Johnson College to Host Fall Open House Johnson College will hold its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 7, 2026, 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 to Offer Evening Welding Technology Certificate Program at Both Campuses Beginning Spring 2027 Johnson College is expanding opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in welding by offering its one-year Welding Technology Academic Certificate program during evening hours at both its Scranton and Hazleton campuses beginning in spring 2027. The new evening option is designed to provide greater flexibility for working adults and others who may find it difficult to attend classes during the day, allowing them to pursue an education while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Students will receive hands-on training in welding processes, including MIG, TIG, and stick welding, while developing the technical skills and safety practices needed to pursue entry-level welding careers in manufacturing, construction, and other industries. The evening program also provides an opportunity for individuals looking to change careers or develop new skills without putting their current employment on hold. Enrollment is now open for the spring 2027 semester. Individuals interested in learning more about the program or Johnson College can visit johnson.edu/inquire, email enroll@johnson.edu, or call 570-702-8856
Johnson College to Host Free Event Exploring Electronic Engineering Technology and Electrical Construction Technology Johnson College will host a free informational event, “A Closer Look: Electronic Engineering Technology or Electrical Construction Technology: Which Is for You?” on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Ideal Saldi Hall at its Scranton campus, 3427 N. Main Ave. The event is designed for prospective students interested in working with electricity, electronics, and technology who want to learn more about the differences between the two programs and the career opportunities each offers. Instructors from both programs will lead live demonstrations, discuss what students learn, and answer questions about the skills needed for careers in these fields. Johnson College’s Electronic Engineering Technology program focuses on electronic systems, circuits, and troubleshooting technologies used across various industries. The Electrical Construction Technology program prepares students to work with electrical wiring, installation, and power systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Prospective students and their families are encouraged to attend, meet instructors, and discover how Johnson College’s hands-on education prepares graduates for careers in these fields. The event is free, but advance registration is required. To register, visit Johnson.edu, email enroll@johnson.edu, or call 570-702-8856
Johnson College to Host Annual Community Trunk-or-Treat Johnson College will host its annual Community Trunk-or-Treat event. This free, family-friendly event provides a safe and festive Halloween celebration for Johnson College students, their families, and community members. The Trunk-or-Treat features decorated vehicles hosted by Johnson College departments, staff, and community partners who hand out candy and small prizes to attendees. In years past, the event has welcomed approximately 800-1,000 attendees, making it a cherished Johnson College Tradition that promotes connection, creativity, and fun for participants of all ages. The event will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 4:30-6:30 pm. It will be located at Johnson College Scranton Campus, outside Bingham Hall (upper campus).
Johnson College faculty members receive Andrew Zwanch Excellence in Teaching Award Johnson College faculty members Rick Fornes and Mathew Cirba have received the Andrew Zwanch Excellence in Teaching Award for their commitment to teaching excellence, inspiring students, and fostering a positive, dynamic hands-on learning environment. Fornes, ’94, division chair, Electronic & Industrial, and program director of Electronic Engineering Technology, received the award in fall 2025. Cirba, ’09, program director and instructor of Computer Information Technology, received the award in fall 2026. As part of the recognition, award recipients serve as grand marshal of the College’s commencement ceremony, leading the processional into the ceremony and the recessional at its conclusion. Fornes served as grand marshal for Johnson College’s 107th Annual Commencement Ceremony in 2026. Cirba will serve as grand marshal for the College’s 108th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 12, 2027. The award honors Andrew Zwanch, a 1982 Johnson College graduate who dedicated 37 years to the College as an employee, beginning in 1988. Zwanch retired in 2025. During his career at Johnson College, Zwanch taught students preparing for careers in manufacturing and machining and played an integral role in shaping the College’s hands-on approach to technical education. He also served as an academic adviser for a period. The Andrew Zwanch Excellence in Teaching Award is presented annually to a member of the Johnson College faculty who demonstrates a commitment to excellence in teaching, inspires students, and fosters a positive, dynamic learning environment.
Johnson College Honors Industry Leaders at 2026 Celebration of Industry Johnson College celebrated three industry leaders whose businesses and community involvement have made a lasting impact across northeastern Pennsylvania, particularly in Wayne and Pike counties, during its 2026 Celebration of Industry on Thursday, Sept. 24, at Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale. The College honored the Genzlinger Family, Marshall Machinery Inc., and Rob Grimm with the President’s Spirit of Giving Award. More than 200 business and community leaders attended the event, which supports Johnson College’s academic programs, student resources and facilities. “Tonight is about celebrating the partnerships that make Johnson College, our students and our entire region stronger,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “Our honorees have invested in people, created opportunities, and given back to their communities. Their support makes a real difference for our students and the future of our region.” The Genzlinger Family, represented by Grant, Jeanne, and Justin Genzlinger, was recognized for its leadership in hospitality, historic preservation, and regional economic development through Settlers Hospitality. The family has invested in its employees and community while supporting workforce development through employee training, hiring Johnson College graduates, and helping connect the College with opportunities to provide training and employment resources to individuals at the Wayne County Correctional Facility. Marshall Machinery Inc., led by President Earl Marshall, was honored for its longstanding contributions to agriculture, equipment, and workforce development throughout the region. The company has supported Johnson College and its students through equipment donations, youth agriculture initiatives, internships, career fairs and training opportunities. Marshall Machinery also established a fund through the Wayne County Community Foundation to support agriculture and heavy equipment mechanic training, as well as agriculture-related grants. Rob Grimm, vice president of Grimm Construction Inc., was recognized for his leadership in the construction industry and his longtime commitment to the communities the company serves. Grimm Construction has supported workforce development by hiring Johnson College graduates, participating in Building Trades program advisory committees, and helping prepare students for careers in the industry. The company has served Wayne County and surrounding communities for more than 50 years. Each honoree received the President’s Spirit of Giving Award, a steel sculpture designed and created in 2023 by members of Johnson College’s Welding Technology program. The award represents the connection between students, industry and community. “Partnerships like these help our students discover what they’re capable of, build confidence and prepare for meaningful careers,” Pittelli said. “We’re grateful to the Genzlinger Family, Marshall Machinery and Rob Grimm for believing in our students and investing in the future of our region.”
Johnson College Receives Grant from Fastenal to Support Girls on Fire Events Johnson College received a $5,000 grant from the Fastenal BK5K Youth Fund Committee to support the College’s Girls on Fire events. Girls on Fire is a unique one-day STEM event designed for 6-9th grade students to explore career opportunities in non-traditional STEM fields. The event is an integral part of the College’s Women in Industry Initiative and is held in conjunction with International Women’s Day. The Girls on Fire event includes tours of Johnson College’s campuses, presentations about industry experiences from women working in non-traditional STEM fields, and hands-on activities related to many of the programs offered at the College. Fastenal’s support helps Johnson College continue its mission to inspire young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM and the trades. By connecting students with real-world experiences and industry professionals, the College aims to break down barriers and empower the next generation of women in technical fields. The BK5K, a 5-kilometer road race and walk, is held to honor Bob Kierlin, founder of Fastenal Company and lifelong supporter of youth programs. All proceeds support local youth organizations/programs that demonstrate financial need, where races are held. Learn more at https://www.bk5k.com/.
Johnson College Offers WIOA-Approved Online Career Training Programs Johnson College offers WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)-approved career training designed to help eligible individuals gain skills and industry credentials that can support new career opportunities or advancement in their current field. Through Johnson College’s Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education (WAVE) program, individuals can enroll in career-focused training at any time and complete programs 100% online. Books and materials are included, and certification exam vouchers may be available for select programs. Some courses also include instructor-led support and guidance. Johnson College offers 13 career-focused training courses in areas such as electronic health records, medical billing and coding, professional bookkeeping with QuickBooks, sales representative and more. The programs provide opportunities for learners to develop practical skills and pursue industry-recognized certifications aligned with their professional goals. WIOA-approved training is available to eligible individuals seeking to gain new skills, change careers or strengthen their qualifications for employment. Individuals interested in WIOA-approved training at Johnson College can learn more about available programs, eligibility requirements and how to get started at johnson.edu/wave or by contacting wave@johnson.edu. PA CareerLink® Lackawanna County – a proud partner of the American Job Center network.
Johnson College Sets Eighth Consecutive Enrollment Record as College Continues to Grow As of Aug. 31, the first day of the 2026-27 academic year, 743 students are enrolled across Johnson College’s Scranton and Hazleton campuses, a 7% increase over the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year. This marks the College’s eighth consecutive year of record enrollment. The continued growth comes as Johnson College expands its academic offerings, facilities and access to career-focused education throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. This year’s incoming class includes more than 330 first-year students and more than 100 high school students enrolled in the College’s Industry Fast Track early college program. The continued enrollment growth comes at a time when colleges and universities across the country are facing a shrinking pipeline of traditional college-age students, making Johnson College’s sustained growth particularly notable. “Our continued enrollment growth demonstrates the value students and families place on career-focused education and the opportunities it can provide,” said Bill Burke, vice president of enrollment and student affairs. “Students are looking for programs that prepare them for careers where their skills are in demand, and Johnson College continues to expand those opportunities to meet the needs of both students and employers.” The College’s Hazleton campus experienced a 35% enrollment increase over last year, including its largest incoming classes to date in HVAC and Electrical Construction Technology. The growth comes as Johnson College expands the programs and opportunities available at the Hazleton campus. For the 2026-27 academic year, Johnson College introduced six new academic offerings. Computer Information Technology added three new concentrations: Cybersecurity, Scripting and Application Development, and Network Management. Mechatronics Technology added two new concentrations: Automation and Robotics and Industrial Mechanics. The College also introduced a new Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology with Plumbing option. For the first time, the two new Mechatronics Technology concentrations and the HVAC with Plumbing option are being offered at the Hazleton campus. The new offerings are contributing to significant enrollment growth across several areas. Enrollment in HVAC programs increased 15%, including both the traditional HVAC option and the new HVAC with Plumbing option. Enrollment in Mechatronics Technology more than doubled, combining the new Automation and Robotics and Industrial Mechanics concentrations. Computer Information Technology enrollment increased 50% following the addition of its three new concentrations. “We’re seeing tremendous growth at our Hazleton campus, and that growth reflects the demand for technical education in the communities we serve,” Burke said. “By bringing additional programs to Hazleton, we’re giving more students access to career opportunities close to home while responding to the workforce needs of employers throughout the region.” Building on the new HVAC with Plumbing option, Johnson College will further expand its plumbing education offerings in spring 2027 with the launch of a one-year Plumbing Academic Certificate program at both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses. Johnson College also expanded its physical footprint this year by adding the new Transportation Technology Center on Wyoming Avenue in downtown Scranton. The facility now houses lab space for the College’s Diesel Truck Technology, Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technology and Automotive Technology programs, providing students with expanded space for technical training. Other core programs, including Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Aviation Technology, Welding, Veterinary Nursing and Radiologic Technology, also continued to show strong enrollment. “These enrollment numbers are another indication that students are responding to the opportunities available at Johnson College,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO. “Our growth is allowing us to expand our programs, invest in new facilities and bring more career-focused education to students across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our strong relationships with industry partners are an important part of that growth. By working directly with employers, we can ensure our programs teach the technical skills, knowledge and soft skills students need to succeed in today’s workforce. That connection between education and industry is at the heart of what we do at Johnson College.”
Johnson College Receives Grant for After School STEM Experience Program Johnson College received a $10,000 grant that will support the college’s After School STEM Experience Program, which introduces middle school students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics through engaging, project-based activities. The After School STEM Experience Program will serve 100 seventh- and eighth-grade students from economically disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds in Lackawanna County, including students from NativityMiguel School, Old Forge, Scranton South, Scranton West, Carbondale Area, Susquehanna Community and Lakeland school districts. Held three days a week for four weeks at participating schools, the program allows students to explore robotics, 3D printing, electric circuits, computer programming and computer numerical control (CNC) machining. These experiences strengthen critical-thinking and problem-solving skills while introducing students to engineering and advanced manufacturing concepts. “We’re grateful to the PPL Foundation for investing in the future of our community,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “This grant allows us to introduce students to new ideas, technologies and career possibilities at an important stage in their education. By encouraging curiosity and building practical skills, we’re helping young people see new possibilities for their future while strengthening the pipeline of skilled professionals our region depends on.” The program reflects Johnson College’s commitment to expanding educational access and preparing future generations for technical careers that support regional workforce needs. By partnering with local school districts, the college reaches students who may not otherwise have access to STEM enrichment outside the classroom. School principals and guidance counselors help identify students with an interest in these fields, ensuring the program reaches those who will benefit most. Johnson College also provides institutional support to help make the program possible.
