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.

Johnson College invites community members to join its upcoming Women at the Workbench workshop, “The Language of Flowers,” a fun and creative evening exploring the meaning and symbolism behind floral design. The event takes place on Tuesday, July 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the college’s Scranton campus.

Participants will start the evening with an interactive presentation on floriography—the art of assigning meaning to flowers—followed by a hands-on session where they’ll design and build their own floral arrangements. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned flower lover, this workshop offers something for everyone.

The event is open to participants ages 10 and older. A guardian must accompany those under 18. The cost is $40 per person. Registration is required and can be completed online at johnson.edu/workshops.

Women at the Workbench workshops are part of Johnson College’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) program. These workshops are open to all and designed to help individuals build skills and confidence through hands-on, supportive instruction. Led by experienced instructors, participants can expect a welcoming environment where curiosity leads to creativity and confidence.

For more information, contact the WAVE team at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.

We’re excited to announce that the Summer 2025 edition of The Johnsonian is now available online!

This issue features highlights from the past six months, including: A cover story celebrating the milestones marked at this year’s Commencement, an alumni spotlight on the Inman family, and much more.

To read the latest Johnsonian or past editions, visit https://johnson.edu/alumni-giving/johnsonian-magazine/

Members of the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association recently presented a $2,000 contribution to Johnson College to support the annual Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to two students in the Automotive Technology Program for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

The Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association was established in 1975 and has been funding the scholarship at Johnson College since 2009. The club raises funds through Cruise Nights held at the Viewmont Mall parking lot throughout the year.

For more information about available scholarships at Johnson College, visit johnson.edu/future-students/financialaid/scholarships.

Photo Caption:

Members of the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association presented a $2,000 contribution to Johnson College to sponsor the annual Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship. Pictured from left to right: Tom Lello, Treasurer, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Chip Bell, President, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; John Gall, Board Member, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; John Coleman, ’80, Board Member, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; and Matt Salvia, Secretary, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association.

Johnson College is now accepting enrollments for its 48-hour, non-credit Basic Maintenance course, set to be held at the Scranton campus. Classes will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning July 22 and ending Sept. 11, 2025.

Designed for individuals looking to enter the high-demand field of maintenance and repair, the course will cover essential skills needed for the upkeep of buildings and property systems. Instructional topics include tools, equipment, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, pest control, weatherization, and painting.

The cost of the course is $650.

For more information or to reserve a spot, visit johnson.edu/continuing-ed/basic-maintenance. You can also contact Johnson College’s WAVE team (formerly Continuing Education) at 570-702-8979 or wave@johnson.edu.

The American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE), Northeast Penn Section, has established the William Lesek Memorial Scholarship Fund at Johnson College to support students pursuing careers in architectural drafting and design.

Beginning in the 2025–26 academic year, the annual scholarship will provide a total of $2,000, awarding $1,000 each to two students enrolled in the College’s Architectural Drafting & Design Technology program. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need, maintain good academic standing, and are actively engaged in the College community.

Funding for the scholarship was made possible through a variety of fundraising efforts conducted by ASHE Northeast Penn in honor of the late William Lesek.

“We are incredibly grateful to the American Society of Highway Engineers, Northeast Penn Section, for their generous contribution and partnership,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “This scholarship honors the memory of William Lesek while directly benefiting our students as they work toward entering the workforce and building successful careers.”

For more information about available scholarships at Johnson College, visit johnson.edu/future-students/financialaid/scholarships.

Photo Caption: Members of the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE), Northeast Penn Section, recently met with Dr. Katie Pittelli to discuss the establishment of the William Lesek Memorial Scholarship Fund. Pictured left to right: Corey Lewis, PE, president of ASHE Northeast Penn Section; Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College; John Pocius, PE, ASHE Northeast Penn Section board member; and Attilio “Butch” Frati, ASHE Northeast Penn Section board member.

About American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE), Northeast Penn Section

The mission of the American Society of Highway Engineers is to provide a forum for members and partners of the highway industry to promote a safe, efficient and sustainable transportation system through education, innovation and fellowship. To learn more, visit http://nepenn.ashe.pro/index.php.

Johnson College will host two free Community Resource Fairs on its Scranton campus this summer. These events are open to the public and are designed to connect current and prospective college students with local resources and support services.

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

The fairs will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Both events will take place inside the Moffat Student Center Gym at the Johnson College Scranton campus, located at 3427 North Main Ave., Scranton.

“The Community Resource Fair is an opportunity for students to learn about services available to them both on and off campus,” 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: Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA, American Water, Community Services for Children, County of Lackawanna Transit System, Educational Opportunity Centers of PA, Goodwill Industries of NEPA, Greater Scranton YMCA, Maternal and Family Health Services Inc., Outreach Center for Community Resources, PA Careerlink Lackawanna County, Parent Pathways of NEPA, RISE NEPA, Scranton Area Community Foundation, The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement, and many more.

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