Johnson College Receives $75,000 in Lackawanna County Job Creation Funding to Expand RISE Program

Johnson College received $75,000 in Lackawanna County job-creation funding from the county Department of Planning and Economic Development to expand the transformative RISE (Readiness in Skilled Employment) program. This funding will allow seven additional students, who were on a waiting list, to enroll in the program’s fifth cohort during the 2025-26 academic year.

The $75,000 in job-creation funds will cover tuition and basic needs, filling financial gaps that remain after CareerLink Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Pell Grants, and other aid are applied. With this new support, the program’s fifth cohort will grow from 15 to 22 students.

RISE is a comprehensive workforce development program that serves residents of Lackawanna and Luzerne counties by providing access to technical training and vital support services. The program is designed to eliminate barriers — such as transportation, childcare, housing, and food insecurity — that often prevent individuals from starting or completing their education. The program creates a clear pathway to family-sustaining careers and brighter futures for participants and their families while addressing critical workforce shortages in Northeast Pennsylvania.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Lackawanna County commissioners for their ongoing commitment to education and workforce development,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president & CEO of Johnson College. “This funding expands access to higher education and extends life-changing opportunities to even more students in our region.”

RISE was launched in 2021 through a partnership between Johnson College, the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development, United Neighborhood Centers, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund. Over the past four years, 75 students have participated in the program, training for high-demand careers as medical assistants, welders, property maintenance technicians, and computer support specialists.

Pictured left to right: Karen Baker, Senior Director of Grants & Foundation Relations, Johnson College; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan; and Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs, Johnson College.

Now Enrolling for Medical Assistant Course at Scranton Campus

Johnson College is now accepting enrollments for its Medical Assistant course at its Scranton campus. The course will run Mondays through Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. beginning Sept. 2, 2025. Students can earn a certificate in just 18 weeks.

The course prepares students to assist physicians by performing clinical functions in a medical office. These functions include preparing patients for examination and treatment, performing routine laboratory procedures, understanding pharmacology, and taking and documenting vital signs. Students will also learn the fundamentals of phlebotomy and venipuncture, anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology commonly used in the field.

Graduates will gain the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties required of a medical assistant. Upon completion, students will have the option to take the industry-recognized Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The class fee is $6,000 and is approved by PA CareerLink for those eligible for funding through their local CareerLink office. Students must have a high school diploma or GED, or be on track to receive a high school diploma within 12 months of the course’s completion.

To learn more or to enroll in the Medical Assistant course, visit johnson.edu/medicalassistant or contact the College’s WAVE department at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.

WAVE, which stands for 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.

New Board Members & Officers of 2025–26 Academic Year

Johnson College is pleased to announce the appointment of six new members to its Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 academic year. In addition, two current board members will assume new leadership roles, with Frank Kilyanek ‘85 named Chairperson of the Board and Candy Frye ‘94 appointed Vice Chairperson of the Board. These changes reflect the College’s continued commitment to strong governance and strategic growth as it advances its mission of providing hands-on education in a supportive environment.

The newly appointed board members are:

Jose de los Rios
Papermaking Integrated Work Systems and Manufacturing Capability Leader, Procter & Gamble
De los Rios joins the Johnson College Board of Directors for the 2025-26 academic year. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering and Political Science from Rutgers University. In addition to his involvement with Johnson College, De los Rios serves as a member of the WVIA board and executive committee as well as the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. He resides in Glenburn, PA.

Dr. Erin Keating
Superintendent, Scranton School District
Keating joins the Johnson College Board of Directors for the 2025-26 academic year. She has previously worked with the College through enrollment and STEM activities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from West Chester University, a master’s degree in Curriculum Strategies and Development and Educational Leadership from Wilkes University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Wilkes University.

In addition to her involvement with Johnson College, Keating currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer for Urban Superintendents Association of America, a member of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties board, an executive board committee member of the Skills in Scranton (Scranton Chamber of Commerce) Board of Directors, a member of the Office of Youth and Family Service Advisory Board, and she was formerly the Chair of the Labor and Relations Sub Committee of the Luzerne County Community College Board of Trustees. She resides in Edwardsville, PA.

Jake Latcham
Chief Operating Officer, Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services
Latcham joins the Johnson College Board of Directors for the 2025-26 academic year. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. In addition to his involvement with Johnson College, Latcham serves as a member of StartUp NEPA Angel Investment Fund. He resides in Dallas, PA.

Terrence McDonald, Esq.
Attorney/Owner, Terrence J. McDonald, Esquire, P.C.
McDonald joins the Johnson College Board of Directors for the 2025-26 academic year. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Scranton and a Juris Doctorate from Widener University School of Law.

In addition to his involvement with Johnson College, McDonald serves as a member of the Lackawanna County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association and volunteers with various community organizations. He formerly served as a member of the Scranton/Lackawanna Health and Welfare Authority and the Hearing Committee Member for the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and he was a solicitor for the Borough of Dunmore. He resides in Dunmore, PA.

Walter Rosiecki
Senior Vice President, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company
Rosiecki joins the Johnson College Board of Directors for the 2025-26 academic year. He has previously worked with the College as a member of one of its Program Advisory Committees. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Finance emphasis from Susquehanna University and is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Massachusetts. Rosiecki resides in South Abington Township, PA.

Heather Kubic Skapyak
Director of Business Development, Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.
Kubic Skapyak joins the Johnson College Board of Directors for the 2025-26 academic year. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and a minor in Black and White Photography from Arcadia University. She also holds a National Council for Interior Design Qualification Certification.

Kubic Skapyak serves as an executive committee member and Secretary of the Board for the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO) – an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, she serves as a member and Secretary of the Board for SLIBCO Utilities, Inc. – another affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. She resides in Archbald, PA.

The Johnson College Board of Directors plays a critical role in supporting the College’s strategic direction, fiscal health, and community partnerships. Johnson College extends its sincere gratitude to all board members for their ongoing service and commitment to student success.

Johnson College Scranton to Host Free Community Resource Fair­­

Johnson College will host a free Community Resource Fair for all local college-bound students on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, inside the Moffat Student Center Gymnasium at its Scranton campus. The event is open to the public and is designed to connect current and prospective college students with local resources and support services.

The fair will feature a variety of community organizations offering guidance and assistance on topics such as education, employment, health, and wellness.

“The Community Resource Fair is an opportunity for all students attending any of our region’s colleges and universities to learn about local services available to them,” said Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs at Johnson College. “We’re proud to bring together organizations that are making a positive impact in our region.”

Participating organizations include:

  • ACE of NEPA
  • Educational Opportunity Centers of PA
  • Friends of the Poor/Catherine McAuley Center
  • Geisinger Marworth
  • Greater Scranton YMCA
  • Goodwill Industries of Northeastern Pennsylvania
  • Susquehanna County Interfaith
  • The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement

For more information, please contact Sam Lehman at slehman@johnson.edu or 570-702-8341.

Johnson College to Host Free Test-Taking 101 Workshop Aug. 12

Johnson College will host a free “Test-Taking 101” workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the Scranton campus. Preregistration is required.

Designed for students aged 15 and older, this workshop is focused on developing essential test-taking skills and improving study habits. Most students underperform on exams due to poor time management and strategy, not a lack of knowledge. This session provides tools and techniques to help learners prepare more effectively and perform more confidently.

Participants will learn:

  • How written exams are structured and designed.
  • A systematic method to study and retain information.
  • Proven strategies to eliminate incorrect answers and improve accuracy.

Space is limited to 65 students.

PA EMS providers will receive 3.5 hours of con ed credit (Other category) for attending.

To register or learn more, visit johnson.edu/wave. For questions or assistance, contact Johnson College’s WAVE team at 570-702-8979 or email wave@johnson.edu.

WAVE, which stands for 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 to Host Financial Aid Information Sessions at Hazle Township and Scranton Campuses

Johnson College will host two Financial Aid Information Sessions to assist current and prospective students in understanding and applying for financial aid, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), FSA ID setup, alternative loans, and scholarship opportunities.

Attendees will have the opportunity to access on-site computers to begin or complete their financial aid applications with guidance from Johnson College staff.

The first session will take place on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the college’s Hazleton location, inside the CAN DO Training Center, 370 Maplewood Drive, Hazle Township.

The second session is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Ideal Saldi Hall on the Scranton campus located at 3427 North Main Ave.

Participants are strongly encouraged to create their FSA ID in advance of the event, as processing can take three to five business days.

For more information, contact the Financial Aid team at 570-702-8855 or financialaid@johnson.edu.

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 Opens Enrollment for AutoCAD Courses

Johnson College is now accepting enrollments for its non-credit AutoCAD 1 and AutoCAD 2 courses, set to be held at the College’s Scranton campus.

AutoCAD 1 will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 21–23, 2025. AutoCAD 2 will follow the same daily schedule and take place July 28–30, 2025. Each course is $500.

These introductory courses in computer-aided drafting are designed for students seeking foundational skills in the field. Participants will learn basic CAD commands used to create professional working drawings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and construction details.

Course topics include creating and editing 2D objects, text usage and editing, hatching and filled regions, dimensioning, AutoCAD layer management, proper use of model space and paper space, and plotting techniques.

To register or learn more, visit johnson.edu/autocad. For questions or assistance, contact Johnson College’s WAVE team at 570-702-8979 or email wave@johnson.edu.

WAVE, which stands for 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 Seeking Vehicle Participants for “Truck & Cruiser Palooza” on Sept. 14 Event

Johnson College is inviting local individuals, businesses, emergency services, and organizations to participate in its upcoming Truck & Cruiser Palooza, a family-friendly, hands-on vehicle experience and fundraiser taking place Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at the Johnson College Scranton campus, located at 3427 North Main Ave.

The college is seeking a wide variety of vehicles to display and engage with children and families. Interested participants are encouraged to bring vehicles in the following categories:

  • Construction vehicles: Dump trucks, excavators, backhoes, cranes, cement mixers, and other heavy machinery
  • Emergency services vehicles: Fire trucks (including pump and ladder trucks), ambulances, police cruisers
  • Utility and service vehicles: Garbage trucks, recycling trucks, snow plows, road paving equipment, bucket trucks, oil tankers, tow trucks
  • Transportation vehicles: Semi-trucks, big rigs, moving vans, charter buses, school buses
  • Military vehicles: Army transport trucks, armored vehicles
  • Specialty vehicles: Monster trucks, tractors, and other unique or custom rides

To register a vehicle or for more information, contact Sam Lehman at slehman@johnson.edu or 570-702-8341.

About the Event

Truck & Cruiser Palooza is an interactive, family-friendly event where kids can climb aboard and explore a wide range of vehicles while meeting the professionals who operate them. Suggested donation for attendees is $5 to $10 per family, with all proceeds benefiting Johnson College’s SkillsUSA Club.

SkillsUSA is a national organization that helps students become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible citizens. Funds raised will support Johnson College students as they compete in state, national, and international SkillsUSA competitions and attend leadership training events.

Johnson College Launches Automotive Collision Repair Program Through WAVE Department

Johnson College is launching an Automotive Collision Repair program this fall through its WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) department, formerly known as Continuing Education. Developed in partnership with I-CAR, Toyota of Scranton, and Sherwin-Williams, the new program is designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in the automotive collision repair industry through foundational knowledge and hands-on experience.

The program includes 104 lessons and over 500 contact hours, combining flexible online coursework with in-person training at Toyota of Scranton. Students will gain essential skills in structural assessment, bodywork, welding, painting, frame straightening and refinishing. Total course cost is $5,200.

“Students won’t just learn in a classroom—they’ll be working directly in a professional collision repair shop,” said Ashley Bechaver, Director of WAVE at Johnson College. “By the end of the program, graduates will be prepared to step into the workforce with industry-recognized training and job-ready skills.”

Throughout the program, students will follow actual repair orders from vehicle intake through final delivery, gaining real-world experience alongside expert technicians. Upon completion, graduates will be equipped for entry-level roles in the collision repair industry, supported by strong industry connections.

To be considered for admission, applicants must first be approved by Johnson College’s WAVE team. Once approved, applicants are required to submit a job application to Toyota of Scranton to begin the online training in partnership with I-CAR. Admitted students will receive paid, hands-on training in a professional collision repair shop.

For more information or to apply, visit johnson.edu/collision or contact our WAVE team at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.