MATC Receives Grant from Johnson Controls’ Community College Partnership Program, Elevating Pathways for Skilled Trades Education and Technician Training

By Gnadt, Virginia (Ginny)

Jul 18, 2021

Milwaukee Area Technical College issued the following announcement on July 13.

Milwaukee Area Technical College has received $100,000 as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership program, which aims to equip students with in-demand knowledge and skills that will support employment and a pathway for life-long careers upon graduation. In addition to the funding, Johnson Controls employees will support MATC through volunteering and mentorships, providing students with real-world experience, internship opportunities and professional networking connections.

“We are grateful for this generous grant from Johnson Controls, which will provide the resources to expand our high-quality, in-demand heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) program. The pandemic highlighted the importance of indoor air quality and Johnson Controls is investing in opportunities in this critical and rewarding career. Providing this program at a Milwaukee Public Schools high school (see below) allows for better access for students to this program while also earning college credit. Connecting students to family-sustaining careers, lifting up our communities and building the region’s diverse talent pipeline is the mission of our college,” MATC President Dr. Vicki J. Martin said.

Milwaukee Area Technical College is one of 10 community colleges receiving grants for the 2021‒2022 academic year. The grant is provided by Johnson Controls in an effort to expand associate degree and certificate programs in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (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. In general, the funding will support the purchase and development of classroom materials, learning technologies and student scholarships. MATC will use the funding to:

Maximize the upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) lab at MPS’ Barack Obama School of Technical Education starting in Fall 2021 for dual enrollment academy HVAC students
Provide a success coach to help both Obama high school dual enrollment academy students and traditional MATC students succeed in HVAC coursework and programs
Strengthen industry connections for greater career exploration through meaningful field trips, guest speakers and other efforts

“Johnson Controls is proud to build upon our significant presence in the city by partnering with Milwaukee Area Technical College on the Community College Partnership Program. We believe the program will empower people to build life-long careers that will transform their lives and the city,” said Grady Crosby, vice president of public affairs and chief diversity officer at Johnson Controls. “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.”

The full list of grant recipients can be found on Johnson Controls’ website.

To learn more about Johnson Controls strategic approach to philanthropy and volunteerism, please visit https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/corporate-sustainability/community.

About Milwaukee Area Technical College:

Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. More than 30,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers more than 170 academic programs; and transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

About Johnson Controls:

At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

With a history of more than 135 years of innovation, Johnson Controls delivers the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through its comprehensive digital offering, OpenBlue. With a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world's largest portfolio of building technology, software as well as service solutions with some of the most trusted names in the industry. For more information, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.