Carrier and Cherry Creek Schools Launch New HVAC Learning Lab

The Cherry Creek School District is proud to announce a new partnership with Carrier, one of the most recognized and influential companies in the HVAC industry, to support the development of a state-of-the-art training lab for students enrolled in the HVAC Pathway program at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus.

Founded on the legacy of Willis Carrier, who invented modern air conditioning in 1902, Carrier has remained a global leader in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions for more than a century. Today, Carrier continues to lead the North American HVAC market and is widely recognized as one of the industry’s most trusted manufacturers.

"At Carrier and Lohmiller & Company, we believe the future of our industry depends on investing in the next generation of skilled professionals,” said Tim Brooks, President, Lohmiller & Company dba Carrier West. “This partnership with the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus is about more than providing equipment, it is about creating opportunities for students to develop the technical skills, confidence, and passion needed to build successful careers in the HVAC industry. We are proud to support a program that is preparing tomorrow's workforce and strengthening our industry and community for years to come."

The Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC) is a world-renowned college and career preparedness facility that currently offers seven career pathways and serves more than 1,800 students each year. Thanks to the support of the CCSD community in a 2024 bond measure, the building is now doubling in size and will offer nine new pathways beginning in the 2026-27 school year, including Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC). Over the past year, CCIC staff worked closely with Carrier representatives to help design and plan the future HVAC lab.

“This partnership represents far more than an equipment donation,” said Steve Day, principal of CCIC. “CCIC and Carrier share a commitment to workforce development and hands-on learning opportunities, and this partnership reflects the power of relationships, community investment, and meaningful collaboration with industry.”

Through Carrier’s support, students at CCIC will have the opportunity to train on industry-leading Carrier HVAC systems while developing the technical and professional skills needed to enter one of the nation’s most in-demand industries.

The new HVAC training lab will further expand CCIC’s mission of connecting students with real-world industry experiences and preparing them for both college and career success through hands-on, career-connected learning opportunities.