The group of students, JCI representatives, GateWay administration, and local leaders post in front of the new JCI sign in the HVAC lab.
This week GateWay Community College celebrated its ongoing partnership with Johnson Controls during a special event highlighting the impact of the Johnson Controls Institute on the College’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program.
Representatives from Johnson Controls visited campus on Wednesday, April 29, to recognize the collaboration, which has provided critical lab equipment and student scholarships to support hands-on training and workforce development. To date, Johnson Controls has invested $300,000 in GateWay’s HVAC program through grant funding and in-kind equipment donations.
This support ensures students are training on industry-relevant equipment and gaining practical experience that prepares them for in-demand careers in the skilled trades.
The event brought together college leadership, elected officials, Johnson Controls representatives, and community partners, including Dr. Steven Gonzales, Chancellor of the Maricopa County Community College District; Dr. Amy Diaz, President of GateWay Community College; and Lauren Kuby, Arizona’s District 8 Senator. Numerous GateWay faculty, staff, and partners also attended to mark the occasion.
“Across our industry, the demand for skilled talent continues to grow,” said Rick Slack, JCI Regional Vice President. “Fields like HVAC and the skilled trades are essential to how our buildings operate, how our communities function, and how our local economy moves forward. The question isn’t whether these jobs will be needed, it’s whether we’re doing enough today to ensure people have access to the education, training, and support required to step into them tomorrow.”
A highlight of the event was the recognition of HVAC student Addist Bennett, whose journey reflects the life-changing impact of education and workforce training. Bennett’s story—from experiencing homelessness to becoming a first-time college graduate—was recently featured by ABC15 Arizona as part of its “Uplifting Arizona” series. The segment, shared by reporter Jordan Bontke, can be viewed here: https://www.abc15.com/news/uplifting-arizona/im-going-to-survive-and-grow-valley-man-rises-from-homelessness-to-first-time-grad.
“Partnerships like this are essential to student success,” said Dr. Amy Diaz, President of GateWay Community College. “Johnson Controls’ investment allows our students to learn using the same tools and technologies they will encounter in the field, setting them up for meaningful, sustainable careers.”
Bennett echoed that statement, stating that “GateWay wasn’t just school for me; it was an opportunity.”
Through the Johnson Controls Institute, GateWay continues to expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in HVAC by combining classroom instruction with real-world application. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the workforce pipeline and supporting students as they build brighter futures.
Learn more at https://www.gatewaycc.edu/degrees-certificates/hvac. Find event photos on GateWay's Facebook.