SACRAMENTO, Ca. — The EGIA Foundation announced the first class of recipients for its scholarship program, created to help increase access to education and training for individuals passionate about a career in the HVAC industry. The organization focused on promoting HVAC as a first-choice career option through a unique coalition of industry stakeholders. The EGIA Foundation is devoted to building the industry workforce through initiatives including scholarships, market research, public outreach campaigns, and more.

Through this year’s EGIA Foundation Scholarship Program, 20 selected students, all pursuing an HVAC related course of study during the 2018-2019 academic year, will each receive an award of $2,500. These scholarships will help shoulder the costs of specialized education and training at an accredited or otherwise approved community college, university, or vocational or technical school. During its first year, the scholarship program reached over 1,000 interested students from 39 states across the U.S.

“The HVAC industry needs more young adults and professionals entering the workforce considering that the industry is expected to grow and a large portion of the current workforce is planning retire,” said Bruce Matulich, EGIA Foundation Chairman and CEO. “The EGIA Foundation Scholarship Program is our way of bringing visibility to the industry and building awareness and interest with those who may not have otherwise considered a career in HVAC.”

The EGIA Foundation Scholarship Program was created to help increase the number of qualified workers entering an HVAC related field by expanding awareness of the well-paying careers with high satisfaction rates that exist within it, as well as offering scholarships to help educate interested young adults and young professionals. In turn, industry companies will have access to more qualified entry level candidates who are better prepared for long-term success within in the industry.

“We are ecstatic with the interest in our scholarship program,” said Matulich. “And we’re even more excited knowing the enthusiasm and preparedness these 20 recipients will bring to the industry once their educations are complete.”

The EGIA Foundation will be awarding another class of students pursuing an education in HVAC with its 2019 Scholarship Program. Applications will be accepted starting in the fall of 2018, with awards counting toward the 2019-2020 academic year. As the EGIA Foundation grows, the program will expand to include awards in other industry vocations, including solar PV, plumbing, home performance, and more. 

Publication date: 8/15/2018

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