LEWISTON, Idaho – The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) program at Lewis-Clark State College has once again received third-party accreditation, offering verification that the program meets or exceeds standards to ensure students receive the training needed to succeed in an HVACR career, according to school officials.
The HVAC Excellence Accreditation distinction was granted by ESCO Group following an on-site visit to the school, according to a notice from the workforce standards group. The six-year accreditation, the maximum award period from HVAC Excellence, will last through Oct. 8, 2032; the next comprehensive review will take place in 2032.
The HVAC Excellence team determined LC State’s program met all nine of its accreditation standards, according to the group’s granting letter. LC State received recognition for its newly constructed facility “showing the institution’s commitment to the program”; administrative support for the program and professional development; opportunities for student involvement through Skills Olympics and the school’s HVAC club; and preparation for the program’s self-study documents and activities for the on-site visit.
“We are proud to recognize Lewis-Clark State College as a model for technical training in the HVAC/R field and look forward to our ongoing partnership,” HVAC Excellence Executive Director of Accreditation James Crisp wrote.
ESCO Group grants HVAC Excellence, a third-party programmatic accreditation distinction, based on standards and resources that “strengthen the quality of education, training, credentialing, and workforce development across the HVACR and building science industries,” according to the ESCO Group.
LC State offers an HVACR associate degree and advanced technical certificate, as well as an HVAC apprenticeship, provided in partnership with area businesses. Applications to LC State can be completed at apply.lcsc.edu.