Multinational building security equipment firm Johnson Controls has announced that it will donate a total of $15 million to 10 US community colleges to expand their associate’s degree and certificate programs.
In a press release, the company explained that the grant will be used to establish or improve programs that focus on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), fire and security, and digital building automation systems.
One of the core objectives of the initiative is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to help them land jobs after graduation. Johnson Controls said the US Bureau of Labor has predicted an increased need for skilled trades expertise in the coming years.
“Just as smart, healthy buildings are critical to our well-being, well-educated and trained technicians are crucial to keeping our environments operating safely and efficiently,” Chief Diversity Officer at Johnson Controls, Grady Crosby, remarked. “We believe this [initiative] will empower people to build life-long careers that will transform their lives and their cities.”
Beyond its multimillion-dollar donation, the company revealed that its local employees will serve as volunteer educators to provide students with real-world experience.
Chosen Beneficiaries
Johnson Controls said that its $15 million donation will be disbursed over a period of five years. Beginning this upcoming academic year, the 10 schools will receive an initial $1 million grant.
Schools receiving the grants are located in cities where the company has a significant customer base and employee presence. The amount of money to be awarded to each college will depend on its needs.
Here are the chosen recipients:
- Kennedy-King College (Chicago)
- Suffolk County Community College (New York)
- Montgomery College (Maryland)
- Lone Star College (Texas)
- Community College of Baltimore County (Maryland)
- Essex County Community College (New Jersey)
- Georgia Piedmont Technical College (Georgia)
- Milwaukee Area Technical College (Wisconsin)
- Henry Ford College (Michigan)
- Camden County College (New Jersey)
