Johnson College today announced a new strategic partnership with ed2go, a leading provider of online adult education and part of Cengage Group, to expand workforce training and career development opportunities across in-demand industries.

Through the partnership, Johnson College’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) department will offer hundreds of affordable online courses and career training programs designed to help individuals gain new skills, earn industry-recognized credentials and pursue opportunities in high-demand fields.

The collaboration reflects Johnson College’s commitment to workforce development, lifelong learning and creating accessible educational pathways that help individuals upskill, reskill and adapt to the evolving needs of today’s workforce.

The partnership also supports Johnson College’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the regional workforce by providing accessible training opportunities that align with employer needs and emerging industry demands. By expanding access to career-focused education and industry-recognized credentials, Johnson College continues to help individuals prepare for sustainable careers while supporting the talent needs of businesses throughout northeastern Pennsylvania and the surrounding region.

“We understand the value of career training in today’s ever-changing job market and the importance of providing flexible learning options that allow individuals to quickly and effectively build new skills, earn credentials and expand their employment opportunities,” said Ashley Bechaver, director of WAVE at Johnson College.

ed2go partners with colleges and universities nationwide to provide innovative, relevant training programs aligned with current workforce demand. Courses span a variety of industries including healthcare, manufacturing, computer science, information technology and business management.

Programs range from career and certification training to personal and professional development courses focused on developing transferable and in-demand workplace skills. The fully online format allows learners to access coursework anytime and anywhere, providing the flexibility needed to balance education with work, family and other responsibilities.

Students can choose from self-paced and instructor-led courses and benefit from opportunities to engage with instructors and fellow learners throughout their educational experience.

“Through this partnership with Johnson College, we’re excited to offer local residents’ access to quality, flexible online education that can help improve career prospects and create new opportunities for personal and professional growth,” said Rya Conrad-Bradshaw, general manager of ed2go.

Individuals interested in learning more about available online courses and workforce training opportunities can visit johnson.edu/wave.

About Johnson College

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 15 associate degrees, five academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

About ed2go

ed2go believes that anyone, anywhere can learn. Started in 1997, they provide high-quality education the fastest way possible — online. By partnering with academic institutions, corporations, and workforce agencies, they reach life-longer learners in all 50 states and in more than 16 countries. www.ed2go.com 

About Cengage Group

Cengage Group, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms.

We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching, and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education. Visit us at www.cengagegroup.com or find us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Johnson College will hold its Summer Open House on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.

Johnson College has been awarded a $10,000 Path to Pro Education Grant from The Home Depot Foundation to support the expansion of its Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology program and the launch of new plumbing training opportunities.

The funding will help equip newly expanded HVAC and plumbing laboratories with residential and commercial plumbing systems and fixtures, enhancing hands-on training for students entering high-demand skilled trades.

Building on one of the College’s most popular programs, Johnson College will introduce a five-semester Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology with Plumbing option beginning in fall 2026. Offered at both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses, the program can be completed in two and a half years and prepares students for entry-level careers in HVAC and plumbing through real-world, hands-on experience.

In addition, a stand-alone Plumbing certificate will launch in spring 2027 at both campuses. This one-year program is designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in residential and light commercial plumbing, with a focus on safe work practices, proper installation, and system testing.

This expansion comes at a critical time, as demand for skilled trades professionals continues to grow nationwide. The support from The Home Depot Foundation helps Johnson College strengthen its ability to prepare students for in-demand careers while addressing workforce needs in the region.

About The Home Depot Foundation

The Home Depot Foundation, a nonprofit supported by The Home Depot, works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, support communities impacted by natural disasters, and train skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap. Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $650 million in veteran causes and improved more than 70,000 veteran homes and facilities. The Foundation has pledged to invest $750 million in veteran causes by 2030 and $50 million in training the next generation of skilled tradespeople through the Path to Pro program by 2028. To learn more about The Home Depot Foundation, visit HomeDepotFoundation.org.

About Path to Pro

In the U.S., there are an estimated 300,000 open construction jobs today, a number that continues to grow. Through the Path to Pro Program, The Home Depot Foundation works with nonprofit partners to support free training opportunities and scholarships to introduce youth, underserved communities, and separating U.S. military service members to meaningful careers in plumbing, carpentry, electrical, and HVAC. Additionally, The Home Depot connects skilled tradespeople to construction job openings and offers free, virtual classes on careers in the trades. For more information, visit PathtoPro.com.

About Johnson College

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 15 associate degrees, five academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

Johnson College received a $10,000 EITC contribution from The Honesdale National Bank to support the College’s Industry Fast Track and STEM Outreach programs.

The Honesdale National Bank’s contribution to Johnson College is part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The program offers businesses a tax credit for supporting state-approved educational improvement programs. Johnson College is approved to accept EITC contributions in support of its STEM outreach programs and Industry Fast Track program.

Johnson College’s Industry Fast Track program offers high school students from participating area school districts an opportunity to enroll simultaneously in secondary and post-secondary coursework at Johnson College. The course meets state requirements for high school graduation while providing college-level courses. Students remain enrolled full-time at their high school while attending classes on the College’s campus.

Through its STEM Outreach, Johnson College utilizes its experience in providing industry-focused technical education to expand its outreach to elementary, middle, and high school students. The outreach raises awareness of the benefits of STEM education and the possibilities of achieving economic independence through employment in a STEM career field.

For information about how to participate in the EITC program with Johnson College, visit Johnson.edu/eitc.

Photo Caption

Johnson College received a $10,000 EITC contribution from The Honesdale National Bank to support students in the College’s Industry Fast Track Program. Pictured left to right: Tina Verrastro, Senior Credit Analyst Officer, The Honesdale National Bank; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; Scott Prebich, VP, Senior Commercial Loan Officer, The Honesdale National Bank; and Elizabeth Nagy, VP, Director of Sales, Marketing, and Digital Banking, The Honesdale National Bank.

Members of the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association recently presented a $2,000 contribution to Johnson College to support the annual Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to two students in the Automotive Technology Program for the 2026-2027 academic year. 

The Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association was established in 1975 and has been funding the scholarship at Johnson College since 2009. The club raises funds through Cruise Nights held at the Viewmont Mall parking lot throughout the year.

For more information about available scholarships at Johnson College, visit johnson.edu/scholarships.

Photo Caption:

Members of the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association presented a $2,000 contribution to Johnson College to sponsor the annual Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship. Pictured from left to right: John Gall, Board Member, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Tom Lello, Treasurer, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; and Matt Salvia, Secretary, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association.