Latest news with #JohnsonCollege
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Johnson College hosts Community Resource Fair
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Over a dozen organizations and businesses are coming together at one college in Lackawanna County with a goal to strengthen the local community. It's a rainy Tuesday morning at Johnson College in Scranton. The campus looks to be empty, as the spring semester has come to an end, but inside, they're getting ready to welcome the public to its first-ever Community Resource Fair. 'It can tell people in this community that while they might think that they're facing a barrier to get into college, we have these organizations here to help them and help them overcome any obstacle they might have,' said Sam Lehman, community engagement coordinator at Johnson College. Those obstacles might include transportation, housing, and childcare. That's why several groups, like Samantha Kovaleski with United Neighborhood Centers, are here to provide extra support. 'It's really great to be partnering with a college, especially you know something that is so hands-on, and it gets the students in and back into the workforce faster than you know going to a typical four-year college,' explained Kovalkeski. Amazon announces $20B data center investment in Pa. Angela Seibert, with Outreach Center for Community Resources, says her organization has a demand for people wanting to go back to school. 'We've definitely seen a huge uptick in the last five years we've grown immensely. In the last program year, I think we served about 110 people in our GED program, so that's a large number,' explained Seibert. Nearly 50% of the two-year technical students at Johnson need more support to complete their college education. Assisting not just students out of college, but also non-traditional students such as single parents or those working full-time, enrollment at Johnson College has gone up. 'With that, we've seen community needs and student needs increase as well, so we wanted to not only help our Johnson students, but also the students in general within our area,' said Tim Frank, associate director of community engagement at Johnson College. Happening on Tuesday, the Community Resource Fair runs from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at its Scranton campus. And if you're unable to attend tonight's Community Resource Fair, Johnson College has another one scheduled for August 12th. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Johnson College's diesel programs might move to off-campus site in Scranton
SCRANTON — Johnson College's diesel programs might relocate to a site on North Keyser Avenue in Scranton, the college president said. Marelli Realty LLC seeks a variance from the city Zoning Board to construct a 100-foot-by-70-foot building at 1646 N. Keyser Ave. for use by Johnson College's diesel program. The board will hear the application Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Scranton City Hall, according a public notice of the board's agenda published in The Times-Tribune on May 2 and Wednesday. College President and CEO Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., said the plan calls for Marelli Reality to construct the building on a vacant lot on North Keyser Avenue and lease the structure to Johnson College. 1646 N Keyser Ave. in Scranton on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) The college currently teaches a two-year Diesel Truck Technology Associate Degree program and one-year Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technician certificate program at the main campus at 3427 N. Main Ave. in Scranton, Pittelli said in an email. If a new building on North Keyser Avenue gets zoning approval, the college would move the diesel programs from the main campus to the North Keyser Avenue site, freeing up space for other programs at the main campus, she said. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3% growth in the diesel industry until 2033 with demand widespread and needed in construction, large transportation fleets and agriculture, Pittelli said. 'This field is growing due to the overall increased demand for commercial transportation and due to the ever-changing, complex technology,' Pittelli said. 'As technology continues to evolve, the industry will need the highly skilled technicians who are well-versed in maintaining and repairing these complex pieces of machinery.' The college's Diesel Truck Technology program prepares students as entry-level technicians with the latest information on diagnosis, repair procedures, preventive maintenance and necessary safety applications in diesel technology, according to the college website. The program graduates more than 20 students each year who have an immediate impact on the diesel truck industry, especially in Northeast Pennsylvania. The current diesel technology building at Johnson College in Scranton on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)The current diesel technology building at Johnson College in Scranton on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) The college currently has diesel program labs at Five Star Equipment in Dunmore and Simplex Industries in Scranton, as well as Commercial Driver License (CDL) classes at Road Runner CDL Academy in Taylor and at Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center in Hazle Twp. The college's Aviation Technology program runs at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. A diesel site on North Keyser Avenue would be a location for that program, and not a full campus, like the main campus on North Main Avenue in Scranton or its Hazleton campus, she said. * The current diesel technology building at Johnson College in Scranton on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * The current diesel technology building at Johnson College in Scranton on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * The current diesel technology building at Johnson College in Scranton on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * 1646 N Keyser Ave. in Scranton on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Show Caption 1 of 4 The current diesel technology building at Johnson College in Scranton on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Expand
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
INNOVATION: Regional economy remains strong, according to The Institute
Apr. 27—WILKES-BARRE — Teri Ooms, chief executive officer at The Institute, said as a community, we need to recognize and celebrate our region's numerous advantages. "As we prepare for our upcoming Indicators Forum and review the data, we observe that our regional economy remains strong, with many indicators showing improvement," Ooms said. "Although 2025 may present some challenges, there is reason for optimism about the region's future." Ooms said many may not realize that Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) boasts a robust manufacturing base and a thriving export market. "This strength spans multiple sectors, which helps shield us from significant downturns in any industry," Ooms said. "However, we still face challenges." Ooms said many residents are living in poverty and struggling to meet their basic needs. "Like many regions nationwide, we are experiencing a workforce shortage, with more job openings than available workers," Ooms said. "Employers can no longer approach recruitment and hiring as they did in the past." From year-round entertainment, sports and recreational opportunities to proximity to major cities, NEPA has much to offer, Ooms said. "We must promote NEPA as a great place to live and share this message, rather than focusing on its drawbacks," Ooms said. "I hope this is the year we achieve that." Ooms said The Institute is approaching its 21st anniversary and will present the 20th set of indicators. "We will continue our commitment to community-based initiatives,: Ooms said. "We will also enhance our public policy education, sharing more data with our state and federal representatives, while striving to educate the community about the importance of voting in local elections. "Additionally, we hope to broaden our community-based research efforts into other counties in NEPA. Our team is strong, and we are implementing a transition plan to promote Jill Avery-Stoss to President and CEO in 2026." About The Institute A collaboration among Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Johnson College, Keystone College, King's College, Lackawanna College, Luzerne County Community College, Marywood University, Misericordia University, Penn State Hazleton, Penn State Scranton, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, The Wright Center, University of Scranton, Wilkes University and the business community. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Johnson College opens addition to building housing HVAC, electrical construction programs
SCRANTON — A new space at Johnson College will give students room for hands-on experience on electrical, heating and air-conditioning equipment that will prepare them for careers outside the classroom. Officials at the college in North Scranton formally opened the 6,100-square-foot addition to the former heating, ventilation and air-conditioning laboratory, now named Bracey Hall, Wednesday morning. The addition doubles the existing building that houses the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program to include laboratory and classroom space for students to learn the ins and outs of HVAC equipment. Electricity and building classes will also be taught in the space. Some of the equipment, including electrical circuits, air-conditioning units and refrigerators of varying sizes, was displayed during Wednesday's unveiling. In her remarks, college President and CEO Katie Pittelli said the newly expanded Bracey Hall will help the college prepare students for the changing workplace. 'The world of technology evolves at an incredibly rapid pace. As the region's only two-year technical college, we have a responsibility to ensure that our facilities, equipment and programs evolve alongside it,' she said. 'This building, Bracey Hall, will help us do just that.' It also gives the college the chance to serve the increasing demand for skilled technicians and technologists, Pittelli said. The number of jobs for heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 9% between 2023 and 2033, with about 42,500 openings anticipated each year, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. College officials announced the expansion in late 2023, with construction beginning last year. The addition was financed by the college's 'Innovation at Work' capital campaign, which has raised more than $7 million toward construction — including the 19,000-square-foot Ideal Saldi Hall, which opened last spring — scholarships and a campus feasibility study. A large portion of the campaign was funded by the Bracey family, who own Bracey Inc. in Covington Twp., which operates ShopRites in Moosic, Daleville and Mount Pocono. The college also received a $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant and a $280,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant for the expansion. * Students gather during the Bracey Hall Debut at Johnson College Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * An HVAC classroom in Bracey Hall at Johnson College Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Johnson College alumnus and HVAC Program Director Walter Wood speaks during the Bracey Hall Debut at Johnson College Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * A storage closet in Bracey Hall holds materials for students at Johnson College in Scranton Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * President and CEO of Johnson College Katie Pittelli speaks during the Bracey Hall Debut at Johnson College Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Director of Operations for Bracey Incorporated Laura Bracey speaks during the Bracey Hall Debut at Johnson College Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Show Caption 1 of 6 Students gather during the Bracey Hall Debut at Johnson College Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Expand Laura Bracey, the company's director of operations, wants students to gain additional skills besides the hands-on ones. 'Beyond the technical skills, we also hope students learn the value of perseverance, integrity and service to others,' she said. Walter Wood, the college's building trades division chair and HVAC program director, said the expanded Bracey Hall will prepare students for various industries locally and around the world. 'As we continue to see remarkable growth in our HVAC and electrical construction technology programs, this new space will allow us to further support the development of skilled technicians ready to meet the ever-growing demand in the field,' he said. Wood, who was part of the first graduating class of HVAC students in 2011, added the space creates an environment that will foster innovation, teamwork and excellence. He said before Wednesday's unveiling the expansion allows the HVAC program to bring in additional equipment that enhances students' training. It will also accommodate more students in the growing program, which Wood said has quadrupled since he began working at the college in 2018. There are 82 students enrolled this year in the program. Skyler LeClere, who is studying HVAC and carpentry, likes the additional space he and his classmates get with the expansion. Prior to the construction, the Beach Lake resident said he and his classmates were learning in small areas. 'It's awesome because now there's room in there to be able to do work,' he said.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Johnson College hosts open house for aspiring students
SCRANTON — Johnson College of Technology senior Ryan Boyanowski remembers attending an open house event at the school when he was in high school. Boyanowski was considering enrolling in the school's Electrical Construction Technology program, but was anxious because he did not have any experience in the field and would be starting from scratch. Boyanowski got his answer to those questions and others at the open house and will soon be graduating from the program. On Saturday, he volunteered at the college's open house to help other aspiring students get their answers to questions they might have. Lucas Fein, also a senior in the Electrical Construction Technology program, said he looked around at those attending the open house event and thought, 'That's me again.' When asked why he chose Electrical Construction Technology, Fein credits his mother. 'She knew I could solve puzzles,' he said. 'She thought it would be a good fit.' * Johnson College staff fields questions from community parents at an Open House event held Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Bill Burke, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs, greets those attending an open house at Johnson College Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Johnson College seniors Lucas Fein and Ryan Boyanowski talk electricity at Saturday's open house. The two are majoring in Electrical Construction Technology (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Johnson College Senior Lucas Fein shares information on programming with high school senior Lucas Hall and his father, Robert. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 4 Johnson College staff fields questions from community parents at an Open House event held Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) Expand Overcoming obstacles Bill Burke, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs, said part of the college's secret to success is meeting the needs of each student. More than half of about 700 students are first generation who benefit from inspiration and information provided by college staff. 'We know each and every student,' he said. College President Katie Pittelli said the college is all about hands-on learning and preparation for future employment. 'It's not just a classroom,' she said. 'Students are fully engaged.' Open house events, held three times a year, provide a chance for potential students to ask questions and determine if Johnson College is right for them. Kyla Pedley, Associate Director of Special Programs, said the college works to meet the needs of students so they can succeed academically. For example, the college has been designated a Hunger-Free Campus through a grant with the Pennsylvania Department of Education to address students' food security needs. Those with concerns about food security can go to the college's Community Hub to discuss options available to them. The college also hosts a community meal about once a month. Pedley said the college's special programs, including the Parent Pathway Program and the RISE program, connects students with resources. Doug Cook, Senior Director of College Advancement, said the college seeks to help students' find their niche, to equip them for their future careers.
