Johnson Controls renews Lone Star College System’s workforce development grant

HOUSTON, TX -- Lone Star College Foundation recently received a $100,000 grant from the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program to strengthen the college system’s workforce training programs. This latest grant, combined with $400,000 over the last several years, is part of Johnson Controls’ nationwide initiative that aims to donate up to $15 million to community colleges by the end of 2026 to expand access to high-demand technical fields.

For Lone Star College System students like Demerioal Foy, scholarship funding from this partnership makes all the difference in the pursuit of an education.

“Without this scholarship, I would not have been able to focus on my education,” he said. “My focus would be to just make a living, and I would be working in an environment without much of a future. I now have a very bright future as an electrician because of Johnson Controls and Lone Star College-North Harris.”

LSCS and Johnson Controls—the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings—are strategically focused on closing the skilled trades gap. Together, they are empowering the next generation of skilled professionals and building stronger, more resilient communities. Johnson Controls’ scholarship will provide additional funding for LSCS’s educational pathways for emerging leaders in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and Electrical Technology sectors.

“We are very excited about the renewal of the Johnson Controls grant,” said Thomas Robertson, LSC-North Harris dean of instruction, Career and Applied Technology. “This grant helps to relieve some of the economic stresses from students so they can focus on learning a trade that will change the trajectory of their lives. The partnership with Johnson Controls has been a huge win for students and Lone Star College System.”

Through this grant, LSCS has invested a total of $500,000 in its HVACR and Electrical Technology programs. The college system offers associate degrees in either field as well as certification and continuing education options. The funding request aligns with Johnson Controls’ goals of enhancing education and supporting underserved populations through renewable scholarships, tools, personal protective equipment and targeted retention strategies. Mentoring efforts, which supported more than 15 students last year, will continue to foster persistence and academic success.

“The Johnson Controls scholarship has been a blessing to me and to many other students. It has allowed me to continue my education that will change my life and allow me to finish what I have started,” said Foy.

The Community College Partnership Program launched in 2021 to create clear pathways for students seeking careers in high-demand technical fields. The need for HVACR mechanics and installers is expected to grow 8% and add about 40,100 openings annually through 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Community College Partnership Program is designed to address this need by strengthening academic offerings in HVAC, fire protection, security and digital technologies through unique industry knowledge with the long-term goal of helping students secure family-supporting jobs.

“The skilled trades represent a future of continuous learning and real-world impact,” said Lucas Motycha, market general manager, Houston at Johnson Controls. “Our investment in Lone Star College System reflects our commitment to equipping students not just with technical skills, but with the mindset to lead, innovate and strengthen their communities in a rapidly evolving industry. By empowering students to build meaningful careers, we’re also helping them create lasting opportunity for their families, laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future for generations to come.”

Beyond financial support, Johnson Controls employees from the surrounding area will continue to engage with LSCS 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.

To learn more about LSCS’s workforce programs and other academic offerings, visit LoneStar.edu/Programs-Of-Study.