Johnson College Receives $5,000 Grant from PPL Foundation Johnson College has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the PPL Foundation to support an English as a Second Language (ESL) to Credential pilot program. The program was created through a collaboration among Johnson College, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC), Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC), and CareerLink of Northeastern Pennsylvania. As part of the pilot program, eight participants will work with UNC to learn English and receive case management services, EOC to obtain their GED, Johnson College to complete career technical training, and finally CareerLink of Northeastern Pennsylvania for employment services. The funding from the PPL Foundation will be used to support participants in the career technical training portion of this program to obtain supplies and support needed to help them succeed. They will enroll in one of three short-term training opportunities at Johnson College to earn recognized industry credentials including CNC Operator Training, Basic Maintenance, and Medical Assistant. “Johnson College’s Industry and Community Engagement department continues to look for ways to engage and create pathways for vulnerable populations to complete training as we know it can lead to high-demand occupations and ultimately life-sustaining wages,” said Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs at Johnson College and director of the pilot program. The pilot program closely aligns with the PPL Foundation’s focus on sustainable communities and improving lives through collaboration with community partners. Through this educational collaboration, Johnson College hopes to address workforce shortages throughout the region, build strong communities, strengthen our regional economy, and set participants on a pathway to fulfilling careers with family-supporting wages.
Johnson College Receives Grant from PPL Foundation For Stem Outreach Program Johnson College is pleased to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support a STEM outreach program to teach 75 high school students about renewable energy and build their own solar cell phone chargers. The goal of the workshop is to introduce participants to solar power concepts with an object that is suitable for everyday use. Participants will build a solar-powered cell phone charger and learn about solar cells, lithium-ion batteries, and various electronic modules that construct a cell phone charger. The workshop gives the participant an understanding of all the components required to produce a portable solar-powered cell phone charger. The program also introduces the students to occupations in Electrical Engineering and Electrical Construction. “The PPL Foundation grant gives local high school students the opportunity to experience the real-world, hands-on learning Johnson College is known to provide its students,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, Johnson College President & CEO. “Our STEM Outreach Program provides local students an introduction to in-demand careers within essential industries throughout our region and beyond.” The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process.
PPL Brighter Future Scholarships Do you know a student pursuing a career in engineering or information technology? How about someone studying a skilled trade? We have scholarships available for minority and female students pursuing careers in these areas. Please spread the word about the following PPL Foundation scholarships and encourage students to apply. Power Scholars Scholarship 15 scholarships are available for minority and female students across our territory pursuing a degree in engineering and information technology Each scholarship is $5,000 and available to students entering any year of full-time, post-secondary education at a college or university. Powerful Tech and Trade Scholarship 10 scholarships are available for minority and female students entering any year of full-time, post-secondary career training at a community college or technical school within our territory Each scholarship is $2,500. Interested students can learn more and apply online by March 1, 2022.
