Johnson College Receives $7,500 EITC Contribution from Fastenal

Johnson College received a $7,500 EITC contribution from Fastenal to support the College’s Industry Fast Track and STEM Outreach Programs.

The Industry Fast Track Program (IFT) is a joint partnership with area school districts and the College. The program offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to simultaneously enroll in secondary and post-secondary coursework on the Johnson College campus. Students remain enrolled full-time at their high school while attending classes at Johnson College.

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.

Fastenal’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.

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

Pictured left to right: Josh Shepard, Environmental Health Safety Manager, Fastenal; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; Raymond Getman, Area Manager, Fastenal; Marcelo DeSousa, Regional Operations Manager S-HUB, Fastenal; Thomas White, Assistant Operations Manager, Fastenal; Kevin Franc, Picking Manager, Fastenal; Alec Sebastionelli, Picking Assistant Manager, Fastenal.

Johnson College Receives Grant from the Moses Taylor Foundation

Johnson College has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Moses Taylor Foundation to establish a medical assistant laboratory at the College’s satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center in Hazle Township.

The designated laboratory space is being converted into two distinct clinical areas – a hospital room and a physician’s office – to provide a full range of training experiences for students enrolling in the program. These facility updates will allow Johnson College to provide the latest in hands-on education and training to meet the needs of the healthcare industry throughout the region and beyond.

The Medical Assistant program is part of the College’s Continuing Education initiative. The program prepares students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office including preparing patients for examination and treatment, routine laboratory procedures, pharmacology, and taking and documenting vital signs. Students learn the fundamentals of phlebotomy and venipunctures, anatomy, and physiology, and medical terminology encountered in the field. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.

To learn more about Johnson College’s Continuing Education Medical Assistant program, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/medical-assistant/.

Johnson College Receives Grant from PPL Foundation to Support Pilot Program

Johnson College has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the PPL Foundation to support an English as a Second Language (ESL) to Credential pilot program. The program was created through a collaboration among Johnson College, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC), Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC), and CareerLink of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

As part of the pilot program, eight participants will work with UNC to learn English and receive case management services, EOC to obtain their GED, Johnson College to complete career technical training, and finally CareerLink of Northeastern Pennsylvania for employment services.

The funding from the PPL Foundation will be used to support participants in the career technical training portion of this program to obtain supplies and support needed to help them succeed. They will enroll in one of three short-term training opportunities at Johnson College to earn recognized industry credentials including CNC Operator Training, Basic Maintenance, and Medical Assistant.

“Johnson College’s Industry and Community Engagement department continues to look for ways to engage and create pathways for vulnerable populations to complete training as we know it can lead to high-demand occupations and ultimately life-sustaining wages,” said Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs at Johnson College and director of the pilot program.

The pilot program closely aligns with the PPL Foundation’s focus on sustainable communities and improving lives through collaboration with community partners. Through this educational collaboration, Johnson College hopes to address workforce shortages throughout the region, build strong communities, strengthen our regional economy, and set participants on a pathway to fulfilling careers with family-supporting wages.

About the PPL Foundation

The PPL Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization formed to support community initiatives in the areas served by PPL Corporation’s utilities. Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that are engaged in innovative and groundbreaking work to create vibrant, sustainable communities; advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and support children’s success from cradle to career in both Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Learn more at pplcares.com. Learn more at pplcares.com.

Johnson College Receives $5,000 from Fidelity Bank in Support of its Industry Fast Track Program

Johnson College received a $5,000 EITC contribution from Fidelity Bank to support students in the College’s Industry Fast Track Program.

The Industry Fast Track Program (IFT) is a joint partnership with area school districts and the College. The program offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to simultaneously enroll in secondary and post-secondary coursework on the Johnson College campus. Students remain enrolled full-time at their high school while attending classes at Johnson College.

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

About Fidelity Bank

Fidelity Bank has built a strong history as a trusted financial advisor and continues its mission of exceeding client expectations through a unique banking experience. It operates 21 full-service offices throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties, along with a limited production commercial office in Luzerne County and a Fidelity Bank Wealth Management Office in Schuylkill County. Fidelity Bank provides a digital banking experience online at www.bankatfidelity.com, through the Fidelity Mobile Banking app, and in the Client Care Center at 1-800-388-4380.

Pictured left to right: Kevin Mitchell, Vice President and Business Relationship Manager, Fidelity Bank; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; Daniel Santaniello, President and CEO, Fidelity Bank.

Johnson College Now Enrolling for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Course in Scranton

Johnson College is now enrolling for its upcoming 285-hour, non-credit certificate Computer Numerical Control (CNC) course at the Scranton campus. The course will run from February 11 to June 10, 2025, with classes held Tuesday through Thursday, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

This training program is designed for individuals eager to enter the high-demand machining industry, equipping students with both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills required for success in the field. Participants will receive instruction in conventional and CNC machining techniques, alongside key topics in math for machinists, metalworking, and the stresses placed upon materials during the machining process.

The cost for the complete program is $4,200. In order to enroll, students must have a GED or high school diploma.

This course provides an excellent opportunity for those seeking to develop the skills necessary for a successful career in the machining industry, a sector that continues to see significant demand for trained professionals.

For more information or to reserve a spot in the course, please visit the official course page: https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/285-computer-numerical-control-cnc/. You can also contact Johnson College’s Continuing Education team at 570-702-879 or continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College Fall 2024 Semester President’s List

Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2024 Fall Semester with a grade point average of 3.70 or higher.

Edgar Acevedo, Electrical Construction Technology, Scranton, PA;

Anthony Agrella, Electrical Construction Technology, Pittston, PA;

Zekiel Alejandrez, Physical Therapist Assistant, Greentown, PA

Holden Aylesworth, Computer Information Technology, Nicholson, PA;

Charlize Barhite, Veterinary Nursing, Clifford Twp., PA;

Tiffany Beckham, Radiologic Technology, Scranton, PA;

Colleen Cannon-Augustine, Physical Therapist Assistant, Jenkins Twp., PA;

Brady Carpenter, Computer Information Technology, Clarks Summit, PA;

Cole Chesna, Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology, Honesdale, PA;

Ashlee Coe, Veterinary Nursing, Hawley, PA;

Matthew Collier, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Throop, PA;

Cameron Collins, Electrical Construction Technology, Jermyn, PA;

Kenneth Cotton, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Clifford Twp., PA;

Emma Danowsky, Veterinary Nursing, Lewisburg, PA;

Gerard Dolinsky, Diesel Truck Technology, Scott Twp., PA;

Andi Fedorchak, Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology, Carbondale, PA;

Alec Fisher, Automotive Technology, West Wyoming, PA;

Ethan Gardiner, Electrical Construction Technology, Summit Hill, PA;

Hanaa Gohsler, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Dickson City, PA;

Jennifer Gonzalez Rodriguez, Radiologic Technology, Scranton, PA;

James Hancock, Automotive Technology, Clarks Green, PA;

Cameron Hedgelon, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Honesdale, PA;

Emanuel Hernandez, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Scranton, PA:

Jacob Holmes, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Dalton, PA;

Brooke Iverson, Physical Therapist Assistant, Wilkes-Barre, PA;

Michael Kishel, Computer Information Technology, Pittston, PA;

Steven Kollar, Computer Information Technology, Trucksville, PA;

Henry Korman, Electrical Construction Technology, Lakeville, PA;

Harrison Kubilus, Electrical Construction Technology, Scranton, PA;

Skyler  LeClere, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Beach Lake, PA;

Anthony Leombruni, Aviation Technology, Moscow, PA;

Corey Lesnefsky, Diesel Truck Technology, Olyphant, PA;

Lucas Lorenzetto, Automotive Technology, Throop, PA;

Paul MacDonald, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Scranton, PA;

Daniel Marcus, Electrical Construction Technology, Greeley, PA;

Jessica Miller, Veterinary Nursing, Mechanicsburg, PA;

Carter Mistishin, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Lake Ariel, PA;

Tyler Moskosky, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Simpson, PA;

Sean Munson, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Nanticoke, PA;

Weston Nugent, Diesel Truck Technology, Lake Ariel, PA;

Edward Peguero, Automotive Technology, Scranton, PA;

Caitlyn Philips, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, West Wyoming, PA;

Ronald Pritchard, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Damascus, PA;

Alyssa Resio, Radiologic Technology, Old Forge, PA;

Vincent Rinaldi, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Scranton, PA;

Christian Rivera, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Wilkes-Barre, PA;

Keith Rowlands, Electrical Construction Technology, Jermyn, PA;

Abigail Schroder, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Scranton, PA;

Wyatt Sickler, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Tunkhannock, PA;

Caiden Stancik, Electronic Engineering Technology, Clarks Summit, PA;

Madison Stashak, Physical Therapist Assistant, Nanticoke, PA;

Sierra Stonier, Veterinary Nursing, Monroe Twp., PA;

Andrew Styborki, Electrical Construction Technology, Dalton, PA;

Ragu Subedi, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA;

Arthur Taylor, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, New Milford, PA;

Nicholas Thayer, Mechatronics Technology, Pittston, PA;

Logan  Treat, Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology, Falls, PA;

Noah Wijaya, Automotive Technology, Roaring Brook Twp., PA.

Carbondale Area Students Dive into Exciting STEM Education with After-School Program with Johnson College

Carbondale Area School District, in partnership with Johnson College, is offering 7th and 8th-grade students an exciting opportunity to dive into the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) through a dynamic after-school program. This three-day-a-week, five-week program brings real-world STEM concepts to life, helping students gain valuable skills while exploring new career paths.

Under the guidance of Dr. Samantha Masco, a Science and STEM Teacher at Carbondale Area, and instructors from Johnson College, the program offers hands-on lessons in robotics, 3D printing, electrical engineering, and architectural drafting. The curriculum is specifically designed to meet the students’ grade-level needs while encouraging them to think critically and creatively.

“Through the partnership with Johnson College, our students are learning critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills that will carry them through high school and beyond,” said Dr. Samantha Masco. “These 21st-century skills are essential for success, and we are fortunate to live in a community where our students receive such strong support from the school district, the city, and local organizations.”

Tim Frank, Associate Director of Community Engagement at Johnson College, highlighted the broader vision for the program. “Our goal is to help students gain confidence in their STEM abilities and inspire them to pursue higher education in these fields. Whether they continue their education at Johnson College or elsewhere, we’re introducing them to topics and skills they might not have encountered in their traditional school curriculum,” Frank said. “It’s amazing to watch the ‘lightbulb moment’ when a student masters a new skill, and you can see the excitement in their eyes.”

As the program continues, students gain a deeper understanding of STEM concepts and begin to see how these skills can be applied to real-world challenges. The hands-on nature of the program also better prepares students to consider potential careers in high-demand industries, both locally and globally.

Mayor Michele Bannon of the City of Carbondale also expressed her excitement about the program. “I love this program simply because it’s a collaboration between two places close to my heart—Carbondale Area School District and Johnson College. Through its hands-on approach, students can dive right in, explore what they enjoy, and gain skills that will impact their futures. These could even lead to future opportunities at local businesses like Pleasant Mount Welding, Hendrick, and Gentex, helping students make a meaningful connection to their community.”

About Carbondale Area School District

The Carbondale Area School District provides students with a safe learning environment that promotes academic excellence for all learners. Students will have the opportunity to work in an engaging and academically stimulating environment. Teachers will be provided with the necessary resources to provide effective instruction, professional collaboration, and ongoing learning through professional development opportunities. The district will maintain communication and essential partnerships with parents and community members to strive to provide the best educational opportunities for our students.

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 18 associate degrees, four 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 Receives Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Grant

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has awarded Johnson College a $20,000 Hunger-Free Campus grant to address students’ food security needs. This grant was awarded to Johnson College after receiving a two-year designation as a Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus. This is the College’s second full Hunger-Free Campus Grant and second two-year designation as a Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus.

Grant funds will be used to maintain the College’s Scranton Campus’s food pantry, the Refuel Station, and establish a full pantry at its Hazleton campus to serve all Johnson College students experiencing food insecurity.

The Refuel Station is currently located in the Community Hub on Johnson College’s Scranton campus and offers non-perishable foods, personal care items, and school supplies. The funds will also provide supplies for mini pantry carts located across Scranton and Hazleton campuses and off-site training laboratories.

The grant will also expand assistance to students applying for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and increase students’ access to off-campus community resources.

“The Hunger-Free Campus program ensures that Johnson College students can focus on their academic goals without the stress of hunger,” said Kellyn Williams, Vice President of Special Programs and the Hunger-Free Project Director at Johnson College. “This program continues to assist our efforts to stock our campus food pantry, provide meal vouchers, and make it easier for students to meet their basic needs while pursuing their education. By addressing food insecurity, this program contributes to improved mental and physical well-being, leading to better academic performance and overall college success for students.”

The Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Initiative aims to build a coalition of colleges and universities focused on addressing hunger and other basic needs for their students; create opportunities for connection among student hunger advocates; provide resources and strategies for campuses; and support opportunities to apply for grants related to addressing food insecurity.

Students who may need assistance at Johnson College may reach out to the Community Hub to access the student food pantry and to discuss other options and resources such as local food banks and the State’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Johnson College to Host Power Tools & Purse Bingo Fundraiser

Johnson College will hold a Power Tools & Purse Bingo fundraiser on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Moffat Student Center, on its Scranton campus located at 3427 Main Avenue, Scranton. This one-of-a-kind event will offer attendees the chance to win premium power tools and designer purses, all while supporting Johnson College students.

Doors will open at 1:00 p.m., with the first bingo game beginning promptly at 2:00 p.m. This limited-capacity event is restricted to just 200 guests, so early reservations are encouraged.

Event Highlights Include:

  • Over $10,000 in valuable prizes, including professional-grade power tools from industry leaders such as Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, and more.
  • Designer purses from top brands like Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, and Kate Spade.
  • Ten regular bingo rounds, including two grand prize rounds (one for a power tool and one for a designer purse, with a total prize value of up to $4,000).
  • “4 Specials Games” available for purchase.
  • A 50/50 raffle for additional prizes.
  • Food and beverages available for purchase (outside food & alcohol not permitted).

Individual tickets are available for $45, or $50 at the door. For an exclusive experience, VIP tables for 10 guests are also available for $450 (valued at $550), which include 10 game packs, 10 “Swag Bags,” and 10 vouchers for special game bingos.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available:
Interested in supporting the event? Contact Patty DeScipio at 570-702-8860 or via email at collegeadvancement@johnson.edu to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Reserve Your Tickets Today!
For more details and to secure your tickets, visit Johnson.edu/bingo.

Proceeds from this event will directly benefit Johnson College students. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting event and support a great cause!