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.
Johnson College offering free OSHA training at its Scranton campus Johnson College is now a Host Training Organization with the Mid-Atlantic OSHA Training Institute Education Center (MAOTIEC). This new partnership will allow Johnson College and the Education Center to work together to provide certified OSHA training to employers and employees throughout the region. To celebrate this new partnership, Johnson College is offering the OSHA 7515 – Job Hazard Analysis course free of charge on Saturday, October 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at its Scranton campus. The course covers OSHA guidelines for developing a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). Topics include the purpose and requirements of a JHA, the relationship between worker tasks and tools in the work environment, identifying job hazards before they occur and techniques for completing a Job Hazard Analysis. Students will also participate in activities focused on using a Job Hazard Analysis. No prerequisites are required for the course. Student materials, lunch and refreshments are included for in-person classes. Space is limited for this course, and those interested in it can click here to register.
Registration open for Johnson College’s Women at the Workbench workshops Johnson College is now accepting registrations for its Women at the Workbench: Electrical and Carpentry Workshops, hands-on, one-day experiences designed for individuals looking to build confidence and develop practical skills in a welcoming and supportive environment. The Electrical Workshop will take place Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while the Carpentry Workshop will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both workshops will be held at the college’s Scranton campus. The cost is $65. Registration is available at johnson.edu/workshops. For more information, contact the college’s WAVE team at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979. Electrical Workshop:Participants will learn the basics of electrical work in a supportive, hands-on environment. Under the guidance of a skilled female electrician, they will explore essential skills such as working with outlets and switches. The workshop is designed for beginners and anyone looking to build confidence with tools and gain practical electrical skills. Carpentry Workshop:Participants will learn essential carpentry skills, including how to measure, cut and assemble materials while completing their own individual projects. The workshop is ideal for beginners and anyone looking to build confidence with tools while developing practical, hands-on carpentry skills. These workshops, offered through Johnson College WAVE’s (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) department, offer more than just technical instruction. They provide an opportunity to step up to the workbench, gain practical, hands-on experience and walk away with something you built yourself, along with the confidence and skills to keep building. The workshop is open to participants 18 years and older. All are welcome.
Johnson College to Host Free “Test Strategies That Change the Game” Workshop on September 10 Unlock the secrets to peak test performance. Many high-achieving students find that mastering effective test strategies and strong time management is the key to translating their knowledge into higher scores. Johnson College’s WAVE Department is hosting a free “Test Strategies That Change the Game” workshop on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Ideal Saldi Hall on its Scranton campus. To register, visit johnson.edu/workshops. The free workshop introduces a focused, proven study system designed to maximize preparation time and significantly boost information retention. Participants will leave with practical tools to approach any exam with confidence and precision. Attendees will explore the underlying structure and design principles of written exams; learn a reliable, step-by-step method for studying, organizing, and retaining crucial information; and master proven techniques to eliminate incorrect answers and improve test-taking accuracy. The workshop is open to individuals ages 15 and older and is free to attend. PA EMS continuing education is included (3.5 hours, other). Space is limited to 65 participants per workshop. For more information, email wave@johnson.edu or call 570-702-8979. WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) is Johnson College’s hub for continuing education and workforce development. WAVE empowers learners with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to an ever-changing workforce and achieve long-term career success.
Johnson College to take part in Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition Johnson College was invited to participate in the Lowe’s Foundation Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition, the largest cross-sector skilled trades coalition in U.S. history. The coalition brings together more than 75 organizations from across the country to help train and develop 1 million people for skilled trades careers by 2035. The coalition comes as the United States faces a significant skilled trades workforce shortage, with an estimated 2.1 million skilled trades jobs potentially going unfilled by 2030, according to the U.S. Department of Education. For Johnson College, the initiative builds on more than a century of preparing students for careers in the skilled trades and its continued commitment to meeting workforce needs through career and technical education. “Preparing skilled technicians and technologists for meaningful careers has always been at the heart of what we do,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “Being invited to join this coalition allows us to work alongside organizations across the country to create more opportunities for people to discover, prepare for and succeed in the skilled trades.” The coalition brings together educators, businesses, workforce organizations, corporate leaders, industry vendors and other stakeholders, including NVIDIA, AT&T, Bank of America, Carrier, General Motors, DEWALT and Duke Energy. The Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition will focus on three key areas: Changing perceptions of careers in the skilled trades; Investing in, connecting and scaling proven training and credentialing solutions; and Collectively measuring progress from training to employment. The coalition builds on the Lowe’s Foundation’s Gable Grants program, which launched in 2023 and has grown into a national network of 73 community colleges and nonprofits across 30 states. Johnson College was one of just 12 institutions of higher education nationwide selected to receive a Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant in 2025, receiving $450,000 to support skilled trades education. The success of the Gable Grants program helped lead the foundation to expand its national mission to train and develop 250,000 tradespeople by 2035 through a $250 million investment. Coalition members will work across industries, including construction, automotive manufacturing, telecommunications, energy, HVAC, technology and financial services, to strengthen the skilled trades talent pipeline from recruitment through career advancement.
Johnson College receives final contribution from Peoples Security Bank & Trust for innovation campaign Johnson College received a final $30,000 contribution from Peoples Security Bank & Trust, completing the bank’s $150,000 commitment to the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign. Through its support of the campaign, Peoples Security Bank & Trust helped Johnson College make significant investments in its campus and educational programs, providing students with modern learning spaces, technology and equipment. The Innovation at Work Capital Campaign was a $5 million initiative focused on supporting continued growth and student success at Johnson College. The campaign supported the construction of Ideal Saldi Hall, expansion of the building trades labs, which became Bracey Hall, and the College’s Annual Fund and student scholarships. These investments have strengthened Johnson College’s ability to provide students with the education, technology and resources needed to prepare for successful careers. To learn more about the Innovation at Work Capital Campaign and the impact of the campaign’s investments, click here.
Johnson College receives scholarship award Johnson College received a $1,500 scholarship to support its automotive technology students with demonstrated financial need. This is the 16th year that this particular scholarship has been awarded to Johnson College students. Scholarship funds are raised through donations, volunteer work, sponsorships and annual Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club calendar sales. Johnson College’s two-year associate degree program in Automotive Technology prepares students for entry-level positions in the automotive career fields of automotive service centers, engine repair/machine shops, automotive equipment distributors, independent service garages, automotive parts manufacturers, sales representation and auto insurance companies. Graduates may work with brake systems, transmissions, alignments and repairs; be representatives in claims, sales and service; or become truck/fleet maintenance technicians.
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.
