Johnson Controls, a global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has announced renewed grants to 30 community colleges in North America as part of the companies Community College Partnership Program. Launched in 2021 to help students from historically underrepresented groups prepare for and embark on career paths in sustainable building practices, the program will, for the fourth consecutive year, provide each college a grant to support programming in HVAC, fire, security or digital fields valued up to $100,000.  

"For four years, the Community College Partnership Program has helped forward-thinking community colleges equip thousands of future leaders for successful careers in this growing industry," said Julie Brandt, president of Building Solutions North America at Johnson Controls. "Our collaboration with these innovative institutions creates real job opportunities for students while making real progress in closing the skilled trades gap across North America."   

Impact of the Community College Partnership Program 

During the 2023-2024 school year, the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program created significant impacts in North American communities:  

• 3,868 students enrolled in educational programs  
• 655 scholarships awarded to students  
• 428 volunteer hours tracked by Johnson Controls team members 

Recipient community colleges are located in areas where the company operates, encouraging Johnson Controls employees to volunteer and share real-world experiences with students. Students have shared their appreciation for the industry exposure and mentorship, which have contributed to their academic success and career readiness. Additionally, participants have reported that the program alleviated financial stress and equipped them with essential workplace skills through coaching sessions, ultimately boosting their confidence in their job search.  

“I have gone from someone who had absolutely zero idea what an energy management controls technician does, to someone who has had the opportunity to get my foot into the industry and continue developing within my career,” said one student in the program. “The Johnson Controls scholarship grant I received when I came into the program helped me financially and served as motivation because it showed that there is a company out there that truly cares for the industry and provides that additional help to motivate individuals to pursue their careers.” 

Through the Community College Partnership Program, Johnson Controls is on track to donate up to $15 million by the end of 2026 to expand access to educational programs in the HVAC, fire, security and digital disciplines. 

To learn more about the program, including for a complete list of grant recipients, visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/corporate-sustainability/community/philanthropy/community-college-partnership