University of Hawai‘i Maui College awarded $100K grant by Johnson Controls to train workers

Program provides financial and mentoring support that will foster growth and career opportunities

Maui, June 13, 2023 – University of Hawai‘i Maui College will invest a $100,000 grant ($70,000 cash
and $30,000 equipment) from Johnson Controls in training and educational opportunities to support
future workforce leaders across the HVAC, fire and security industries. As an estimated 10,000 trade
professionals are projected to leave the workforce each year over the next decade due to heightened
retirements or career changes, UH Maui College continues to prioritize investments in workforce
training and recruitment to bridge the skilled trades gap.

“This generous grant from JCI gives Maui residents the opportunity to make a good living and support
their families either here in Hawai’i or wherever they may go. Folks with this training are highly sought
after everywhere. We’re thrilled to have been selected for this four-year program,” said UH Maui College
Chancellor Lui Hokoana.

“Because of the grant more of our community members will be able to receive opportunities to learn
important trades that can lead to valuable careers, contribute to our community, and benefit our
islands’ future generations,” said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. “Each student who benefits
from the financial support of the grant will have a chance to become a part of a critical workforce that
helps our island’s large and small businesses succeed. We appreciate the contribution by Johnson
Controls and value the role that the University of Hawai`i Maui College will have in this exceptional
opportunity.”

Since 2021, the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program has annually distributed
$1 million across 10 community colleges in North America with a focus on vocational programs to
inspire the next generation of workers. Grant recipients have the opportunity to receive a renewed
grant for up to three years, creating long-term opportunities for program development. Each college
has the option to receive the grants in full monetary value or to receive partial monetary funds along
with technical equipment donated by Johnson Controls.

“UH Maui College plans to use the funding to provide student internship stipends, support subject
matter expertise from our industry professionals to ensure relevant training, and extra funding to
support students with tutors and basic needs. JCI will be providing the equipment in kind,” said
Laura Lees Nagle, dean of career and technical education and accreditation liaison officer.

Johnson Controls employees in the surrounding area also will work with UH Maui College to mentor
and encourage students to join the skilled trades workforce. Through relationship building with industry
professionals, students will be able to ask mentors questions and get a glimpse into the promising
career trajectory following training completion.

“Not only are we investing in the next generation of workforce leaders, but the mentoring associated
with this initiative reminds our employees why we do what we do,” said Julie Brandt, president of
Building Solutions North America at Johnson Controls. “We’re looking at our future and through
partnership with these colleges we’re all contributing to a better supported trades industry.”

To learn more about the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program, visit:
https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/corporate-sustainability/community/philanthropy/community-college-
partnership

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About University of Hawaiʻi Maui College 
Through its varied degree and certificate options, University of Hawaiʻi Maui College 
addresses the needs of a diverse student population of approximately 3,000 students in a three-island
community with its main campus located in Kahului, Maui. UH Maui College outreach education centers are
located on Maui in Hāna, and on the Islands of Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i. UH Maui College is accredited by the
Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
UH Maui College currently offers two Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees, eleven Associate in Applied
Science (AAS) degrees, six Associate in Science (AS) degrees, two Associate in Arts (AA) degrees,
and numerous program certificates. In addition, UH Maui College partners with other campuses to increase
offerings that meet the needs of its community. University Center Maui brokers baccalaureate, post-
baccalaureate, and graduate degree programs in partnership with UH Mānoa,
UH Hilo, UH West O‘ahu and Oregon State University.
Please visit UH Maui College
@uhmaui on Instagram
University of Hawai‘i Maui College on FB

About Johnson Controls  
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and
play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the
performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.
Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for
industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond
through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.
Today, with a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the
world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of
the most trusted names in the industry.
Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms.

UH Maui College Media contact:
Bonnie Friedman
UH Maui College Communications Specialist
(808) 280-9931
bonnie@grapevineproductionshawaii.com

JCI Media Contact: 
Kari Pfisterer 
Director, Public Relations and Media
Johnson Controls 
Direct +1 414 217 1488 
kari.b.pfisterer@jci.com