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: Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; Bob Non, Founder and CEO, Pleasant Mount Welding, Inc.; Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs, Johnson College.

9th Annual Carpentry Auction Raises over $4,000 for Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA

Johnson College Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program hosted its Annual Carpentry Auction at the College’s Scranton campus on Thursday, April 9, 2026. The event raised over $4,000 to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania in support of its mission to provide excellence in the assessment and treatment of child abuse and neglect.

More than 60 items created by Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology students were available for auction. There was a wide variety of woodwork, including chessboards, tables, chests, benches, and more. Many of the items were made from repurposed materials.

Johnson College to Host Refrigerant Recycling Event

Johnson College will host a Refrigerant Recycling Event on its Scranton campus on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 12 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to the public, and there is no item limit.

Only items with refrigerant will be accepted, including refrigerators, kegerators, freezers, window air conditioners, room air conditioners, dehumidifiers, vending machines, water coolers, and ice makers.

Register to participate at Johnson.edu/recycle.

Johnson College Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology students, staff, and volunteers will safely remove refrigerants, ensuring proper disposal and preventing harmful gases from being released into the environment. This quick, easy, and eco-friendly way to dispose of refrigerant-containing appliances will help the community and keep the environment clean! This event is supported by Meier Supply Co. Inc. and Mike’s Scrap Recycling.

9th Annual Carpentry Auction for Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA

Johnson College’s Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program will host an auction to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA on Thursday, April 9, 2026, inside the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology lab in Woolworth Hall on the Johnson College Scranton campus. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and the auction starts at 6:00 p.m. The auction is open to the public. 

More than 60 items will be available to bid on, including cutting boards, chess boards, tables, benches, and custom woodworking. All items were created by students in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program. Many of the items were made from repurposed material. The 2025 Carpentry Auction raised over $4,000 to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA.

Register for the event at https://johnson.edu/carpentry-auction/.

To learn more about the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA, visit https://cacnepa.org/.

Hazleton Campus to Host Spring Open House on April 11, 2026

Johnson College Hazleton will hold its Spring Open House on Saturday, April 11, 2026, 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.

Create Your Own Masterpiece at Johnson College String Art Workshop

– Ready to hammer, weave, and get creative? Johnson College’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) department invites the public to a hands-on String Art Workshop on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Moffat Student Center on the Scranton campus.

Participants will design and craft their own 8-by-8-inch string art projects under step-by-step guidance, creating eye-catching patterns and personalized décor. The workshop welcomes beginners and experienced crafters alike, offering a fun, supportive environment where attendees leave with a finished piece ready to display or gift.

The workshop is $40 per person and open to ages 12 and up. Participants should bring a hammer and a dish towel or a hand towel to protect the work surface while hammering nails.

To register, visit johnson.edu/workshops. For more information, call 570-702-8979 or email wave@johnson.edu.

Photo caption: Samples of string art creations participants can make during the Johnson College String Art Workshop, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Moffat Student Center on the College’s Scranton campus. Register at johnson.edu/workshops or call 570-702-8979 for details.

Johnson College Scranton Spring 2026 Open House

Johnson College will hold its Spring Open House on Saturday, March 28, 2026, 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 to Host Community Blood Drive March 19 at Its Scranton Campus

Johnson College will partner with the American Red Cross to host a community blood drive on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Moffat Student Center gym at its Scranton campus.

The event, themed “Give Hope This Spring — Give Blood,” invites community members to join Johnson College students, faculty, and staff in donating blood to help patients in need. Blood donations are essential to support accident victims, surgery patients, individuals undergoing cancer treatment, and those living with chronic illnesses.

Community members are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance. To schedule a donation, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “Johnson College.”

Donors should bring a photo ID. They are encouraged to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

Johnson College Receives EITC Contribution from Peoples Security Bank & Trust

Johnson College received a $15,000 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 Johnson College’s Industry Fast Track program, visit johnson.edu/dual-enrollment-at-johnson-college.

Pictured left to right: Walter Rosiecki, Johnson College board member and Senior Vice President, Peoples Security Bank and Trust; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College.