HEART - Harnessing Educators for Advancing Refrigerant Technologies

Advancing Sustainable HVACR Solutions

About the Program

The EARTH Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program empowers K-14 educators to engage in cutting-edge research on sustainable HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) technologies. This immersive experience spans roughly 5 weeks, connecting teachers with scientists, engineers, and industry leaders to develop research-based curricula that inspire students to tackle real-world sustainability challenges.

Why Participate?

Conduct hands-on research in next-generation refrigerants and energy-efficient HVACR systems.

Develop classroom-ready STEM lessons aligned with sustainability and engineering solutions.

Collaborate with industry leaders like Carrier, Trane, and Chemours.

Prepare students for high-demand STEM careers in a growing field.

APPLY NOW

HVACR systems are critical to global infrastructure, yet traditional refrigerants contribute significantly to climate change.

EARTH’s RET program is pioneering sustainable refrigerant lifecycle solutions to:

Reduce refrigerant emissions.
Develop environmentally friendly alternatives.
Improve HVACR energy efficiency.

Program Details

Who Can Apply?

We are recruiting HVACeducators for Summer 2026. Applications are currently open for the University of Maryland and University of Kansas.

Ideal applicants:

High school & community college educators in physics, Earth sciences, environmental science, chemistry, welding, HVACR, trade teaching
Educators eager to integrate climate change education into their classrooms.
Teachers looking to enhance professional development and career knowledge.