Johnson College Holds Competition Johnson College hosted its fifth annual district SkillsUSA Competition. Over 100 high school students throughout the region competed in technical and occupational skills areas. SkillsUSA is a national organization serving teachers and high school and college students preparing for careers in technical, skilled, and service occupations, including health occupations and further education.
Johnson College Receives Grant Supporting New STEM Program Johnson College has received a $65,000 PPL Foundation Major Grant. These funds will support a new STEM Learning Labs after-school program for economically-disadvantaged students from diverse backgrounds. Throughout the program, students will use hands-on learning and activities to discover and explore potential careers in STEM fields. In a supportive environment that will encourage creativity and lifelong learning, students will work with technology such as Lego Mindstorms, Kinex, robotic arms, 3-D printing, electric circuits, and Ozobot robotic computer programming. The program is designed for seventh and eighth-grade students from Lackawanna County school districts including Nativity Miguel, Old Forge, Riverside, and Scranton. During this five-week program, students will meet after school three times per week for four weeks at their home school. During the fifth week, students will attend programming at Johnson College for additional hands-on experience with more advanced equipment. The PPL Foundation’s Major Grant program makes annual awards through a competitive application and review process. This year, the PPL Foundation received more than 100 applications during this highly competitive grant cycle. Johnson College was one of 17 organizations to be selected for an award. “We are continuously inspired by the caring, commitment and creativity of the many nonprofit organizations such as Johnson College who make a lasting difference in our communities, and this year’s grant recipients are no exception. We’re proud to support their efforts,” said Ryan Hill, PPL Foundation president. For more information about the program, contact Tim Frank, Johnson College Associate Director of Community Engagement, at tfrank@johnson.edu or at (570) 702-8963.
Johnson College Earns Designation by Pennsylvania Department of Education The Pennsylvania Department of Education has designated Johnson College as a “Hunger-Free Campus.” This pilot program, spearheaded by Pennsylvania First Lady, Frances Wolf, aims to build a coalition of colleges and universities focused on addressing hunger and other basic needs for their students. Johnson College received the designation in October before becoming eligible to apply for grant funding through the Department of Education to support student initiatives to address food security. “We know that food and other basic need insecurities act as barriers that hamper our students’ abilities to focus on their education,” Amy Driscoll McNulty said. Amy is currently the Associate Director of Student Success at Johnson College and will lead the campus-wide initiative. “With this designation and related efforts moving forward, our goal is to lessen or remove those barriers, increase awareness of resources, and provide healthy food options so that students spend less time worrying about their next meal and more time pursuing their educational goals.” According to national studies, over one-third of students know someone who dropped out of college due to food insecurity during the pandemic, and roughly 52 percent of students who faced food or housing insecurity in 2020 did not apply for support because they did not know how. Colleges and universities across the country are taking steps to address these issues. Students who may need assistance at Johnson College may stop into the Office of Counseling and Disability Services in the Moffat Student Center on campus to access the student food pantry and to discuss other options and resources such as local food banks and the State’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). For more information about this initiative, visit www.education.pa.gov/Postsecondary-Adult/PAHungerFreeCampus.
Johnson College Announces Fall President’s List Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2022 Fall Semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher. Jacob Banta, Automotive Technology, Trucksville, PA Dominic Bulzoni, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Scranton, PA Rachel Butler, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Lake Ariel, PA Richard Christianson, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Susquehanna, PA Briana Curtis, Electronic Engineering Technology, Blakely, PA Colton Esslinger, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Susquehanna, PA Brandon Grandinetti, Computer Information Technology, Olyphant, PA Hope Hoanzl, Electronic Engineering Technology, Forest City, PA Jared Hodorawis, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Honesdale, PA Anthony Kutchmanich, Physical Therapist Assistant, Greenfield Twp., PA Andrea Marques, Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Technology, Sybertsville, PA Dustin McAllister, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Scranton, PA Chase Notz, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA Devin Nowicky, Radiologic Technology, Drums, PA Ryan Phillips, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Dallas, PA Carley Riefler, Physical Therapist Assistant, Honesdale, PA Julie Ristics, Computer Information Technology, Dunmore, PA Thayer Rogers, Veterinary Nursing, Hershey, PA Devin Walsh, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Olyphant, PA Karl Weninger, Diesel Truck Technology, Kingston, PA Kevin Williams, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Eynon, PA Kyle Williams, Electronic Engineering Technology, Greentown, PA
Johnson College Receives $2,000 Contribution for the 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 2023-2024 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.
Johnson College’s 3D Printing Competition Registration is Now Open Johnson College will host its third 3D Printing Competition for local high school students on Friday, March 24, 2023. The competition is an opportunity for students to showcase their abilities and creativity using science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) techniques. This year’s competition requires high school students to compete individually to design and make a gravity hook. The hook will try and pick up 10 objects that are various weights and sizes. All pieces must be 3D printed, with no adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or non-3D printed parts. Each competitor must submit a complete technical drawing of all parts and assembly. All students and groups must be registered by a school staff member who will also serve as an advisor while their students are on the Johnson College campus on the day of the event. For more information and to register, please e-mail Tim Frank at Tfrank@johnson.edu. Upon registration, a document will be emailed detailing additional information. Registration ends February 13, 2023. Prizes are to be announced.
Johnson College to Host Transfer Day Johnson College is holding a Transfer Day on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Moffat Student Center on its campus in Scranton, PA. The College is encouraging current college students that are interested in changing the direction of their education and ultimately their career path to visit its campus. Students will meet with Enrollment, Financial Aid, Career Services, and Counseling and Disability Services representatives. In addition, staff members from the Registrar’s Office will be on-hand for transfer credit analyses and review potential schedules for the upcoming semester. Students will learn why Johnson College is the leader in hands-on education, how it exposes students to industry from day one, and how its two-year degree programs, focusing on careers in in-demand industries, have the highest return on investment in the short term. To attend Transfer Day at Johnson College, students must register online at https://johnson.edu/transfer/ or contact the College’s enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu or (570) 702-8856.
Johnson College Receives Contribution From Peoples Security Bank & Trust Johnson College recently received a $12,000 contribution from Peoples Security Bank & Trust to support the College’s Industry Fast Track/Dual Enrollment Program. Peoples Security Bank & Trust’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 at Johnson College.
Johnson College Enrolling Students in CNC Machining Training In conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston, Johnson College continues to bring CNC Machining training to Luzerne County. Starting March 20, 2023, students will train to utilize, maintain and program Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines inside Don’s Machine Shop’s classroom and lab at 100 Elm Street, West Pittston. Open enrollment for this 510-Hour CNC class is going on now. Space is limited. To learn more or enroll, visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact the Johnson College Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu. CNC machinists manufacture precision products and components used in various applications such as automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, transportation, military, and more. Industries throughout northeastern Pennsylvania are currently in need of well-trained CNC machinists. This 510-hour class for beginner-level students includes theory and hands-on learning experiences. The hands-on training, delivered at Don’s Machine Shop, is on some of the most state-of-the-art equipment in the region. This unique, one-of-a-kind training will help open new career opportunities right away. This relationship truly demonstrates how industry is a Johnson College student’s campus. The cost of the class is $7,500. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast on Wednesday, November 9, at Fiorelli Catering in Peckville. The event was held to recognize the scholarship recipients and thank and honor the generous donors who make scholarships available to students. The College awarded 42 students with scholarships during the event. Devin Walsh, a student in Johnson College’s Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning program, and recipient of one of the College’s Presidential Scholarships served as student speaker. “To me, the Presidential Scholarship is more than just money,” Walsh said. “It means that my accomplishments are valuable enough for Johnson to put such an enormous amount of faith in that I will follow through with my education and become a great example of what Johnson College provides to the community.” Walsh says that the scholarship has lifted the burdens that accompany the cost of pursuing a degree in higher education. “Most college students need to make major sacrifices, work numerous jobs, and take out huge loans that will cause stress, leading to the inability to focus on coursework,” Walsh told attendees. “The financial assistance of the Presidential Scholarship is a life changer for my family and me.” The event also featured keynote speaker, David Hawk, who, with his wife Ann, are founders of the Hawk Family Foundation created to help the underprivileged, support education, and encourage community initiatives to help families thrive. The Hawk Family Foundation contributed to the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign specifically for student scholarships and campus developments. The breakfast concluded with the presentation of the scholarship awards by Katie Leonard, 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, Dylan DeGroat; Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Gavin Noll; Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Brianna Covington; Bartolai Family Scholarship, Peter Winowich; Christopher Pambianco ‘65 Book & Tool Scholarship, Kenneth Stucker; C.M.C. Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Jessica McKee; Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship, Donovon Brown; Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship, Nicholas Lathrop; Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Scholarship, Alexander Carpenetti, Luke Galli, Jordan Navarro, and Madison Trotto; Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship, James Lamberti; Hawk Family Foundation Scholarship, Julianne Feigenbutz and Christian Overholtz; Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Ryan Phillips; Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Alexander Canjar; Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Cassidy Weber; John K. and Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Andrea Marques; John T. Gerod Scholarship, Richard Reed; Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Jessica McKee, Emily Ohme, and Devin Walsh; The Margaret Briggs Foundation Scholarship, Matthew Spiccioli; Moffat Merit Award, Richard Bowen; Moses Taylor Foundation Scholarship, Sierra Matash and Gina Simeone; MotorWorld Lexus Scholarship, Jeremy Russo and Casey Williams; Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Emma Faithfull and Madison Kier; Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Alyssa Crawford and Tiahna Jackson; Ruth Stitt Morgan Memorial Scholarship, Kodee Bates; Scranton UNICO Scholarship, Christopher Henderson; Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship, Mackenzie Snyder; Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Jallen Wilks; Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Kyle Williams; Technology Merit Award, Michael Altieri and Anna-Marie Lake; The John R. O’Hara Scholarship, Brandon Grandinetti; The P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, Jonathon Hunsberger; Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Zachary Menichello; and Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Scholarship, Jeremy Russo.
