Integrating building automation and control systems into HVAC technician education

The National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education awarded Sinclair Community College $982,796 on October 1, 2026, under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) to develop and implement a building automation systems-integrated track within its existing HVAC associate degree pathway and new certificates preparing students, incumbent workers, and high school learners for technician roles in smart buildings and advanced facility operations.

The project will combine traditional HVAC preparation with instruction in building automation systems communication protocols, controller programming, Internet of Things-enabled sensing, network fundamentals, and secure operation of connected building systems. Sinclair will establish pathways for current college students, high school students, and incumbent workers to prepare for hybrid HVAC and building automation technician roles in commercial, institutional, industrial, and smart-building environments where mechanical systems are increasingly integrated with digital controls, networking, energy analytics, and cybersecurity.

Industry partners including Trane, Schneider Electric, Point to Point Systems, and Waibel will guide curriculum development, co-develop work-based learning, provide technical expertise, and support internships, co-ops, site tours, and mentoring. Expected outcomes include expanded enrollment in building automation systems-infused technician education, stronger student completion and credential attainment, improved job readiness for energy-efficient and digitally connected facility operations, and a replicable model for preparing technicians who can install, troubleshoot, program, and secure next-generation building systems.

Performance of work occurs in Dayton, Ohio from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029.

Abstract

This project will serve the national interest and the NSF advanced technological education (ATE) program's mission by strengthening the nation's skilled technical workforce in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technology. The project will prepare a new generation of hybrid HVAC and building automation technicians for work in commercial, institutional, industrial, and smart-building environments where mechanical systems are increasingly integrated with digital controls, networking, energy analytics, and cybersecurity. Sinclair community college will develop and implement a building automation systems (BAS)-integrated track within its existing HVAC associate degree pathway and will develop new certificates that prepare students, incumbent workers, and high school learners for emerging technician roles in smart buildings and advanced facility operations. The project will combine traditional HVAC preparation with instruction in BAS communication protocols, controller programming, internet of things (IOT)-enabled sensing, network fundamentals, and secure operation of connected building systems. The project will support strong pathways for current college students, high school students, and incumbent workers. Industry partners including trane, schneider electric, point to point systems, and waibel will help guide curriculum, CO-develop work-based learning, provide technical expertise, and support internships, CO-OPS, site tours, and mentoring. Expected outcomes include expanded enrollment in BAS-infused technician education, stronger student completion and credential attainment, improved job readiness for energy-efficient and digitally connected facility operations, and a replicable model for preparing technicians who can install, troubleshoot, program, and secure next-generation building systems. The project goals are to (1) develop and deploy a BAS-integrated HVAC associate degree track curriculum and related certificates, (2) create a living lab for applied BAS-HVAC instruction, (3) establish work-based learning pathways with employers, (4) strengthen faculty capacity in BAS technologies, and (5) broaden participation through outreach to high schools, career-technical partners, and incumbent workers across sinclair's service region. Major project activities will include development of six or more modules; revision of courses in controls, operating systems, programming, networking, IOT architecture, network security, and HVAC systems; faculty professional development and certification; summer camps and high-school engagement; and coordinated recruitment led by a full-time project navigator. The methodology will combine curriculum redesign, hands-on laboratory learning, and employer-engaged experiential learning. External evaluation will use formative and summative measures such as enrollment, credential attainment, experiential learning participation, faculty development, outreach effectiveness, and dissemination outputs. Deliverables will include curriculum modules, lab manuals, performance rubrics, faculty toolkits, internship/CO-OP agreements, outreach materials, annual evaluation reports, and open educational resources. Presentation will be shared through ATE central, conferences, webinars, workshops, and educator networks. The project plans to contribute new knowledge to the field by generating evidence on how interdisciplinary HVAC-BAS pathways, living-lab pedagogy, employer CO-teaching, and integrated IT-OT/cybersecurity content can strengthen technician education and better prepare the skilled workforce needed for smart, energy-efficient, and secure buildings nationwide. This project is funded by the advanced technological education program, which focuses on the education of technicians for the advanced-technology fields that drive the nation's economy. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.