As part of the Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants to help expand Ivy Tech Community College’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) programs, Lowe’s gifted all students in the HVAC and Building Construction Technology (BCTI) programs with brand-new power drills and 4-tool kits. 

On Monday, Jan. 22, every student was handed a Flex 4-Tool Brushless Power Tool Combo Kit and Flex 24V ½” Brushless Cordless Drill, free of charge. The gifted tools will help us to continue meeting not only the learning needs of our students but also their financial needs while they train to become certified in their field. 

The Lowe’s Foundation also gifted each college participating in the Gable Grants initiative $4,000 in gift cards for their neighborhood Lowe’s. Each HVAC and BCTI faculty member – full-time and part-time – also received power drills and 4-tool kits.

The Gable Grants are part of Lowe’s five-year, $50 million commitment to help fund the upskilling of 50,000 people for a career in skilled trades through technical and community colleges. The Foundation invests in appliance repair, carpentry, construction, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing programs. 

Ivy Tech was one of the first schools to receive a grant from the initial $8 million announced in July. The money will go toward developing a short-term HVAC skills training pilot program for entry-level technicians and providing unique training opportunities for justice-involved individuals. 

Learn more about Ivy Tech’s HVAC program. 

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.