CLARKSTON, Ga. – For the fourth consecutive year, Georgia Piedmont Technical College received a $100,000 grant as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program. The funding source is earmarked for academic programs that focus on education and training in high-demand fields like air-conditioning technology, fire, security and digital disciplines.
“Georgia Piedmont is beyond honored to be one of the community colleges included in the partnership program,” said GPTC President Tavarez Holston. “Being recognized by a global leader like Johnson Controls shows the importance of what we do on a local level and how it can transfer anywhere in the world.”
With last year’s funding, Georgia Piedmont focused on hi-tech industrial academic programs – like its Building Automation System (BAS) degree offering. GPTC was able to purchase new training equipment, provide multiple scholarships and 10 BAS students were treated to a ‘day in the life’ at Johnson Controls’ work site at Georgia Tech. During the visit, they could ask questions and see first-hand what it was like to work in their industry of choice. In May, officials with JCI joined the Governor and First Lady of Georgia for a plaque unveiling at Georgia Piedmont’s Clarkson campus – commemorating the generosity of Johnson Controls.
The renewed funding means even more scholarships will be available to GPTC students this spring, while also opening doors for new initiatives and projects.
In addition to financial support, Johnson Controls employees in the surrounding area will continue to engage with GPTC 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 Georgia Piedmont Technical 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.”
Georgia Piedmont and Johnson Controls remain committed to addressing the skilled trades gap through strategic investments to equip the future skilled trades workforce and foster strong communities.
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.
For more information about the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program, visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/corporate-sustainability/community/philanthropy/community-college-partnership.
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