Next Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspectors Course Starts August 24

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program will be holding a Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspectors course on campus on August 24, 26, 31, and September 2, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Space is limited. The total cost of the course is $200 for cars and light trucks. There is an additional $75 fee for other vehicle categories. To learn more or enroll, visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact the Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu. 

The Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspection course requirements include 12 classroom hours, a written test, and a two-hour tactile test scheduled independently with the instructor. Students must complete all requirements before receiving certification from PennDOT. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis according to the date of payment. Class size is limited to 20 students, so participants are encouraged to register early. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid operator’s license for each class of vehicle they intend to inspect. Classes will be held in the Automotive Center of the Weaver Building on the Johnson College campus.

Innovation and Creation Camp for 7th, 8th, and 9th Grade Future Inventors

Johnson College offers a 1-week Innovation and Creation Camp for 7th, 8th, and 9th-grade students from Monday, August 16, 2021, to Friday, August 20, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Johnson College campus in Scranton, PA. The cost of the camp is $50 per student, and space is limited.

Students will utilize problem-solving and critical thinking skills while learning about the latest robotics and STEM technologies. They will start camp as a passive user of technology but finish as experienced inventors.

For more information and to register, email Tim Frank, Academic Program Specialist at Johnson College, at tfrank@johnson.edu.

Johnson College in Conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop brings CNC training to Luzerne County

Johnson College in conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston continues to bring Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining training to Luzerne County. Starting August 23, 2021 students will train to utilize, maintain and program Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines inside Don’s Machine Shop’s classroom and lab at 100 Elm Street, West Pittston.

Open enrollment for this 510 Hour CNC class is going on now. Space is limited. Financial assistance may be available. Contact our Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu to find out if you qualify. Learn more visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-education/510-computer-numerical-control-cnc-at-dons-machine-shop/.

CNC machinists manufacture precision products and components used in a variety of applications such as automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, transportation, military, and more. Industries throughout northeastern Pennsylvania are currently in need of well-trained CNC machinists.

This 510 hour class for beginner-level students includes theory and hands-on learning experiences. The hands-on training, delivered at Don’s Machine Shop, is on some of the most state-of-the-art equipment in the region. This unique, one-of-a-kind training will help open up new career opportunities right away. This relationship truly demonstrates how industry is a Johnson College student’s campus. Social distancing and mask guidelines will be followed at all times. The cost of the class is $7,500. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.

Since starting over 30 years ago Don’s Machine Shop, Inc. has grown to be one of the largest machine shops in Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley. Their 77,000 square foot climate-controlled facility contains millions of dollars’ worth of modern equipment that are continually upgraded. Don’s Machine Shop, Inc. employs 30 people and makes machine parts for companies around the globe. Many things have changed since this business started over 30 years ago, but their commitment to providing quality parts and service will never change. For more information visit http://www.donsmachine.com/.

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program distinguishes itself from the College’s 2-year degree programs and certificate courses by providing its adult students the opportunity to improve their skills to stay ahead of the competition, learn new technologies, and advance in their current careers. The Continuing Education courses, many taught by industry professionals, are utilized and recognized by industry partners because they’re developed in partnership with industry. Johnson College strategizes with and listens to its partners when creating the most effective hands-on continuing education curriculum and programs. Some courses are specifically customized toward industry partners’ workforce needs in reducing possible skills gaps and industry requirements. The program also includes pre-employment skills testing and exclusive online courses offering certification classes for essential industries. Johnson College also assists individual students and industry partners in obtaining funding or grants so their continuing education courses are cost-effective. Students continuing in their current jobs, obtain hands-on advanced training, new certifications, and unique skills to expand their careers while helping their companies grow. Students entering a new career have an opportunity, through newly acquired core skills, to excel in training and job placement when hired in the industry they’re passionate about. Johnson College trains the workforce of northeastern Pennsylvania by immersing our continuing education, degree, and certificate-earning students in industry from day one. Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program carries on the College’s long history of producing the most highly skilled technicians and technologists by providing flexible, real-world hands-on learning and a direct link to industry. Individuals explore new careers while industry partners strengthen their current workforce. We Work, so the students succeed. For additional information on Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program, please call 570-702-8979, email continuinged@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu/continuing-education.

Photo Caption:

Logan Keating (left) and David Cikota (right) train to utilize, maintain and program Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines at Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston during Johnson College’s 510-Hour CNC Machining training class. Open enrollment for the next 510-Hour CNC Machining class at Don’s Machine Shop is going on now. The next class starts August 23, 2021, and space is limited. To learn more and enroll, contact the Johnson College Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.  

In-Person Get to Know Us Event on June 29, 2021, for Adult and Transfer Students

On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, Johnson College is holding a Get To Know Us Event for adult and transfer students from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Moffat Student Center on its campus in Scranton, PA. Current college students interested in changing the direction of their education and adults looking to change their career paths are encouraged to attend. To register, visit Johnson.edu/transfer or contact Johnson College’s enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu or (570) 702-8856.

Attendees will meet with representatives from Enrollment, Financial Aid, and Career Services. In addition, staff members from the Registrar’s Office will be on-hand for transfer credit analyses and review potential schedules for the upcoming semester. Attendees will also learn why Johnson College is the leader in hands-on education, how it exposes students to industry from day one, and how its two-year degree programs, focusing on careers in essential industries, have the highest return on investment in the short term.

Tech Talk With Johnson College Podcast with Guest, Nick Scarnato ’80, Now Available

In this episode of Tech Talk with Johnson College, Dr. Katie Pittelli welcomes Nick Scarnato ‘80, the Executive Vice President of New Vision Industries. During the conversation, Nick talks about his path from Old Forge to Johnson College and then into the Aerospace industry, his memories of Johnson College, and how he continues to use skills he perfected here. He also shares how his desire to live a life that offers more than just the same thing day in and day out, inspired his education choices and furthered his career path. 

To listen to all of the Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast episodes and learn more visit https://johnsoncollegepodcast.com/. The podcasts are also available on iTunes and Spotify.

Nicholas Scarnato is Executive Vice President of New Vision Industries, a precision manufacturing company located in the Southern Tier of New York. Prior to joining New Vision Industries, he held positions in Engineering, Project Management, Business Development, and Strategic Development for major Aerospace Corporations spanning 40 years.

A graduate of Johnson College (1980), Nick’s employment history started with Singer, Link Flight Simulation Division, as a Test Engineer where he supported the development, test, project management, and capture management of multiple US and NATO Military Simulators (F-16 Falcon, UH-60 Blackhawk, CH-47 Chinook (Including Special Forces variants) and AH-64 Apache). Nick continued his career with Link performing as a Customer Liaison to European NATO Forces (Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway) as well as Liaison to United States Air Forces located in Germany and Spain. At Link, Nick went on to become a Capture Team Leader for multiple U.S. Airforce and U.S. Army platform simulators.

After 20 years with Link, Nick joined Collins Aerospace where he continued to support Military Simulation in multiple capacities (Director of Business Development Capture Management, Strategic Marketing and Strategic Development) for Major Defense platforms (B-1B Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress, P-3 Orion, Stryker LAV, E-2C/D Hawkeye). In his role as Strategic Development Director, he supported the acquisition of multiple companies to meet corporate strategic growth initiatives. He supported a team researching Training Effectiveness, Cognitive Saturation, and Adaptive Learning partnering with small businesses and Universities. As the Strategic Development Director, he and his team supported 5 major Business Leaders in the development of their Business Growth initiatives.

As EVP of New Vision Industries, Nick leads a talented team toward the strategic change and growth of the business. Nick’s focus is on leadership for the positioning and posturing of the business toward long-term growth within existing and adjacent markets. Nick also supports the strategic development of the company’s OEM products.

Nick has led the capture of multiple large strategic programs securing $2B in contract wins. He holds an AAS in Electronics and Fluidics from Johnson College and a BS in Management from Binghamton University. Nick and his wife reside in the Southern Tier of New York where they enjoy family time with their Daughters, Son in Laws and Grandchildren.

Now Enrolling Middle and High School Students in STEM Energy Outreach Program

Johnson College is now enrolling middle and high school students in its on-campus STEM Energy Outreach Program on Monday, June 7, 2021, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This program introduces students to green, renewable energy through solar concepts using an interactive, hands-on demonstration. For more information and to register visit, https://forms.gle/jTNphmJzbzMR9dSc7 or email Dr. Kellyn Williams, Chief Academic Officer at Johnson College, at knolan@johnson.edu. Space is limited. The STEM Energy Outreach Program is made possible by a grant from the PPL Foundation.

Students will participate in the interactive learning experience by assembling K’nex Education Renewable Energy sets with Johnson College Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Kellyn Williams. The completed K’nex kits will be shared with additional schools as part of future Johnson College STEM Outreach Programs. 

The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. Through strategic partnerships, the Foundation: supports organizations working to create vibrant, sustainable communities; promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion; and empowers each citizen to fulfill her or his potential. 

Johnson College Earns 2021-2022 Military Spouse Friendly® School Designation

Johnson College announced today that it has earned the 2021-2022 Military Spouse Friendly® School designation.

Institutions earning the Military Spouse Friendly® School designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 schools participated in the 2021-2022 survey, with 747 schools earning the designation as a Military Friendly School, of which 194 were selected for the Military Spouse Friendly Schools list. Johnson College was designated as a Military Spouse Friendly® School for its leading practices, outcomes, and effective programs for military spouses. The 2021-2022 Military Spouse Friendly® Schools list will be published in Military Spouse magazine’s May issue and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey response set and government/agency public data sources within a logic-based scoring assessment. We measure the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer), and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently and with purpose. Schools who achieve designation show true commitment and dedication in their efforts. Our standards assist schools by providing a benchmark that promotes positive educational outcomes, resources, and support services. Focusing on the betterment of the educational landscape and providing positive outcomes and economic opportunity for the Military Community.” – Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly®.

For more information about Johnson College’s student veteran programs, visit Johnson College’s website at https://johnson.edu/future-students/veterans/.

About Military Friendly® Schools:

The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria, and weighting were developed with an independent research firm’s assistance and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

About Johnson College:

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering 15 associate degree and 3 academic certificate programs. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, 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. 

About Viqtory:

Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.

Johnson College to Host 4th Annual Auction for Children’s Advocacy Center

Johnson College’s Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program will host an auction to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021 on the Johnson College campus. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the auction starts at 6:00 p.m.

More than 60 items will be available to bid on including cutting boards, tables, cabinets, a book case and more. All items were created by students in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking program. Most of the items were made from re-purposed wood. Face masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

The 2019 auction raised over $7,000 for the local non-profit. No auction was held in 2020 due to the on-going pandemic. To register, please visit johnson.edu/events/annual-carpentry-auction.

Photo Caption: John Dutter, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology freshman, stains a table he made for Johnson College’s 4th Annual Carpentry Auction benefitting the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021 on the Johnson College campus.

Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam 2021 to be held at the Circle Drive-in on July 10, 2021

The Andrew Mazza Foundation in support of Johnson College is proud to announce that Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam 2021 will take place on Saturday, July 10, 2021, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. after being postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic. To accommodate the increasing amount of attendees & participating vendors, this year’s event is moving to the Circle Drive-in located on the Scranton-Carbondale Highway in Scranton, PA. Diesel Jam supports The Andrew Mazza Foundation, the Diesel Truck Technology Program at Johnson College, & scholarships for Johnson College & high school students.

Diesel Jam is a celebration of the truck community, featuring a diesel, gas, & antique truck show, mobile dyno runs, industry vendors, apparel vendors, food vendors, live entertainment & more. It is an all-day (rain or shine) family-friendly event.

All trucks are invited to participate & prizes will be awarded for Best in Show, Best Big Rig, Best Tow, Best Pick Up, and Best Antique & Diesel Jam People’s Choice. Additionally, cash prizes for the mobile dyno are $1,000 for Highest Overall Horsepower and Guess Your Horsepower prizes for 1st Place – $800, 2nd Place – $500, 3rd Place – $200, 4th and 5th Place – $100 each.

Early truck & mobile dyno registration can be completed through the Andrew Mazza Foundation’s website, andrewmazzafoundation.com/diesel-jam until June 30, 2021. The fee to register a truck is a $25 donation. Day of event registration & truck check-in will begin at 8 a.m. on July 10th, registration will be limited & will increase to $35 per registration. An additional $100 fee is required to register for the mobile dyno.

The Andrew Mazza Foundation started in 2016, supports & enriches the community through Andrew’s passions & hobbies. Proceeds raised from Diesel Jam will enhance & expand the Diesel Truck Technology Program at Johnson, provide both high school & Johnson College students with scholarships, & serve the community in which Andrew called home. Proceeds also aid The Andrew Mazza Foundation in hosting their annual Truck-or-Treat community Halloween event in Clifford for children & families in various local school districts.

The Diesel Truck Technology program at Johnson College prepares students as entry-level technicians with the latest information on diagnosis, repair procedures, preventative maintenance, & 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. To learn more about Johnson College’s Diesel Truck Technology program visit Johnson.edu, call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, or email enroll@johnson.edu.

For more information, including how to become an event sponsor or vendor, please contact Dawn Ziegler at (570) 313-0369, Andrewmazzafoundation@gmail.com, or visit andrewmazzafoundation.com/diesel-jam.

Photo Caption: Left to right: Front row holding banner – Penelope Ziegler, Diesel Jam Committee Member, and Nick Talarico, Heavy Equipment Program Director, Johnson College, 2nd row – Shane Pantosky, Diesel Jam Committee Member, Theresa Bandru, Golden Owl Consulting, and Diesel Jam Committee Member, Phil Mazza, Diesel Jam Committee Member, Dave Castelli, Manager, Circle Drive-in Theater, and Dawn Ziegler, Diesel Jam Committee Member, 3rd row – Chris Green, Diesel Jam Committee Member, John Wilson, Diesel Jam Committee Member, and Michael Garofalo, Diesel Jam Committee Member, 4th row -Tom Millard, Diesel Jam Committee Member, AJ Cimahosky, Continuing Education Manager, Johnson College, and Mike Novak, Chief Administrative Officer, Johnson College.