CCBC: CCBC Receives Grant From Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program, Elevating Pathways For Skilled Trades Education

Press release from Community College of Baltimore County:

Jul 13, 2021

Community College of Baltimore County has received a $63,860 grant as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership program, which aims to equip our students with in-demand knowledge and skills that will support employment and a pathway for life-long careers upon graduation. In addition to the funding, Johnson Controls employees will support CCBC through volunteering and mentorships, providing students with real-world experience, internship opportunities and professional networking connections.

“We are thrilled to be among a select group of community colleges to receive this grant from Johnson Controls,” said CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis. “At CCBC, workforce development is one of our top priorities. We look forward to partnering with Johnson Controls to provide CCBC students with the education and training needed to have a successful career in HVAC and related in-demand skilled trades.”

CCBC is one of 10 community colleges receiving grants for the 2021‒2022 academic year. The grant is provided by Johnson Controls in an effort to expand associate degree and certificate programs in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), fire and security and digital building automation systems, all areas where the U.S. Bureau of Labor is predicting an increased need for skilled trades expertise in the coming years. In general, the funding will support the purchase and development of classroom materials, learning technologies and student scholarships. CCBC will use the funding from Johnson Controls to focus on strategies designed to create a sustainable pipeline of graduates from underrepresented communities who find success in HVAC and Building Automation Systems (BAS) careers. CCBC will offer workshops, scholarships and individualized learning support and grow a guided mentoring program featuring Johnson Controls employees supporting peer mentoring and career counseling.

“Johnson Controls is proud to build upon our significant presence in the city by partnering with CCBC on the Community College Partnership Program. We believe the program will empower people to build life-long careers that will transform their lives and the city,” said Grady Crosby, VP of Public Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer at Johnson Controls. “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. As a leader in the building industry for over a century, Johnson Controls is honored to share our expertise with the country’s leading community colleges.”

The full list of grant recipients can be found at https://investors.johnsoncontrols.com/news-and-events/press-releases/johnson-controls-international-plc/2021/07-13-2021-130523119.

To learn more about Johnson Controls strategic approach to philanthropy and volunteerism, please visit https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/corporate-sustainability/community.

This press release was produced by Community College of Baltimore County. The views expressed here are the author’s own.