La Paz County Refrigeration Firm Funds HVAC Scholarship, Bolsters Workforce

Arizona Western College announced that Quick Refrigeration has created the Ricardo Ricardo Ric Daniel Memorial HVAC Scholarship endowment through the AWC Foundation, with the college foundation planning a public check presentation. The endowment honors the companys longtime general manager and is designed to provide ongoing scholarship support for students pursuing training and careers in heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

The gift is described by the college as a way to strengthen the workforce pipeline for HVAC and related trades in the region. For residents of La Paz County this investment carries practical consequences. Skilled HVAC technicians are central to home and workplace safety, especially as extreme heat events become more common. Properly installed and maintained HVAC systems reduce heat related illness risk, improve indoor air quality for households with asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions, and can reduce energy burdens for low income families.

Beyond immediate health benefits, the endowment creates a durable career pathway for students who may not seek four year degrees. HVAC training can offer living wages, apprenticeship opportunities and locally based employment that keeps earnings in the community. AWCs role in connecting students to industry resources helps align educational offerings with employer needs, and the endowment signals local business support for workforce development.

The scholarship also highlights equity implications. La Paz County residents facing economic barriers often lack access to the training needed for skilled trades. A sustainable scholarship fund can reduce financial obstacles to enrollment and completion, and increase diversity in the skilled trades workforce. Expanding access to trade education supports both individual economic mobility and community resilience.

The AWC Foundation is listed as the contact for more information about the endowment and the upcoming presentation. Local leaders in education, health and economic development may view the gift as a model for public private collaboration that advances job training while addressing public health and equity goals. Continued partnerships between employers and community colleges will be key to meeting regional needs as climate pressures and workforce demands evolve.