The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is empowering the next generation of HVAC and plumbing professionals with its Technical School Grant Program. This year, 39 educational institutions across 24 states are receiving funding to enhance their propane-focused curriculum and resources, impacting over 3,000 students.
The program aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application by providing students with hands-on experience. Educators, equipped with up to $10,000 in funding and essential instructional materials, will dive deep into the world of propane, covering topics like installation, usage, and safety in applications like water heaters, furnaces, and boilers. To further enhance the learning experience, participating institutions will receive industry-standard tools, including propane regulator test boards, hydrometers, and pressure regulating devices.
Since its inception in 2021, the program has made a significant impact, supporting over 100 technical schools nationwide. Elena Bennett, senior manager of industry training and education at PERC, highlights the program’s significance: “Having the opportunity to educate future HVAC and plumbing technicians across the country on how to safely work with propane systems is such a rewarding experience. Propane is an energy source that can really turn some heads when you learn more about its reliability, efficiency, and sustainability benefits. It’s exciting to know that educators want to prioritize this in their curriculum.”
The program’s success is further reflected in the words of Mark Murphy, a 2021 grant recipient from Northwest Tech: “Not only has this curriculum provided extended learning for our students who are entering the trade, but it has given us essential equipment so they can get hands-on-experience working with propane systems. The preparation they are getting from this program is invaluable.”
Applications for the 2025 Technical School Grant Program are open until December 20. To learn more and discover how to apply, visit propane.com/technical-school-grant-program/.
About PERC
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting propane safety, providing exceptional training programs, and spearheading research and development of cutting-edge propane-powered technologies. The organization is funded and operated by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.
