Johnson Controls Renews Montgomery College Workforce Development Grant

Montgomery College received a $100,000 grant for the fourth year as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Programnew window. This year’s award will support HVAC scholarships, updated equipment for College HVAC labs, recruitment of new, diverse students, and support from academic coaches within MC’s Achieving the Promise Academy.

Montgomery College, alongside Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, remains committed to addressing the skilled trades gap through strategic investments to equip the future skilled trades workforce and foster strong communities.

The support from Johnson Controls also enables the College to purchase benchtop integrated trainer units that will be utilized by students in new Building Automation Systems classes that the College is developing.

“Montgomery College is grateful for the continued generosity of Johnson Controls in helping build the pipeline of new HVAC technicians in Montgomery County,” said Dr. Jermaine F. Williams, president of Montgomery College. “Preparing students to earn family sustaining wages in this highly valuable, in-demand field is an example of the College’s commitment to partnerships that advance post-completion success. MC looks forward to continuing to work with Johnson Controls to promote cutting edge training and expand opportunities for students to transform their lives while fueling the economy.”

Since its inception in 2021, the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program has provided funding annually to community colleges in North America to help prepare students for fulfilling career paths in sustainable building practices. Recipients have the opportunity to renew the grant for up to three years, creating long-term opportunities for program development.

With last year's funding, Montgomery College offered scholarships, held a mentoring event that matched our HVAC students with employees from Johnson Controls, and supported student retention and enrollment.

In addition to financial support, Johnson Controls employees in the surrounding area will continue to engage with MC through mentoring programs. This collaboration provides students with valuable insights into the industry, helping them understand the promising career paths available to them upon completion of their training.

“The skilled trades offer a culture of continuous learning, where hands-on experience and evolving knowledge go hand in hand,” said Julie Brandt, president of Building Solutions North America at Johnson Controls. “Our investments in Montgomery College are equipping students with the skills and mindset needed to not only embrace this dynamic field but also to thrive and innovate within their own communities.”

For more information about the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program, visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/corporate-sustainability/community/philanthropy/community-college-partnershipnew window.