The Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association has awarded $2,000 to be given to one Johnson College Automotive Technology student. The Automotive Technology Program prepares students to enter into the work force as entry-level technicians in the many phases of the automobile, truck, and diesel industries.

This is the 9^thyear for the scholarship by the club, which raises funds through Cruise Nights held at the Viewmont Mall parking lot on the last Friday of each month. Cruise Nights help raise funds for their scholarship at Johnson College as well as other charitable community activities. The next Cruise Night is scheduled for Friday, July 28^th at 6 p.m.

For more information on Johnson College’s Automotive Technology Program, click here!

Johnson College’s Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Technology (AMET) program  allows students to train on CNC machines, lathes, 3D printers, drones, and robots. Launched in 2015, these students and graduates have will play an important role in the future of manufacturing  and technology.

In support of this new degree, the College recently received a $5,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation to support students in the AMET program. The grant will provide scholarships to current and future students as they progress through their education to become part of the advanced manufacturing workforce. According to the foundation’s website, Gene Haas established the foundation in 1991 to fund the needs of the local community. Haas is the owner of Haas Automation, Inc., America’s leading builder of CNC machine tools, which he started in 1983. Gene’s commitment to the importance of US manufacturing prompted him to grow his personal foundation and direct his foundation board to focus on manufacturing education in the form of scholarships for CNC machinist training. To date, more than 4,000 charitable organizations and schools have received funds totaling over 50 million dollars from the Gene Haas Foundation.

Andrew Zwanch, ’82, Sr. Director of Student Affairs said, “The grant from the Haas Foundation will support the type of student who is eager to break into the newest technologies in automation and additive manufacturing. These scholarships will certainly set our students up for a promising career.” In the 2017-18 academic year, every student of the AMET program will benefit from the grant by receiving funds to pursue or continue their education.

Johnson College has received a $1,000 grant for its Healthy Workplace Initiative from the Moses Taylor Foundation. The Moses Taylor Foundation welcomed the opportunity to partner with the College to improve the health and wellness of people in Northeast Pennsylvania. The $1,000 grant will sponsor a free fitness class one evening per month open to all 75 employees. Each month will focus on a different activity, including Zumba, yoga, strength training, Pilates and kickboxing.

Tracey Pratt, Manager of Development said, “Support from the Moses Taylor Foundation allows Johnson College to offer many types of fitness activities to our employees. It allows each participant to find what works for them and their wellness goals.”

Employee wellness is something the College has been working on for quite some time. Heather Buck, Human Resources Manager, is excited to get the employees even more active. “This past year our employees have participated in several healthy initiatives including the March Mayhem walking competition, walk it out Wednesdays, and organized Zumba and yoga classes. We have also organized healthy socials including a salad bar day where everyone can make a healthy lunch and share ideas for eating well.”

Over the next year, the College plans to utilize the funds to promote health and wellness in the workplace. “It is important for faculty and staff to not only do well at their job, but to feel their best every day. I think the Healthy Workplace Initiative grant will help us establish a workplace that is more health conscious and could even lead to better productivity on campus,” said Buck.

About Moses Taylor Foundation

Moses Taylor Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to building healthy communities and providing opportunities for people in Northeast Pennsylvania, especially the most vulnerable, to lead healthier lives. The Foundation was endowed in 2012 with the net proceeds from the sale of the Moses Taylor Health Care System to Community Health Systems of Franklin, Tennessee. Information on the work of Moses Taylor Foundation is available on the Foundation’s website: www.mosestaylorfoundation.org