SEARCY, Ark. — Students in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) program at Arkansas State University-Beebe on the Searcy campus are gaining a significant head start in their careers thanks to the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI), which provided a $50,000 grant aimed at enhancing the student experience and career readiness.
Funds from the Metallica Scholars Initiative were recently used to purchase hand tools, refrigeration service tools, and diagnostic and electrical instruments for students in the HVACR program to practice their skills in the classroom and use later in the workforce.
“The Metallica Scholars grant and the tools it provides have a direct impact on our students by giving them access to equipment and technology used in the HVACR field,” said Brad Cooper, advanced instructor of the HVACR program. “Providing the specialized tools to use in both the classroom and their jobs will help students gain valuable experience, build confidence, develop job-ready skills, and better prepare them for successful careers in the HVACR industry.”
The initiative eliminates financial barriers for students by providing access to professional-grade tools, empowering them to enter the workforce better prepared, more confident, and equipped for success.
“For our Early College students, it’s a real head start,” said Robin Johnson, Early College coordinator. “They are building their careers before they’ve even completed high school. It shows students that this career path matters and that their hard work is worth investing in. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity and for the difference it is making in our students’ lives.”
Graduates can work in careers, such as commercial and residential HVACR technician, duct installation, energy analyzer, maintenance manager, and small appliance repair. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Department of Labor 2023 estimates, the median annual salary of Arkansas HVACR graduates is $49,340, with the top 10% earners estimated at $66,000.
“The Metallica Scholars Initiative grant program is doing wonderful things to support career and technical education across the nation,” said Dr. Blake Perkins, vice chancellor for Academics. “The selection of our HVACR students at ASU-Beebe’s Searcy campus for funding this year reflects the outstanding work this program is doing for career-ready, workforce education in Arkansas.”
For more information, view the webpage at https://www.asub.edu/degrees-and-certificates/heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-hvacr/