Foundation awards scholarship totaling $65,000 to 39 students, including five military veteran program recipients, studying to become technicians in the HVACR and water heating industry.

Student recipients receive a $3,500 award and up to six awards will be granted annually and can be renewed for up to three additional years or until the training program is complete

The HIRE Vets Medallion Program is the only federal-level award for veterans’ employment.

The 79,000-square-foot training facility will feature 50 welding booths and multiple technology-equipped classrooms for continuing education classes.

Among the materials were 19 toilets, lavatories and faucets (donated by Kohler Co.); more than 30 PVC pipe sections (donated by CISPI); plus wood, Masonite and plywood.

The HVAC Training Center, which is the first of its kind to provide training on multiple types and brands of HVAC equipment, boasts 33,000 square feet of indoor facilities, including technology labs, seminar space, and classrooms.