Johnson Controls Renews NSC Workforce Development Grant
North Seattle College received a $100,000 grant for the fourth year — for a total of $400,000 as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program. The grant 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.
The funding strengthens on-campus training and educational pathways for emerging leaders in the HVAC, digital, fire and security sectors. In partnership with Johnson Controls, the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, North Seattle College continues to invest strategically in closing the skilled trades gap. Together, they are empowering the next generation of skilled professionals and building stronger, more resilient communities.
“Johnson Controls generous investment through the Community College Partnership Program has been instrumental in strengthening our Electronics program and creating a vital talent pipeline for the industry,” said Dr. Rachel Solemsaas, president, North Seattle College.
“This funding has allowed us to address critical student needs by removing financial barriers and increasing academic and career support," she added. "By providing our students with a clear path to high-demand careers, we are not only empowering them to thrive but also ensuring the future workforce is equipped with the skills and confidence needed to succeed."
Launched in 2021, the Community College Partnership Program is designed to support students by creating clear pathways to careers in high-demand technical fields. For example, the Bureau for Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, which includes information on about 600 occupations, notes the need for HVACR mechanics and installers is expected to grow 8% and add about 40,100 openings per year through 2034.
The Community College Partnership Program is designed to in part address this need by meeting students where they are. Johnson Controls works with nonprofit community colleges to strengthen 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. Each college receives an initial grant and is eligible for three years of renewal funding, enabling them to grow their programs and reach more students.
With last year's funding, North Seattle College supported students studying Electronics and IT Controlled Electronics with scholarships, embedded teaching and lab assistants to support student learning, and dedicated student support services. The renewed funding will continue to support scholarships, classroom and lab support, and student support services, while also creating opportunities for innovative initiatives and future projects.
Beyond financial support, Johnson Controls employees from the surrounding area will continue to engage with North Seattle 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.
“The skilled trades represent a future of continuous learning and real-world impact,” said Susan Ranft, Vice President of Human Resources, Americas. “Our investment in North Seattle College 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.”
For more information, visit the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program page.