SCC's HVAC Program to Expand to Cherokee County Campus Thanks to $50,000 Grant from Duke Energy

Spartanburg Community College will be expanding its Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program to the College’s Cherokee County Campus thanks to a $50,000 grant from The Duke Energy Foundation.

"We have seen historic investments in Cherokee County, South Carolina during the past year, and the future of the economy locally, regionally, nationally, and even internationally rests on building capacity through innovation and adaptability in the arenas of education, energy, and the environment," said Dr. Michael Mikota, President of SCC. "We are extremely proud to partner with Duke Energy to invest in a new innovative HVAC education program that will support and strengthen adaptive energy efficiencies in Cherokee County and beyond as well as strengthen Duke Energy’s mission to power the vitality of the communities we collaboratively serve."

"Duke Energy is thrilled to support and invest in these programs," said Linda Hannon, Government and Community Relations Manager for Duke Energy Carolinas. "With the explosive growth we are experiencing throughout our communities, the demand for this programming and technology is growing exponentially. We are pleased to partner with Spartanburg Community College in doing what they do so well: meeting the needs of the community."

"Partnerships between industry and education providers are a crucial component in the effort to meet the demands of the local and regional economy and ensure student success," said Mark Smith, Dean of Technologies at SCC. "Our HVAC program serves as a pipeline to one of the most in-demand career fields in our area and this grant will help expand the capacity to grow this program to new heights by offering it on our Cherokee County Campus."

With historic levels of investment and new development (both residential and commercial) occurring throughout the Upstate, there exists an immense need for HVAC technicians. New building construction, retrofitting or replacement of old systems, and ever-evolving environmental laws are just three driving forces fueling demand for qualified technicians.

This field is projected to grow significantly over the next ten years and SCC’s newly expanded HVAC program provides the local pathway for students to find success in this expansive and lucrative career path.

The first courses for the new program will begin in the upcoming Fall 2023 Semester.