OAKLAND, CA, Sept. 18, 2024 – Laney College Environmental Control Technology Department received a $100,000 grant for the third year as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program. This funding enhances on-campus training and educational opportunities for future leaders in the HVAC, digital, fire, and security industries. Laney College, alongside Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, remains committed to addressing the skilled trades gap through strategic investments to equip the future skilled trades workforce and foster strong communities.

“As we embark on the third year of partnership, Laney College remains grateful to JCI for the partnership and the resulting benefits to our students and graduates,” said Rudolph Besikof, President of Laney College.

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.

With last year's funding, Laney College created a JCI lecture series on Sustainability in America, invested in the purchase of new lab equipment, offered scholarships, and supported student retention and enrollment. The renewed funding will continue to support Laney College with a technology update and a newly built JCI Lab dedicated to HVAC and BAS training, 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 Laney College 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 Laney 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.”

For more information about the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program, visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/corporate-sustainability/community/philanthropy/community-college-partnership.