Scholarship Recipients - EGIA Foundation
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Scholarship Recipients

Meet This Year’s Award Recipients

Ashley Finch

South Louisiana Community College

Lafayette, Louisiana

I am inspired by the advancements in sustainable technologies and getting to improve the quality of peoples’ lives with a career in HVAC. As a woman entering a male-dominated field, I am motivated to prove that success in the trades is achievable through hard work and passion.

Austin DeBolt

Alfred State College

Berkshire, New York

I fell in love with trouble shooting and being able to be “the guy” that can get things working. This field has exciting advancements in green-energy to help provide affordable and sustainable energy. That paired with providing a comfortable lifestyle make it a great career path for me.

Bennett Moore

Madison College

Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

One thing I’ve realized as an apprentice is how important HVAC is to everyday life, in homes, workplaces, etc. HVAC isn’t going anywhere. It’s rewarding knowing I’m helping people stay comfortable and safe, and I’m excited to keep learning, earn my certifications, and grow in this field.

Brady Zanella

Broome Community College

Amsterdam, New York

I am 100% certain this is the right career for me with such a high demand for skilled technicians, competitive salaries and I enjoy the hands on learning.

Brittany Berry

Southwestern Illinois College

Belleville, Illinois

After more than a decade as a registered nurse, I realized my passion for helping others and solving problems could take a new form in HVACR—an industry that lets me create healthy, comfortable environments without compromising my ethics or values.

Carson Grafford

Lincoln Land Community College

Carrollton, Illinois

The HVAC field offers stability, opportunity, and the satisfaction of solving problems you can see the results of right away. HVAC technicians play a huge role in keeping homes and businesses comfortable and energy-efficient—improving people’s daily lives.

Ciana Rosado Ayala

Quinebaug Valley Community College

Dayville, Connecticut

I knew I wanted to work with my hands, and once I saw HVAC technicians in action, I knew this was the field for me. I’m driven to learn everything, master the trade, and one day teach the next generation.

Cody Cobb

Central Maine Community Collage

Winthrop, Maine

As I move into the next stage of my life, I’m applying the mindset I’ve learn playing football. The drive to do things to the best of my ability in the HVAC field, built on teamwork, reliability, and doing the job right the first time.

Cooper Troha

St. Charles Community College

Augusta, Missouri

I have always enjoyed working with my hands. My grandfather has been in the HVAC industry his entire life, and he is the reason I am set on what I want to do with my life.

Dakota Hamilton

El Camino College

San Pedro, California

HVAC is a career that will always matter. It’s hands-on, challenging, and essential to everyday life and I’m proud to follow in the footsteps of the hardworking trade workers in my family.

Dalton Downing

Indian Hills Community College

Plainfield, Iowa

I’ve seen firsthand how important skilled trades are in rural areas, and I want to be one of the people who steps up when others need help, just like my father and grandfather. HVAC lets me use my hands, solve problems, and make a real difference in my community.

Daniel Sanchez Gutierrez

Dehart Technical School

Modesto, California

I’ve been around the trades since I was 14, and learned how satisfying it is to build and fix things with my hands. My goal is to lead a service team one day, and I can’t wait to get started working towards my dreams.

Devin Smith

Southwest Mississippi Community College

McComb, Mississippi

I’m pursuing a career in HVAC because it aligns with my personal interests and the desire for a stable future. I have always been fascinated by how things work and this field has great advancement opportunities.

Eden Rolfe

Springfield Technical Community College

East Longmeadow, Massachusetts

I was told at an early age that this trade could secure my future and make me an asset in the field. I learn best hands-on, and I’m excited to build a career in a trade that needs more women.

Francesca Gutierrez

Universal Technical Institute

Killeen, Texas

Service allows relationships to flourish and a community to thrive. I’ve always believed in putting others before yourself—whether it’s helping a neighbor move or opening a door for someone. I want to use my HVACR education to bless others—keeping homes warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and creating a charitable business that provides affordable repairs for those in need.

Jaden Politte

State Technical College of Missouri

Viburnum, Missouri

My goal is to eventually move back to the area or to an area with underserved needs and open my own HVAC business.

Jaydon Bautista

Delaware Technical Community College

Milton, Delaware

I’ve always been a hands-on person and after researching different careers, HVAC was the most appealing. My mind is set on success in this field so I can build a strong future for my family and be a great addition to the industry.

Jessica Champagne

Porter and Chester

Vernon, Connecticut

I enjoy working with my hands and solving problems, and HVAC brings something new every day. I take pride knowing my work improves people’s comfort, safety, and quality of life.

Lukas Smith

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Wausaukee, Wisconsin

Once I started learning the trade, I realized I want to learn how to service systems so I can eventually have my own local HVAC business. I’m confident I made the right decision and I plan to serve my community.

Madelynn Adams

State Technical College of Missouri

Richwoods, Missouri

I enjoy being active, helping people, and solving problems. HVACR gives me all of that and a path to my own business one day. As a young woman in the trades, I’m motivated to learn everything I can and build a career that supports my family and my community.

Matthew Chace

Florence Darlington Technical

Florence, South Carolina

HVAC is not just a career—it is a way for me to use my skills to help people and be able to support my community. I want my HVAC career to help me make a real-world impact and inspire a new generation of skilled trade workers.

Owen Lehan

DMACC

Dunlap, Iowa

My ultimate goal is to build a successful HVAC-R business that provides reliable service to my hometown and surrounding areas—bringing skilled trade opportunities back to rural communities that need them most.

Peyton Smith

Austin Community College

Cedar Creek, Texas

I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, and helping my dad with home improvement projects taught me the value of hard work and problem solving. But it was his career in HVAC that truly sparked my passion—showing me it’s not just about fixing air conditioners, it’s about making people’s lives better and more comfortable.

Qaaima Taylor

Nevada Refrigeration and Air Conditioning School

Las Vegas, Nevada

I love hands-on problem-solving and want to build a career that supports others, especially women entering the trades. I’m not just pursuing HVAC — I’m stepping into this field with purpose and a legacy in mind.

Sophia Valenzuela

Riverside City College

Riverside, California

It’s incredible how versatile this trade is—you become a jack of many trades, learning piping, electricity, sheet metal, and refrigeration. I want to challenge the narrative that women don’t belong in the trades and show that we can not only succeed here but lead. HVAC has helped me find my voice, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Sterling Bray

Randolph Community College

Randleman, North Carolina

I chose HVAC because it’s a career with real opportunity, security, and room to grow — especially as technology advances. My goal is to learn the trade, build a business, and create a future where I can support my family and be present as a father.

Talia Dozier

Central Carolina Technical College

Manning, South Carolina

I chose this field because it challenges me, keeps me learning, and lets me make a real difference. I like the idea of showing up, solving problems, and leaving someone’s day better than it was.

Tyra Talley

Shorter College

Little Rock, Arkansas

After seeing my grandfather enjoy HVAC since the 1970s and support our community, I felt inspired to follow in his footsteps. I’m ready to work hard, learn the trade, and build a career where I can help people and create a more stable future.

Uriel Luna

Francis Tuttle Technical School

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

I am drawn to HVAC because it combines hands-on work with problem-solving skills, and it is such an essential service. I believe a career would not only benefit me but also my father’s remodeling and construction company.

Zane Cooper

Lone Star College

Montgomery, Texas

Ever since I was a kid, I have been helping my family with their rental properties and have been fascinated with how to fix systems. My long-term goal is to open my own successful HVAC/R business in the community that gave me my start.

2018-2025 Scholarship Recipients

Octavio Aranda

Universal Technical Institute

Coupland, Texas

Cyrus Martin-Belk

Del Mar College – Windward Campus

Ingleside, Texas

Ashonte Ross

Lamson Institute

San Antonio, Texas

Mariano Serrano

HCC Central Campus

Houston, Texas

Victor Barajas

Greenville Technical College

Simpsonville, South Carolina

Eduardo Franchise

Gadsden State Valley

Gadsden, Alabama

Amanda Mitchell

Tarrant County College

Fort Worth, Texas

Elber Ortiz Guzman

Minneapolis College

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Alex Sayer

Northern Michigan University

Hesperia, Michigan

Logan Clark

TCAT Upper Cumberland

Rockwood, Tennessee

Sang Hnin

Fortis College

Indianapolis, Indiana

Matthew Breen

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Concord, North Carolina

Luis Marquez

Riverside Community College

Perris, California

Landon Schmidt

Dunwoody College of Technology

Mahtomedi, Minnesota

Ethan Peavey

CVTC Energy Education Center

Glen Flora, Wisconsin

Ryan Welte

Blackhawk Technical College

Roscoe, Illinois

Lucas Crow

Bevill State Community College

Houston, Alabama

Joseph Davis

Blinn College

Shiner, Texas

Victor Imhoff

College of DuPage

Plainfield, Illinois

Colton VanGheem

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Jennifer Vera

Riverside City College

Fontana, California

Gabriel Xavier

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida

Maxwell Koskodan

Ferris State University

Dryden, Michigan

Juan Soto

Perry Technical Institute

Wapato, Washington

Cynthia Ibarra

Emily Griffith Technical College

Westminster, Colorado

Terry Sutton

West Georgia Tech

Douglasville, Georgia

Jacob Williams

Northeast Community College

Wilber, Nebraska

Amari Paige

College of DuPage

Addison, Illinois

Eric Acosta

Lincoln Technical Institute

Elmwood Park, New Jersey

Dennis Grubb

Northeast Community College

Mooresville, Indiana

Tyler Jasper

The Pennsylvania College of Science and Technology

Lewistown, PA

Jovanni Espinoza

Perry Technical Institute

Mabton, WA

David Jentis

Western Technical College

El Paso, TX

Jorge Arizpe

HVAC Technical Institute

Chicago, IL

Ian Orosco

Pikes Peak State College

Colorado Springs, CO

Tyler Cortes

Institute of Technology

Sutherlin, OR

Andrew Morris

Perry Technical Institute

Yakima, WA

Kahleal Hill

Guilford Technical Community College

Asheboro, NC

Jojuan Campbell

Columbus State Community College

Columbus, OH

Joseph Larez

Perry Technical Institute

Harrah, WA

Dylan Whipple

North Georgia Technical College

Demorest, GA

Josh Hartman

Pennsylvania College of Science and Technology

Lebanon, PA

Matthew Maitland

Pikes Peak State College

Colorado Springs, CO

Sean Terrell

Greenville Technical College

Anderson, SC

Chad Bittle

State Technical College

Jefferson City, MO

Dante Carter

San Joaquin Valley College (Rancho Cordova Campus)

Palmdale, CA

Bryan Hernandez

Delgado Community College

New Orleans, LA

Gavin Reupert

Mount St. Joseph University

Cincinnati, OH

Adrian Gallegos

Garden City, KS

Seward County Community College

Ashlyn Jackson

Carbondale, IL

John A Logan College

Brenda Martinez

Perry Technical Institute

Yakima, WA

Brian Carbajal

Yakima Valley Community College

Selah, WA

Diana Montiel Silva

Wake Technical Community College

Durham, NC

Jaxon Barber

Guilford Technical Community College

Greensboro, NC

Jeremy Conti

Quinsigamond Community College

Grafton, MA

Jose Gurrola

Kansas City Kansas Community College

Kansas City, KS

Joseph Huerta

Seward County Community College

Garden, KS

Julian Lara

Ferris State University

Grand Rapids, MI

Juan Garcia

College of Southern Nevada

Las Vegas, NV

Kyna Cardenas

San Joaquin Valley College – Temecula

Lake Elsinore, CA

Marshall Stephens

Oakland Community College

Rochester Hills, MI

Mellena Everett

J. F. Drake State Technical College

Huntsville, AL

Nathan Luehrs

Northwest Technical College

Bemidji, MN

Nicholas Wiederholt

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Rice Lake, WI

Stephan Przybylowicz

Piedmont Virginia Community College

Louisa, VA

Zachary Sale

Upper Valley Career Center

Piqua, OH

Isaiah Jackson

Texas State University

Houston, TX

Adil Khatabay

Brooklyn Park, MN

Dunwoody College of Technology

Adnane Choudani

Breensboro, NC

Guilford Technical Community College

Alejandro Mancera

Yakima, WA

Perry Technical Institute

Brian Vazquez

Selah, WA

Yakima Valley Community College

Christian Rodriguez

Yakima, WA

Perry Technical Institute

Drew Larson

Minneapolis, MN

Dunwoody College of Technology

Evan Schaefer

Estes Park, CO

Front Range Community College

Jonah Hartman

Jersey Shore, PA

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Juan Garcia

Spring, TX

Lone Star College System

Justin Rohrenbach

Rapid City, SD

Western Dakota Technical Institute

Kamik James

North Plainfield, NJ

Union County College

Logan Brauer

Olive Branch, TN

William Moore College of Technology

Mario Anzaldo

McChord AFB, WA

Clover Park Technical College

Walker Schulte

Strawberry Point, IA

Northeast Iowa Community College-Calmar

Zachary Middleton-Powell

Washington, IL

Illinois Central College

Arica Jones

Waldorf, PA

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Benjamin Ossai

Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield College

Dane Conely

Cedar Springs, MI

Ferris State University

Daniel Faulconer

Cynthiana, KY

Building Institute of Central Kentucky

Glenn Paul

Ellensburg, WA

Perry Technical Institute

Jonah Hartman

Jersey Shore, PA

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Jonathan Adams

Danville, CA

California State University Sacramento

Jordan Crane

Blisseld, MI

Washtenaw Community College

Joshua Furse

Custer, MN

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Kemberly Stephens

Waycross, GA

Coastal Pines Technical College

Lance Lines

Towanda, PA

Pennsylvania College of Technolgoy

Landon Ottenson

Wahpeton, ND

North Dakota State College of Science

Luis Trejo

Bondurant, IA

Des Moines Area Community College

O’Shaey Harris

Montgomery, AL

H Councill Trenholm State Technical College

Owen Bartman

Farmington, MI

Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology

Richard Campbell

Nanty Glo, PA

Triangle Tech Inc – Greensburg

Thomas Heiderscheit

Lake Lillian, MN

Saint Cloud Technical College

Wyatt Luebbert

Freeburg, MO

Linn State Technical College

Daniel Karrels

West Bend, WI

Milwaukee Area Technical College

Juan Anaya

Houston, TX

Houston Community College System

Jordan Bowman

Roaring Spring, PA

Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center

BriAnna Prouse

Twin Falls, ID

College of Southern Idaho

Marco Cazares

Caldwell, TX

Texas State Technical College Waco

Devante Cuthbertson

Greensboro, NC

Guilford Technical Community College

Alejandro Ruiz

Las Vegas, NV

College of Southern Nevada

Jacob Keil

Bellevue, IA

Northeast Iowa Community College-Calmar

Jordan Brill

Elyria, OH

Ohio Business College

Johnathan Zajac

Moore, OK

Moore Norman Technology Center

Thomas Jensen

Missoula, MT

University of Montana College of Technology

Joshua Smith

Farmington, IL

Illinois Central College

Justin Adams

Chillicothe, IL

Illinois Central College

Luke Hugenroth

Paducah, KY

West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Garrett Tice

Wichita Falls, TX

Vernon College

Nicholas Stygles

Clarksville, TN

Tennessee Technology Center at Dickson

Rakeem Dozier

Roanoke, AL

Southern Union State Community College

Michael Baker

St. Cloud, MN

St. Cloud Tech & Community College

Andrew Bond

Pittsburgh, PA

Triangle Tech, Pittsburgh

John Bozone

Okmulgee, OK

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology

John Cao

Sioux Falls, SD

Southeast Technical Institute

Lyndon Chang

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena City College

Surindra Deonarine

Marietta, GA

Lincoln College of Technology

Adam Fromm

Eau Claire, WI

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Jordan Giard

East Windsor, CT

Lincoln Technical Institute

Tyler Hungerschafer

Bellingham, WA

Bellingham Technical College

Thomas Jensen

Missoula, MT

University of Montana College of Technology

Taran Manuel

Berkeley, MO

Vatterott College

Papa Mbaye

Houston, TX

Lone Star College: North Harris

John Ragusa

Birmingham, AL

Lawson State Community College

Robert Reagan

Twin Falls, ID

College of Southern Idaho

Zachary Slocum

Waco, TX

Texas State Technical College

Eduard Tsikhotskiy

Worcester, MA

Porter and Chester Institute

Robert Wilhelm

Southfield, MI

Northwestern Tech Institute

Justin Zeller

Marietta, GA

Chattahoochee Technical College

Invest in the Future of the Industry

135

Scholarships Awarded

$337,500

Of Tuition Funded

37

States Represented

105

Schools Represented

The home services industry is facing a workforce shortage crisis – but you can help the industry and your company in the process. By making a tax-deductible donation to the EGIA Foundation, you will be helping to support the development of the next generation of contractors and technicians.

Every dollar you give makes a real difference in encouraging and supporting teens and young adults to pursue a career in home services contracting, and ensuring they’ll be better educated and prepared when entering the workforce.

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