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!

Johnson College Receives Grant from Robert H. Spitz Foundation to Support Student Safety Net Program

Johnson College has been awarded a $3,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation to support its safety net program for students needing assistance meeting basic needs.

This program provides emergency relief for basic needs such as transportation and necessary educational expenses, including personal protective equipment, program-specific tools, and industry certification fees. The safety net program will help students remain in school to complete their education and move on to earn family-supporting wages through employment in the region.

The safety net program is available to help all Johnson College students at both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses. Students facing short-term financial emergencies may request assistance in the College’s Community Hub where staff will confidentially help identify solutions, community agency supports, and eligible state/federal programs to meet students’ basic needs.

About the Robert H. Spitz Foundation

The Robert H. Spitz Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports initiatives and programs serving the residents of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Robert H. Spitz was born in Scranton in 1955. He was a graduate of Scranton Central High School and the University of Miami, Florida. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation was established from his estate in 2015 and supports an array of projects and programs aimed at improving the community. To date, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, has provided nearly $6 million in funding to the community.

Pictured left to right: Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants and Scholarships, Scranton Area Community Foundation, Karen Baker, Senior Director of Grants and Foundation Relations, Johnson College, Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation.

Johnson College Hazleton Now Enrolling for New Pharmacy Technician Program

Johnson College is now enrolling for its new Pharmacy Technician program at its satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center in Hazle Township. The program will run Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9:30 p.m. beginning January 7, 2025.

This comprehensive 50-hour program will prepare students to work as a pharmacy technician in retail or other pharmacy setting. Course content includes pharmacy medical terminology, the history of pharmacy, the pharmacy practice in multiple environments, pharmacy calculations and measurements, reading and interpreting prescriptions, and defining drugs by generic and brand names. Through classroom lectures and hands-on labs, students will review dosage calculations, drug classifications, the “top 200 drugs”, I.V. flow rates, sterile compounding, dose conversions, aseptic technique, the handling of sterile products, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control and billing and reimbursement.

This program meets the requirements needed to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certified Board (PTCB) exam as well as the National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Pharmacy Technician (PTAC) exam.

Participants of the Pharmacy Technician program will be eligible to participate in an optional, 80-hour clinical externship. Requirements for the externship include a resume; waiver; release form; statement of health; vaccines for MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B series, Tdap (within the last 10 years); a TB test (within the last 12 months); background check; drug screen; and state registration if applicable.

The total cost of the course is $1,650 which includes textbooks, a PTCB exam voucher, and a PTCB prep course.

To learn more or to enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/pharmacytech/ or contact the Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College Scranton Now Enrolling for Medical Assistant Program

Johnson College is now enrolling for its Medical Assistant program at its Scranton campus. The program will run Mondays through Wednesdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. beginning January 6, 2025.

This program prepares students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office. Functions include preparing patients for examination, treatment, routine laboratory procedures, pharmacology, and taking and documenting vital signs. Plus, students will learn the fundamentals of phlebotomy and venipunctures, anatomy & physiology, and medical terminology encountered in the field. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties required of a medical assistant.

The class fee is $6,000 and is approved by PA CareerLink for those eligible for funding through their local CareerLink.

To learn more or to enroll in the Medical Assistant course, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/medical-assistant/ or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College to Host Transfer Day on December 12

Johnson College is holding a Transfer Day on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on its Scranton and Hazleton campuses. The College is encouraging current college students who are interested in changing the direction of their education and ultimately their career path to register for this event.

To attend Transfer Day at one of Johnson College’s campuses, students must register online at Johnson.edu/transfer or contact the College’s enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu or (570)-702-8856.

Students will meet with Enrollment, Financial Aid, Career Services, and Counseling and Disability Services representatives. In addition, staff members from the Registrar’s Office will be on hand for transfer credit analyses and to review potential schedules for the upcoming semester. Students will learn why Johnson College is the leader in hands-on education, how it exposes students to industry from day one, and how its two-year degree programs, focusing on careers in in-demand industries, have the highest return on investment in the short term. 

Johnson College to Hold Instant Decision Day for Veterans and Current U.S. Military Service Members

Johnson College’s Instant Decision Day for Veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. Military will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held virtually and in person on the College’s Scranton campus in Ideal Saldi Hall. To register to attend in person or virtually, visit Johnson.edu/instant.

During the Instant Decision Event, Johnson College will provide prospective veteran students and those currently serving in the U.S. military with an immediate enrollment decision. They must supply their high school transcripts and can bring their college and military transcripts if applicable. It is highly recommended that the prospective student completes an application before attending.

Applications for Johnson College’s Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Veterinary Nursing programs are excluded from instant decisions.

Johnson College Receives EITC Contribution from Peoples Security Bank & Trust

Johnson College received a $12,000 EITC contribution from Peoples Security Bank & Trust to support the College’s Industry Fast Track program.

Peoples Security Bank & Trust’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. The program offers businesses a tax credit for supporting state-approved educational improvement programs. Johnson College is approved to accept EITC contributions in support of its STEM outreach programs and Industry Fast Track program.

Johnson College’s Industry Fast Track program offers high school students from participating area school districts an opportunity to enroll simultaneously in secondary and post-secondary coursework at Johnson College. The course meets state requirements for high school graduation while providing college-level courses. Students remain enrolled full-time at their high school while attending classes on the College’s campus.

To learn more about EITC opportunities with Johnson College, visit https://johnson.edu/eitc/

Pictured left to right: Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; J. Patrick Dietz, Johnson College Chairperson and Senior Vice President, Peoples Security Bank and Trust.

Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast

Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast today, November 13, at Fiorelli Family Catering in Peckville. The event recognized the scholarship recipients and honored the generous donors who made scholarships available to students.

The College awarded 82 students with scholarships. Andrew Abrams, a second-year student in Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program and recipient of the Johnson College Presidential Scholarship and the Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship served as the student speaker at the event.

“I deeply appreciate the financial support these scholarships provide for me and many other students who rely on this assistance to continue their education,” Abrams said.

He stated that the generosity of the scholarship donors and the support from Johnson College allows him to pursue his studies and dream of helping pets lead long and healthy lives.

The event also featured keynote speaker, Dave Thomas, Secretary of the Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club incorporated, a club that has long supported the College and its Automotive students through scholarship opportunities. 

The event was sponsored by industry partners including Cardinal LG, SIMONA, Ball, and Mesko Glass.

The breakfast concluded with the scholarship awards presentation by Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., president and CEO of Johnson College, and Jeanine Engelmann, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer of Johnson College. The presented awards included:

AAA North Penn Annual Scholarship, Isaiah Cassel;

Al Pantuso Automotive Scholarship, Andrew Adonizio;

Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Christopher Rosa;

Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Alyssa Nicholas and Emma Danowsky;

Bartolai Family Scholarship Fund, Nico Carter;

Chris Pambianco ’65 Vocational Education Award, Jacob Holmes and Hanaa Gohsler;

CMC Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Olivia Musto;

Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Ryan Boyanowski;

Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Cameron Hedgelon;

Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship of the NEPA Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of America, Camron Mcmillan;

Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Foundation, Nathan Dixon, Daniel Marcus, Hunter Smith, and Michael Chapman;

F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship, Connor Angelo;

Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship, Chase Ferranti and Peter Stefanelli;

Hawk Family Foundation Scholars, Donald Church and Jordan Stine;

Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Cole Chesna and Jarrel Johnson;

Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Andrew Abrams;

Jefferson Township Lions Scholarship, Peter Stefanelli;

John K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Logan Rehrig and McKenzie Gavin;

John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Johnson College Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Jacob Muracco;

John T. Gerod Scholarship, Emma Shedden;

Margaret Briggs Scholarship, Jonathan Merlen and Anthony Marsico;

Moses Taylor Foundation Careers in Healthcare Scholarship, Colleen Cannon-Augustine, Adam Rosencrance, Dilyara Akhmedova, Nicholas Novak, Amari Grey, Malana Vega, Stacey Turk, and Hannah Chapman;

MotorWorld Lexus Scholarship, Hunter Landers and Bruce Kohut;

North Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Veterinary Nursing Scholarship, Briana Kaufman;

Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative Scholarship, Gerard Dolinsky;

P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, James Anderson;

Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association, Hunter Landers and Camron McMillan;

Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Weston Nugent and Hanaa Gohsler;

Ruth Stitt Morgan Memorial Scholarship, Ashlee Coe;

Scranton UNICO Foundation Scholarship, Maximus Fitzpatrick;

Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Hunter Landers;

Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Caiden Stancik;

Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Michael Novotka;

The John R. O’Hara Scholarship, Aaron Evans;

Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Robert Roa;

Thomas J. Perry Scholarship, Vincent Rinaldi;

Vernon “Terry” Decker Scholarship, Michael Novotka;

Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. Scholarship, Camron McMillan;

Vince Bartolai Memorial Biomedical Equipment Technology Scholarship, Amari Grey;

Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Jordan Bowen and Liberty Graves;

Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Andrew Abrams, Michael Andrews, Carter Mistishin, and Charlize Barhite;

Johnson College Moffat Merit Award, Dravyn Falsone and Keith Rowlands;

Johnson College Richmond Merit Award, Emma Danowsky and Holly Scielzo;

Johnson College Technology Merit Award, Ethan Gardiner and Samantha Warner;

FAA Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Program Scholarship, Matthew Alden, Benjamin Amaya, Joshua Ayala, Christopher Berroa-Mereno, Tahj Bond, Zachary Brown, Pierry Chatelain, Holsen Estime, Michael Fordham, Raphiel Garcia, Kyle Garofolo, Janitza Gonzalez-Caban, Frank Goodwin, Jaylen James-Thomas, Anthony Leombruni, Tanner Little, Logan Rehrig, Amara Rubino, Connor Steele, Amir Vernon.