Per Scholas Participates in JFF Horizons 2023 Without Limits

Earlier this month, Per Scholas was proud to attend and present during several sessions at Horizons, Jobs for the Future’s premier national platform for ideas and action that drive equitable economic advancement for all. This year’s theme, “Without Limits” inspired attendees, encouraged collaboration, and jumpstarted solutions for essential work ahead. Per Scholas Chief of Staff Tamara Johnson and Per Scholas Director of Development Kevin Aspegren attended the summit to gain key industry knowledge and insights aligned with Per Scholas’ commitment to unlocking potential for our learners, alumni, communities, companies, and economy.

Per Scholas Chief Development Officer Caitlyn Brazill spoke during a Pre-Session Panel centered on Skills-First Education and Work with leaders from JFF, Franklin Cummings Tech, and Opportunity@Work, encouraging attendees to embrace skills-first learning and hiring and consider the positive impact to advance Black learners and workers.

On the first day of the conference, Regional Senior Vice President Noah Mitchell shared his insight during the Partnering with Employers to Rethink Talent Pipelines Workshop, sponsored by Charles Koch Foundation. Moderated by Andy Tonsing, Director of Postsecondary Education at Stand Together, Noah was joined by Daniel Cervantes, Senior Vice President of Skills for America’s Future to bring participants through a thought exercise to consider innovative ways to build employer partnerships. 

Noah reflected, “The Workshop was energetic, and participants brought really creative approaches to the discussion. The ability to share just one unique way Per Scholas partners with businesses – in rethinking talent pipelines by developing tech apprenticeship programs – was incredible, and I know it sparked ideas of collaboration for the future. When we invest in programs that work, we all win.”

Caitlyn participated in a panel discussion, moderated by Dan Kamins, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Comcast, titled “Iteration and Innovation: Expanding Access to Digital Jobs,” joining leaders from AZ Cyber Initiative and Hampton Roads Workforce Council. The session convened practitioners, employers, and training and credential providers to share best practices and strategies to increase the number of Black, indigenous, Latinx, people of color, women, LGBTQIA, and other populations underrepresented within the IT industry. 

Common themes throughout Horizons included Artificial Intelligence, skills-based hiring, the importance of digital skills, equity, and considering what individuals can do “without limits” in hiring, training, developing, and retaining talent. 

JFF Horizons sparked many essential conversations around creating economic equity and advancement for all. Per Scholas was thrilled to attend the conference and even more so to share our insight on unlocking potential within our learners by empowering them with new digital skills and sparking new ways of engaging with employer partners.