HACC gains $100K grant through partnership program

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Central Pennsylvania Community College HACC is continuing its partnership with Johnson Controls.

HACC is receiving a $100,000 grant for the third year as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program. According to a release, the grant is part of Johnson Controls’ nationwide initiative that looks to donate up to $15 million to community colleges by the end of 2026 to expand access to high-demand technical fields.

The $300,000 in total funding enhances training and educational opportunities in the trades. Half of the funds will support scholarships for tuition and fees, while additional investments will address emergency assistance funds like transportation and food insecurity, expand lab equipment in HVAC and welding, and boost recruitment and engagement efforts, per the release.

“We are deeply grateful to Johnson Controls for renewing their generous investment for a third year,” HACC President and CEO John Sygielski said in a statement. “Their unwavering commitment provides our students with more than financial support – it opens doors to mentorship, hands-on tools and clear pathways to meaningful and rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

“Partnerships like this exemplify how education and industry can work together to transform lives, destinies and family trees. With Johnson Controls by our side, HACC is not only preparing students for success but also strengthening the workforce of Central Pennsylvania and fueling long-term economic growth in our communities,” added Sygielski.

The Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program began in 2021 and has provided funding annually to community colleges in North America to help prepare students for fulfilling career paths in sustainable building practices. Recipients can renew the grant for up to three years, creating long-term opportunities for program development.

HACC used last year’s funding to provide scholarships, emergency assistance funds, career assistance, industry connections and engagement opportunities for students who enrolled in programs in electrical technology; heating, ventilation and air conditioning/refrigeration (HVAC); mechatronics; and welding.

The renewed funding will support students enrolled in these programs and opportunities for new initiatives and projects.

In addition to financial support, Johnson Controls employees in the area will continue to engage with HACC through mentoring programs. This collaboration provides students with insights into the industry, helping them understand the career paths available to them upon completion of their training.

“The skilled trades represent a future of continuous learning and real-world impact,” said Susan Ranft, vice president of Human Resources, Americas at Johnson Controls. “Our investment in HACC reflects our commitment to equipping students not just with technical skills, but with the mindset to lead, innovate and strengthen their communities in a rapidly evolving industry.

“By empowering students to build meaningful careers, we’re also helping them create lasting opportunity for their families, laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future for generations to come,” added Ranft.

The largest of Pennsylvania’s 15 community colleges, HACC offers approximately 100 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to some 12,000 students at its Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York campuses. The college serves students through virtual learning, workforce development and continuing education training.

With a team of 100,000 employees in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world’s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions.