Johnson College has been awarded a $3,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation to support its safety net program for students needing assistance meeting basic needs.
This program provides emergency relief for basic needs such as transportation and necessary educational expenses, including personal protective equipment, program-specific tools, and industry certification fees. The safety net program will help students remain in school to complete their education and move on to earn family-supporting wages through employment in the region.
The safety net program is available to help all Johnson College students at both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses. Students facing short-term financial emergencies may request assistance in the College’s Community Hub where staff will confidentially help identify solutions, community agency supports, and eligible state/federal programs to meet students’ basic needs.
About the Robert H. Spitz Foundation
The Robert H. Spitz Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports initiatives and programs serving the residents of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Robert H. Spitz was born in Scranton in 1955. He was a graduate of Scranton Central High School and the University of Miami, Florida. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation was established from his estate in 2015 and supports an array of projects and programs aimed at improving the community. To date, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, has provided nearly $6 million in funding to the community.
Pictured left to right: Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants and Scholarships, Scranton Area Community Foundation, Karen Baker, Senior Director of Grants and Foundation Relations, Johnson College, Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation.