By John Zink, Vice President of Development and Communications
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2026
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
John Zink
800-533-7694
zink@naphcc.org
PHCC Educational Foundation Boosts Workforce Development Efforts; Awards Eighty (80) Students with $200,000 in Scholarships
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (October 8, 2026) – The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation is proud to announce the winners of our 2026 scholarship program. With eighty (80) students selected to receive scholarship awards, the Foundation has set a new milestone for the most scholarships it has ever awarded in a single year. These winners have been awarded funding totaling up to $200,000. Applicants must be plumbing or HVAC apprentices or trade school students, or college students pursuing studies directly related to the plumbing-heating-cooling industry.
Helping to boost the number of awards available this year were newly created scholarships sponsored by Bernzomatic and Zoeller Pump Company. Bernzomatic’s support was particularly notable, as the company provided support for 18 awards this year. HomeServe also expanded the number of awards they sponsored for the current program year.
This year’s set of winners includes 52 apprentices and trade school students plus 28 college students. “We’re proud to continue providing these awards to help make a career in the skilled trades more accessible,” said Foundation Chair Patrick Wallner of Wallner Plumbing in Redding, Calif. “The continued support of our sponsors and donors is what makes this program possible. They recognize the importance of investing in the next generation of skilled trades professionals and helping build a strong future for our industry.”
“Receiving this support means a lot to me as I continue my education in the HVACR Engineering Technology program at Ferris State University. This scholarship directly helps me to stay focused on my coursework and hands-on training. Being recognized by an organization so closely tied to the trade industry is a huge vote of confidence in my goals and work ethic.” wrote student Seth Reiffer of Caledonia, Michigan, in a thank you note to the Foundation donors.
The Foundation extends our congratulations to all our winners and our thanks to the contractor donors and corporate sponsors who make these awards possible. The full list of scholarship sponsors includes A.O. Smith, Bernzomatic, Bradford White Corporation, Delta Faucet Company, Ferguson Cares Foundation, Home Depot Pro, HomeServe, InSinkErator, RIDGID, State Water Heaters and Zoeller Pump Company. Additional funding was provided by the Massachusetts PHCC Auxiliary, the PHCC Past National Officers, Bill Jones, Gerry Kennedy, the estate of Gil Meyerowitz and by the generous donations made by PHCC contractors.
The 2027 PHCC Educational Foundation scholarship program will open for applications in January, with all submission materials due by May 1st. Information on the scholarship program, plus full details on our 2026 scholarship winners, photos and thank you notes can be found at https://phccfoundation.org/scholarships.
About PHCC Educational Foundation
The PHCC Educational Foundation, a partnership of contractors, manufacturers, and wholesalers, was founded in 1987 to serve the plumbing-heating-cooling industry by preparing contractors and their employees to meet the challenges of a constantly changing marketplace. Students interested in pursuing a career in the plumbing or HVACR professions are invited to visit phccfoundation.org/scholarships for information on 2027 scholarships.
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2026 PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarships Corporate Sponsors
2026 PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarship Winners
