Johnson College Enrolling Students in OBDII Emissions Training Course Johnson College is currently enrolling students in its OBDII Emissions Training course. Classes will be held in Ideal Saldi Hall on the College’s Scranton campus on Monday, Dec. 15 through Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Space is limited. The OBDII computer monitors a vehicle’s emission control systems in real time and is capable of informing a motorist or technician of a systemic issue the moment it occurs. The system operates through a series of indicator lights, drive cycles, trouble codes, and readiness monitors. During an inspection, an emission analyzer scan tool plugs into the diagnostic connector that is attached to the OBDII computer and communicates with the vehicle. The OBDII computer relays to the scan tool whether it has discovered errors in the emission control systems. The emission analyzer then determines whether the vehicle is being operated in compliance with emission standards. To register or learn more, visit johnson.edu/obd, email the WAVE Team at wave@johnson.edu, or call 570-702-8979.
Johnson College Launches Prison Training Program 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. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
Johnson College Hazleton Previewing New HVAC Lab Johnson College Hazleton Campus will host A Closer Look event for its new Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) laboratory, offering prospective students and community members a look at the future of high-demand trades training. The event will take place Thursday, Dec. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Johnson College Hazleton Campus, located in the CAN DO Training Center at 370 Maplewood Drive, Hazle Township, within the Humboldt Industrial Park. Space is limited, and registration is required. To register, visit johnson.edu/closerlook or contact the Johnson College enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu or 570-702-8856. The new facility is designed to provide hands-on training with the latest industry equipment, preparing students for stable, rewarding careers that meet local workforce needs. Attendees will have the opportunity to: See the Tech: Explore the new equipment installed in the laboratory. Meet the Experts: Talk with experienced HVAC instructors and career advisors about the program structure and job opportunities. Secure Your Future: Learn how the curriculum aligns with local workforce demand, providing a direct path to employment.
Johnson College To Receive Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant The Lowe’s Foundation has awarded a $450,000 Gable Grant to Johnson College, northeastern Pennsylvania’s only two-year career technical college, as one of only 12 community and technical colleges receiving the competitive awards in the United States. Since awarding its first grants in 2023, the foundation has expanded skilled trades career pathways through its growing roster of 60 community colleges and nonprofit organizations across 28 states. Through expanded training opportunities, this grant is helping Johnson College build the next generation of skilled tradespeople at a time when the industry needs it most. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the skilled labor gap drives a $10 billion annual economic loss in the housing industry, much of which is felt locally. Johnson College is using the grant to purchase advanced training equipment for its newly expanded heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical construction technology (ECT) laboratory and to update equipment in the carpentry and cabinetmaking technology laboratory on its Scranton campus. Additional equipment will be purchased to expand HVAC and electrical construction labs at Johnson’s satellite campus located in the CAN DO Training Center in Hazle Township. “Collectively, we are writing a comeback story for the skilled trades industry,” said Janice Dupré, Lowe’s executive vice president of human resources and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “Through our Gable Grants network, these schools join a community of innovators helping one another effectively recruit, train and employ the people America needs to revitalize our infrastructure.” “Support from the Lowe’s Foundation will not only expand our capacity for skilled trades education today, but for the future as well,” said Walter Wood, building trades and technology division chair and HVAC program director at Johnson College. “Our students will receive hands-on training with technology currently being used in the field. This is a tremendous advantage for employers hiring our graduates and raises the overall capabilities of the skilled trades industry across our region.” From funding new skilled trades facilities and instructors to accreditation programs, the grants will support carpentry and construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and appliance repair training nationwide. These grants are part of the Lowe’s Foundation’s five-year, $50 million commitment to support the training of 50,000 people for skilled trades careers. Since 2023, the Lowe’s Foundation has awarded $43 million in Gable Grants to help educate and advocate for the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The grants support training programs focusing on carpentry and construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and property maintenance. Nick George, left, and Jake Riebe, students in Johnson College’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technology program, work on a residential hot-water boiler purchased with funds from the $450,000 Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant awarded to Johnson College, northeastern Pennsylvania’s only two-year career technical college and one of only 12 institutions nationwide to receive the competitive award.
Johnson College Acquires New Facility in Scranton Johnson College, the only two-year technical college in northeastern Pennsylvania, announced it has officially purchased an 8,700-square-foot building at 814 Wyoming Ave. in Scranton. The newly acquired facility will become the future home of the college’s one-year Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technician certificate program, the two-year Diesel Truck Technology associate degree program, and portions of the two-year Automotive Technology associate degree program. The new space will provide enhanced hands-on learning areas for students pursuing careers as transportation technicians. Classes at the facility are expected to begin in spring 2026. “This purchase marks an exciting new chapter for Johnson College,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “Once updates are complete, the Wyoming Avenue facility will offer enhanced, hands-on learning spaces designed to support student success. We’re proud to continue investing in resources that prepare students for today’s workforce.” The move will also create opportunities on the Scranton campus, located on North Main Avenue, to expand existing programs or introduce new ones that respond to emerging industry trends. Located in a Scranton neighborhood historically connected to the automotive industry, the Wyoming Avenue site will continue that legacy by preparing the next generation of transportation professionals. The new property joins Johnson College’s growing network of educational facilities, which includes its satellite campus at the CAN DO Training Center in Hazle Township and specialized labs at Simplex Homes and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.
Johnson College To Offer CDL Training Availability In response to the regional and national demand for CDL truck drivers, Johnson College, in partnership with Road Runner CDL Academy, offers its Class A CDL Driver Training program at two convenient locations: Road Runner CDL Academy at 6 S. Keyser Ave., Taylor, and Johnson College’s Hazleton campus at 370 Maplewood Drive, located inside the Humboldt Industrial Park in Hazle Township. This 160-hour program, available at both locations, prepares students to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and take on the responsibilities of a professional driver on the road and at pickup and delivery sites. The curriculum emphasizes vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380–397), trip planning, cargo handling, size and weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention. The training complies with the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and includes a certificate for entry-level drivers. Participants can complete the program and obtain their CDL in as little as four weeks. To learn more or to enroll in the Class A CDL Driver Training program, visit johnson.edu/continuing-ed/cdl or contact the WAVE Department at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.
Johnson College Expands Pathway to Innovation Patio Johnson College is expanding the Pathway to Innovation patio outside Ideal Saldi Hall, adding new opportunities for supporters to leave their mark on its Scranton campus. Established during the college’s last capital campaign, this distinctive brick patio honors the people and partnerships that have helped shape Johnson College’s mission of hands-on, career-focused education. Each personalized brick represents a commitment to the belief in the transformative power of experiential learning. Johnson College invites alumni, parents, local businesses, and friends to become part of this growing legacy by purchasing engraved bricks. Brick Options:• Small Brick (4” x 8”): 3 lines, up to 18 characters per line — $250 donation• Large Brick (8” x 8”): 6 lines, up to 18 characters per line — $500 donation Funds raised through this campaign directly support the College Annual Fund, helping provide essential resources and opportunities for Johnson College students. Orders placed by December 30, 2025, will be installed in spring or summer 2026, joining bricks already in place on the patio, a space regularly enjoyed by students, faculty, and visitors. “This campaign offers a meaningful way to leave a lasting impression on our campus,” said Doug Cook, Senior Director of College Advancement. “By contributing to the Pathway to Innovation, supporters reinforce their belief in hard work, opportunity, and the future of hands-on education here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” To participate, visit johnson.edu/bricks to download the Brick Order Form. Please mail completed forms and payments to:Johnson CollegeOffice of College Advancement3427 N Main Ave.Scranton, PA 18508 Donations are tax-deductible and acknowledged with a receipt. Donors should consult their tax advisors for specific deduction details. For questions, contact the Office of College Advancement at 570-702-8920 or collegeadvancement@johnson.edu.
Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast on 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. Alyssa Nicholas, Johnson College Veterinary Nursing student, spoke at the College’s Annual Scholarship Breakfast. 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.
Johnson College Scranton To Host Fall Open House Johnson College will hold its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus. 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. 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 Now Enrolling for OSHA 30-Hour Training Course Johnson College is now accepting enrollments for its 30-hour, non-credit OSHA training course, which will be held at the college’s Scranton campus from Nov. 5 through Nov. 20, 2025. Classes will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Designed for individuals in leadership roles, employees in general industry, and those seeking advanced safety training, the in-person course will cover critical workplace safety topics such as fall protection, electrical safety, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Participants will learn how to reduce workplace accidents, ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, and promote a culture of safety within their organizations. Upon successful completion, participants will receive the official OSHA 30 General Industry Outreach Course Completion Card. The cost of the course is $600. To register or learn more, visit johnson.edu/continuing-ed/osha-30, email the WAVE Team at wave@johnson.edu, or call 570-702-8979.
