Johnson College is now accepting enrollments for its non-credit AutoCAD 1 and AutoCAD 2 courses, set to be held at the College’s Scranton campus.

AutoCAD 1 will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 21–23, 2025. AutoCAD 2 will follow the same daily schedule and take place July 28–30, 2025. Each course is $500.

These introductory courses in computer-aided drafting are designed for students seeking foundational skills in the field. Participants will learn basic CAD commands used to create professional working drawings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and construction details.

Course topics include creating and editing 2D objects, text usage and editing, hatching and filled regions, dimensioning, AutoCAD layer management, proper use of model space and paper space, and plotting techniques.

To register or learn more, visit johnson.edu/autocad. For questions or assistance, contact Johnson College’s WAVE team at 570-702-8979 or email wave@johnson.edu.

WAVE, which stands for Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education, is Johnson College’s hub for continuing education and workforce development. WAVE empowers learners with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to an ever-changing workforce and achieve long-term career success.

Johnson College is inviting local individuals, businesses, emergency services, and organizations to participate in its upcoming Truck & Cruiser Palooza, a family-friendly, hands-on vehicle experience and fundraiser taking place Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at the Johnson College Scranton campus, located at 3427 North Main Ave.

The college is seeking a wide variety of vehicles to display and engage with children and families. Interested participants are encouraged to bring vehicles in the following categories:

• Construction vehicles: Dump trucks, excavators, backhoes, cranes, cement mixers, and other heavy machinery

• Emergency services vehicles: Fire trucks (including pump and ladder trucks), ambulances, police cruisers

• Utility and service vehicles: Garbage trucks, recycling trucks, snow plows, road paving equipment, bucket trucks, oil tankers, tow trucks

• Transportation vehicles: Semi-trucks, big rigs, moving vans, charter buses, school buses

• Military vehicles: Army transport trucks, armored vehicles

• Specialty vehicles: Monster trucks, tractors, and other unique or custom rides

To register a vehicle or for more information, contact Sam Lehman at slehman@johnson.edu or 570-702-8341.

About the Event

Truck & Cruiser Palooza is an interactive, family-friendly event where kids can climb aboard and explore a wide range of vehicles while meeting the professionals who operate them. Suggested donation for attendees is $5 to $10 per family, with all proceeds benefiting Johnson College’s SkillsUSA Club.

SkillsUSA is a national organization that helps students become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible citizens. Funds raised will support Johnson College students as they compete in state, national, and international SkillsUSA competitions and attend leadership training events.

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.