Since 1982, the Johnson Controls Foundation has awarded college scholarships to selected children of Johnson Controls employees, as a way to encourage and support higher education. Over the years, several hundred students have been assisted by this program which grants awards to students attending two- and four-year accredited colleges and universities in the United States. Past winners have gone on to become educators, physicians, researchers and technology experts, among other rewarding careers. For the 2021-22 school year, the Johnson Controls Foundation Scholarship Program awarded 40 four-year grants of $2,000 per year and 20 one-year grants of $2,000.

Parents of the scholarship recipients responded with appreciation of the Foundation’s gift upon notification of the award. Lonnie Cavazos, a senior account executive with York whose son Erick received a scholarship to Baylor University, said he and his wife were excited and grateful. “Every scholarship he has earned is going to be a big help. I know that Erick was extremely proud that he was able to win a scholarship from a company that his dad has been with for more than 14 years. Johnson Controls has always been a household name for us since he was little. We will be moving him into Baylor University. We are sad to see him leave but excited for him and the first step towards his future endeavors.”

Wayne Dinh, a senior field engineer based in Florida, agreed. His daughter Brianna graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and was awarded a scholarship to Florida Central University. “Brianna was super-excited and thankful when she received the letter of the awarded scholarship,” he said. Wayne noted that Brianna will be pursuing a pre-med major.

Jeff Stevens, a content manager in Milwaukee, has been with Johnson Controls 20 years, and remembers reading about the scholarship winners each year when his children were small. This year, he encouraged his daughter Megan to apply, and he and his wife were thrilled when she was selected. “Megan was very pleased when she learned that she had won a Johnson Controls scholarship, as we know this is a very competitive award. It helps validate all of her hard work during high school and will encourage her to do her best at the University of Wisconsin this fall,” he said.

April Geralds, a program support manager in Oklahoma, said her daughter applied, but didn’t think she had a chance at winning. “Victoria was shocked honestly due to the knowledge of the competition of the scholarship. She was very honored to be a recipient. It will certainly help her with pursing her nursing degree at Oral Roberts University. As a parent, I can’t be more thankful to have a company to help support our children with college as it is a privilege and a choice our kids make,” she said

Each year committee members express how difficult it is to select the best from among the very impressive applicant pool, whose fine records are a credit to their parents and families, their schools — and especially to themselves. The Johnson Controls Foundation congratulates each applicant on his or her achievements. For a complete list of this year's scholars, click here.

For more information about the scholarship program for the upcoming year – including full eligibility criteria, application instructions and a link to the online application (when open) – please visit here.