HCC Central College awarded $100,000 grant by Johnson Controls

Oct 19, 2023

Houston Community College (HCC) will invest a $100,000 grant from Johnson Controls at its Central campus to educate future workers in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning, fire and security fields.

An estimated 10,000 trade professionals are projected to leave the workforce each year over the next decade due to heightened retirements or career changes. That is why HCC Central continues to prioritize investments in workforce training and recruitment to help bridge skilled trades gaps.

“We are deeply grateful to Johnson Controls for their generous donation to the Houston Community College Foundation for the Construction Center of Excellence,” said Dr. Muddasir Siddiqi, HCC Central College president. “The company’s support helps to ensure that our students are equipped for the future of smart and sustainable building technologies."

Company officials presented a check yesterday at an HCC Board of Trustees meeting.

Since 2021, the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program has annually distributed $1 million across 10 North American community colleges for vocational programs to inspire the next generation of workers.

Grant recipients can receive a renewed grant for up to three years, creating long-term opportunities for program development. Each college has the option to receive the grants in full monetary value or to receive partial monetary funds along with technical equipment donated by Johnson Controls.

Johnson Controls employees will work with HCC Central to mentor and encourage students to join skilled trades.

“Our 500 Houston-based employees take immense pride in supporting projects that enrich the local community, much like this new partnership with HCC,” said Kevin Vaughn, regional vice president, Johnson Controls. “The partnership will help students in historically underrepresented populations gain exposure to skilled trades and provide pathways to successful careers in an exciting and evolving industry with tremendous opportunity for growth.”