The Suffolk Community College Foundation was recently awarded an additional $98,875 from Johnson Controls to continue to support students in the college’s Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) program. This brings the four-year award total to $379,875. This is the fourth and last year of the grant.

This funding enhances on-campus training and educational opportunities for future leaders in the HVAC/R, digital, fire and security industries. Suffolk, alongside Johnson Controls, remains committed to addressing the skilled trades gap through strategic investments to equip the future skilled trades workforce and foster strong communities.

“We are deeply grateful to Johnson Controls for their unwavering support over the past four years. This renewed grant not only strengthens our HVAC/R program but also reflects a shared commitment to bridging the skilled trades gap in our community. By investing in our students’ education and future careers, Johnson Controls is helping to build a stronger, more skilled workforce that will drive innovation and excellence in the trades for years to come,” said Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College.

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, Suffolk made significant advancements by investing in cutting-edge lab equipment, ensuring that each student has access to the latest tools and techniques in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R). The college also introduced a range of scholarships, including tool kits and tuition reimbursements, to alleviate financial burdens and help students stay enrolled and succeed.

The renewed funding will allow the college to continue enhancing its program's accessibility and support, ensuring it remains inviting and efficient. The college will also invest in the latest technology to uphold its commitment to the highest standards in HVAC/R education and to facilitate new initiatives and projects.

In addition to financial support, Johnson Controls employees in the surrounding area will continue to engage with the college and its students 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 Suffolk County Community 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.”