Johnson College Reports a 32% Enrollment Increase

Johnson College Sees 32% Enrollment Increase Year-over-Year, Sixth Consecutive Year of Record Enrollment to Address Industry’s Demand for Skilled Workforce

Johnson College proudly announces a remarkable milestone as it experiences its sixth consecutive year of record enrollment, with overall student numbers surging by an impressive 32% year over year. This unprecedented growth underscores the increasing interest and value in the College’s hands-on, industry-immersed, career-focused education across all its 18 programs.

“A sixth consecutive year of record enrollment is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, the quality of our programs, and the increasing recognition of the value of a Johnson College hands-on, technical education.” Said Bill Burke, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs at Johnson College, “The College’s growth at both of its campuses is not only a sign of its success but also a promising indicator of the future of technical education and its role in shaping our future skilled workforce”

Johnson College offers a range of programs designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s industries. With state-of-the-art classrooms and labs and strong industry partnerships, students have access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities for real-world experience. The College’s focus on technical education ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also adept at applying their skills to help build strong regional and national industries.

“We’re excited to welcome such a diverse and talented group of students into all our programs,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College. “As industry demands continue to evolve, Johnson College will continue to answer the call for our highly skilled technicians and technologists. With the growth of high-demand technical careers showing no signs of slowing, we will continue to work with our employer partners to ensure our students are equipped for career success and ready to meet the future head-on.”

The College’s commitment to its students and industry partners is evident in these exceptional enrollment increases. Programs are preparing students for industries experiencing faster-than-average national 10-year growth trends, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Notably, these include Veterinary Nursing (21% increase), Medical Equipment Repair (13% increase), and HVAC and Electrical Construction (6% increase) industries. Some Johnson College enrollment highlights include:

  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology: Enrollment has risen by 10% from the previous year, reflecting the growing need for skilled professionals in this essential field.
  • Electrical Construction Technology: This program has seen a 35% increase, highlighting the burgeoning demand for highly trained residential and commercial electricians, and industrial engineering technicians.
  • Architectural Drafting and Design Technology: Enrollment has surged by 57%, marking one of the most significant growth areas, driven by the expanding architectural and design industry.
  • Aviation Technology: In its second year, this program has experienced a 32% increase in enrollment, demonstrating the clear demand for well-trained aviation technicians in an industry facing a shrinking workforce.
  • Biomedical Equipment Technology: The 43% rise in enrollment, reflects the heightened interest in the Healthcare Technology Management industry.
  • Electronic Engineering Technology: This program’s 17% growth demonstrates ongoing enthusiasm for careers in electronic instrumentation and related fields.
  • Veterinary Nursing: A 56% increase in enrollment highlights the growing passion for animal care and veterinary sciences.
  • Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology: Enrollment has risen by 28%, signaling continued robust interest in skilled trades and manufacturing.

Additionally, Johnson College has seen a notable increase year-to-year in enrollment from various age groups:

  • Directly from high school: 11%
  • Ages 19-21: 35%
  • Ages 22+: 23%
  • Ages 25+: 13%

Johnson College is excited to welcome a diverse group of students this academic year and looks forward to continuing its commitment to being the leader in hands-on, industry-focused education in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Johnson College to Host Instant Enrollment Decision Day

Johnson College is hosting an Instant Decision Day for prospective students on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside Woolworth Hall on the Johnson College Scranton campus. To register to attend, visit johnson.edu/instant.

During the Instant Decision Event, Johnson College will provide prospective students with an immediate enrollment decision. Students must supply their high school and/or college transcripts. It is highly recommended that the prospective student completes a Johnson College application before attending.

Applications for Johnson College’s Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Veterinary Nursing programs are excluded from instant decisions.

Johnson College to Hold Instant Enrollment Decision Day

Johnson College is hosting an Instant Decision Day for prospective students on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside Woolworth Hall on the Johnson College Scranton campus. To register to attend, visit johnson.edu.

During the Instant Decision Event, Johnson College will provide prospective students with an immediate enrollment decision. Students must supply their high school and/or college transcripts. It is highly recommended that the prospective student completes a Johnson College application before attending. Applications for Johnson College’s Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Veterinary Nursing programs are excluded from instant decisions.

Johnson College News

Johnson College Receives Grant

Johnson College has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Women in Philanthropy Initiative Fund of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This grant will support Girls on Fire, a unique one-day STEM event designed for 6-9th grade students to learn about career opportunities in non-traditional STEM fields.

The event, part of Johnson College’s new Women in Industry Initiative, will be conducted in conjunction with International Women’s Day in March 2023. The event will include tours of the Johnson College campus, presentations on various STEM-related programs, a keynote speaker who is a successful woman in her field, lunch, and fun hands-on activities in 3D printing, carpentry, and more. Students will learn about mechatronics, computer science, HVAC-R, healthcare, and carpentry – all areas where women have a variety of opportunities for successful careers.

Studies show that when the women’s labor force participation rises, so do the economy and the GDP. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes in “Women in the Labor Force: A Databook” that women may represent more than half of all workers within several industries. Despite this, women are substantially underrepresented in industries such as construction, manufacturing, utilities, and other industrial types of employment such as agriculture and mining. They are also underrepresented in services such as repair and maintenance, automotive repair, and commercial and industrial machinery repair. Women’s participation in the U.S. labor force has been a complicated narrative, especially in skilled trades.

There are many opportunities, pathways, and resources available to women looking to enter skilled trades. Girls on Fire will help students understand the many pathways for women’s economic equity and increase participation in well-paid, skilled jobs traditionally held by men.

Women in Philanthropy is an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation dedicated to transforming the lives of women, girls, and their families in Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.supportnepawomen.org.


Johnson College Enrolling Students in CNC Machining Training

In conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston, Johnson College continues to bring CNC Machining training to Luzerne County. Starting June 20, 2022, 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. To learn more or enroll, visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact the Johnson College Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu

CNC machinists manufacture precision products and components used in various 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 new career opportunities right away. This relationship truly demonstrates how industry is a Johnson College student’s campus. The cost of the class is $7,500. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. 

Marywood University Names New Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services

Robert C. Piurowski

Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president of Marywood University, Scranton, Pa., recently appointed Robert C. Piurowski, Delhi, N.Y., to the position of vice president of enrollment management and student services. He succeeds Ann Boland-Chase, Dunmore, Pa., who recently retired from that position after many years of service to the University.

“Rob resonates with our mission, is passionate about education, and shares our belief that education empowers people,” stated Sister Mary Persico when she announced Mr. Piurowski’s appointment. As an officer of the university, he will serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet and oversee Marywood’s admissions/enrollment and student service areas.

Mr. Piurowski comes to Marywood University from the State University of New York College of Technology at Delhi (Delhi, N.Y.), where he served as director of admissions and enrollment management. He has devoted his professional career to various facets of enrollment management and student services in higher education, serving in roles from admissions counselor to director of admissions and recruitment at several institutions, including Bernard M. Baruch College, City University of New York (New York City, N.Y.); Concordia College (Bronxville, N.Y.); Binghamton University (Binghamton, N.Y.); and State University of New York College at Potsdam (Potsdam, N.Y.).

Wherever he has served, Mr. Piurowski has consistently achieved an increase in student enrollment with initiatives for recruiting students from both inside and outside of the United States, and particularly from China, India, and Germany. In addition, his expertise encompasses student services, student advising, technology and data analytics, communications, service to the campus community, coaching, equity and inclusion work, and the Middle States accreditation process.

He has given numerous professional presentations, such as best practices for student access, opportunity, and success; admissions marketing/recruitment; the changing landscape in college admissions; leadership topics; and other relevant issues about the college process, including learning differences.

Throughout his career, Mr. Piurowski has demonstrated a strong record of college and university service, serving on a broad range of search committees, advisory boards, and councils, as well as in mentorship roles. His professional affiliations include the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling, National Association for College Admission Counseling, State University of New York College Admissions Professionals, and American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, among others.

Mr. Piurowski holds a master of science degree in education from Bernard M. Baruch College (New York City, N.Y.) and an advanced certificate in Project Management from Empire State College (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.), as well as a bachelor of business administration from the State University of New York College of Technology at Delhi (Delhi, N.Y.). He is currently a doctoral student at Binghamton University, State University of New York (Binghamton, N.Y.).

Johnson College Now Enrolling Students in Forklift Operator Training Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.in the Diesel Truck Technology Center on the College’s campus in Scranton. The cost of the course is $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alumni the cost is only $100. Space is limited! Visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact our Continuing Education team at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu to learn more and enroll.

The forklift operator training is designed to familiarize students with OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training Requirements (29CFR Standard 1910.178 and ASME B56.1), provide current training requirements under the newly adopted standards, and assist participants in becoming an authorized operator of forklifts through theory and tactile testing. Nine hours of instruction including pre-operational inspection, picking up, traveling, and placing loads, parking procedures, refueling, and practical operation.

For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

Johnson College PA State Vehicle Safety Inspectors Course Enrollment Open

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is enrolling students in its next on-campus Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspectors course. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. starting March 15, 2022, through March 24, 2022, with hands-on testing beginning on Monday, March 28, 2022. To learn more or enroll, contact the Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu. The total cost of the course is $200 for cars and light trucks. There is an additional $75 fee for other vehicle categories. 

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 payment date. 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 Weaver Hall on the Johnson College campus in Scranton, PA. 

For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

Johnson College Now Enrolling Middle and High School Students in On-Campus STEM Energy Outreach Program

Johnson College is now enrolling middle and high school students in its STEM Energy Outreach Program being held on-campus, 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 other 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. 

For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.