Johnson College Receives Grant from PPL Foundation for Solar USB Charge Workshop Program

Johnson College is pleased to announce it has received a $4,500 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support the Solar USB Charger Workshop program.  Johnson College faculty and staff will learn how to create a solar USB charger.  Participants will then recreate the workshop for Lackawanna County middle and high school students, so that they can share the lesson with their students.  The solar power USB charger will also be incorporated into Johnson College’s STEM outreach work with middle and high school students.

The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process.

About the PPL Foundation:

Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation will support organizations that are working to create vibrant, sustainable communities and empowering each citizen to fulfill her or his potential. The PPL Foundation contributes more than $3 million annually to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.pplcares.com.

Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Graduate Strikes a Chord at Martin Guitar & Co. Inc.

Today’s job market relies on people with strong trade skills. The career path can vary, but a strong technical background can set young people on unexpected paths. That is the case with Matthew Kaczorowski, ’17. “To be able to enter the construction workforce a step ahead,” is what his goal was in choosing Johnson College’s Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program. Kaczorowski became interested in carpentry in high school and was able to take classes though Monroe Career & Technical Institute. These classes helped him decide on what he wanted his future to look like. He decided to continue his education at Johnson College.

During his time at Johnson College, he enjoyed the hands-on learning and the small class size. “I was able to participate in each project and was able to receive as much attention and guidance as I needed,” Kaczorowski said. The attention he received from his instructors was vital in developing the skills that he uses at his current job at Martin Guitar. “During my interview, I was told that I looked very natural and comfortable using the tools. This is definitely due to the hands-on experience I gained from Johnson College,” Koczorowski said.

Martin Guitar is one of the leading acoustic guitar manufacturers. Headquartered in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, they have been making high-quality products since they opened their doors in 1833. Musical legends such as Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, and Eric Clapton have all recorded and performed with these acoustic instruments. Martin has influenced the acoustic guitar industry with innovative developments such as X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar, and the “Dreadnought” size guitar. Each instrument is hand-crafted for musicians of all experience levels to enjoy.

As part of the body rim assembly production team, Koczorowski aids in creating the reputable instruments that Martin Guitar is known for. The body of an acoustic guitar is where the sound is produced so his work must be precise. Koczorowski enjoys his work environment, he said, “The environment is very friendly, but focused on the high quality of the product.” Walking through the factory, visitors can see that each of the employees is equally invested in the company’s mission “to be an organization of dedicated co-workers committed to exceptional leadership and innovation in the fretted instrument and string manufacturing industries, while celebrating our heritage and traditions as a family-owned company.” When asked what advice he would give to someone who was thinking about Johnson College, he said “Johnson College will definitely prepare you for the career you are interested in. You’re making a good choice.”

Johnson College in Conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop Brings CNC Machining Training to Luzerne County

Johnson College has formed a new relationship with a West Pittston business, Don’s Machine Shop, to bring CNC machining training to Luzerne County. At an Open House at Don’s Machine Shop on Saturday, September, 21st, the public is invited to tour a newly renovated teaching space which will house the new program. Curriculum will train students to utilize, maintain and program Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines which perform subtractive manufacturing methods to materials such as metal. CNC professionals manufacture precision products and components used in a variety of applications such as automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, transportation, military, and more. The Open House will provide visitors with the opportunity to speak with instructors and meet current CNC machinists to learn about the occupation and job outlook in our region. 

The job training to be offered in conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop is a unique, one-of-a-kind training, open to anyone who is looking for a new career option, and it is delivered on some of the best machining equipment in the region.  Learning a trade with curriculum input from a functioning machine shop like Don’s Machine will help open up opportunities right away.  The relationship between Johnson College and Don’s Machine Shop is another way the College can immediately connect students to industry.  With the growing need for technicians in our region, this opportunity gets skilled technicians prepared adequately and quickly to the employer.  

The first session of CNC classes at 100 Elm Street in West Pittston will begin on Monday, November 4th.  Space is limited.

More about the 510 Hour CNC class:

  • Training includes both theory and hands-on learning experiences for beginner-level students.
  • The cost of the class is $6,250. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. 
  • Successful completion of the 510 hour CNC program allows students to have preferred interview status with Don’s Machine Shop.

More about Don’s Machine Shop: http://www.donsmachine.com/

Sign up for the 510 Hour CNC Session Beginning Monday, November 4th. Space is limited.

Click here to sign up

Questions? Please contact the Johnson College Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.

Educational Opportunity Centers, Inc. to Host FUTURES Conference on Campus

On October 5th, Educational Opportunity Centers, Inc. (EOC) and Johnson College will host FUTURES: A Lackawanna County Career Exploration & Discovery Conference for High School Students. 

The purpose of the event is to provide a comprehensive career exploration and discovery opportunity for high school students.  Participants will learn about career opportunities and challenges, earning potential, educational requirements, desired skills and training, and more.  The event will connect students and career professionals. There will be a Q&A period and networking will be a part of every session. Participants will learn about student financial aid, college career services, college student support services, and more.

The event is completely free with lunch provided. Parents are more than welcome to accompany their student but students can also attend on their own.

Presenting Organizations Include:

Lowe’s
McLane
Johnson College
Jam Works, LLC.
Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials
Scranton Electricians – IBEW Local #81
Lackawanna College
Classic Properties
Wilkes Barre Chamber of Commerce
Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Veloce Group
Merrill Lynch
Allied Services
Geisinger

Borton-Lawson
Penn State Wilkes Barre
Penn State Scranton
Abington Heights School District
Scranton School District
ARC of NEPA
United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA
NeighborWorks
Jewish Family Service of NEPA
Coal Creative
Sweda Advertising
Scranton Police Department
University of Scranton
And more….

Students can register at https://eocinc.org/futures-conference-2019

A list of sessions and speakers can be found at https://eocinc.org/futures-conference-2019

Peoples Security Bank & Trust, Commonwealth Charitable Management Donation Benefits Local High School Students

(L-R) Back Row: Tracey Pratt, Manager of Development; Megan Mould, Associate Vice President of College Advancement; and Kellyn Nolan, Chief Academic Officer. Front Row: Michael Mahon, Superintendent of Schools at Abington Heights School District; J. Patrick Dietz, Senior Vice President of Peoples Security Bank and Trust; Dr. Katie Pittelli, Johnson College President & CEO; and Todd Bosscher, Principal of Tunkhannock Area High School.

Peoples Security Bank & Trust, through their EITC administrator, Commonwealth Charitable Management, has allocated $12,000 to support dual enrollment scholarships at Johnson College. Two students at Abington Heights School District will be fully funded for the Industry Fast Track program, which allows students to graduate from high school with half of their Johnson College Associate degree completed. Tunkhannock students will benefit from the dual enrollment credits as well.

The Industry Fast Track Program gives high school students the opportunity to spend a portion of their school day at Johnson College to complete coursework. An Industry Fast Track Advisor will supervise students and monitor academic progress. Benefits to the student include a jumpstart on earning college credits, seamless assimilation into higher education, and financial savings toward a college degree.

“The bank is a strong supporter of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and the dual enrollment program. During the latest school year the bank awarded 135 Scholarships totaling $125,000,” said Patrick Dietz, Johnson College Board Member and Senior Vice President and Commercial Lending Officer at Peoples Security Bank & Trust.

President Pittelli to Interview with Wharton Career Talk Radio

President & CEO of Johnson College, Dr. Katie Pittelli, has been invited to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania to appear on Career Talk. The interview will take place Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 12 p.m.

Career Talk is a call-in career advice program hosted by Dr. Dawn Graham. Dr. Graham is a Director for The Wharton School’s Executive MBA Program, Instructor in the Wharton Management Department, and author of Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers and Seize Success.

Career Talk is a great way for students, faculty, staff, and the community to ask questions regarding salaries, succeeding in an interview, writing the perfect resume, and more. President Pittelli plans to touch on topics such as: the value of technical education, the need for a skilled workforce, benefits to STEM preparation, educating the veteran population, transferring in and out of Johnson College, the student profile, and much more.

To listen in, please visit Soundcloud, PlayerFM or iTunes.

To call in to the show with questions or comments, please call 1-844-WHARTON.

Bartolai Family Establishes Student Scholarship

(L-R) Mark Kozemki, ’79, Department Chair of Automotive Technology; Charles Cortez, ’20; Katie Pittelli, President & CEO; Ray Bartolai, ’83; Tracey Pratt, Manager of Development

Johnson College is proud to announce the establishment of the Bartolai Family Scholarship Fund. Funded by Ray Bartolai, ’83, the scholarship will provide $500 to one Johnson College student in the Automotive Technology or Biomedical Equipment Technology program.

Bartolai is an Automotive Technology graduate and his brother, Vincent, ’80, is a Biomedical Technology graduate. Bartolai feels that Johnson College played a large part in establishing a career path for him and his brother. He wanted to establish the scholarship to support an Automotive Technology or Biomedical Equipment Technology student to pay it forward in hopes of helping others achieve success as he and Vincent have.

The recipient of this year’s Bartolai Family Scholarship is Charlie Cortez, ’20, from Madison Township. Cortez is the first recipient of this scholarship.

Second Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam Announced

(L-R) Diesel Jam Committee members – Mike Novak, Brittany Corrigan, Phil Mazza, Tracey Pratt, Dawn Ziegler, Brian Viercinski ’14, Theresa Bandru, Willie Hobbs, Chris Greene, Dana Healey, Michael Garofalo, Shane Pantosky, Mark Kozemko ‘79

Johnson College and The Andrew Mazza Foundation are proud to announce the 2nd Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam to be held at Johnson College on Sunday, June 9, 2019. Diesel Jam will be a celebration of the diesel truck community, featuring a truck show, mobile dyno runs, vendors, food, and live entertainment. It will be an all-day (rain or shine) family friendly event. All trucks are invited to participate. Truck registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the award ceremony is at 3:00 p.m.

This event will support the Diesel Truck Technology Program at Johnson College and The Andrew Mazza Foundation. Diesel Truck Technology is a 2-year program designed to prepare students as entry-level technicians with the latest information on diagnosis, repair procedures, preventative maintenance, and necessary safety applications in diesel technology. The program graduates more than 20 students each year who have an immediate impact on the diesel truck industry, especially in Northeast Pennsylvania.

The Andrew Mazza Foundation, started in 2016, supports and enriches the community through Andrew’s passions and hobbies. Proceeds raised from Diesel Jam will enhance and expand the Diesel Truck Technology Program at Johnson, provide students with scholarships, and serve the community in which Andrew called home.

Early truck and mobile dyno registration can be completed through Johnson College’s Website at www.johnson.edu/DieselJam until June 7, 2019.  The fee to register a truck is a $25 donation. Registration will be limited on the day of the event and will increase to $30 per registration, an additional fee is required to register for the mobile dyno. More information is available by contacting Dawn Ziegler at (570) 313-0369, emailing Andrewmazzafoundation@gmail.com or on Facebook at Johnson College or The Andrew Mazza Foundation.

Curriculum Integrates Sustainable Practices

Mr. Cole Goldstein and Mr. John DeAngelis

Sustainability means utilizing environmental resources in an efficient way and reducing impact on the environment. It’s a concept that is becoming ever present at a time when climate change and renewable resources are at the forefront of political and news conversations. At Johnson College, sustainable principles are taught in almost all program areas. It is important to teach students how to minimize waste and utilize materials in a smart way. Two programs that have made great strides in the area of sustainability are Architectural Drafting and Design Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Technology.

“As the people that are primary users of materials, raw material into refined material, it is very important for us to think sustainably,” said Cole Goldstein, department chair of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. John DeAngelis, department chair of Architectural Drafting and Design Technology says that this topic isn’t just important to his field but it’s important to the world. Both of these programs bring green practices into the classroom.

Mr. DeAngelis established his sustainability course because he saw that designers were beginning to incorporate sustainable strategies into their designs. In the course, he focuses on the six guiding principles of green building, which are comfort, health, energy efficiency, resource efficiency, longevity, and environmental impact. Incorporating features like sunshades, solar panels or earth roofs might not always be practical or look traditional but thinking about the orientation of a building, windows and the inclusion of a retention pond for runoff all fall under sustainable practices that students need to consider when creating their own designs.

In Advanced Manufacturing Technology, recyclability and design are two of the major practices that are taught. “I try to push my students to work out as many kinks as they can on the computer in CAD (computer-assisted drafting) because in a virtual work space you aren’t using any materials,” Mr. Goldstein explained. Within the CAD program students can test the strengths of their designs with stress tests before 3D printing them. Once the parts are designed, students can print parts with less infill, the inside part of a 3D print, which saves material. Mr. Goldstein continued, “I stress to my students all the time that they need to think about how much material they’re using and why are they using it.”  Johnson College uses biopolymers for 3D printing. These plastics like PET, a type of thermoplastic polymer resin, are made from vegetable starches and are both recyclable and biodegradable.

When it comes to building design, Mr. DeAngelis said, “Every building uses a little bit of sustainable practices.” Large companies like Geisinger, who are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, are leading the way but a lot of smaller companies are also doing what they can to reduce their carbon footprint. Mr. DeAngelis thinks the idea of sustainability is slow to catch on because of how much it can cost upfront and many of the ideas are not entirely practical or traditional. He said, “People don’t want to put an earth roof on their house, it doesn’t look like what they’re used to.”

Advanced Manufacturing classes are project based, so Mr. Goldstein likes to share real world examples with his students. He said that companies like Volkswagen are using 3D printers in their factories now. “They are being sustainable about that process. It takes them less time, less material, and less cost to actually make add-ons to their tooling.” He also mentioned that Ford 3D prints sand molds for their engine block designs. Mr. Goldstein said that the practice of sustainability is only going to grow. He said, “We’re going to see a continued explosion. Sustainability in industry means cost savings.”

Mr. DeAngelis explained that future jobs in engineering, architecture and contracting will all be thinking about environmental laws because they will have to. “The idea that you can throw something away is not a real idea,” said Mr. DeAngelis, “It’s either in a landfill or some other place.” The process of getting a building site approved can take up to 2 years. All the environmental impact questions need to be answered before that. He says that graduates from the Architectural Drafting and Design Technology program will be involved with the environmental conversation and will be using sustainable practices with every project they do. “So they might not be putting an earth roof on a building but they will be answering questions about ‘why not’.” They will be able to make suggestions that benefit the client as well as our ecosystem.

“The sky’s the limit for our students,” Mr. Goldstein says, “We’re not teaching them how to make a certain part, we’re teaching them how to use certain skills to manufacture anything.” This makes Johnson College graduates more competitive in the field. “When students graduate from here with a two year degree and they understand processes that four year engineering students do – such as understanding how to use artificial intelligence to modify design, to make it lighter and stronger and use less materials, they’re more sought after by employers and industry as a whole.”