Trane Launches $100 Million Access to Education Initiative for Underrepresented Populations
HVAC and climate control solutions company Trane Technologies announced today the launch of its Sustainable Futures strategy, with initiatives aimed at providing access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and climate education to under-represented students, including children from low-income and underdeveloped communities.
The new initiatives form part of Trane’s “Opportunity for All” pillar of its 2030 sustainability commitments, which includes a pledge to invest $100 million to under-represented students to ensure they have access to healthy learning environments, early exposure to sustainability concepts and support in accessing rewarding green and STEM careers. Additionally, the company has set a goal to donate 500,000 global employee volunteer hours to programs that support the corporate citizenship strategy.
The Sustainable Futures initiative was launched with multi-year grant commitments of $1 million each to Project Scientist, and Project Drawdown. Project Scientist’s mission is to expose a diverse population of young girls to a high-quality STEM curriculum that inspires confidence in their pursuit of learning. Trane will support around 800 girls per year between the ages of 4 and 12, with Trane employees mentoring girls and giving them a behind-the-scenes look at STEM careers and workplaces. The Collaboration with Project Drawdown, which aims to help the world reach the point at which levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline, will support open access to climate education.
Trane also stated that it has provided grants to programs including the National Society of Black Engineers, to increase math and science proficiency among third to fifth grade students; REDEEM Detroit, for programming that introduces at-risk students to good-paying trade careers; and Urban League of Central Carolinas in support of its HVAC certification program.
Marcia Avedon, Trane Technologies Chief Human Resources, Marketing and Communications Officer, said:
“Our focus is to help young people gain exposure, support and resources to realize brighter futures. Sustainable Futures is core to our company’s Opportunity for All pillar in our 2030 Sustainability Commitments. This strategy will mobilize our company’s resources, unique expertise and the talents of our team members to build greater visibility and pathways to green and STEM careers, particularly for underrepresented groups.”