D. Brian Baker was a dedicated HVACR professional and educator who was not only passionate about the industry, but was a true advocate for continual professional development. Brian attended every conference and educational opportunity he could, knowing that working and teaching in the HVACR industry wasn’t just a job, but a career that required continuing education.

Fluke, the Council for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Educators (CARE), ESCO Institute, and HVAC Excellence have joined together to honor Brian and keep his passion for HVACR and education alive by sponsoring the D. Brian Baker Memorial Scholarship for attending the HVAC Excellence HVACR Education Conference.

Scholarship Information

What does the D. Brian Baker Memorial Scholarship cover?*

The scholarship covers the conference registration fee for the 2026 HVAC Excellence HVACR Education Conference in Las Vegas, NV (March 22-25, 2026), lodging for three nights of the conference as well as roundtrip airfare to and from Harry Reid International airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, NV.

* Lodging for the event includes run-of-the-house accommodations and does not include any additional room charges posted to the account. Meals that are not part of the conference program are not covered by this scholarship. Any expenses associated, either directly or indirectly, with class coverage while scholarship winner is at, or traveling to or from, the conference are not included in the scholarship.

If the scholarship winner(s) are within driving distance to the conference, automobile travel will be reimbursed at the IRS-approved travel rate that is in effect at the time of the conference.  The IRS-approved rate is a per-mile rate and is all inclusive. Gas, tolls, wear and tear, or other expenses incurred by driving to the event are not covered by this scholarship.

Transportation to/from the airport are not covered by this scholarship, nor are any other expenses that are incurred as part of the air travel. These items include, but are not limited to, airport parking, valet services, purchases at the airport, flight upgrades, baggage fees, in-flight purchases, internet access, movies or other in-flight entertainment. Any items not specifically listed will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Who is eligible to apply for the D. Brian Baker Memorial Scholarship?

The intent of this scholarship is to enable new HVACR teachers, with 5 years or less of teaching experience, who have never attended the National HVACR Education Conference, to take advantage of this premier professional development opportunity.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

· Applicant must never have attended the HVAC Excellence HVACR Education Conference. Applicant must be a full-time, HVACR program teacher at an accredited institution, within the United States. (Program must result in a certificate, diploma, or degree.)

· Applicant must have the support of his/her school administrator to attend the conference.

· Applicant must be able to demonstrate a lack of funding from the school/district/state that would otherwise prevent the applicant from attending the conference.

Priority will be given to applicants who:

• have a diverse/unique background and/or experience,
• are working in a school or district with a high poverty level,
• possess educator credential/s from an industry-recognized organization,
• are presently teaching at an accredited HVACR program.

If your school/district/state has committed to fund your registration, please do NOT apply for this scholarship.

Why do I need to get support from my principal or other administrator to apply?

In order to take full advantage of the conference, you will need permission to be absent from your classroom for the dates of the Conference, March 22-25, 2026, and any associated travel days. You will also need the support to cover the cost of a substitute. You will need to submit a signed support affidavit for your application to be considered complete.

Now that I know I qualify, how do I apply?

Applying is easy!

Once you have received permission from your principal or administrator to attend the 2026 conference, fill out the online D. Brian Baker Memorial Scholarship application. Tell us in detail how attending the HVAC Excellence HVACR Education Conference will support your teaching and benefit your students and institution.

What is the deadline for application?

The deadline for scholarship applications is Friday, December 19, 2025.

When will I find out if I received the scholarship?

You should receive an email indicating the status of your application by or before January 12, 2026. If you are awarded the scholarship, you will receive further instructions at the time of notification.

Please Note: HVAC Excellence will not refund registration already paid by you or by your district if you receive the scholarship. The scholarship is intended for those teachers who do NOT have the full financial support for the registration.

Before you get started...

Please be sure to download and complete the support affidavit.

I agree that all information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and ability.

***Reminder! In order for your application to be considered complete, you will need to submit a completed and signed support affidavit. This step is necessary to ensure, if you are awarded the scholarship, your school/district, etc., will let you attend.

Good Luck!