Penn College and Thaddeus Stevens partner for HVACR industry
Friday, November 14, 2025
Pennsylvania College of Technology and Lancaster-based Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology have formed an articulation agreement benefiting students pursuing careers in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry.
The agreement enables graduates of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration associate degree at Thaddeus Stevens College to transfer credits seamlessly into one of two four-year majors at Penn College: heating, ventilation & air conditioning engineering technology or building automation engineering technology. The Thaddeus Stevens College graduates will be able to complete their baccalaureate degree requirements at Penn College – a special mission affiliate of Penn State – in two years.
Pennsylvania College of Technology and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology gather to recognize the signing of an articulation agreement for the HVACR industry. Seated, from left: Michael J. Reed, president of Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Pedro A. Rivera II, president of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Standing, from left: George Longridge, vice president for finance and administration (Thaddeus Stevens); Joanna Flynn, vice president for academic affairs/provost (Penn College); Melissa Day, director of K-16 and strategic initiatives (Thaddeus Stevens); Kesha Morant Williams, vice president for academic affairs (Thaddeus Stevens); Pam Smith, executive vice president of college advancement (Thaddeus Stevens); and Chris Metzler, vice president for student services (Thaddeus Stevens). Photo provided by Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
“We are pleased to further cultivate our partnership with Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. The articulation agreement benefits all stakeholders and helps to address the future of a critical industry,” said Penn College President Michael J. Reed. “Students who take advantage of the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in this technical field will be better positioned for higher skilled roles in sustainable, enriching careers.”
The heating, ventilation & air condition engineering technology bachelor’s degree prepares students for careers such as applications engineer, design engineer, sales engineer, project estimator/manager, and for positions in commercial service and installation. The baccalaureate degree in building automation engineering technology provides automation-specific training.
According to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, there is an 80,000-position labor shortage in the HVAC industry, and 40% of technicians are over 45 years old.
“Our mission at Thaddeus Stevens College is, and always has been, to create access to education and opportunity for those who might not otherwise have that pathway,” said Pedro A. Rivera II, president of Thaddeus Stevens College. “That means removing barriers, opening doors and helping students move confidently into high-demand careers with family-sustaining wages. This agreement reflects how we live that mission: by turning opportunity into action and empowering every student to build a stronger future.”
Last spring, the schools established an articulation agreement allowing graduates of the electrical technology and electro-mechanical technology two-year programs at Thaddeus Stevens College to transfer credits into the building automation engineering technology major at Penn College.
The two colleges commemorated their latest articulation pact at Thaddeus Stevens College, with senior administration officials and faculty from both institutions touring academic labs and other facilities.
About Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
An acclaimed residential two-year college in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is an accredited technical college dedicated to preparing students for high-demand careers with family-sustaining wages. Founded in 1905 with 15 students, Thaddeus Stevens College has grown to more than 1,400 students and 24 high-skill technical and trade degree programs. Through its mission, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology breaks down barriers that perpetuate educational inequities and creates access to a college degree. Committed to the legacy of its benefactor, Thaddeus Stevens, the college serves as an instrument of change in the lives of its students, graduates and employees who, in turn, impact change on businesses, industries and communities across Pennsylvania and beyond.
About Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pennsylvania College of Technology is a national leader in applied technology education and a special mission affiliate of Penn State. For over 100 years, the institution has built a legacy of hands-on learning for lifelong careers and workforce development. Penn College enrolls over 4,700 students in 100 STEM-related majors at the competency credential, certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree and master’s degree levels. Students gain real-world skills in 150-plus labs, and programs are aligned with the needs of over 4,000 industry partners, leading to a 98% overall graduate placement rate. A robust student-life experience includes on-campus housing, clubs/organizations and NCAA Division III athletics. Penn College is the No. 1 school for innovation in the Regional Colleges-North classification in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best College rankings. The college is an accredited institution and member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.