November 2, 2012

(Arlington, VA) — The Clifford H. “Ted” Rees, Jr. Scholarship Foundation today announced two new scholarship programs designed to support returning veterans and also heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) instructors in our nation’s technical schools and community colleges, as well as those who teach our industry’s courses in traditional four-year institutions. The Rees Scholarship Foundation was founded by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) in 2003, and has since awarded more than $200,000 in scholarship funds to support students pursuing a career in the HVACR industry. The Foundation recently awarded its 100th scholarship, and will give $35,000 in new scholarships this year.

“It is our privilege to offer specialized scholarship programs for returning veterans seeking a career in our industry,” said AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek. “Likewise, we are happy to be able to support instructors for these programs who are often faced with limited resources.”

The Returning Veterans Program is intended to support returning veterans enrolled in an HVACR training program at an institutionally accredited school and pursuing a second career in the HVACR and water heating industry. The HVACR and Water Heating Training Instructors Program supports instructors by providing funding to assist with instructional materials and tools, as well as travel expenses to attend the HVACR & Mechanical Conference for Education Professionals.

The Clifford H. "Ted" Rees, Jr. Scholarship Foundation was established to assist with the recruitment and competency of future heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians by awarding scholarships to qualified students who are enrolled in an institutionally accredited school. For additional information on the foundation please go to http://www.reesscholarship.org.