Johnson College to Host Barn Quilting Workshop Johnson College will host a Barn Quilting Workshop on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its Scranton campus. Registration is now open, and participants can register online at johnson.edu/workshops. During the workshop, participants will create a 12-inch-by-12-inch hand-painted barn quilt. Inspired by traditional quilt block patterns, barn quilts have become a popular form of outdoor art and are featured along local barn quilt trails throughout the country. Participants will select their own pattern and colors to create a unique piece. Instead of stitching fabric, attendees will use paint to bring their chosen quilt block design to life. All materials will be provided, but participants are asked to bring a hair dryer to assist with the painting process. Each participant will leave with a completed barn quilt ready to display at their home, porch or shed. The cost to attend the workshop is $75 per person. The workshop is part of Johnson College’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) Workshop Series, which offers hands-on learning opportunities designed to help community members develop new skills and explore creative interests.
Johnson College Receives The Home Depot Foundation Grant Johnson College has been awarded a $10,000 Path to Pro Education Grant from The Home Depot Foundation to support the expansion of its Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology program and the launch of new plumbing training opportunities. The funding will help equip newly expanded HVAC and plumbing laboratories with residential and commercial plumbing systems and fixtures, enhancing hands-on training for students entering high-demand skilled trades. Building on one of the College’s most popular programs, Johnson College will introduce a five-semester Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology with Plumbing option beginning in fall 2026. Offered at both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses, the program can be completed in two and a half years and prepares students for entry-level careers in HVAC and plumbing through real-world, hands-on experience. In addition, a stand-alone Plumbing certificate will launch in spring 2027 at both campuses. This one-year program is designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in residential and light commercial plumbing, with a focus on safe work practices, proper installation, and system testing. This expansion comes at a critical time, as demand for skilled trades professionals continues to grow nationwide. The support from The Home Depot Foundation helps Johnson College strengthen its ability to prepare students for in-demand careers while addressing workforce needs in the region.
Johnson College Receives EITC Contribution From The Honesdale National Bank Johnson College received a $10,000 EITC contribution from The Honesdale National Bank to support the College’s Industry Fast Track and STEM Outreach programs. The Honesdale National Bank’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. Through its STEM Outreach, Johnson College utilizes its experience in providing industry-focused technical education to expand its outreach to elementary, middle, and high school students. The outreach raises awareness of the benefits of STEM education and the possibilities of achieving economic independence through employment in a STEM career field.
Johnson College Receives Grant From Wayne County Community Foundation Johnson College received a $6,000 award during the Wayne County Community Foundation’s spring grant cycle to enable eligible Wayne County residents to enroll in the Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE) program. The funding will support a Wayne County participant with tuition, technology, PPE/safety equipment, tools needed for success in their desired program of study, and a range of support services to reduce barriers to their education. RISE is a comprehensive workforce development program that serves residents across nine counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania by providing access to technical training and vital support services. Counties include Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming. The program is designed to eliminate barriers such as transportation, childcare, housing, and food insecurity that often prevent individuals from starting or completing their education. The program creates a clear pathway to family-sustaining careers and brighter futures for participants and their families while addressing critical workforce shortages in Northeast Pennsylvania.
Johnson College To Host Child And Babysitting Workshop Johnson College will host a Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) workshop on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at its Scranton campus. Registration is required, and interested participants can sign up online by visiting johnson.edu/workshops. The interactive workshop is designed for teenagers and young adults who are interested in starting a babysitting business or who have caregiving responsibilities for younger family members. The program equips participants with the essential skills needed to babysit safely and successfully. The curriculum covers fundamental business setup, strategies for working effectively with parents and children, and vital safety, caregiving, and first aid instructions. To engage young learners, the program utilizes a modern, magazine-format CABS guide and vlogger-style educational videos. The cost to attend the workshop is $50 per person. The session is part of the college’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) Workshop series.
Johnson College Receives $2,000 Contribution For Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship Members of the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association recently presented a $2,000 contribution to Johnson College to support the annual Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to two students in the Automotive Technology Program for the 2026-2027 academic year. The Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association was established in 1975 and has been funding the scholarship at Johnson College since 2009. The club raises funds through Cruise Nights held at the Viewmont Mall parking lot throughout the year. For more information about available scholarships at Johnson College, visit johnson.edu/scholarships.
Johnson College Recognizes Industry Honors Johnson College of Technology recently recognized more than 10 Industry Honors students during a luncheon held in late April. The honored students represented a variety of programs, including Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Automotive Technology, Electrical Construction Technology, and Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology. The Industry Honors program provides students with valuable hands-on experience through internships with local employers, helping them develop the skills and professional connections needed for success in their careers. Johnson College also recognized several industry partners for their commitment to workforce development and student success. Participating companies that hosted interns included Derman Associates, designBLD, Mericle Construction, Procter & Gamble, Strong Enterprises, and Tom Hesser Nissan. The event celebrated the strong partnerships between Johnson College and regional employers that continue to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals for in-demand careers throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
EMPOWER 2026 Draws More Than 900 Attendees as Jodi Kantor Headlines Transformational Day of Leadership More than 900 professionals from across northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond gathered Thursday, April 30, at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions for EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, presented by Geisinger; a premier annual event designed to inspire, connect, and elevate leaders at every stage of their journey. Headlined by nationally recognized journalist and author Jodi Kantor, the conference delivered a powerful and forward-thinking program centered on leadership, growth, and action. Kantor, best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporting at The New York Times, brought a compelling message to the EMPOWER stage, drawing from her latest book, How to Start. Her keynote challenged attendees to rethink how meaningful change begins, encouraging individuals to take initiative, embrace uncertainty, and lead with purpose in their professional and personal lives. The day began with an energizing breakfast keynote from Dr. Katie P. Desiderio, an organizational learning and leadership scholar, executive coach, and national bestselling author, who set the tone for the experience with a message focused on resilience, mindset, and intentional leadership. Her remarks encouraged attendees to reflect on their personal and professional paths, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the power of leading with clarity and confidence in times of change. Throughout the day, EMPOWER offered a dynamic and immersive experience featuring more than 45 regional speakers across breakout sessions, panel discussions, and moderated conversations. Attendees engaged with nearly 40 small businesses in the vendor marketplace and participated in wellness-focused programming, sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, led by nine presenters, creating opportunities for both personal and professional development. EMPOWER featured several immersive experiences designed to inspire and engage attendees throughout the day. The Dream Tree, sponsored by Luzerne County Community College, invited participants to write down and display their aspirations, serving as a powerful reminder that their goals are within reach. New for 2026, Johnson College sponsored the Leadership Lounge, a space where attendees could recharge both personally and professionally while enjoying fresh popcorn and convenient device charging. Fidelity Bank also sponsored a dynamic Content Studio, giving attendees the opportunity to step in, strike a pose, and showcase the power of you. The next generation of leaders was also a central focus, with more than 80 high school students taking part in the EMPOWER TEEN Program, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank. The experience provided students with early exposure to leadership development, mentorship, and career exploration. Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the impact of the event on the region’s workforce and leadership pipeline. “I am pleased that the Empower Program continues to resonate with business professionals and students across northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond. I think this speaks to the quality and value of the programming that addresses the interests of participants at all levels of professional development. I also want to acknowledge and thank our many sponsors and partners who make this program a success, year after year,” Durkin said. EMPOWER continues to grow as a cornerstone leadership event for the region, bringing together individuals from diverse industries and backgrounds to share ideas, build connections, and drive momentum forward. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce will host the next EMPOWER conference on April 22, 2027. Check out the 2026 EMPOWER Conference photos at this link.
Johnson College Awarded Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant to Support RISE Students Johnson College has been awarded a $199,675 Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support students enrolled in manufacturing programs through the College’s Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE) initiative. The grant program’s mission is to work collaboratively with local manufacturers to identify and teach essential skills missing from entry-level applicants for existing or near-future open positions, engage youth or those with barriers in awareness-building activities related to career opportunities in manufacturing, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers. The funding will provide tuition assistance and critical wraparound support services for up to 15 RISE students pursuing manufacturing-focused education at Johnson College. Supported programs include Mechatronics Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, Welding Technology, and Welding Fabrication and Manufacturing Technology. RISE, launched in 2021, is a workforce development program designed to help individuals gain technical training while receiving additional supports that remove barriers to education. The program primarily serves low-income students seeking sustainable career pathways and upward economic mobility. By addressing challenges such as transportation, childcare, and access to essential resources, RISE empowers students to focus on their education and long-term success. Grant-supported students will engage directly with regional manufacturing employers through industry-focused activities, including Lunch and Learn events held on the Johnson College campuses in Scranton and Hazle Township. These experiences build on the College’s strong industry partnerships, many led by alumni, and ensure that students explore career pathways, strengthen professional and soft skills, and receive an education aligned with current workforce needs. Community partners play an essential role in supporting RISE students throughout their educational journey. United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) provides coaching, ESL services, and assistance with barrier removal, while PA CareerLink supports workforce training through WIOA funding. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) helps coordinate manufacturer visits and industry presentations. Manufacturing partners committed to the project include McGregor Industries, Power Rail, and Pride Mobility. Since its inception, RISE has supported 75 students across four cohorts, helping participants overcome obstacles and gain the skills needed for family-sustaining careers. With support from the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant, Johnson College will continue to expand access to education while strengthening the regional manufacturing workforce and economic vitality of Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information about RISE, visit neparise.org. This program is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Manufacturing Training to Career Grant program.
Johnson College Awarded Grant to Support RISE Students Johnson College has been awarded a $199,675 Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support students enrolled in manufacturing programs through the College’s Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE) initiative. The grant program’s mission is to work collaboratively with local manufacturers to identify and teach essential skills missing from entry-level applicants for existing or near-future open positions, engage youth or those with barriers in awareness-building activities related to career opportunities in manufacturing, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers. The funding will provide tuition assistance and critical wraparound support services for up to 15 RISE students pursuing manufacturing-focused education at Johnson College. Supported programs include Mechatronics Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, Welding Technology, and Welding Fabrication and Manufacturing Technology. RISE, launched in 2021, is a workforce development program designed to help individuals gain technical training while receiving additional supports that remove barriers to education. The program primarily serves low-income students seeking sustainable career pathways and upward economic mobility. By addressing challenges such as transportation, childcare, and access to essential resources, RISE empowers students to focus on their education and long-term success. Grant-supported students will engage directly with regional manufacturing employers through industry-focused activities, including Lunch and Learn events held on the Johnson College campuses in Scranton and Hazle Township. These experiences build on the College’s strong industry partnerships, many led by alumni, and ensure that students explore career pathways, strengthen professional and soft skills, and receive an education aligned with current workforce needs. Community partners play an essential role in supporting RISE students throughout their educational journey. United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) provides coaching, ESL services, and assistance with barrier removal, while PA CareerLink supports workforce training through WIOA funding. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) helps coordinate manufacturer visits and industry presentations. Manufacturing partners committed to the project include McGregor Industries, Power Rail, and Pride Mobility. Since its inception, RISE has supported 75 students across four cohorts, helping participants overcome obstacles and gain the skills needed for family-sustaining careers. With support from the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant, Johnson College will continue to expand access to education while strengthening the regional manufacturing workforce and economic vitality of Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information about RISE, visit neparise.org. This program is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Manufacturing Training to Career Grant program.
