Cody Fisher Receives Work Ethic Scholarship from the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation

Cody Fisher from Mountain Top, Pennsylvania received a 2020 Work Ethic Scholarship from the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation. The $5,500 scholarship gives Cody the opportunity to focus on his hands-on education in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology Program.

Cody is a Crestwood High School graduate. He found out about the Work Ethic Scholarship after receiving a link to the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation website. Cody knew he had to apply after he read the Foundation’s belief that skilled labor is the back bone of this country and how working hard and having passion in what you do are keys to successful careers.

“I was thrilled when I received the scholarship” said Cody. “It allows me to fully concentrate on my education at Johnson College so I can get out into the workforce sooner without having to worry as much about my college loans.” Cody continued, “Once I visited the Johnson College campus, met the faculty, and leaned about all the courses and hands-on labs, I knew it’s where I wanted to learn my trade. Plus, I’d be going to one of the top trade schools in the nation.”

“During Cody’s journey toward the 2020 Work Ethic Scholarship he displayed Guts, Grit, and Glory, values we share and hold dear at Johnson College,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “When the opportunity presented itself, he rose to meet it; when there were challenges, he persevered; in the end, his hard work was rewarded by the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation.”

The Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation’s Work Ethic Scholarship Program recognizes people who understand the importance of personal responsibility, delayed gratification, a positive attitude, and, of course, work ethic. The hardworking men and women who keep the lights on, water running, and air flowing—the next generation of skilled workers who will work smart and hard. These are the folks they consider rock stars, and we want to reward them. Learn more about the Mike Rowe Works Foundation at https://www.mikeroweworks.org/.

Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast – Episode 5 Now Available

Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast Episode 5, Growing Opportunities for the HVAC Trade” is now available. In this episode Dr. Katie Pittelli talks with Steve Midura, Northeast Pennsylvania Market Director at Johnson Controls in Wilkes-Barre. They discuss the effects that COVID-19 has had on the industry and safety regulations in place, as well as the demand across the nation for skilled technicians in this field and how technology is growing the capability of HVAC systems.

Visit https://johnsoncollegepodcast.com/ to listen to all of the Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast episodes and learn more.

Our guest, Steve Midura, enjoys the extreme privilege of leadership with a dedicated team of professionals that serve the broader Northeast Pennsylvania HVAC & Automation market. Some key clients are Geisinger, the Mohegan Sun Casino and the Lackawanna County Stadium. Steve ensures that all customers are sold the value they need and that the operations efforts are fully executed to exceed expectations. The true value his team offers is local, dedicated staff that live here and take great pride in remaining the NEPA market leader.

Prior to Steve being named the Northeast Pennsylvania Market Director of Johnson Controls in 2004, he was Project Team Leader from 1997 to 2004. Before joining Johnson Controls, Steve was Assistant Director of Facilities at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, PA.

Steve is a current member of Johnson College’s Board of Directors. He brings his knowledge & experience to help the college grow the student experience & ultimate capability. Steve’s focus will also be on gaining the maximum amount of exposure to women & diverse candidates. The technically skilled workforce demands the best & most passionate professionals and these careers should offer everyone a fulfilling lifetime of opportunity.

2020-2021 Enrollment Largest in the College’s History

Johnson College’s 2020-21 total enrollment, 497, is the largest enrollment number in its 108-year history. The College increased its enrollment by 5% from last year, which was also a record-setting year, with over 252 incoming freshmen and 228 students returning for their second consecutive year. In addition, 17 high school students from Abington Heights, Forest City, Honesdale, Lakeland, Old Forge, and Riverside are enrolled in Johnson College’s Dual Enrollment and Industry Fast Track programs held on campus.

This year, 27% of the incoming freshman class transferred in from another institution making Johnson College a destination for students.. Also, the College launched and welcomed its first class into its Associate Degree program for Heavy Equipment Technology.

“As our record enrollment shows, incoming freshman found what they were looking for in the flexibility of our online classes and the opportunities provided by our hands-on labs,” said Bill Burke, Johnson College’s Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs. “The hybrid model we’re offering, along with smaller class sizes, labs at industry partner locations and the potential to complete their education in 2 years or less, give our students the opportunity to be well prepared to enter the essential workforce sooner.”

Johnson College will continue to follow its hybrid model throughout the 2020-21 school year. General education and program theory classes will be delivered online while labs and lab-related coursework will be in-person. Through this model, the College is prioritizing student safety while offering increased flexibility when it comes to the hands-on learning required to enter the workforce. Social distancing and mask guidelines will be followed on campus and at industry lab locations.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Our degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 15 programs. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, Johnson is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional business and industry to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

From Headlights to Taillights: Getting an Annual Checkup

By Mark Kozemko, Johnson College’s Automotive Technology Program Director

Original published in the September 25, 2020 edition of the Valley Advantage.

https://www.thevalleyadvantage.com/community-columns/from-headlights-to-taillights-getting-an-annual-checkup/article_9a8ee3f1-cf89-549d-9f31-e3ceffde60ad.html

As we’ve discussed in previous columns, your vehicles rely on repair shops and technicians to keep them operating and safe, the same way you rely on hospitals and doctors to keep you safe and healthy.

Normally, your health care provider suggests you visit your doctor once a year for an annual check-up. The same can be said about your vehicle needing yearly inspections by a licensed technician. Except completing vehicle inspections annually aren’t recommendations like a medical check-up, it’s the law in Pennsylvania.

This brings us to a few questions I received about vehicle inspections.

The first question is, “Why do vehicle inspections have to be done each year?”

The two annual inspections are required to ensure your vehicle conforms to Pennsylvania transportation regulations governing safety and emissions. As you might have guessed, the vehicle safety inspection is designed to keep your vehicle operating safely so you, your passengers and any pedestrians are as safe as possible.

The vehicle emissions inspection is designed to check emission components to make sure they are in place as designed. This inspection protects the environment by restricting the amount of pollutants your vehicle is allowed to produce when in use.

“What do technicians review during the inspections?” is our second question.

During a vehicle safety inspection, a technician will thoroughly inspect components from headlights to taillights and everything in between. Glass is checked for damage or chips. Lights and lenses are checked.

Components under your vehicle, like front and rear suspension parts, exhaust systems, shocks/struts, axles and drive shafts are also checked, as well as frame condition. Wheels and tires are also checked at this time for excessive wear or damage. They will also remove the wheels to check brake components.

Several things inside your vehicle are also inspected. These include windshield wiper/washer operation, dashboard indicator lights, windshield defrosters, seats, seat belts, mirrors and door latches. The body and undercarriage are also checked for rust.

During the vehicle emission inspection, the emission components are inspected to make sure they are installed as designed. In certain counties in Pennsylvania, emission inspections must be performed through a special machine. This machine also checks the fuel filler cap to make sure it holds a specific amount of pressure.

In other counties in Pennsylvania, vehicles have to pass what we call, a full On-Board Diagnostics emission inspection. This inspection includes all the above, plus, a vehicle readiness scan and an exhaust sniff test.

Our third question is, “What causes a vehicle to fail either inspection?”

Overall, your vehicle will fail a safety inspection if any of the components inspected are worn, broken or missing.

For instance, if your steering wheel is loose enough that you don’t know the position of the front wheels, your vehicle will fail because the steering system is compromised. Once a part is worn and has excessive play, it can’t fix itself. It will only get worse and ultimately need to be replaced.

Your vehicle can also fail because friction material on brake pads fall below a thickness of 2/32; broken, cracked or missing rearview mirrors; fuel or brake system fluid leaks; exhaust systems not being secured properly or experiencing leakage; non-working lights; a broken or cracked lens; exterior or floorboard rust and many another reasons.

Your vehicle can also fail the safety inspection if your tires fall below the required tire depth. Keep in mind, tire depth changes based on the type of vehicle you own. Minimum tread depth in Pennsylvania is 2/32, but if you drive a SUV or truck that has a gross weight over 10,000 pounds, the minimum tread depth on the steer tires is 4/32.

Your vehicle will fail an emission inspection if required components are missing or disconnected. In certain Pennsylvania counties, your vehicle must not fail the fuel filler cap test and/or the full OBD inspection.

“What can owners do to reduce the risk of failure?” is our fourth and last question.

You should have confidence in your repair shop and technician. Trust them when they tell you throughout the year that your vehicle needs repairs. The needed repairs may be the difference of your vehicle passing or failing its annual inspections.

You’re required by Pennsylvania law to have a licensed technician inspect your vehicle annually. This shouldn’t be the only time you look over your vehicle. Anything can happen throughout the year and you need to be aware when your vehicle is running well and when it needs to visit its doctor … I mean repair shop.

The next Headlights to Taillights column will be published in the October 23, 2020 edition of the Valley Advantage. 

Johnson College and Kutztown University Sign Dual Admission Transfer Agreement for Information Technology Programs

Johnson College and Kutztown University signed a dual admission transfer agreement Wednesday, Sept. 30, to facilitate the transfer of Johnson College graduates to Kutztown University. Johnson College President and CEO, Dr. Katie Pittelli and Johnson College’s Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Kellyn Williams signed the agreement with Kutztown University’s President, Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, and Kutztown University’s Provost, Dr. Anne Zayaitz.

Under this dual admissions agreement, Johnson College students will be guaranteed admission into a Bachelor of Science in information technology degree program with third year (junior) status at Kutztown University. Students must graduate from Johnson College with an Associate in Applied Science in computer information technology with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and satisfy all other Kutztown University transfer requirements.

Full-time students admitted with third year (junior) status to Kutztown University will be able to complete a Bachelor of Science in information technology at Kutztown University within four regular semesters, provided that the student completes the appropriate associate degree program at Johnson College and completes and appropriately sequences their remaining course work at Kutztown University, while maintaining full-time status.

Kutztown University will provide a $500 book award to all Johnson College students who transfer with an associate’s degree, as well as $2,000 – over two years – in housing scholarships, should these students choose to live on campus. Kutztown University will also waive the application fee for students who apply to Kutztown University pursuant to this agreement.

Kutztown University’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology programs were recently accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology. ABET accreditation assures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies and anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public, as well as being well prepared for graduate study.

“We are very excited to come together to sign this dual admission transfer agreement that will give Johnson College’s computer information technology graduates a new pathway to a bachelor’s degree,” Leonard said. “Today is a day of celebration for Johnson College. This agreement is Johnson College’s first agreement with a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education school – we are gaining a strong partner in Kutztown University.”

“Our computer science and information technology program recently received accreditation from ABET, which places it among the best programs in the country,” Hawkinson said. “We are delighted to be signing this agreement wherein the excellent students from Johnson College will be able to participate in a dual enrollment program with our department. This new agreement will allow us to work together to change students’ lives.”

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Our degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 15 programs. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, Johnson is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional business and industry to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit johnson.edu.

Comprising four colleges – Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences and Visual and Performing Arts – Kutztown University of Pennsylvania offers a wide range of outstanding academic programs to prepare individuals for successful careers. Located on 289 acres, the campus is adjacent to the Borough of Kutztown in Berks County, Pennsylvania. As of fall 2020, enrollment at the university includes 7,892 students. For more information visit kutztown.edu or contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 610-683-4060 or admissions@kutztown.edu

Photo Caption: (L to R): Dr. Anne Zayaitz, Kutztown University provost, Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, Kutztown University president, Dr. Katie Pittelli, Johnson College president and CEO, and Dr. Kellyn Williams, Johnson College chief academic officer sign a dual admission transfer agreement between Johnson College and Kutztown University to facilitate the transfer of Johnson College graduates to Kutztown University.

OBDII Emissions Training Class

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students into its next OBDII Emissions Training class. The class will be held on the Johnson College campus from December 13, 2021, through December 16, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Space is very limited to allow for social distancing.

The student is placed on the state’s roster for the class by calling 570-702-8981 or 570-702-8979. Students then can visit https://campscui.active.com/orgs/OSJohnsonSchoolofTechnologyDBAJohnsonCollege#/selectSessions/2934435/filter/session=50166335 to pay the College for the classes. To purchase study material and a test called “EI”, students should visit www.patrainingportal.com. The student should then print the study guide and bring it to the class.

The OBDII computer monitors a vehicle’s emission control systems in real-time and is capable of informing a motorist or technician of a systemic issue the moment it occurs. The system operates through a series of indicator lights, drive cycles, trouble codes, and readiness monitors. During an inspection, an emission analyzer scan tool plugs into the diagnostic connector that is attached to the OBDII computer and communicates with the vehicle. The OBDII computer relays to the scan tool whether it has discovered errors in the emission control systems. The emission analyzer then determines whether the vehicle is being operated in compliance with emission standards.

The class fee of $180 is paid to Johnson College. The study material and testing fee of $39.99 is paid directly to the PA Training Portal (https://www.patrainingportal.com/).

Johnson College Masks Now Available

Johnson College branded masks are now available!! Each mask is $20 with proceeds benefiting the College’s Student Emergency Fund. Visit https://shop.shopnunzis.com/jcmasks/shop/home to purchase your masks today!

The Johnson College Student Emergency Fund helps students if they have an unforeseeable expense related to their schooling, such as the loss of job due to COVID-19, loss of family member who was supporting them, etc. This fund is supported through contributions from members of our Johnson College Community like you. Thank you for supporting our students.

The Johnson College masks have adjustable ear loops and a metal piece on the nose for a comfortable fit.

Continuing Education Program Offers Welding Basics Class

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is now enrolling students into it’s Welding Basics class that will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 8am-12pm on the Johnson College campus in Scranton. Class cost is $150.

The Welding Basics class will provide the basic knowledge and skills for various forms of welding (MIG, TIG & Stick).  Students will learn basic terms and definitions, welding safety and machine setup. Each student will also have the opportunity to try their hand in the booth for basic welding demonstration.

Space is limited. To learn more or enroll call 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu.

Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast – Episode 4 Now Live

Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast Episode 4, “Information Technology and It’s Effect on Our Lives” is live. In this episode Dr. Katie Pittelli talks with Johnson College’s own Matt Cirba. They discuss how educators rely on technology to interact with students throughout the pandemic and how it will impact our world in the future.

Visit https://johnsoncollegepodcast.com/ to listen to all of the Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast episodes and learn more.

Our guest, Matt Cirba, is currently a full-time instructor at Johnson College in the Computer Information Technology program. Matt has an A.S. from Johnson College, a B.S. from Keystone College, and a M.S. Ed from Wilkes University. In summer seasons, he works part-time for minor league baseball. Before teaching, he was working as an information technology consultant for 6 years in the field helping to take service calls, repair technology, implement new resources, and construct networks for businesses.

Matt is the creator and owner of Garlic Jar Media, established in April 2020. He strives to produce podcast and other multimedia for everyone to enjoy. Matt hosts their new hit podcast show titled: The Garlic Jar Podcast Show. They discuss pop culture topics, news, and today’s biggest interests/trends. You can listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podomatic, and other online media platforms.