NFL Foundation

Partner Since

2021

About the partnership

Since 2021, Per Scholas has partnered with the NFL Foundation to enroll learners underrepresented in technology careers into our immersive, tuition-free tech Software Engineering training courses, providing learners with rigorous technical instruction, professional development, and connections to high-demand employment opportunities after graduation. The NFL’s investment through its social justice initiative, Inspire Change, is enabling Per Scholas to:

Advance our work to prepare people of color, women, and other individuals underrepresented in tech for in-demand and high paying roles in Software Engineering
Train nearly 200 learners across Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati, Dallas, Newark, and New York City in Software Engineering between 2021-2022, and provide the supports to connect graduates to high-demand employment opportunities in the industry
Enroll 6,000 learners over two years (2023-2024), providing rigorous technical instruction and connections to high-demand employment opportunities after graduation, as well as coaching on business professional skill development and holistic support services to ensure learner success in training and employment
Inspire learners through team members’ volunteer participation in Per Scholas events, including graduation ceremonies, Diverse by Design podcast conversations, in-person campus visits, and panel discussions about expanding access to opportunity to advance economic equity in communities across the country

NFL Foundation in News and Events

News August 26, 2024

Per Scholas Expands No-Cost Tech Training to Buffalo, Empowering Underrepresented Communities

Per Scholas is expanding its reach to Buffalo, New York, marking our newest addition to nearly two dozen locations across the U.S. We are excited to bring our no-cost, rigorous tech training programs to Buffalo's growing tech sector, with the goal of equipping underrepresented individuals with the skills needed to secure high-paying tech jobs. Per Scholas Buffalo will welcome its first cohort of 20 learners on October 15, 2024, in its newly renovated campus at the Larkin at Exchange building.

Announcements
In the Field
Industry
Partners and Supporters

Plinio Ayala on Inspire Change panel discussion via Zoom

News August 1, 2022

Plinio Ayala Featured on NFL Foundation’s Inspire Change Panel

The panel discussion, NFL Presents: Advancing a More Equitable Workforce, featured Plinio Ayala and Anti-Recidivism Coalition’s (ARC) Sam Lewis as panelists with retired NFL players, Warrick Dunn and Jason McCourty.

In the Field
Industry
Partners and Supporters

Press Release August 27, 2024

Per Scholas Expands Tech Training to Buffalo

The launch of the new Buffalo campus represents a pivotal moment in the efforts to bridge the digital skills gap and foster economic growth in the community.

Announcements
Industry
Partners and Supporters

Press Release June 26, 2024

Per Scholas Expands Tech Training to Kansas City

Per Scholas has launched a new campus in Kansas City, joining Great Jobs KC, the leading workforce development program in Kansas City, to provide holistic information technology training and career development opportunities. This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in addressing the growing demand for skilled IT professionals in the Kansas City region.

Announcements
In the Field
Industry
Partners and Supporters

Press Release November 27, 2023

Per Scholas Receives Donation from Amazon as Part of TNF For Good, in Partnership with NFL Inspire Change

Per Scholas New York’s Brooklyn campus was visited last week by representatives from our partners at NFL Inspire Change and Amazon. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, former Jets player and NFL Hall of Famer Curtis Martin, Head of Global Sports on Prime Video, Jay Marine, Thursday Night Football Host Taylor Rooks, and Amazon volunteers were in attendance and participated in a panel discussion with Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala, Per Scholas Chief Revenue Officer Caitlyn Brazill, Per Scholas New York Managing Director Debbie Roman, and 11 Per Scholas New York learners. Amazon awarded Per Scholas with a $100,000 donation, which will help allow us to continue offering our no-cost training at our Brooklyn campus.

Announcements
Partners and Supporters

Press Coverage June 2, 2022

Per Scholas Featured in Boardroom Article for NFL’s Inspire Change Grant

Per Scholas was featured in an article with the Boardroom media network about the NFL's Inspire Change grant renewals for 2022. The article features Per Scholas Chief Development Officer Caitlyn Brazill on the impact of the grant and exposure.

Announcements
In the Field
Partners and Supporters

Press Coverage June 1, 2022

Per Scholas Receives Extended Grant from NFL’s Inspire Change Initiative

Per Scholas is the proud recipient of the NFL's Inspire Change initiative grant, which has been extended to us for an additional two years for $500,000. The grant will support help us enroll over 6,000 people of color into immersive, cohort-based, tuition-free tech training courses over the next two years.