The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County and the Palm Beach County School District Department of Choice & Career Options recently announced that Carrier has awarded a one-year grant in support of Royal Palm Beach High School’s Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC-R) Academy.
The academy is a four-year sequence of high school courses combining core academics with specialized training required for journeyman-level employment in the HVAC-R industry. The program prepares students for post-secondary success through hands-on training, credentialing programs and apprenticeships.
“Today, more than ever before, we need to provide opportunities for young people for high-paying career pathways that don’t always require a college degree,” said James S. Gavrilos, president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County. “Clearly, HVAC is a career with a future in South Florida, and the support of Carrier will make sure that the students in Palm Beach County have state-of-the-art equipment on which to train. Carrier’s commitment to public education and our community goes far beyond their financial support and contributions of equipment.”
He specifically thanked Mark Thompson, vice president, secretary and deputy legal officer at Carrier, for his support on the Education Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Serving more than 60 students, Royal Palm Beach High School’s HVAC-R Academy offers an integrated learning environment designed to provide students an opportunity to begin a pathway to prepare for post-secondary education and careers in the HVAC-R industry. Funding will be used to support upgrading the academy’s equipment and securing program supplies integral to student success. Additionally, Carrier generously donated state-of-the-art HVAC units for students to gain hands-on practical experience in preparation for their industry certification exams and is establishing a mentoring program for the students. The program will focus on creating pathways to apprenticeships and career opportunities for graduating students.
“We are beyond grateful for this newly formed partnership between Carrier and Royal Palm Beach High School,” Principal Dr. Jesus Armas said. “Carrier is generously providing our HVAC students with the tools necessary to master the HVAC curriculum and afford them an opportunity for future success in the heating and cooling industry. None of this would be possible without the support of the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County. The Education Foundation’s unwavering and tireless work for the students of our school district is invaluable and, certainly, much appreciated.”
Thompson is proud of Carrier’s support of this program.
“At Carrier, we understand the importance of developing the next generation of technicians in the HVAC industry, and we’re proud to support Royal Palm Beach High School’s HVAC-R Academy,” he said. “This program is creating pathways for students in the industry right here in Palm Beach County, home of Carrier’s world headquarters.”
