NORTH EAST, MD — Hillside Heating and Cooling has partnered with the Cecil College Foundation to establish a scholarship dedicated to supporting students in the HVAC program. This scholarship, designed for learners enrolled in the National Center for Construction Education and Research’s (NCCER) program, aims to provide substantial financial assistance to aspiring heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians.
The Hillside Heating and Cooling Scholarship offers up to three awards annually, each valued at $1,800, contributing a total of $5,400 per year. This funding covers approximately 80 percent of the tuition costs for participants in the 168-hour curriculum, which is structured to equip students with the requisite skills for a fruitful career in the HVAC sector. The program, held at Cecil County School of Technology, spans from September to May with evening classes twice a week, leading to key certifications such as the NCCER Core, NCCER HVAC Level 1, and EPA 608 Certification.
Jim Sellers, owner of Hillside Heating and Cooling, emphasized the significance of this initiative for young individuals embarking on their professional journeys. “I know how much a scholarship can help a young person realize their dreams,” Sellers noted, highlighting the importance of sustaining engagement and commitment in the students’ future endeavors. He expressed hope that their initiative would inspire similar support from other trade businesses, reinforcing the collective benefits to the community.
Cecil College President, Dr. Mary Way Bolt, recognized the transformative potential of this scholarship for students pursuing careers in a high-demand industry. “Hillside Heating and Cooling’s generous scholarship support will empower our HVAC students to gain the skills needed to succeed,” Dr. Bolt stated, underscoring the partnership’s role in preparing a skilled workforce to meet the region’s burgeoning needs.
The HVAC industry is experiencing robust growth, driven by increased construction activities, advanced climate-control systems, and an emphasis on energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment for HVAC mechanics and installers is expected to rise by nine percent from 2023 to 2033, with an average of 42,500 job openings annually. This landscape presents numerous opportunities for students entering the field, making the scholarship a vital resource for aspiring technicians.
Hillside Heating & Cooling’s commitment to education reflects its long-standing presence as a full-service company serving the community for over 70 years across Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. By investing in the next generation, the company not only supports individual growth but also contributes to the broader objective of enhancing skilled trade opportunities.
For students interested in applying for the scholarship, additional information can be obtained by contacting Cecil College’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development office at 443-907-1379 or email skills4u@cecil.edu. This collaboration between academia and industry exemplifies a model for fostering educational access and addressing the workforce demands of tomorrow.
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