TRANSFORM YOUR FUTURE WITH A FULLY-FUNDED PATHWAY
TO HIGH-DEMAND CAREERS IN
HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING.
Start January 5, 2026
Evening Classes in Tacoma
Scholarship Covers 100% of First Quarter
Build the skills our community needs. Install heat pumps. Improve air quality. Earn while you learn.
Program Overview
The Emerald Cities HVAC Career Prep Scholarship puts you on the fast track to a rewarding career in HVAC/R Service Technology.
In just one year of evening classes at Clover Park Technical College's new Eastside Center in Tacoma, you'll earn an Associate in Applied Technology (AAT) degree and be ready for service technician roles.
Program Highlights:
Start Date: January 5, 2026 (Winter Quarter)
Schedule: Evening classes designed for working adults
Location: Clover Park Technical College Eastside Center, Tacoma
Class Size: Limited to 13 scholarship recipients
This isn't just school—it's your launchpad into a career that matters.
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
When you're selected for the HVAC Career Prep Scholarship, you're gaining more than financial support—you're joining a community committed to your success.
Financial Support:
✓ 100% coverage of tuition and fees for your first quarter (Winter 2026)
✓ Up to 50% of tuition and fees for your remaining three quarters
✓ FREE books, supplies, and tools to get you started right
Beyond the Classroom:
✓ Financial aid application support to maximize your resources
✓ Cohort learning model connecting you with peers for mutual success
✓ Transportation assistance when you need it
✓ Direct connections to on-campus resources for holistic support
Real-World Experience:
You'll complete hands-on training with actual HVAC/R employers, building the networks and practical skills that lead to job offers.
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Why HVAC Careers Matter Now
The Pacific Northwest is leading the charge in building efficiency and climate solutions. That means unprecedented demand for skilled HVAC/R technicians who can install heat pumps, optimize ventilation systems, and implement technologies that reduce energy consumption while improving comfort and air quality.
What HVAC/R Technicians Do:
Install and maintain heating and cooling systems in homes and businesses
Work with cutting-edge heat pump technology driving the clean energy transition
Diagnose and repair refrigeration systems
Improve indoor air quality through advanced ventilation solutions
Help customers reduce energy costs and environmental impact
Career Potential:
High-demand field with strong job growth
Competitive wages with advancement opportunities
Work that directly impacts community health and sustainability
Pathways to specialization, supervision, or business ownership
This is more than a job—it's a career with purpose, stability, and room to grow.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
All Are Welcome
Whether you're starting fresh, changing careers, or building on experience, this scholarship is designed for you.
Ideal candidates include:
Career starters ready to enter a high-demand field
Career changers seeking stable, rewarding work
Construction workers looking to expand their skill set
Customer service professionals who want technical careers
Auto repair technicians ready to apply mechanical skills differently
Anyone with technical trades experience, including HVAC
No prior HVAC experience required. We're looking for motivated individuals ready to commit to their future and contribute to our region's clean energy goals.
If you're eager to learn, willing to show up, and ready to launch a career that matters, we want to hear from you.
Quarters 1-2: Foundation Building Winter & Spring 2026
Core HVAC/R coursework and lab training
Evening classes at Eastside Center
Milestone: Emerald Cities Certificate of Completion
PROGRAM PATHWAY TIMELINE
Quarter 3: Advanced Skills Summer 2026
Specialized technical training
Continued hands-on lab work
Milestone: Clover Park Technical College Certificate
Quarter 4: Real-World Experience Fall 2026
Full quarter of on-the-job training with industry partner
Apply classroom learning in professional settings
Build your network and earn recommendations
Milestone: AAT Degree in HVAC/R Service Technology
January 2027: Career Launch You're now a credentialed HVAC/R service technician ready for employment, advancement, or further specialization.
Ready to Start Your HVAC Career?
Applications are open now for the January 5, 2026 cohort.
With only 13 scholarships available, spots are limited. Don't wait—your future in HVAC starts with one click.
Questions? Contact Roz Jenkins, (360) 970-3591, rjenkins@emeraldcities.org
ABOUT THE PARTNERS
A Collaboration Built for Your Success
Emerald Cities Collaborative is a national nonprofit advancing building efficiency and workforce development. Since 2018, the ECC Northwest Region has been training skilled HVAC/R professionals who are transforming how we heat, cool, and ventilate buildings across the region. By partnering with educational institutions and employers, we're creating pathways that connect motivated individuals with meaningful careers.
Clover Park Technical College has been preparing students for high-demand careers for over 75 years. Their HVAC/R Service Technology program combines rigorous technical education with hands-on training, giving graduates the credentials and confidence employers want. The new Eastside Center in Tacoma offers state-of-the-art facilities designed specifically for technical training, with evening classes that work for your life.
Together, we're expanding access to HVAC/R careers and building the workforce our region needs for a sustainable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
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All are welcome to apply! We especially encourage those starting careers, changing careers, or bringing experience from construction, customer service, auto repair, and technical trades. No prior HVAC experience is required.
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This is a one-year program with evening classes designed for working adults. You'll attend classes at the Eastside Center in Tacoma, with a schedule that accommodates employment during the day. The final quarter is full-time on-the-job training.
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No! The scholarship covers 100% of your first quarter tuition and fees. We'll also help you apply for financial aid to cover costs beyond the scholarship support for quarters 2-4.
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After submitting your application, our team will review it and contact you about next steps. Selected applicants will be invited to complete enrollment at Clover Park Technical College for the Winter 2026 quarter starting January 5, 2026.
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Yes! The evening class schedule is specifically designed so you can maintain employment during quarters 1-3. Quarter 4 is dedicated to full-time on-the-job training with an industry partner.
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Scholarship winners receive support beyond tuition, including assistance with transportation costs when needed and discounted supplies and tools. We're committed to removing barriers to your success.
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The HVAC/R field is high-demand with strong job growth. The program includes networking opportunities, on-the-job training with employers, and career placement support. Graduates are well-positioned for service technician roles with pathways to advancement.
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You'll earn three credentials: the Emerald Cities Certificate of Completion (after 2 quarters), the Clover Park Technical College Certificate (after 3 quarters), and the Associate in Applied Technology (AAT) Degree in HVAC/R Service Technology (after completing all 4 quarters including OJT).