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.