Johnson Controls, a the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has launched the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program. As part of the program, Johnson Controls will give $15 million over the next five years to support academic programs at nonprofit community colleges. Starting in the 2021‒2022 academic year, the program will endow a total of $1 million to ten community colleges across the United States. In addition to the funding, Johnson Controls employees will support the community colleges through volunteering and mentorships.

The grants support the expansion of associate degree and certificate programs in 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. A core objective of the program is to change the trajectory of the lives of students from underserved communities by equipping them with in-demand knowledge and skills that will support employment and a pathway for life-long careers upon graduation.

"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," said Grady Crosby, vice president of public affairs and chief diversity officer at Johnson Controls. "The Community College Partnership Program supports institutions through its funding and supports their students through volunteerism and mentorships. We believe this will empower people to build life-long careers that will transform their lives and their cities."

The initial ten community colleges receiving grants are located in cities where Johnson Controls has significant customer base and employee presence. Funding for each community college differs based on its needs; in general, colleges will use the support to purchase and develop classroom materials, learning technologies and student scholarships. Local Johnson Controls employees in each market will serve as volunteer educators, providing students with counseling and real-world experiences. This mentoring will be directly incorporated into various college programs and also provide a pathway for student internships and entry-level employment opportunities at Johnson Controls.