Johnson Controls Investment Helps City Colleges of Chicago Prepare the Next Generation of Skilled Professionals

CHICAGO-As employers across Chicago and the Midwest continue to face growing demand for skilled workers in technical fields and look to strengthen the local talent pipeline, the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation has received $200,000 in grants over the past two years to support Kennedy-King College as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program.

With the funding, Kennedy-King College, in partnership with Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, is working to close the skilled trades gap and empower the next generation of skilled professionals to build stronger, more resilient communities.

"This renewed partnership with Johnson Controls is truly a powerful investment in the future of our students. By equipping Kennedy-King College with direct student resources, high-tech equipment, and more, JCI is helping us remove financial barriers and offer exceptional learning opportunities," said Katonja Webb Walker, President of Kennedy-King College.

"Together, we are answering the call to build the next generations of a highly skilled, diverse technical workforce which in turn is bridging the skilled trades gap, empowering our students to enter high-demand careers in HVAC and building technologies."

The Community College Partnership Program helps community colleges and technical schools expand opportunities in HVAC, fire protection, security, and digital technologies. Through funding, mentoring, industry expertise, and hands-on learning experiences, the program helps students build skills for in-demand careers while supporting employers' need for qualified talent. Grant funding can be used to strengthen academic programs and support student recruitment, retention, and completion efforts, helping create direct pathways from education to employment.

With the last generous donation from JCI, Kennedy-King College invested funding in program upgrades, including new industry-certified equipment to strengthen hands-on training and better prepare students for careers in HVAC and building technologies. The investment also provided direct financial assistance to students, helping reduce barriers to participation and support their persistence.

In addition, students were able to participate in field trips to companies with state-of-the-art HVAC systems, giving them the opportunity to see advanced technologies in operation and connect their classroom learning to real-world industry applications. The renewed funding will continue to support these types of program enhancements, student financial assistance, hands-on training, and meaningful industry exposure, while also creating opportunities for innovative initiatives and future projects that strengthen career pathways and workforce readiness.

Beyond financial support, Johnson Controls employees from the surrounding area will continue to engage with Kennedy-King College through mentoring programs. This ongoing collaboration offers students valuable industry insights and guidance from technicians currently working in the field, helping students explore rewarding career opportunities available after completing their training.

"We are so grateful for the support of JCI because their investment is transforming lives through education and training-an impact that will last for generations to come," said President Verónica Herrero, City Colleges of Chicago Foundation.

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