Transfer Day is December 14

Johnson College is holding a Transfer Day on Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on its campus in Scranton, PA. The College is encouraging current college students who are interested in changing the direction of their education and ultimately their career path to visit its campus.

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. 

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

A Closer Look Electrical Construction Technology at Simplex Homes

Johnson College is hosting a Closer Look at its popular 2-year Electrical Construction Technology program on December 13, 2023, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in its unique industry lab space at Simplex Homes at 1 Simplex Drive in Scranton, PA.

The event will feature opportunities to learn about the degree program, career opportunities, and the enrollment process. The Johnson College Enrollment team, Electrical Construction Technology students and staff, and representatives from Simplex Homes will be available to answer questions.

The two-year Electrical Construction Technology Associates Degree program prepares students as entry-level technicians for the operation, inspection, installation, calibration, repair, maintenance, and safety of residential and commercial electrical equipment.

Register for the event at johnson.edu/closerlook. For more information, contact the College’s Enrollment department at (570) 702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

Now Enrolling in Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspector Course in Scranton

Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is enrolling students in its Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspector course beginning November 28, 2023, at the College’s Scranton campus. The total cost of the course is $200 for cars and light trucks. There is an additional $75 fee for other vehicle categories.

The Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspection course requirements include 12 classroom hours, a written test, and a two-hour tactile test scheduled independently with the instructor. Students must complete all requirements before receiving certification from PennDOT. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis according to the payment date. Class size is limited to 20 students, so participants are encouraged to register early. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid operator’s license for each class of vehicle they intend to inspect. Classes will be held in the Automotive Center of Weaver Hall on the Johnson College campus in Scranton, PA.

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

Now Enrolling in Forklift Operator Training Course in Scranton

Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Diesel Truck Technology Center on the College’s Scranton campus. The cost of the course is $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alum the cost is only $100. Space is limited!

The forklift operator training is designed to familiarize students with OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training Requirements (29CFR Standard 1910.178 and ASME B56.1), provide current training requirements under the newly adopted standards, and assist participants in becoming an authorized operator of forklifts through theory and tactile testing. Nine hours of instruction including pre-operational inspection, picking up, traveling, and placing loads, parking procedures, refueling, and practical operation.

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

Now Enrolling Students in CDL Driver Training Course in Hazleton

Johnson College in partnership with Ancora Education is now enrolling students in its Class A CDL Driver Training course that begins on November 27, 2023, at the College’s satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, in Hazle Township.

Students will learn to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis is placed on vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380 -397 and a certificate for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handling, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention. Participants in this 160-hour program can obtain their CDL in as little as four weeks. The course complies with the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules established by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), which went into effect in February 2022.

To learn more or to enroll in the Class A CDL Driver Training course, visit https://johnson.edu/hazleton/hazleton-cdl/ or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu

College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast

Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast today, November 9, at Fiorelli Catering in Peckville. The event was held to recognize the scholarship recipients and thank and honor the generous donors who make scholarships available to students.

The College awarded 53 students with scholarships. Stephanie Ropietski, a student in Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program and recipient of Hawk Family Foundation Scholars and the Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarships served as the student speaker at the event.

“The scholarships that have been awarded to me and so many of my classmates exhibit how Johnson College and all of the generous scholarship donors care about the success and hard work of today’s students,” Ropietski said.

She stated that these scholarships will help to alleviate the burden of the cost of school for many students, allowing them to focus on their students and strive for success.

The event also featured keynote speaker, Nicholas J. Scarnato ’80, Treasurer of the College’s Board of Directors and long-time supporter of the College and its students. 

The breakfast concluded with the presentation of the scholarship awards by Katie Leonard, 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, Brenden Sutton;

Alekna Memorial Scholarship, Nathan Dixon;

Edgar and Ida Alekna Scholarship Fund, Luke Galli;

Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Jallen Wilks;

Bartolai Family Scholarship, Robert Jenkins;

John K. and Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Rachel Butler and Mackenzie Gavin;

Margaret Briggs Foundation Scholarship, Jonathan Merlen;

Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship, Gabriel Gonzalez;

CMC Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Trinaya Parker;

Vernon “Terry” Decker Scholarship, Blake Praschak;

P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, Jonathan Hunsberger;

John T. Gerod Scholarship, Richard Reed and Emily Royce;

Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship, Stephanie Ropietski;

Hawk Family Foundation Scholar, Stephanie Ropietski and Jordan Stine;

Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Zachary Menichello;

Frank & Jean Hubbard Scholarship, Chase Ferranti;

Jefferson Township Lions Club Scholarship, Tess Maher;

Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Jordan Bowen and Harrison Kubulis;

Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Andrew Abrams, Michael Andrews, and Devin Walsh;

Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Jacqueline Albano;

Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Gavin Noll;

F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship, Robert Jensen;

Moffat Merit Award, Richard Bowen and Dravyn Falsone;

Ruth Stitt Morgan Memorial Scholarship, Kodee Bates;

Moses Taylor Foundation Careers In Care Scholarship, Neyleen Lugo, Tess Maher, Jonathan Merlen, Trinaya Parker, Bryce Shorten, Malana Vega, and Kayla Ward;

Motorworld Lexus Scholarship, Carter Albanese and Paolo Fiorini;

John R. O’Hara Scholarship, King-Shakim Rose;

Christopher Pambianco ’65 Book and Tool Award, Benjamin Flowers and Jacob Holmes;

Thomas J. Perry Scholarship, Abby Bowen;

John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Johnson College Scholarship, Jade Mcdermott;

Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Aaron Hall and Alyssa Nicholas;

Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Jarrel Johnson and Ryan Phillips;

Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship, Brenden Sutton and Hunter Landers;

Richmond Merit Award, Emma Danowsky;

Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Alyssa Crawford;

Scranton UNICO Foundation Scholarship, Tobio Gallucci;

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

Technology Merit Award, Tyler Connolly;

Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Dylan Degroat;

Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. Scholarship, Hunter Landers and Brenden Sutton;

And Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship of the NEPA Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of America, Laura Alleva-Cox.

Military Member Instant Decision Day is November 17, 2023

Johnson College’s Instant Decision Day for Veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. Military will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. virtually and inside Woolworth Hall on the Johnson College Scranton campus. 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.

College Hosts Global Taco After Dark Webinar Session

Johnson College will host members of Taco Comfort Solutions as they broadcast their global training webinar, “Taco After Dark,” from the Scranton campus’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology lab.

This session is the eighth and final part of their fall webinar series called “Taco After Dark” and will cover the topic of domestic hot water recirculation. Participants will learn the correct way to size and control a DHW recirculation system for all types of water heaters. The webinar will focus particularly on the unique DHW recirculation requirements being set forth by heat pump water heater manufacturers.

Taco Comfort Solutions is a family-owned, global engineer and manufacturer of high-efficiency indoor heating, cooling, and plumbing comfort systems. They offer industry-leading training for residential and commercial systems. Members of the training team have been visiting technical schools across the continent to present their webinar sessions live from industry-focused classrooms. Webinar presenters from Taco Comfort Solutions will include John Barba, Director of Training; David Holdorf, Residential Trainer of the Eastern region; and Rick Mayo, Western Product and Application Instructor.

To learn more about this webinar or to register for this session, visit www.tacocomfort.com/training/online-training/taco-after-dark/.

College Reveals Expansion with Construction of Bracey Hall

Johnson College announced today that construction will soon begin on a new advanced technology facility to house its growing Building Trades programs, specifically Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology and Electrical Construction Technology. The new facility will double the size of the existing HVAC laboratory and provide additional training facilities for Electrical Construction Technology on the College’s Scranton campus.

During a community event on the Scranton campus, Dr. Katie Leonard, Johnson College President & CEO, unveiled artist renderings and plans for the new facility as she announced that the building expansion will be named Bracey Hall, in recognition of the Bracey family’s service to Johnson College. The Braceys recently pledged a major gift to the College’s capital campaign, “Innovation at Work,” to support its building trades programs. This gift will allow the College to continue meeting the needs of its students, industry partners, and the community with advanced real-world, hands-on, industry-driven education.

In addition to the transformational gift from the Bracey family, the College was awarded a $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the City of Scranton. This grant will help the College to expand its workforce development programming for high-tech and in-demand fields, including HVAC and Electrical Construction. The HVAC and Electrical Construction Technology programs also benefitted from a $280,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant for campus technology upgrades.

Dr. Leonard stated Bracey Hall will feature ample space to provide dedicated, permanent areas for all significant training equipment. The facility will feature a more advanced interdisciplinary programming laboratory that will teach students the importance of learning to work in teams with each other and those from differing programs.

The building trades programs at the College have seen continuous growth throughout the past few years. The College’s HVAC program director and chair of the Building Trades division, Walter Wood ’11, shared that the significant demand in industry has led to an increase in enrollment and the need to expand. Additional classrooms and lab space will provide more students the opportunity to enroll in the College’s hands-on Building Trades programs to meet industry needs throughout the region and beyond.

For more information about Johnson College’s comprehensive, five-year capital campaign, “Innovation at Work,” visit johnson.edu/innovationatwork.