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.

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.

Johnson College Fall 2025 Semester President’s List

Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who completed the 2025 Fall Semester with a grade point average of 3.70 or higher.

Mariah Adryan, Radiologic Technology, Scranton, PA;
Josiah Amoroso, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Scranton, PA;
Devon Anderson, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Tunkhannock, PA;
Connor Angelo, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Hudson, PA;
Holden Aylesworth, Computer Information Technology, Nicholson, PA;
Anne Azevedo, Mechatronics Technology, Dunmore, PA;
Charlize Barhite, Veterinary Nursing, Clifford Township, PA;
Rody Batykefer, Aviation Technology, Carbondale, PA;
Brittany Bella, Radiologic Technology, Bear Creek Twp., PA;
Shakeema Brooks, Radiologic Technology, Scranton, PA;
William Carlo, Physical Therapist Assistant, Throop, PA;
Cole Chesna, Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology, Honesdale, PA;
Nico Colachino, Diesel Truck Technology, Olyphant, PA;
Cameron Collins, Electrical Construction Technology, Jermyn, PA;
Cameron Connor, Computer Information Technology, Carbondale, PA;
Kenneth Cotton, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Clifford Twp., PA;
Robert Damiano, Aviation Technology, Nicolson, PA;
Taylor Decker, Radiologic Technology, Olyphant, PA;
Cayden DeGroat, Electrical Construction Technology, Shohola, PA;
Krista Dudeck, Veterinary Nursing, Nuremberg, PA;
Michael Fernandez Medina, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA;
Timothy Flanagan, Electrical Construction Technology, Scranton, PA;
Michael Fordham, Aviation Technology, Greentown, PA;
Sadie Fuchs, Veterinary Nursing, Milford, PA;
Abagayle Glaush, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Wilkes-Barre, PA;
Hanaa Gohsler, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Dickson City, PA;
Aiden Graff, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology, Scranton, PA;
Alyssa Hall, Automotive Technology, Carbondale, PA;
James Hancock, Automotive Technology, Clarks Green, PA;
Alyssa Hart, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Nanticoke, PA;
Jason Havens, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology, Dingmans Ferry, PA;
Cameron Hedgelon, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Honesdale, PA;
Carson Hedgelon, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Honesdale, PA;
Zachary Hensel, Veterinary Nursing, Gouldsboro, PA;
Steven Hinkley, Electrical Construction Technology, Springville, PA;
Benjamin Holschuh, Electrical Construction Technology, Swoyersville, PA;
Joseph Homentosky, Electrical Construction Technology, Archbald, PA;
Joshua Keifer, Diesel Truck Technology, Lake Ariel, PA;
Lucia Keifer, Veterinary Nursing, West Pittston, PA;
Dakota Kempka, Electronic Engineering Technology, Factoryville, PA;
Evan Kilgore, Electronic Engineering Technology, Scranton, PA;
Michael Kishel, Computer Information Technology, Pittston, PA;
Henry Korman, Electrical Construction Technology, Lakeville, PA;
Connor Kostik, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology, Wyoming, PA;
Ashton Labert, Biomedical Equipment Technology, Hazle Twp., PA;
Jesse Lamberton, Biomedical Equipment Technology, Carbondale, PA;
David Latona, Electronic Engineering Technology, Inkerman, PA;
Anastasia Lehman, Aviation Technology, Akron, PA;
Corey Lesnefsky, Diesel Truck Technology, Olyphant, PA;
Daniel Marcus, Electrical Construction Technology, Greeley, PA;
Jasmin Martzen, Diesel Truck Technology, Waymart, PA;
Mason Miluszusky, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Richmondale, PA;
Carter Mistishin, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology, Lake Ariel, PA;
Sean Munson, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology, Nanticoke, PA;
Jacob Mutsavage, Computer Information Technology, Throop, PA;
Alessandro Olivieri, Electrical Construction Technology, Gouldsboro, PA;
Lucas Pesotine, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology, Freeland, PA;
Joseph Phillips, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA;
James Reimold, Electrical Construction Technology, Drums, PA;
Alyssa Resio, Radiologic Technology, Old Forge, PA;
Yeremi Restituyo, Electrical Construction Technology, Hazleton, PA;
Paul Sedon, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Mountain Top, PA;
Arturo Serrano, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology, Hazleton, PA;
Nicholas Shimo, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA;
Zachary Staples, Electrical Construction Technology, Carbondale, PA;
Andrew Styborski, Electrical Construction Technology, Dalton, PA;
Ragu Subedi, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA;
Elijah Tubens, Computer Information Technology, McAdoo, PA;
Tyton Vokes, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Dalton, PA;
James Watt, Mechatronics Technology, South Abington Twp., PA;
Joseph Wedlock, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Dalton, PA;
Noah Wijaya, Automotive Technology, Roaring Brook Twp., PA;
Drew Wrobel, Computer Information Technology, Dickson City, PA;
Kori Yencho, Physical Therapist Assistant, Throop, PA;
Marcus Youshock, Computer Information Technology, Archbald, PA;
Matthew Zekus, Electrical Construction Technology, Forty Fort, PA.

Johnson College Awarded Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant to Support RISE Students

Johnson College has been awarded a $199,675 Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support students enrolled in manufacturing programs through the College’s Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE) initiative. The grant program’s mission is to work collaboratively with local manufacturers to identify and teach essential skills missing from entry-level applicants for existing or near-future open positions, engage youth or those with barriers in awareness-building activities related to career opportunities in manufacturing, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers.

The funding will provide tuition assistance and critical wraparound support services for up to 15 RISE students pursuing manufacturing-focused education at Johnson College. Supported programs include Mechatronics Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, Welding Technology, and Welding Fabrication and Manufacturing Technology.

RISE, launched in 2021, is a workforce development program designed to help individuals gain technical training while receiving additional supports that remove barriers to education. The program primarily serves low-income students seeking sustainable career pathways and upward economic mobility. By addressing challenges such as transportation, childcare, and access to essential resources, RISE empowers students to focus on their education and long-term success.

Grant-supported students will engage directly with regional manufacturing employers through industry-focused activities, including Lunch and Learn events held on the Johnson College campuses in Scranton and Hazle Township. These experiences build on the College’s strong industry partnerships, many led by alumni, and ensure that students explore career pathways, strengthen professional and soft skills, and receive an education aligned with current workforce needs.

Community partners play an essential role in supporting RISE students throughout their educational journey. United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) provides coaching, ESL services, and assistance with barrier removal, while PA CareerLink supports workforce training through WIOA funding. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) helps coordinate manufacturer visits and industry presentations. Manufacturing partners committed to the project include McGregor Industries, Power Rail, and Pride Mobility.

Since its inception, RISE has supported 75 students across four cohorts, helping participants overcome obstacles and gain the skills needed for family-sustaining careers. With support from the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant, Johnson College will continue to expand access to education while strengthening the regional manufacturing workforce and economic vitality of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

For more information about RISE, visit neparise.org.

This program is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Manufacturing Training to Career Grant program.

Johnson College Receives $3,000 Swipe Out Hunger Grant to Support Students Facing Food Insecurity

Johnson College has been awarded a $3,000 grant from Swipe Out Hunger to strengthen food security support for its campus community.

The funding will enhance the Refuel Station, Johnson College’s food and resource pantry. The Refuel Station is available to students, staff, and faculty and currently provides access to non-perishable foods, pantry staples, and guidance related to local food insecurity resources.

With this grant, the College will be able to supplement the variety of foods provided by The Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, purchase additional shelving to expand storage capacity, and acquire a mini-fridge to safely store dairy and other perishable items. These improvements will help ensure that the campus community has reliable access to nutritious resources throughout the year.

Swipe Out Hunger is a national nonprofit focused on addressing food insecurity among college students. The organization works with colleges, legislators, and community partners to develop and support programs that increase access to food and essential resources on campuses across the country.

Funding for this grant is provided by The Giant Company, a proud partner of Swipe Out Hunger. Giant’s investment helps expand access to nutritious food for college students, ensuring that no one has to choose between learning and eating.

Johnson College Launches Prison Training Program to Support Workforce Re-entry

Johnson College has launched a prison training program designed to provide incarcerated individuals in Northeastern Pennsylvania with industry-recognized credentials that support successful re-entry into the workforce.

Initially funded by the Sordoni Family Foundation and now supported with additional funding from the Mellon Foundation through a subaward agreement with Villanova University as part of the Expanding Access to Higher Education in Pennsylvania State Prisons project, this program represents a significant step in expanding access to career education behind prison walls and reducing recidivism. Currently, the College delivers training remotely to the Wayne County Prison, Pike County Prison, and the United States Penitentiary (USP) Canaan.

Originally piloted in 2020 through a $10,000 grant from the Sordoni Family Foundation, the program was developed to train incarcerated individuals in workforce-relevant skills. Since then, Johnson College has strengthened its efforts with support from the Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education in Prisons (PA-CHEP) to pilot additional courses and expand to more facilities.

The College has offered courses in OSHA 10 and Customer Service Basics, providing participants with nationally recognized industry credentials and certificates of completion. This winter, Johnson College plans to expand offerings to include Basic Electrical and Pre-CDL training courses.

The College’s efforts are further supported through a partnership with Goodwill Industries to expand workforce development and re-entry programming across correctional facilities. Goodwill identifies individuals interested in Johnson College’s career fields, coordinates participation, and provides post-training career preparation and job placement support for program completers.

Funding support for the current phase of the program continues through December 31, 2025, with goals to sustain and expand the initiative going forward.

Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast

Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast today, October 28, 2025, at Fiorelli Family Catering in Peckville. The event recognized the scholarship recipients and honored the generous donors who made scholarships available to students.

The College awarded 74 scholarships. Alyssa Nicholas, a second-year student in Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program and recipient of the Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, served as the student speaker at the event.

“My scholarship is a reminder that there are people who believe in me, who see my potential and want to help me achieve my lifelong dream of working in veterinary care,” Nicholas said.

She stated that the generosity of the scholarship donors and support from Johnson College allow her to better focus on her studies so that she can pursue her dream to serve the farmers in her rural hometown, offering them better access to the care they need.

The event also featured keynote speaker, Fran Pantuso, benefactor of the Al Pantuso Automotive Technology Scholarship, created in honor of her father, Al Pantuso, Sr.

Presenting sponsors of the event included Cardinal LG, Jam Works LLC, and SIMONA AMERICA Industries.

The breakfast concluded with the scholarship awards presentation by Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., president and CEO of Johnson College, and Jeanine Engelmann, Ed.D., chief academic officer of Johnson College. The presented awards included:

AAA North Penn Annual Scholarship, Christian DeOliveira;

Alekna Memorial Scholarship, Kaiden Hallock, Henry Korman, Felix Peraza, and Sierra Stonier;

Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Foundation, Jacob Davis, Daniel Marcus, Karen Martinez, and Ally Plantz;

Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Liam Lidy;

Bartolai Family Scholarship, Giulian Morell;

Vince Bartolai Memorial Biomedical Equipment Technology Scholarship, Ashton Labert;

John K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Parker Azevedo and Claire Getz;

Margaret Briggs Scholarship, Gianna Carlo and Andrew Williams;

Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Connor Griggs;

Hilda Dakey and Harry Dakey Memorial Scholarship, Michelle Calderon and Jackson Lincoln;

Marilyn and Ronald Davies Annual Scholarship, Eric Staskowski;

Vernon “Terry” Decker Scholarship, Jericho Doll;

P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, Christian Shields;

John T. Gerod Scholarship, Andrew Baker;

Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Daniel Marcus;

Hawk Family Foundation Scholars, Luke Hoats and Abigail Trowbridge;

Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Mariah Minnelli;

Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship, Alexandria Haduch;

Jefferson Township Lions Scholarship, Cody Schoonover;

Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Aidan Graff and Liberty Graves;

Johnson College Moffat Merit Award, Brittany Bella and Keith Rowlands;

Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Charlize Barhite, Krista Dudeck, Anastasia Lehman, and Carter Mistishin;

Johnson College Technology Merit Award, Samantha Warner and John Plumey;

Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Liberty Graves;

William Lesik Memorial Scholarship, Josiah Amoroso and EllaRose Fitzgerald;

Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Christopher Rosa;

F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship, Connor Angelo;

MotorWorld Lexus Scholarship, Brendan Galimi and Mariah Minnelli;

Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative Scholarship, Edgar Acevedo;

North Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Veterinary Nursing Scholarship, Aiden Zerbe;

John R. O’Hara Scholarship, Milagros Sosa;

Chris Pambianco ’65 Vocational Education Award, Connor Angelo and Hanaa Gohsler;

Al Pantuso Automotive Technology Scholarship, Kasandra Lopes;

Thomas J. Perry Scholarship, Alessandro Olivieri;

John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Johnson College Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Evan Bernardi;

Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Andrew Eagon and Alyssa Nicholas;

Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Cole Chesna and Jayden Wasielewsk;

Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship, Cristal Abreu and James Hancock;

Richmond Merit Award, Austin Fortney and Holly Scielzo;

Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Braeden Alvord and Joelvi Maties-Medina;

Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Jericho Doll;

Taylor Nursing Rehabilitation Scholarship, Alyssa Resio and Jennifer Rodriguez;

Dr. Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Cameron Hedgelon and Tyler Martinelli;

Scranton UNICO Foundation Scholarship, Austin Fortney;

Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. Scholarship, Andrew Andonizio;

Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Anna Bagnall and Rebecca Bavitz;

Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship of the NEPA Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of America, Gerard Dolinsky.