ATLANTA - According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the hottest new rap video isn't on MTV, it's on ASHRAE.org. The association has released a rap video spotlighting the HVACR industry and its benefits.

"If ASHRAE and our industry are going to be successful in promoting engineering and HVACR as career options, then we have to reach out to young people in a way that is entertaining and interesting to them," said Ron Johnson, chair of ASHRAE's Student Activities Committee. "Hence, this video."

"ASHRAE: Licensed to Chill" features a hot soundtrack accompanied by interviews with young members highlighting the importance of the HVACR industry to the world; the diverse and creative opportunities related to engineering as a career; and the difference the building industry makes related to sustainability. The video drives home the message that our industry truly engineers the world we live in, and that young people don't want to miss out on the chance to be a part of that," he noted.

The video will be made available to middle and high schools that seek information about careers in engineering from ASHRAE. It also is available in several formats suitable for downloading at www.ashrae.org/chill.

Publication date: 10/23/2006