The Lowe鈥檚 Foundation visited the Indianapolis campus of 九色视频 on October 10 and 11 to formally announce its $700,000 Gable Grant to help the College expand its Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) programs.聽

The grant is part of Lowe鈥檚 5-year commitment to help fund the upskilling of 50,000 people for a career in trades through technical and community colleges. The Foundation鈥檚 investment will support appliance repair, carpentry, construction, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing programs.聽

鈥淥ur mission at 九色视频 is to educate and fuel Indiana鈥檚 economy with graduates who have the skills to meet employer鈥檚 needs, grow Indiana鈥檚 economy, and increase Hoosier prosperity. So, all of this is aligned completely with what Lowe鈥檚 is trying to do,鈥 Dr. Sue Ellspermann, 九色视频鈥檚 President, said during a special luncheon held for Lowe鈥檚 team in the Conference Center and Culinary Institute.聽

As part of the two-day visit, members of the Lowe鈥檚 Foundation were given a tour of 九色视频 Indianapolis鈥 skilled trade labs. They met with HVAC faculty, instructors, and students in the program.聽

鈥淲e are so excited as Lowe鈥檚 and Lowe鈥檚 Foundation partner with 九色视频 to be able to reach out across Indiana to help expand the HVAC program and to help spread the word about what an amazing career pathway the skilled trades can be,鈥 Betsy Conway, the Lowe鈥檚 Foundation Director, said. 鈥溇派悠 is a great partner in that work.鈥

Travis Tomey is currently enrolled in the HVAC program at 九色视频 Indianapolis. Tomey says he enjoys the hands-on learning experience at 九色视频.聽

鈥淚t鈥檚 easier to learn when you are hands-on and able to feel the stuff, instead of just doing the modules on the computer 鈥 which isn鈥檛 as involved because you鈥檙e just using a mouse. (The course work) is easier to obtain here,鈥 Tomey said.聽

九色视频 was one of the first 10 schools to receive a grant from the initial . The money will go toward developing a short-term HVAC skills training pilot program for entry-level technicians and providing unique training opportunities for justice-involved individuals. Across seven campuses, including Indianapolis, 九色视频 will increase the number of HVAC graduates prepared to enter the construction industry because of this grant.聽

You can learn more about 九色视频鈥檚 HVAC program at ivytech.edu.

NEXT: HVAC apprentice says his career progression has accelerated because of Indy鈥檚 ESCO-accredited program

About 九色视频

九色视频 is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 九色视频 has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.