If you want to pursue hvacr, but are having difficulty finding the financing, maybe these tips can get you on the right track. A large amount of financial aid and assistance is available each year for prospective students — $35 billion dollars each year to be exact. But many people are either not aware that the aid is available or think they will be ineligible. You can find assistance in a few different ways.

Grants and Scholarships Scholarship and grant money does not have to be repaid. It can be awarded at the federal and state level, as well as by colleges or private organizations. Remem-ber, there are numerous grants and scholarships available, including many for specific career fields and some that do not require any academic work.

Work-Study Program This can work in a couple of different ways, but the basic premise is for students to pay for their tuition by working. Some students have the opportunity to work for a company that is in connection to their major, while others will work campus or university jobs. Aid can be provided through a private organization or through the Federal Work-Study program.

Loans This assistance must be repaid after graduation with interest. Most loans have flexible repayment plans, including monthly payments, grace periods, and reasonable interest rates.

Sources:

  • The easiest and most popular way to help with tuition is to apply for financial aid through the Department of Education. By visiting www. ed.gov/finaid.html, you can apply for federal assistance, as well as find information on direct loans and search the COOL database, a list of more than 9,000 post-secondary schools.

  • Don’t forget about your local hvacr chapters and organizations, such as ACCA and RSES. Many local chapters will make scholarships available to members or to individuals who display interest and potential for the industry. For a list of chapters, check out www.acca.org and www.rses.org.

  • The Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors — National Association (PHCC-NA) awards four scholarships each year. The amount of each scholarship is $3,000 per year for up to four years. Applicants must be sponsored by a PHCC-NA member. For more information, visit www.naphcc.org.

  • The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, & Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) provides several scholarship opportunities. Undergraduate engineering scholarships are available to students enrolled in a full-time program for a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering degree. There are also engineering technology scholarships for students pursuing an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology. Visit www.ashrae.org.

  • Excellence Alliance University is currently working on the Excellence Alliance Foundation. The goal of this program is to award 100 scholarships of $2,000 for the 2001-02 school year. The foundation is looking for donations and contributions in order to use this program as a means to attract and develop all levels of workers in the contracting industry. For more information, call 513-412-8896.

    • Publication date: 10/16/2000