– Ready to hammer, weave, and get creative? Johnson College’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) department invites the public to a hands-on String Art Workshop on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Moffat Student Center on the Scranton campus.

Participants will design and craft their own 8-by-8-inch string art projects under step-by-step guidance, creating eye-catching patterns and personalized décor. The workshop welcomes beginners and experienced crafters alike, offering a fun, supportive environment where attendees leave with a finished piece ready to display or gift.

The workshop is $40 per person and open to ages 12 and up. Participants should bring a hammer and a dish towel or a hand towel to protect the work surface while hammering nails.

To register, visit johnson.edu/workshops. For more information, call 570-702-8979 or email wave@johnson.edu.

Photo caption: Samples of string art creations participants can make during the Johnson College String Art Workshop, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Moffat Student Center on the College’s Scranton campus. Register at johnson.edu/workshops or call 570-702-8979 for details.

Johnson College will partner with the American Red Cross to host a community blood drive on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Moffat Student Center gym at its Scranton campus.

The event, themed “Give Hope This Spring — Give Blood,” invites community members to join Johnson College students, faculty, and staff in donating blood to help patients in need. Blood donations are essential to support accident victims, surgery patients, individuals undergoing cancer treatment, and those living with chronic illnesses.

Community members are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance. To schedule a donation, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “Johnson College.”

Donors should bring a photo ID. They are encouraged to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

Johnson College is now enrolling students in seven new programs, expanding its offerings to 15 associate degree programs and five academic certificate programs. Several of these additions build on programs the College has offered successfully for many years and are designed to meet evolving workforce needs. Most of the new offerings begin in fall 2026, with the new plumbing certificate program scheduled to start in the spring 2027 semester.

“These additions reflect the evolution of programs that have long been a strength at Johnson College,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “By expanding and enhancing established programs, we’re giving students the opportunity to specialize in high-demand career paths while receiving the hands-on, industry-focused education Johnson College is known for.”

The College’s Computer Information Technology (CIT) program, offered at the Scranton campus, is expanding with three new two-year associate degree concentrations that allow students to build on a strong CIT foundation while focusing on in-demand IT fields.

Cybersecurity equips students for entry-level roles in information security and network defense, with hands-on training in risk management, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and incident response. The Scripting and Application Development program trains students for entry-level positions in application development, automation, and application support using industry-standard programming languages and tools. Network Management concentration positions students for entry-level technician roles, maintaining and troubleshooting computer hardware, software, and network systems.

Johnson College is also expanding its long-standing Mechatronics Technology program with two new two-year associate degree concentrations, offered at both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses, beginning in fall 2026.

Automation and Robotics builds students’ skills for industrial automation, including PLC and HMI programming, robotics, sensors, motion control, and Industry 4.0 concepts. The Industrial Mechanics concentration readies students for industrial maintenance careers with training in mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical drives, and preventive maintenance.

The College is expanding one of its most popular programs, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology, by adding a five-semester Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology with Plumbing option. Beginning in fall 2026, students at the Scranton and Hazleton campuses can complete the program in two and a half years. The program offers hands-on experience designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in HVAC and plumbing.

Plumbing will also be offered as a stand-alone academic certificate beginning in spring 2027 at both campuses. This one-year program provides students with the skills needed for entry-level employment in residential and light commercial plumbing, emphasizing safe work practices and proper installation and testing procedures.

For more information, visit johnson.edu or contact the College’s Enrollment Department at enroll@johnson.edu or 570-702-8856.

Johnson College recently received a $5,000 contribution from Fidelity Bank to support students enrolled in the college’s Industry Fast Track program.

The donation was made through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

The Industry Fast Track program is a partnership between Johnson College and area school districts. It allows high school juniors and seniors to enroll in dual-credit coursework on the Johnson College campuses while remaining full-time students at their respective high schools.

For more information about participating in the EITC program with Johnson College, visit johnson.edu/eitc.

Photo Caption

Johnson College received a $5,000 EITC contribution from Fidelity Bank to support students in the college’s Industry Fast Track program. Pictured from left: Douglas Cook, senior director of college advancement, Johnson College; Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO, Johnson College; and Donna J. Kane, AVP, regional retail sales manager, Fidelity Bank.

Johnson College is now enrolling students for a series of hands-on workshops open to the public through its WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) department. Upcoming offerings include Test Strategies That Change the Game, Women at the Workbench: Electrical, Milk Jug Sowing, Hand Quilting – Mug Rug, and Women at the Workbench: Carpentry. For more information or to register to attend a workshop, visit johnson.edu/workshops, call 570-702-8979, or email wave@johnson.edu.

Designed for beginners and skill-builders alike, the workshops provide practical instruction in academic success, skilled trade,s and creative pursuits. Led by experienced instructors, each session emphasizes step-by-step learning in a supportive environment. Additional details for each workshop are listed below.

Upcoming workshops include:

Test Strategies That Change the Game
This dynamic workshop helps students unlock peak test performance through effective study strategies and time management. Participants will learn a proven, step-by-step system to organize and retain information, understand exam structure, eliminate incorrect answers and improve accuracy.
This workshop is open to those aged 15 and older and is free. PA EMS continuing education credit is included (3.5 hours other). Space is limited to 65 students.
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, with two sessions available: 12:30–4 p.m. or 5:30–9 p.m.
Ideal Saldi Hall, Scranton Campus

Women at the Workbench: Electrical
Designed for beginners, this hands-on workshop introduces the fundamentals of electrical work in a supportive and encouraging environment. Guided by a skilled female electrician, participants will gain confidence as they learn practical skills, such as changing outlets and understanding switches. No prior experience is required.
This workshop is open to ages 18 and older. Space is very limited. Cost per person is $65.
Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Scranton Campus

Milk Jug Sowing
This eco-friendly workshop teaches participants how to start seeds outdoors during winter using recycled plastic milk jugs as mini greenhouses. Attendees will learn how to prepare containers, select seeds, add soil and moisture, and use natural weather conditions to support spring garden germination.
Space is limited. The Cost is $25 per person.
Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Moffat Student Center, Scranton Campus

Hand Quilting – Mug Rug
Participants will experience the relaxing rhythm of hand quilting while learning essential techniques, including preparing and layering a quilt and stitching clean, even lines. Open to all skill levels, this workshop offers a welcoming space to build confidence and create a lasting handmade piece.
Space is limited. The cost is $40 per person.
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Ideal Saldi Hall, Scranton Campus

Women at the Workbench: Carpentry
This hands-on carpentry workshop invites participants to learn woodworking fundamentals in a welcoming environment led by a skilled female carpenter. Participants will practice measuring, cutting and assembling while creating a finished project to take home.
This workshop is open to those aged 18 and older. Space is very limited. The cost is $65 per person.
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Scranton Campus

Unlock the secrets to peak test performance. Many high-achieving students find that mastering effective test strategies and strong time management is the key to translating their knowledge into higher scores. Johnson College’s WAVE Department is hosting two free “Test Strategies That Change the Game” Workshops on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026: one from 12:30 to 4 p.m. and the other from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in Ideal Saldi Hall on its Scranton campus. To register, visit johnson.edu/workshops.

The free workshop introduces a focused, proven study system designed to maximize preparation time and significantly boost information retention. Participants will leave with practical tools to approach any exam with confidence and precision.

Attendees will explore the underlying structure and design principles of written exams; learn a reliable, step-by-step method for studying, organizing, and retaining crucial information; and master proven techniques to eliminate incorrect answers and improve test-taking accuracy.

The workshop is open to individuals 15 and older and is free to attend. PA EMS continuing education is included (3.5 hours, other). Space is limited to 65 participants per workshop. For more information, email wave@johnson.edu or call 570-702-8979.

WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) is Johnson College’s hub for continuing education and workforce development. WAVE empowers learners with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to an ever-changing workforce and achieve long-term career success.

Johnson College is currently enrolling students in its OBDII Emissions Training course. Classes will be held in Ideal Saldi Hall on the College’s Scranton campus on Monday, Dec. 15, through Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Space is limited.

The OBDII computer monitors a vehicle’s emission control systems in real time and is capable of informing a motorist or technician of a systemic issue the moment it occurs. The system operates through a series of indicator lights, drive cycles, trouble codes, and readiness monitors. During an inspection, an emission analyzer scan tool plugs into the diagnostic connector that is attached to the OBDII computer and communicates with the vehicle. The OBDII computer relays to the scan tool whether it has discovered errors in the emission control systems. The emission analyzer then determines whether the vehicle is being operated in compliance with emission standards.

To register or learn more, visit johnson.edu/obd, email the WAVE Team at wave@johnson.edu, or call 570-702-8979.

Johnson College, in partnership with the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA, will host a free two-day Winter STEM Coding Camp for fifth- through eighth-grade students. The camp will be held Monday, Jan. 26, and Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hazleton Launch Box, 13 W. Broad St., Hazleton.

The program will expand Johnson College’s STEM Learning Labs initiative by introducing students in the greater Hazleton area to foundational coding skills in a hands-on, engaging environment.

Space is extremely limited. To register, visit https://form.jotform.com/253275130189154.

For more information, parents or guardians should contact Tim Frank, Director of Community Engagement at Johnson College at tfrank@johnson.edu.

The Lowe’s Foundation has awarded a $450,000 Gable Grant to Johnson College, northeastern Pennsylvania’s only two-year career technical college, as one of only 12 community and technical colleges receiving the competitive awards in the United States. Since awarding its first grants in 2023, the foundation has expanded skilled trades career pathways through its growing roster of 60 community colleges and nonprofit organizations across 28 states.

Through expanded training opportunities, this grant is helping Johnson College build the next generation of skilled tradespeople at a time when the industry needs it most. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the skilled labor gap drives a $10 billion annual economic loss in the housing industry, much of which is felt locally.

Johnson College is using the grant to purchase advanced training equipment for its newly expanded heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical construction technology (ECT) laboratory and to update equipment in the carpentry and cabinetmaking technology laboratory on its Scranton campus. Additional equipment will be purchased to expand HVAC and electrical construction labs at Johnson’s satellite campus located in the CAN DO Training Center in Hazle Township.

“Collectively, we are writing a comeback story for the skilled trades industry,” said Janice Dupré, Lowe’s executive vice president of human resources and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “Through our Gable Grants network, these schools join a community of innovators helping one another effectively recruit, train and employ the people America needs to revitalize our infrastructure.”

“Support from the Lowe’s Foundation will not only expand our capacity for skilled trades education today, but for the future as well,” said Walter Wood, building trades and technology division chair and HVAC program director at Johnson College. “Our students will receive hands-on training with technology currently being used in the field. This is a tremendous advantage for employers hiring our graduates and raises the overall capabilities of the skilled trades industry across our region.”

From funding new skilled trades facilities and instructors to accreditation programs, the grants will support carpentry and construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and appliance repair training nationwide. These grants are part of the Lowe’s Foundation’s five-year, $50 million commitment to support the training of 50,000 people for skilled trades careers.

Since 2023, the Lowe’s Foundation has awarded $43 million in Gable Grants to help educate and advocate for the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The grants support training programs focusing on carpentry and construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and property maintenance.

About the Lowe’s Foundation

The Lowe’s Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) organization founded by Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW), is helping develop a community of skilled tradespeople to build and revitalize our homes ,neighborhoods and infrastructure for the future. From 2023 through 2028, the Lowe’s Foundation is investing $50 million to help prepare 50,000 people for skilled trades careers through grants to community and technical colleges, community-based nonprofit organizations and national nonprofit partners with a strong local presence. To learn more about the Lowe’s Foundation, visit https://www.lowesfoundation.org/ and follow on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Photo Caption:

Nick George, left, and Jake Riebe, students in Johnson College’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technology program, work on a residential hot-water boiler purchased with funds from the $450,000 Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant awarded to Johnson College, northeastern Pennsylvania’s only two-year career technical college and one of only 12 institutions nationwide to receive the competitive award.