Johnson College Announces Record-Setting Enrollment for Third Consecutive Year

Johnson College has announced a record-setting enrollment for the 2021-2022 academic year. The College outpaced its enrollment for 2020-2021 by 8 percent.

With a record number of students enrolled for the third year in a row, Johnson College works hard to fill the skills gap in today’s job marketplace – making the College’s recruitment and programmatic focus more about workforce development.

In addition to a record number of incoming first-year students, Johnson College also welcomed its largest Dual Enrollment-Industry Fast Track class to date. More than 40 students from around the area have enrolled either part time or full time with Johnson College for college credits while also earning their high school diplomas.

“The increase in enrollment in these areas demonstrates that our programs, and the careers they lead to, are more in demand than ever,” said Bill Burke, M.S., Johnson College’s Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs. “Our students get the opportunity to work in industry from day one, which gives them the leading edge when they are ready to seek in-field employment  upon graduation.”

Several recent Johnson College graduates have found employment at Automated Lifestyles LLC in Moscow, PA, which installs audio, visual, and other electronic equipment for security, home automation, and other home and commercial media needs. “Finding technicians for such a specialized industry can be a challenge,” Larry Supon, Owner and President of Automated Lifestyles, said. “The partnership (with Johnson College) works because students come to us prepared with  the skills for the job, and also the ability to think outside the box.”

Partnerships with established industries throughout the region remain a key component of what sets Johnson College apart. “Johnson College helps provide a fundamental training that allows their students to enter the workforce, as well as positioning them to enter more specialized training provided at the employer level,” said Tom Spall, owner and president of T.E. Spall & Son, a College industry partner based in Carbondale that provides plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. “This helps position the students with the necessary tools for their individual success.”

Marcelo Desousa, regional operations manager at Fastenal in Jessup, PA,, said that the ongoing and reciprocal relationship between Johnson College and Fastenal has helps the company build its employee base. “We have students come for part time work or for internships, and we are able to seamlessly bring them on board once they finish their degree program,” Desousa said. “The College understands where the workforce is going, and we know that the students who come to us have the type of training we need.”