Johnson College, the only two-year technical college in northeastern Pennsylvania, announced it has officially purchased an 8,700-square-foot building at 814 Wyoming Ave. in Scranton.

The newly acquired facility will become the future home of the college’s one-year Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technician certificate program, the two-year Diesel Truck Technology associate degree program, and portions of the two-year Automotive Technology associate degree program. The new space will provide enhanced hands-on learning areas for students pursuing careers as transportation technicians. Classes at the facility are expected to begin in spring 2026.

“This purchase marks an exciting new chapter for Johnson College,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “Once updates are complete, the Wyoming Avenue facility will offer enhanced, hands-on learning spaces designed to support student success. We’re proud to continue investing in resources that prepare students for today’s workforce.”

The move will also create opportunities on the Scranton campus, located on North Main Avenue, to expand existing programs or introduce new ones that respond to emerging industry trends.

Located in a Scranton neighborhood historically connected to the automotive industry, the Wyoming Avenue site will continue that legacy by preparing the next generation of transportation professionals.

The new property joins Johnson College’s growing network of educational facilities, which includes its satellite campus at the CAN DO Training Center in Hazle Township and specialized labs at Simplex Homes and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.

Johnson College is expanding the Pathway to Innovation patio outside Ideal Saldi Hall, adding new opportunities for supporters to leave their mark on its Scranton campus. Established during the college’s last capital campaign, this distinctive brick patio honors the people and partnerships that have helped shape Johnson College’s mission of hands-on, career-focused education.

Each personalized brick represents a commitment to the belief in the transformative power of experiential learning. Johnson College invites alumni, parents, local businesses, and friends to become part of this growing legacy by purchasing engraved bricks.

Brick Options:
• Small Brick (4” x 8”): 3 lines, up to 18 characters per line — $250 donation
• Large Brick (8” x 8”): 6 lines, up to 18 characters per line — $500 donation

Funds raised through this campaign directly support the College Annual Fund, helping provide essential resources and opportunities for Johnson College students.

Orders placed by December 30, 2025, will be installed in spring or summer 2026, joining bricks already in place on the patio, a space regularly enjoyed by students, faculty, and visitors.

“This campaign offers a meaningful way to leave a lasting impression on our campus,” said Doug Cook, Senior Director of College Advancement. “By contributing to the Pathway to Innovation, supporters reinforce their belief in hard work, opportunity, and the future of hands-on education here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

To participate, visit johnson.edu/bricks to download the Brick Order Form. Please mail completed forms and payments to:
Johnson College
Office of College Advancement
3427 N Main Ave.
Scranton, PA 18508

Donations are tax-deductible and acknowledged with a receipt. Donors should consult their tax advisors for specific deduction details.

For questions, contact the Office of College Advancement at 570-702-8920 or collegeadvancement@johnson.edu.

Johnson College invites families and community organizations to its annual Trunk-or-Treat on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the college’s Scranton campus.

The event will be held outside Bingham Hall, located on the upper part of campus. Johnson College students, faculty, staff, and local organizations will hand out candy from decorated trunks. In past years, the event has welcomed hundreds of families and children.

This free, family-friendly event offers a safe way to celebrate Halloween. Costumes are encouraged. Parking is available via the North entrance across from Schiff’s Marketplace.

Businesses, nonprofits, and community groups interested in handing out candy must register in advance. All participating groups are responsible for providing their own candy and trunk decorations. Drive-up or day-of participation will not be permitted without prior approval.

To reserve a spot or for more information, contact the Student Success team by Thursday, Oct. 23, at studentsuccess@johnson.edu or call 570-702-8953 or 570-702-8912.

Johnson College is now accepting enrollments for its 30-hour, non-credit OSHA training course, which will be held at the college’s Scranton campus from Nov. 5 through Nov. 20, 2025.

Classes will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Designed for individuals in leadership roles, employees in general industry, and those seeking advanced safety training, the in-person course will cover critical workplace safety topics such as fall protection, electrical safety, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Participants will learn how to reduce workplace accidents, ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, and promote a culture of safety within their organizations.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive the official OSHA 30 General Industry Outreach Course Completion Card. The cost of the course is $600.

To register or learn more, visit johnson.edu/continuing-ed/osha-30, email the WAVE Team at wave@johnson.edu, or call 570-702-8979.

Johnson College’s Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education (WAVE) department is offering a series of engaging, hands-on and affordable community workshops this fall on its Scranton campus, located at 3427 N. Main Avenue. These interactive sessions are designed for learners of all ages and skill levels who want to explore new hobbies, relax, and have fun while learning something new.

Pumpkin Carving Class – Tuesday, Oct. 21 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Get into the Halloween spirit with a hands-on pumpkin carving class. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned carver, this festive workshop is perfect for all. Participants will receive step-by-step guidance; tools and pumpkins will be provided. The evening will include a brief talk on the history of the Jack-o’-Lantern. The class will take place in the cafeteria of the Moffat Student Center. Cost is $30 per person. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Children ages 10 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Space is limited.

Tai Chi Workshop – Saturdays, Nov. 1, 8, 15 & 22 | 2–3 p.m.
Join a four-week Tai Chi workshop led by Master Instructor Wayne Wolfe, a teacher of traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan with over 30 years of experience. Participants will learn a nine-minute motion group designed to circulate energy throughout the body in a relaxed and mindful way. The workshop, held on the Scranton campus, is suitable for all fitness levels and offers benefits for both body and mind. The cost for the full session is $50.

Succulent 101 – Thursday, Nov. 13 | 5:30–7 p.m.
Perfect for beginners and plant lovers alike, the Succulent 101 class offers a casual, hands-on introduction to succulent care. Participants will learn how to help their plants thrive and avoid common mistakes. Each attendee will pot their own succulent to take home. This beginner-friendly class will be held on the Scranton campus and costs $25 per person.

To learn more or register for any of these workshops, visit johnson.edu/workshops. For questions, contact the WAVE Team at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.

The Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Inc. presented a $1,500 check to support the organization’s annual scholarship for Johnson College Automotive Technology students with demonstrated financial need. This marks the 15th year the scholarship has been awarded to Johnson College students. Funds are raised through donations, volunteer work, sponsorships, and the sale of an annual calendar.

Johnson College’s two-year associate degree program in Automotive Technology prepares students for entry-level positions in the automobile and diesel industries. Graduates may work in automotive, truck, farm, and earthmoving equipment dealerships; truck, power generation, and construction companies; automotive service centers; engine repair and machine shops; automotive equipment distributors; independent service garages; automotive parts manufacturers; sales roles; and auto insurance companies.

During Johnson College’s Truck and Cruiser Palooza event in mid-September, the Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Inc. presented a $1,500 check to support its annual scholarship for Johnson College Automotive Technology students. Pictured from left: Dave Thomas, Villa Capri secretary; Julie Ann Eggleston, Villa Capri member; Luke Casterline, Villa Capri treasurer; Sal Pizzo, Villa Capri vice president; John Eggleston, Villa Capri member; Doug Cook, senior director of college advancement, Johnson College; Joe Caputo, Villa Capri board member; Dr. Kellyn Williams, associate vice president of special programs, Johnson College; and Joe Carra, Villa Capri president.

Johnson College is now accepting registrations for its Women at the Workbench Electrical Workshop, a hands-on, one-day experience designed to introduce participants to the basics of electricity and electrical repair. The workshop will take place Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the college’s Scranton campus.

The cost is $65. Registration is available at johnson.edu/workshops. For more information, contact the college’s WAVE team at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.

Participants will learn essential electrical tasks, from changing outlets to understanding how switches work. No prior experience is necessary, making it ideal for beginners who are curious about tackling home projects or simply want to become more confident with tools and repairs.

This workshop offers more than just technical instruction. It’s an opportunity to step up to the workbench and take control of your learning. Johnson College’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) team designed it so that participants walk away empowered and capable, ready to apply what they’ve learned in meaningful, everyday ways.

This workshop is open to everyone interested in developing practical electrical skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Johnson College has launched its Customized Training Solutions program, offering flexible, targeted workforce development to meet the evolving needs of employers across northeastern Pennsylvania. Delivered through the college’s WAVE team (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education), the initiative is designed to help businesses train smarter and grow stronger.

“Customized Training Solutions isn’t just about delivering education. It’s about building partnerships that solve real business challenges,” said Ashley Bechaver, director of WAVE. “From navigating compliance updates to reducing turnover or onboarding faster, we work with employers to create programs that lead to real results.”

Grounded in Johnson College’s industry-aligned technical programs, the training is led by instructors with hands-on experience in fields such as HVAC, electrical construction technology, welding, advanced manufacturing, automotive and diesel truck technology, biomedical equipment technology, computer information technology, construction technology, and robotics and industrial automation. Programs are fully adaptable to meet each organization’s specific goals.

Training is designed to align closely with each company’s tools, systems, and workflows, using equipment and scenarios that reflect real-world conditions to ensure practical, relevant learning with minimal disruption. Delivered on-site, online, or at Johnson College’s Scranton or Hazleton campuses, the training helps businesses boost productivity, improve quality, and retain employees. By focusing on job-specific expertise, companies can reduce downtime, minimize errors, and stay ahead of industry trends, while addressing challenges such as rapid growth, evolving job demands, and the need to build new workforce capabilities with measurable, long-term results.

Businesses interested in creating a tailored training plan can contact the WAVE team at 570-702-8979 or email wave@johnson.edu. Inquiries should include the contact’s name, business name, title and preferred method of contact. To learn more about the program, visit johnson.edu/wave/trainingsolutions.

Johnson College has reached another milestone, marking its seventh consecutive year of record enrollment. As of August 25, the first day of the 2025-26 academic year, 717 students are enrolled across both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses. This is a 6% increase over last year. This year’s incoming class includes more than 340 first-year students and nearly 90 high school students enrolled in the College’s Industry Fast Track early college program.

“Our continued growth reflects the value students and families place on hands-on, technical education that leads directly to in-demand careers,” said Bill Burke, vice president of enrollment and student affairs. “They’re choosing Johnson College because they know we offer the training and experience employers are looking for.”

The College’s Hazleton campus saw a 62% enrollment increase over last year. It welcomed its first HVAC class and the largest incoming classes to date in Electrical Construction Technology and Welding Technology.

“We’re building strong momentum in Hazleton,” Burke added. “The demand for technical programs continues to grow, and students are responding to the opportunities available right in their communities.”

Programs showing the highest year-over-year growth include Carpentry Technology (100%), Radiologic Technology (50%), and HVAC (12%). Other core programs, such as Electrical Construction Technology, also saw continued strong momentum.  

“These enrollment increases align with what we’re hearing from industry. Employers need skilled technicians and technologists, and our students are stepping in to fill those roles,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO. “We’re excited to welcome this year’s class and to continue expanding access to career-focused education across northeastern Pennsylvania.”