PPL Foundation Major Grant Supports New STEM Programming

Johnson College has received a $65,000 PPL Foundation Major Grant. These funds will support a new STEM Learning Labs after-school program for economically-disadvantaged students from diverse backgrounds.

Throughout the program, students will use hands-on learning and activities to discover and explore potential careers in STEM fields. In a supportive environment that will encourage creativity and lifelong learning, students will work with technology such as Lego Mindstorms, Kinex, robotic arms, 3-D printing, electric circuits, and Ozobot robotic computer programming.

The program is designed for seventh and eighth-grade students from Lackawanna County school districts including Nativity Miguel, Old Forge, Riverside, and Scranton. During this five-week program, students will meet after school three times per week for four weeks at their home school. During the fifth week, students will attend programming at Johnson College for additional hands-on experience with more advanced equipment.

The PPL Foundation’s Major Grant program makes annual awards through a competitive application and review process.

This year, the PPL Foundation received more than 100 applications during this highly competitive grant cycle. Johnson College was one of 17 organizations to be selected for an award.

“We are continuously inspired by the caring, commitment and creativity of the many nonprofit organizations such as Johnson College who make a lasting difference in our communities, and this year’s grant recipients are no exception. We’re proud to support their efforts,” said Ryan Hill, PPL Foundation president.

For more information about the program, contact Tim Frank, Johnson College Associate Director of Community Engagement, at tfrank@johnson.edu or at (570) 702-8963.

About the PPL Foundation

Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that are engaged in innovative and groundbreaking work to create vibrant, sustainable communities; advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and support children’s success from cradle to career. The PPL Foundation contributes more than $3 million annually to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations in eastern and central Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit pplcares.com.

Pictured left to right: Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs, Johnson College; Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO, Johnson College; Alana Roberts, Regional Affairs Director, PPL Electric Utilities; Karen Baker, Senior Director of College Advancement, Johnson College; and Tim Frank, Associate Director of Community Engagement, Johnson College.

Fall 2022 Semester President’s List

Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2022 Fall Semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher.

Jacob Banta, Automotive Technology, Trucksville, PA

Dominic Bulzoni, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Scranton, PA

Rachel Butler, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Lake Ariel, PA

Richard Christianson, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Susquehanna, PA

Briana  Curtis, Electronic Engineering Technology, Blakely, PA

Colton Esslinger, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Susquehanna, PA

Brandon Grandinetti, Computer Information Technology, Olyphant, PA

Hope Hoanzl, Electronic Engineering Technology, Forest City, PA

Jared Hodorawis, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Honesdale, PA

Anthony Kutchmanich, Physical Therapist Assistant, Greenfield Twp., PA

Andrea Marques, Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Technology, Sybertsville, PA

Dustin McAllister, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Scranton, PA

Chase Notz, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA

Devin Nowicky, Radiologic Technology, Drums, PA

Ryan Phillips, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Dallas, PA

Carley Riefler, Physical Therapist Assistant, Honesdale, PA

Julie Ristics, Computer Information Technology, Dunmore, PA

Thayer Rogers, Veterinary Nursing, Hershey, PA

Devin Walsh, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Olyphant, PA

Karl Weninger, Diesel Truck Technology, Kingston, PA

Kevin Williams, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Eynon, PA

Kyle Williams, Electronic Engineering Technology, Greentown, PA

3D Printing Competition Registration Open

Johnson College will host its third 3D Printing Competition for local high school students on Friday, March 24, 2023. The competition is an opportunity for students to showcase their abilities and creativity using science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) techniques.

This year’s competition requires high school students to compete individually to design and make a gravity hook. The hook will try and pick up 10 objects that are various weights and sizes. All pieces must be 3D printed, with no adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or non-3D printed parts. Each competitor must submit a complete technical drawing of all parts and assembly.

All students and groups must be registered by a school staff member who will also serve as an advisor while their students are on the Johnson College campus on the day of the event. For more information and to register, please e-mail Tim Frank at Tfrank@johnson.edu. Upon registration, a document will be emailed detailing additional information. Registration ends February 13, 2023. Prizes are to be announced.

College Receives $12,000 EITC Contribution from PSBT

Johnson College recently received a $12,000 EITC contribution from Peoples Security Bank & Trust to support the College’s Industry Fast Track/Dual Enrollment 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/Dual Enrollment programs, visit johnson.edu/registrar-old/high-school-students/.

For more information about Peoples Security Bank & Trust, visit psbt.com.

Pictured form left to right: Bill Burke, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs, Johnson College; J. Patrick Dietz, Johnson College Board Chair and Senior Vice President, Peoples Security Bank and Trust; Karen Baker, Senior Director of College Advancement, Johnson College; and Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO, Johnson College.

Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast

Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at Fiorelli Catering in Peckville. The event was held to recognize the scholarship recipients and thank and honor the generous donors who make scholarships available to students.

The College awarded 42 students with scholarships during the event. Devin Walsh, a student in Johnson College’s Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning program, and recipient of one of the College’s Presidential Scholarships served as student speaker.

“To me, the Presidential Scholarship is more than just money,” Walsh said. “It means that my accomplishments are valuable enough for Johnson to put such an enormous amount of faith in that I will follow through with my education and become a great example of what Johnson College provides to the community.”

Walsh says that the scholarship has lifted the burdens that accompany the cost of pursuing a degree in higher education.

“Most college students need to make major sacrifices, work numerous jobs, and take out huge loans that will cause stress, leading to the inability to focus on coursework,” Walsh told attendees. “The financial assistance of the Presidential Scholarship is a life changer for my family and me.”

The event also featured keynote speaker, David Hawk, who, with his wife Ann, are founders of the Hawk Family Foundation created to help the underprivileged, support education, and encourage community initiatives to help families thrive. The Hawk Family Foundation contributed to the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign specifically for student scholarships and campus developments.

The breakfast concluded with the presentation of the scholarship awards by Katie Leonard, 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, Dylan DeGroat;

Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Gavin Noll;

Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Brianna Covington;

Bartolai Family Scholarship, Peter Winowich;

Christopher Pambianco ‘65 Book & Tool Scholarship, Kenneth Stucker;

C.M.C. Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Jessica McKee;

Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship, Donovon Brown;

Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship, Nicholas Lathrop;

Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Scholarship, Alexander Carpenetti, Luke Galli, Jordan Navarro, and Madison Trotto;

Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship, James Lamberti;

Hawk Family Foundation Scholarship, Julianne Feigenbutz and Christian Overholtz;

Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Ryan Phillips;

Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Alexander Canjar;

Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Cassidy Weber;

John K. and Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Andrea Marques;

John T. Gerod Scholarship, Richard Reed;

Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Jessica McKee, Emily Ohme, and Devin Walsh;

The Margaret Briggs Foundation Scholarship, Matthew Spiccioli;

Moffat Merit Award, Richard Bowen;

Moses Taylor Foundation Scholarship, Sierra Matash, and Gina Simeone;

MotorWorld Lexus Scholarship, Jeremy Russo and Casey Williams;

Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Emma Faithfull and Madison Kier;

Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Alyssa Crawford and Tiahna Jackson;

Ruth Stitt Morgan Memorial Scholarship, Kodee Bates;

Scranton UNICO Scholarship, Christopher Henderson;

Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship, Mackenzie Snyder;

Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Jallen Wilks;

Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Kyle Williams;

Technology Merit Award, Michael Altieri and Anna-Marie Lake;

The John R. O’Hara Scholarship, Brandon Grandinetti;

The P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, Jonathon Hunsberger;

Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Zachary Menichello;

and Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Scholarship, Jeremy Russo.

College to Host Fall Open House on November 5, 2022

Johnson College will hold an on-campus Fall Open House on Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

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.

Peoples Security Bank & Trust Pledges $150,000 to Innovation at Work Capital Campaign  

Peoples Security Bank & Trust has pledged $150,000 to Johnson College in support of its $5 million comprehensive, five-year capital campaign, Innovation at Work.

Peoples Security Bank & Trust has provided continued support for student programs and scholarships at Johnson College through its monetary contributions.  

“Peoples Security Bank & Trust is inspired by Johnson College’s vision to be an innovative, experiential, and multi-disciplinary technical hub for the next generation of trailblazing leaders across all industry sectors,” said J. Patrick Dietz, Johnson College Board Chair and Senior Vice President of Peoples Security Bank and Trust. “The college has an extensive history of both nurturing and advancing the career paths of some of the brightest young minds, and the Bank is pleased to bestow a gift that will help to unlock the full potential of the Innovation at Work capital campaign, broadening access to valuable resources and programming for all students.”

The Innovation at Work campaign consists of four components that will create an environment for continued growth and success: the construction of Ideal Saldi Hall, a new gateway building that will become the official entrance to the campus and include new lab and classroom spaces; the expansion of Woolworth Hall, which houses on-campus lab space for programs including Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning and Electrical Construction Technology; the creation of a Transportation Education Center; and support of the College’s Annual Fund and student scholarships. For more details about the Innovation at Work campaign, visit johnson.edu/innovationatwork.

Pictured left to right: Joseph Ferretti, Executive Vice President, Peoples Security Bank & Trust; Karen Baker, Senior Director of College Advancement, Johnson College; Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO, Johnson College; and J. Patrick Dietz, Johnson College Board Chair and Senior Vice President, Peoples Security Bank and Trust.

Johnson College Automotive Technology Program Receives Reaccreditation from ASE Education Foundation

The Automotive Technology program at Johnson College received reaccreditation by the ASE Education Foundation, formerly known as NATEF, and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The program has been reaccredited in the following areas: Engine Repair; Automatic Transmission/Transaxle; Manual Transmission and Drive Axles; Suspension and Steering; Brakes; Electrical/Electronic Systems; Heating and Air Conditioning; Engine Performance.

In order to achieve this renewed recognition, the College’s Automotive Technology program underwent rigorous evaluation by the ASE Education Foundation using nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment. Through the endeavors of both our program instructors and the ASE Education Foundation, Johnson College can more successfully bridge the gap between the needs of industry and classroom training to assure that students enter the workforce as well-prepared technicians.

Johnson College’s Automotive Technology program is an Associate of Applied Science degree program that prepares students as entry-level technicians in the automobile and diesel industries. Upon completion, graduates can expect to work for employers in career fields such as automotive, truck, farm and earthmoving equipment dealerships; truck, power generation and construction companies; automotive service centers; engine repair/machine shops; automotive equipment distributors; independent service garages; automotive parts manufacturers; sales representation; as well as auto insurance companies. They may also work with brake systems, transmissions, alignments and repairs; be representatives in claims, sales, and service; or become truck/fleet maintenance technicians.

To learn more about this program, visit: johnson.edu/divisions-of-study/transportation/automotive-technology.

Pictured left to right: Jim Williams ’00, Automotive Technology Instructor; Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO; Mark Kozemko ’79, Automotive Technology Program Director.