The Refrigeration School, Inc. was founded in Phoenix, Arizona in 1965 to meet the growing need for high quality education and training of air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. RSI was started by family members, with backgrounds in refrigeration and air conditioning, who had a great deal of insight and inspiration and the knowledge necessary to train new technicians to the required skill level. Over the years RSI has grown and developed an excellent reputation for providing the student with the best possible service. Also critical to the school's growth has been the acceptance by various agencies including approval by the Arizona Department of Veterans Services for the training of veterans and accreditation by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Electrical Technologies and Electro-Mechanical Technologies courses were added in 1986 and 1987 respectively to respond to the growing demand for entry level electricians and facility maintenance technicians. In 1992 the school made the additional commitment and developed an Associate of Occupational Studies degree program in Mechanical Maintenance Engineering.