandt, president of Building Solutions North America at Johnson Controls. “We’re looking at our future, and through partnerships with these colleges, we’re all contributing to a better supported trades industry.”

To learn more about the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program, visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/corporate-sustainability/community/philanthropy/community-college-partnership

About Johnson Controls

At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.

Today, with a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.

Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms.