Chicago

Per Scholas Chicago offers AI-enabled IT training in Chicago designed to help residents from all backgrounds break into the tech industry, and helps businesses find the tech talent they need to meet their goals. Our no-cost programs combine hands-on learning with career placement support, ensuring learners are prepared for roles in technology. On a rolling basis, we offer a variety of entry to mid-level curriculums designed to help learners from any background jumpstart their career in technology.

Prospective Learners

I want no-cost training for a career in tech.

Become a Learner

Tech Talent Solutions

I need tech talent for my company.

Hire Talent

Where Our Alumni Work

Unlock Your Potential

Hands-on Technology Training: Gain technical skills, career mentorship, and industry-recognized certifications at no cost to learners.

Learner Support: Take financial control and design success plans for personal goals, wellness, and more.

Career Coaching: Prepare for success with mock interviews, resume refreshes, and other job search prep.

Career Connections: Find opportunities through our network of 25k+ alumni and 850+ employer partners in Chicago and across the country.

Chicago Courses

Systems Support

Data Center Technician with AI Tools Training in Chicago

Grow Your Career in Tech - Technical Experience Recommended

Get ready to advance your journey in the tech industry with the skills top employers are looking for. In just 15 weeks, this immersive, hands-on course will prepare you for high-demand Data Center Technician roles by covering:

Hands-on Infrastructure Management – Deploy and manage enterprise-grade servers, networking equipment, and peripheral devices in secure, high-performing environments
Data Center Operations – Master the essentials of data center administration, including power systems, cooling technologies, security protocols, and network infrastructure
AI-Powered Problem Solving – Integrate AI and machine learning solutions to enhance the efficiency, automation, and predictive capabilities of IT operations
Industry-Recognized Certifications – Prepare for and earn key certifications that validate your skills to employers

We understand life doesn't stop while you train. If you're enrolled in a full time Data Center Technician with AI Tools course in Chicago, you can apply for a 0% interest loan from Ascent to help cover personal expenses during the course. Learn more in the FAQs.

Per Scholas Chicago is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Certifications CompTIA A+, Google AI Professional Certificate, Google IT Support Professional Certificate, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification, OSHA NFPA 70E

Hybrid

Next Course Starts August 10th, 2026

Application Due July 27th, 2026

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity with AI Tools Training in Chicago

Grow Your Career in Tech - Technical Experience Recommended

Get ready to begin your journey in the tech industry with the skills top employers are looking for. In just 15 weeks, this immersive, hands-on course will prepare you for high-demand IT Security Administrator and Cybersecurity Analyst roles. You will apply essential security concepts and develop critical technical skills to protect systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. This course is designed for individuals seeking entry to mid-level IT security roles and focuses on:

AI-Enhanced Security Workflows – Integrating generative AI tools into existing security workflows to enhance efficiency, threat detection, and accelerate incident response
Security Operations & Monitoring – Employing SIEM platforms like Splunk to conduct real-time security monitoring, analyze event logs, and create custom reports and alerts
Threat Response and Remediation – Acting as a first responder to security incidents and remediating weaknesses to reduce the attack surface and enhance an organization's security posture
Certification & Network Defense – Implementing and managing network security measures (firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs) and preparing for the CompTIA Security+ certification

0% interest loan

Certifications CompTIA Security+, Google AI Professional Certificate, Splunk Core Certified User

Remote

Next Course Starts November 30th, 2026

Application Due November 16th, 2026

Systems Support

AI-Enabled IT Support Training in Chicago

Launch Your Career in Tech - No Experience Needed

Get ready to break into the tech industry with the skills top employers are looking for. In just 15 weeks, this immersive, AI-Enabled IT Support course will prepare you for high-demand IT Support roles by covering:

Hands-on System Administration – Install, configure, and manage enterprise IT environments, with a focus on supporting Windows server infrastructures and key networking devices
IT Service Management (ITSM) – Learn to manage IT support tickets and implement service management frameworks using industry-standard platforms like ServiceNow
AI-Powered Troubleshooting – Use cutting-edge AI tools to enhance support workflows, simulate complex IT issues, and accelerate problem-solving for hardware, software, and network issues
Industry Certifications – Prepare for and earn the CompTIA A+ certification and Google IT Support Professional Certificate, crucial credentials that validates your skills to employers

0% interest loan

Certifications CompTIA A+, Google AI Professional Certificate, Google IT Support Professional Certificate

Hybrid

Next Course Starts TBD

Meet Yusuf Ahmad

Not only was Per Scholas supportive insofar as they helped me get my education and certification, they also helped me apply and demonstrate that I have those skills.

Meet Yusuf Ahmad

View all graduate success stories

Interested in hiring a Per Scholas Graduate?
Learn More

Per Scholas Talent Solutions recruits high-performing, diverse candidates that will drive positive business outcomes and add value to your company. Per Scholas training equips all talent with in-demand technical expertise, industry-recognized certifications, and professional skills to be job-ready on day one. The Per Scholas Talent Solutions team works closely with employer partners to match graduates to open roles.

More Than Just Talented Candidates

Diverse Hires for Technology Roles

Qualified Cyber Security Analysts, Tech Support Engineers, Help Desk Analysts, Field Technicians, SOC analysts, Cloud Engineers, and many more…
Talent Solutions Plus Matching Services

Save time looking for hires. We get to know your business and culture so we can strategically identify job-ready and interview-ready candidates for your opportunity.
Early Access Interviewing

Interview Per Scholas graduates or gain early access to our talent pool by meeting candidates who are still in training.
Talent Match Guarantee

If talent does not work out for any reason in the first 90 days, Talent Solutions Plus provides additional matching services at no cost.

Need to hire tech talent in Chicago? Let’s start a conversation.

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Volunteer

Per Scholas offers volunteer engagement opportunities for professionals and organizations in Chicago. Volunteer opportunities include mock interviews and mentoring sessions with Per Scholas Learners, and there are many more ways to get involved. Individuals interested in helping to drive our impact are invited to share their unique skills and expertise with our Chicago Learner and Alumni community.

If your company or team is interested in organizing a volunteer experience, we can work with you to create a meaningful event. Past events have included speed networking and tech career panels.

Get involved

Donate to Per Scholas

For more than 25 years, our dedicated network of funders, partners, and individual donors has empowered more than 25,000 Per Scholas Graduates to unlock their potential through rigorous training for tech careers. Help us change the face of tech by becoming a donor today.

Donate Today

Learn about our Partners & Supporters

Our Chicago Team

Juan Jose Gonzalez

Managing Director, Chicago

Daniel O’Donnell

Site Director, Chicago

Alina Sepanski

Director, Development, Chicago

Kalin Crampton

Director, Talent Solutions, Chicago

Daniel Ponciano

Senior Manager, Professional Development, Chicago

Allie Drake

Manager, Recruitment and Admissions, Chicago

John Crawhorn

Technical Instructor, IT Support, Chicago

Troy Thompson

Technical Instructor, IT Support, Chicago

Alexis Brown

Instructional Assistant

National Team

Karla Benson Rutten

Regional Senior Vice President, Midwest

Frequently Asked Questions

What is no-cost IT training?

Per Scholas’ IT training is a program designed to provide training in various aspects of information technology to residents of the Chicago area at no cost to learners. This training is open to anyone who wants to unlock their potential, skills, and knowledge in the field, regardless of their prior experience or financial resources. We’re able to provide no-cost training through grant funding and do not ever ask for payment or income sharing from our graduates.

Which no-cost IT courses are available in Chicago?

Our no-cost IT course programs in Chicago are always changing as we are constantly building new opportunities and course offerings to serve our learners and the market in your community. To stay up to date on the courses offered in your area, please check the location page above. For more information, see the Per Scholas, Inc. Chicago School Catalog.

Are the no-cost IT courses available online or in-person in Chicago?

Per Scholas offers our no-cost training in-person, remote, and hybrid, depending on the courses in Chicago. Our course schedule constantly changes as we schedule our 3-4 month sessions, including whether courses are online or in-person. Please refer to your location’s current course schedule above and individual course page to see if the course you are interested in is remote, in-person, or hybrid.

How can I apply for the no-cost program in Chicago?

To apply for our no-cost IT programs in Chicago, you can visit our website and fill out our eligibility form. Our admissions team will review your application and reach out to you with more information about the program and the next steps to unlocking your potential.

Are there any prerequisites for the no-cost IT certification programs in Chicago?

Each Per Scholas training program has its own prerequisites, which are listed on our course pages. We encourage you to review any requirements prior to applying to no-cost IT programs in Chicago.

Are the no-cost IT training programs open to everyone in Chicago?

Our no-cost IT training program in Chicago is open to anyone who meets the income requirements, wants to develop their skills and knowledge in the field of information technology, and is a resident of the Chicago metro area. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and experience levels to apply and join our community of learners in Chicago.

How long are the no-cost IT courses in Chicago?

Our courses in Chicago are 12-16 weeks (3-4 months), depending on the course. The time commitment includes full-time (40 hours per week), Monday-Friday.

Is Per Scholas a paid opportunity?

Per Scholas does not pay learners to attend training. This is because we offer up to $15k of no-cost training to each learner as well as 2 years of additional training opportunities, coaching, and professional development. On a case-by-case basis, our learners may be eligible for direct financial assistance. Each learner has a dedicated Learner Support Manager and Financial Coach to support them throughout the course and determine if they are able to receive additional financial resources when available.

Does Per Scholas help you get a job?

Per Scholas has partnerships with employers in each market in which we operate, where our learners and alumni have the opportunity to connect with our hiring partners. Alternatively, if you’re interested in hiring a Per Scholas graduate, visit enterprise.perscholas.org.

Can I hire a Per Scholas graduate?

If you’re interested in hiring a Per Scholas graduate, visit enterprise.perscholas.org

What does no cost to learners mean?

We do not charge tuition, transcript fees, or any other fees to students at any point in the enrollment or training process. As a result, students cannot accrue a financial balance with the institution. Accordingly, there are no financial holds placed on transcripts, diplomas, or registration due to student debt. Per Scholas complies fully with the Illinois Student Debt Assistance Act (110 ILCS 66/), including the provisions related to transcript access, hardship withdrawals, and student protections. While we are exempt from certain operational elements of the Act due to our no-cost model, we remain committed to transparency, accessibility, and equitable support for all learners.

Can I submit comments about Per Scholas to the Illinois Board of Higher Education?

Ill. Admin. Code tit. 23, § 1095.250 – Student Complaints
State Regulations

Schools approved by the Board must provide to the Board and each student the school’s policy for addressing student complaints. Included in this process, the school must provide in its promotional materials and on its Internet website the Board’s address and Internet website for reporting complaints. (Section 55(2) of the Act)

a) Student complaints must be submitted in writing to the Board (Section 85(i)(1) of the Act). Information about the complaint may be submitted online through the IBHE website (www.ibhe.org). Additional information regarding the complaint process can be obtained by contacting the Board at:
Illinois Board of Higher Education

Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools

1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333

Springfield IL 62701

Phone Number: (217) 782-2551

Fax Number: (217) 782-8548

Can I view Regulatory Disclosures for Per Scholas Chicago?

Regulatory Disclosures

Per Scholas, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Per Scholas, Inc. is not accredited by a US Department of Education recognized accrediting body.
If the learner’s complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting Per Scholas’ grievance procedure, the learner may file a complaint with the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Student complaints must be submitted in writing to the Board (Section 85(i)(1) of the Act). Information about the complaint may be submitted online through the IBHE website (www.ibhe.org). Additional information regarding the complaint process can be obtained by contacting the Board at:

Illinois Board of Higher Education

Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools

1 North Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333

Springfield, IL 62701‑1377

Phone: (217) 557-7359

Fax: (217) 782-8585

Can I view Campus Performance Data for Per Scholas Chicago?

Campus Performance Data

Campus Performance Data | Reporting Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024

Program: IT Support (#1003)

Students admitted as of July 1, 2023: 17

New starts during the reporting period: 40

Re-enrollments: Data not collected

Transfers into the program: Data not collected

Total admitted during the 12-month period: 57

Student Outcomes:

Transfers to another program: Data not collected

Completions/Graduations: 53

Withdrawals: 1

Dismissed: 2

Continuing Enrollment: 0

Employment Outcomes:

Placed in field of study: 36

Placed in related field: Data not collected

Placed out of field: 9

Not available for placement due to personal reasons: Data not collected

Not employed: 8

Licensure/Certification:

Students who took a licensing or professional certification exam: Data not collected

The average starting salary for all school graduates employed during the reporting period: $21.70

Is there a school catalog available?

The following catalog is available to prospective learners in Chicago:

Per Scholas Chicago School Catalog

Location

Per Scholas Chigago

200 W. Monroe, Suite 1401
Chicago, IL 60606

Per Scholas Chigago

200 W. Monroe, Suite 1401
Chicago, IL 60606

Email:
chicago@perscholas.org

Per Scholas Chicago is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

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Chicago

I want no-cost training for a career in tech.