Chicago

Per Scholas Chicago offers 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

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Analyst Training in Chicago

Gain the skills needed to secure opportunities at top tech companies. In just 15 weeks, this hands-on course equips you with essential knowledge and practical experience for in-demand Cybersecurity roles, including:

Introduction to Network Security – Design, implement, and assess comprehensive network security measures
Behavioral Analytics and Security Monitoring – Learn how to detect and combat cybersecurity threats and develop core skills in areas such as threat management and cyber incident response
Define and apply Artificial Intelligence Concepts – Integrate emerging technologies in cybersecurity workflows demonstrating the use of Generative AI
Industry Certifications – Earn the credentials that enhance employability

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

Certifications CompTIA CySA+, Splunk Core Certified Power User

Remote

Next Course Starts July 14th, 2025

Application Due July 7th, 2025

Systems Support

IT Support Training in Chicago

Gain the skills needed to secure opportunities at top tech companies. In just a few weeks, this hands-on course equips you with essential knowledge and practical experience for in-demand IT Support roles, including:

Fundamentals of IT Support – Analyze various IT systems and configurations
Computer Hardware and Operating Systems – Install and configure enterprise-grade servers, networking equipment, and peripheral devices
Security Practices and Technologies – Apply security best practices by configuring and securing workstations, networks, and mobile devices
Industry Certifications – Earn the credentials that enhance employability

We know life continues while you’re enrolled at Per Scholas. Learners enrolled in a full-time IT Support course at Per Scholas Chicago can apply for a Zero Percent Loan from Ascent to pay for personal expenses while training with Per Scholas. 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 IT Support Professional Certificate

Hybrid

Next Course Starts August 18th, 2025

Application Due August 4th, 2025

Cloud

AWS re/Start

Fundamentals of IT – Cover IT Fundamentals topics for support, operations, and automation
AWS Cloud Computing – Acquire AWS Cloud computing and AWS core services skills, from introductory level to more in depth hands-on operational procedures
Industry Certifications – Earn the credentials that enhance employability

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

Certifications AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Partners

Remote

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

Kate Doyle

Managing Director, Chicago

Kelsey Briggs-Dineen

Senior Director, Talent Solutions, Chicago

Garland Hennings

Instructional Assistant, IT Support, Chicago

Alicia Pearlman

Technical Instructor II, Chicago

Daniel Ponciano

Manager, Professional Development, Chicago

Nikia Smith

Manager, Recruitment & Admissions, Chicago

Alina Sepanski

Director, Development

Frequently Asked Questions

What is free IT training?: Per Scholas’ free IT training is a program designed to provide tuition-free training in various aspects of information technology to residents of the Chicago area. 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 free training through grant funding and do not ever ask for payment or income sharing from our graduates.
Which free IT courses are available in Chicago?: Our free 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 free IT courses available online or in-person in Chicago?: Per Scholas offers our tuition-free 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 tuition-free program in Chicago?: To apply for our tuition-free 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 free 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 free IT programs in Chicago.
Are the free IT training programs open to everyone in Chicago?: Our free 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 tuiton-free 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 cost-free 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 tuition-free mean?: Per Scholas is a tuition-free institution. 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

Location

Per Scholas Chigago

200 W. Monroe, Suite 1401
Chicago, IL 60606

Per Scholas Chigago

200 W. Monroe, Suite 1401
Chicago, IL 60606

Email:
[email protected]

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.