COLTS to Offer Free Rides to Bicyclists During National Bike to Work Week

The County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS) will offer free rides to bicyclists during National Bike  to Work Week, which falls this year from May 17 through May 23.

“We were very interested in offering an incentive for people to utilize multimodal transportation as a viable way to travel,” said Executive Director Bob Fiume. “Passengers who might have a long commute may want to try cycling to work and then taking a COLTS bus home.”

Each fixed route COLTS bus has an easy-to-use bike rack in the front that can hold two bicycles. Cyclists who want to use the bike racks just need to let the driver know they will be using them.
There are not bike racks on the shared ride vans or subcontracted vehicles that run the #11 Mid Valley Industrial Parks, #46 Mall Circulator, #80 Commerce Loop, #71 Evening City Circle North, and #72 Evening City Circle South routes.

If both bike spaces are occupied, a cyclist will have to wait for the next bus, as bikes cannot be transported inside the vehicle.

Johnson College Offers Free College Readiness for STEM Occupations Program

Johnson College is offering a free eight-week College Readiness for STEM Occupations program for teenagers ages 14 to 18 years old, from low-income families, who live in Lackawanna County. The program starts Wednesday, April 21, 2021, and continues every Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for eight-weeks. The program includes dinner for students and transportation between Scranton High School and the Johnson College campus if needed. For eligibility requirements and to register, contact Dr. Kellyn Williams, Johnson College’s Chief Academic Officer at knolan@johnson.edu or 570-702-8940. This program is supported by a grant from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

The College Readiness for STEM Occupations program includes presentations and hands-on discovery activities designed to increase awareness of career opportunities in the STEM workforce and to improve college-readiness skills. Participants are evaluated throughout the program based on attendance and discussion. The program will:

  • Increase awareness of STEM-related occupations.
  • Increase awareness of two-year options for post-secondary education.
  • Designed for all students, not just those who will pursue post-secondary education or careers in STEM or STEM-related fields.
  • Develop skills necessary for success in college and career.
  • Increase student potential for academic and personal success through knowledge of campus resources.

Students who complete the program with at least 80% attendance will receive college credit (a $550 value). To qualify for the college credit, students will be required to sign-in at each session to verify attendance.

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

Lackawanna College Environmental Center Announces Free Core Manufacturing Program

The Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center (LCEEC) will host a free Core Manufacturing Skills certificate program beginning April 6 with in-person and online classes. The free 200-hour program will provide participants with skills necessary for entry-level positions in advanced manufacturing through classroom, simulation-based and online skill-building lessons.

“We are excited to be able to incorporate principles of sustainably into the third and final session of this popular program,” said Sharon Yanik-Craig, Center Director for LCEEC. “Green jobs aren’t just in renewable energy— existing manufacturing jobs can be enhanced by green knowledge to minimize negative environmental impacts, conserve energy and natural resources and maintain a safe working environment for employees”.

By completing the program and passing a final competency assessment, students will earn a Core Manufacturing Skills Certificate from Lackawanna College and NEPIRC, which is recognized by area manufacturing industry employers. The certificate will prepare graduates for positions in high-demand fields in environmental stewardship, maintenance, manufacturing, production, quality assurance and safety compliance.

For more information or to register, visit www.lackawanna.edu/enrichment.