Johnson College Hosts Debut Event for Bracey Hall

Johnson College celebrated the completion of Bracey Hall during a debut event at its Scranton campus on April 2, 2025.

This new facility has doubled the size of the former Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) laboratory to provide necessary training facilities for the College’s growing Building Trades programs, specifically HVAC Technology and Electrical Construction Technology.

Members of the Johnson College community and the Bracey family gathered to see the newly constructed building that will allow more students to enroll in the College’s hands-on Building Trades programs to meet industry needs throughout the region and beyond.

“We prepare our students for the workforce from the moment they step on campus, ensuring they have the skills, knowledge, and experience to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of technology and industry,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, President and CEO of Johnson College. “This building—Bracey Hall—will help us do just that. It’s vital to our continued growth and success, allowing us to better serve the increasing demand for skilled technicians and technologists.”

Bracey Hall is one of four components of the College’s comprehensive, five-year capital campaign, “Innovation at Work.” It was named after the Bracey family in recognition of their immense support of Johnson College and its building trades programs. The Bracey’s pledged a major gift to the College’s capital campaign, aiding its mission to meet the needs of its students, industry partners, and the community through real-world, hands-on, and 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. The grant will help the College 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.

Walter Wood ’11, HVAC Program Director and Chair of the Building Trades Division at Johnson College is elated by the opportunities the new space will provide his students. “The demand for skilled technicians is increasing, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of preparing our students for success in various industries, both locally and globally. This expansion is about more than just space—it’s about creating an environment that fosters innovation, teamwork, and excellence,” he said.

Construction of Bracey Hall began in 2024, following the official reveal of the building, designed by Studio KLP Architects. Under the construction management of L.R. Costanzo Co., Inc., the building took shape quickly with the help of many of Johnson College’s industry partners and alumni.

Johnson College Hazleton to Host Spring Open House on April 12

Johnson College Hazleton will hold its Spring Open House on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CAN DO Training Center located inside the Humboldt Industrial Park at 370 Maplewood Drive in Hazle Township. To register for the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/hazletonopenhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.

New One-Year Cybersecurity Analytics & Operations Academic Certificate Program

Johnson College is proud to announce the launch of its one-year Cybersecurity Analytics & Operations academic certificate program, starting with the Fall 2025 semester. This program will give students the critical skills to enter the fast-growing cybersecurity field.

The program focuses on network operations and security, offering hands-on experience in troubleshooting, maintaining, and protecting IT systems. Students will learn to safeguard sensitive data by identifying vulnerabilities, penetration testing, network monitoring, incident response, and disaster recovery.

Graduates will be prepared for careers as network associates, incident handlers, information security analysts, IT auditors, and digital forensic examiners. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, troubleshooting, and effective communication—skills vital for success in cybersecurity.

With cybersecurity job growth projected at 33% from 2023 to 2033, the demand for skilled professionals is stronger than ever.

“We’re excited to launch this program to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity experts,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College. “Graduates will gain the technical expertise and soft skills necessary to thrive in this dynamic industry.”

For more information or to enroll, visit Johnson.edu/cybersecurity or contact the Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

Johnson College Receives $15,250 grant from Pleasant Mount Welding, Inc.

Johnson College has received a $15,250 grant from Pleasant Mount Welding, Inc., facilitated by Commonwealth Charitable Management, to support its Industry Fast Track and STEM Outreach programs.

The Industry Fast Track Program (IFT), a partnership between Johnson College and local school districts, allows high school juniors and seniors to simultaneously enroll in high school and college-level courses at Johnson College. Students remain enrolled full-time at their high school while attending classes at Johnson College. This grant will help IFT students cover educational costs, ensuring g they have the resources to succeed in their dual enrollment courses.

In addition, Johnson College’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Outreach initiative, led by the Community Engagement department, provides hands-on STEM learning opportunities for students across the region. This grant will fund the College’s 2025 Summer Camp series, offering free, hands-on learning, in fields such as building trades, robotics, architectural drafting, engineering, and veterinary nursing. The camps will be available to rising 5th to 8th graders, with registration opening in late spring or early summer.

About Pleasant Mount Welding, Inc.

Pleasant Mount Welding, Inc. (PMWI) specializes in miscellaneous metals and structural steel fabrication. They have serviced water, wastewater, and flood control markets for over 40 years. PMWI manufactures several product lines including Standard-Duty Aluminum Interlocking Flat Panel Covers for odor control, Aluminum & Steel Bar Grating, Aluminum Plank Grating, Aluminum Handrails, and Aluminum Ladders. PMWI is the largest manufacturer of miscellaneous metals for water and wastewater treatment facilities in the eastern United States.

Pictured left to right: Tim Frank, Associate Director of Community Engagement, Johnson College; Bob Non, Founder and CEO, Pleasant Mount Welding, Inc.; Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs, Johnson College.

Johnson College Now Enrolling for OSHA 30-Hour Training Course

Johnson College is now accepting enrollments for its 30-hour, non-credit OSHA training course at the Scranton campus. The course will run from April 22 to May 3, 2025, with classes scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The final week will feature classes on Monday, May 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., and Thursday, May 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge on a range of essential safety topics, including fall protection, electrical safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), and more. The course, which is delivered through in-person classroom instruction, is designed to help individuals reduce workplace accidents, ensure compliance with federal safety standards, and foster a culture of safety within their organizations.

The OSHA 30-hour training is ideal for individuals in leadership roles, those seeking advanced safety training, and employees in the general industry workforce. Upon successful completion of the course, attendees will receive the official OSHA 30 General Industry Outreach Course Completion Card.

The cost for the course is $600.

For more information or to reserve a spot in the course, visit johnson.edu/continuing-ed/osha-30. You can also contact the Continuing Education team at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College Scranton Spring Open House is March 22

Johnson College will hold its Spring Open House on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.

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.