Carbondale Area School District, in partnership with Johnson College, is offering 7th and 8th-grade students an exciting opportunity to dive into the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) through a dynamic after-school program. This three-day-a-week, five-week program brings real-world STEM concepts to life, helping students gain valuable skills while exploring new career paths.
Under the guidance of Dr. Samantha Masco, a Science and STEM Teacher at Carbondale Area, and instructors from Johnson College, the program offers hands-on lessons in robotics, 3D printing, electrical engineering, and architectural drafting. The curriculum is specifically designed to meet the students’ grade-level needs while encouraging them to think critically and creatively.
“Through the partnership with Johnson College, our students are learning critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills that will carry them through high school and beyond,” said Dr. Samantha Masco. “These 21st-century skills are essential for success, and we are fortunate to live in a community where our students receive such strong support from the school district, the city, and local organizations.”
Tim Frank, Associate Director of Community Engagement at Johnson College, highlighted the broader vision for the program. “Our goal is to help students gain confidence in their STEM abilities and inspire them to pursue higher education in these fields. Whether they continue their education at Johnson College or elsewhere, we’re introducing them to topics and skills they might not have encountered in their traditional school curriculum,” Frank said. “It’s amazing to watch the ‘lightbulb moment’ when a student masters a new skill, and you can see the excitement in their eyes.”
As the program continues, students gain a deeper understanding of STEM concepts and begin to see how these skills can be applied to real-world challenges. The hands-on nature of the program also better prepares students to consider potential careers in high-demand industries, both locally and globally.
Mayor Michele Bannon of the City of Carbondale also expressed her excitement about the program. “I love this program simply because it’s a collaboration between two places close to my heart—Carbondale Area School District and Johnson College. Through its hands-on approach, students can dive right in, explore what they enjoy, and gain skills that will impact their futures. These could even lead to future opportunities at local businesses like Pleasant Mount Welding, Hendrick, and Gentex, helping students make a meaningful connection to their community.”
About Carbondale Area School District
The Carbondale Area School District provides students with a safe learning environment that promotes academic excellence for all learners. Students will have the opportunity to work in an engaging and academically stimulating environment. Teachers will be provided with the necessary resources to provide effective instruction, professional collaboration, and ongoing learning through professional development opportunities. The district will maintain communication and essential partnerships with parents and community members to strive to provide the best educational opportunities for our students.
Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 18 associate degrees, four academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries 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.
