Per Scholas is known across the country for its reputable workforce development model. Technical training, career advancement, and supplying a diverse workforce for the tech sector have become synonymous with the national nonprofit. But nearly two decades ago, Per Scholas was better known for its IT asset reconditioning.

In 1995, Per Scholas got its start by collecting used computers and recycling them to give to families and schools. There was even a retail store operated out of the Bronx, NY office which sold and repaired discounted tech equipment. As Per Scholas’ mission shifted from refurbishing computers to opening doors to technology careers, its asset recovery efforts changed too.

“We’ve consistently adjusted and improved our process for the better, in response to numerous industry requirements and specific client needs,” says ZuQuan Rooks, Director of Social Ventures.

Today, Per Scholas partners with a handful of vetted and highly-qualified recyclers to outsource its IT asset recovery services. The e-Steward, R2 and ISO-certified recycler Liquid Technology, has become a Champion Partner of the organization. Six years ago, Liquid Technology began hiring Per Scholas graduates and donating computer hardware, which led to a positive and mutually-beneficial relationship.

“Liquid Technology is highly pivotal in delivering this important business solution to many of our client-partners,” Rooks says. “Any revenue generated from valuable retired hardware goes toward our important social mission. We proudly share with our partners the specific impact of their material support and use of our asset recovery services.”

Brenda Rodriguez, Manager of Social Ventures, handles communications with clients, coordinates logistics, and manages Per Scholas’ relationship with recycling partners, such as Liquid Technology. “We’ve had to become more selective about which donations we are able to accept,” Brenda says about all the donation offers she gets on a daily basis. She adds, “Although any donation offers are appreciated, not all are beneficial to our mission.” We are careful to ensure that the related costs inherent with their collection do not outweigh the value and volume of the donated equipment.”

On behalf of Per Scholas, Liquid Technology audits, tests and re-markets any hardware that has residual value, and recycles all obsolete hardware in an environmentally-responsible manner. When it comes to the recycling of retired tech equipment, Eric DeRosa, Director of Sales, Liquid Technology, rhetorically adds, “Since responsible e-waste management is a bonafide business solution which companies are legally required to do anyway, why not make sure it’s performed in a compliant manner and supports a good cause?”

Since industry standards and requirements for legal compliance have grown tremendously, Per Scholas urges companies to put their hardware in highly-qualified hands. Fox Sports, Mastercard International, Ford Foundation, IRS, Montefiore Medical Systems, Queens Library System and Amazon.com, among others, have trusted Per Scholas with the handling of their retired IT assets.

Last year Liquid Technology, among others, helped Per Scholas recycle 139,490 pounds of equipment. That’s 732,581 total pounds of carbon emissions that were prevented from entering Earth’s atmosphere. That’s equivalent to 1,061,712 plastic bottles!

Although Per Scholas administrates its asset recovery business out of its New York office, the Social Ventures team works with and constantly seeks national and global clientele. If your company would like Per Scholas to collect and process its retired tech equipment to directly benefit motivated, yet under-served technology students, please email ZuQuan Rooks at zrooks@perscholas.org for more information.

On April 10th, 2018 Per Scholas President & CEO, Plinio Ayala, was invited to speak on a workforce solutions panel to an audience of legislators, congressional staff and business. North Carolina Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, Chair of the House Committee on Education and Workforce and fellow Illinois committee member Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, invited Per Scholas and Apprenticeship Carolina to present innovative workforce models backed by compelling evidence.

The afternoon event, organized by Results for America, treated legislators to a showing of Solutions to America’s Workforce Crisis, a recently premiered documentary, featuring Per Scholas as an evidence-based model increasing income and reducing public assistance for graduates. The film and panel asked lawmakers to consider investments in workforce organizations that are proving impact.

“There has never been a time in our country with so many organizations that have proven social impact, and yet the amount of government spending on these programs is at an all time low” says Plinio Ayala speaking to the room.

Per Scholas’ model is heralded for its innovative approach to serving employers as the primary customer and leveraging wrap-around support services for students using an expansive community network. One Congressional staffer asked what set the model apart. “We work directly with employers to offer feedback on the curriculum we develop. We have staff onsite who can speak the same language as the technical and hiring teams. We are not working with HR departments at these companies, we are working with hiring decision makers, the managers, the supervisors” said Plinio.

Per Scholas has recently launched a series of customized training partnerships that put students in direct hiring pipelines with major technology employers. The customized training offers free hands on skills, career development resources and interview opportunities with leading tech companies. This model is an extension of Per Scholas’ mission to identify local, diverse talent and open the doors to fulfilling careers within the IT workforce.

For Immediate Release: 03. 28. 2018

Contacts:

Jake McIntosh, Director, Strategic Communications, Per Scholas

jmcintosh@perscholas.org –  978.578.6821

New York – Per Scholas is thrilled to announce the addition of Eric Westphal to its National Board. Per Scholas is a national workforce nonprofit that provides rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development in careers such as IT in Atlanta, Ga.; Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; Washington, D.C. and New York. Per Scholas’ National Board provides leadership and guidance for carrying out the organization’s mission of opening doors to technology careers for individuals from often overlooked communities.

Westphal serves as Senior Director, Global Legal and Corporate Affairs for Cognizant.   Ranked No. 205 on the Fortune 500, Cognizant is a leading global technology and business services company, and a Champion Partner of Per Scholas since 2017.   Westphal joined the company in 2011 and is responsible for building and supporting Cognizant’s corporate brand and reputation through programs that drive social change and business value. He leads strategic investments in workforce development as well as initiatives related to Cognizant’s corporate social responsibility program in the United States.

Westphal was central to developing and implementing a recently launched custom Cognizant/Per Scholas training partnership designed to provide U.S. workers with access to skills training and hiring opportunities in the digital economy. In June 2017, Per Scholas and Cognizant announced the first scaled training and hiring partnership, opening a training center in The Bronx with the goal of training 650 individuals recruited from five boroughs. Cognizant and Per Scholas more recently launched a program in North Texas with the goal of training 1,000 individuals over the course of 36 months. Cognizant expects to hire the majority of graduates from both programs. Per Scholas and Cognizant teams work closely to ensure that students receive instruction on nuanced technical job specifications and business acumen.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to support Per Scholas in developing new innovative workforce development approaches that will significantly impact the future of work,” says Westphal. “The benefits of these programs will be seen well beyond the individual students. These are programs that can have positive impact in their families, neighborhoods and the business community.”

“Eric’s executive leadership deepens our understanding of sustainability as Per Scholas moves to scale our impact across the country. His passion for creating opportunity in overlooked communities aligns perfectly with our mission,” says Plinio Ayala, President & CEO for Per Scholas. “Eric’s background, building cross-sectoral partnerships, combines the expertise of public, private and nonprofit leaders and will support shared growth for Per Scholas business partners within the communities we serve.”

For more information on Per Scholas, visit: http://www.perscholas.org

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. Through rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development, we prepare motivated and curious adults who are unemployed or underemployed for successful careers as IT professionals, and we create onramps to businesses in need of their talents. Today we provide our solutions in six cities across the country: Atlanta, GA; Greater Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region; and New York. To date, Per Scholas has trained more than 7,000 individuals, helping them build lasting, life changing skills and careers in technology.

For Immediate Release: 02. 20. 2018

Contact:

Jake McIntosh, Director, Strategic Communications

jmcintosh@perscholas.org – 978.578.6821

New York, NY — Per Scholas is pleased to announce the addition of David Hannigan to its National Board. Per Scholas is a national workforce nonprofit that provides rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development in careers such as IT in Atlanta, GA; Cincinnati and Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Washington, D.C. and New York, NY. Per Scholas’ National Board provides leadership and guidance for carrying out the organization’s mission of opening doors to technology careers for individuals from often overlooked communities.

Hannigan serves as Chief Cyber Risk Officer for Capital One Financial Corporation, a Signature Partner of Per Scholas since 2011. He is a seasoned information security leader with nearly two decades of experience in data-sensitive industries including financial services, online retail, and pharmaceuticals. Prior to his role at Capital One, David was CISO for Sears Holding; CISO and Leader of Technical Operations at Zappos; and CISO, security engineer, and leader of security operations and compliance with the Ernst and Young national security practice. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Hannigan lives in Arlington, VA with his husband, Daniel.

As a founding board member of the Security Advisor Alliance, Hannigan has demonstrated his commitment to lending his wealth of knowledge and insight to the public good. Per Scholas is fortunate to benefit from his perspective, and grateful to welcome him to the National Board.

“It’s an honor to join the National Board for Per Scholas and advance their mission to help more young people thrive in today’s economy,” Hannigan said. “There is an insatiable demand for talent, and I believe one way we can solve that is to expand the traditional pools of candidates. I admire Per Scholas’ mission, as it addresses this problem with a very human approach and literally changes people’s lives. Capital One supports Per Scholas through our Future Edge initiative focused on helping more people get the skills, tools and resources they need to succeed in the 21st century.”

Hannigan’s addition exemplifies the continuing fruitful partnership between Per Scholas and Capital One. As a Signature Partner, Capital One supports Per Scholas sites in Dallas, TX, the Greater Washington D.C. region, and New York City. Capital One advised on the development of Per Scholas’ curriculum and facilities, including the contribution of a new Education Securities Operations Center (ESOC) in Silver Spring, MD. Additionally, Capital One hosted a Future Edge luncheon where they coached students on networking and provided mock interviews. Through the event HEART Empowers Capital One hosted Per Scholas students in Dallas for mock interviews and professional development training, providing key volunteer support through direct engagement with Per Scholas’ student body.

“As Per Scholas expands course offerings and facilities to cover IT Security, we are grateful to have David Hannigan join our National Board,” says Plinio Ayala, President and CEO of Per Scholas. “David is a leader with extensive experience in cyber risk management and his voice will translate into tangible value for our students.”

For more information on Per Scholas, visit: http://www.perscholas.org

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. Through rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development, we prepare motivated and curious adults who are unemployed or underemployed for successful careers as IT professionals, and we create onramps to businesses in need of their talents. Today we provide our solutions in six cities across the country: Atlanta, GA; Greater Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region; and New York. To date, Per Scholas has trained 7,000 individuals, helping them build lasting, life changing skills and careers in technology.

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For Immediate Release: January 5, 2018

Contact: Jacob McIntosh, Manager, Marketing and Events

jmcintosh@perscholas.org, (978) 578-6821

Columbus, OH — Per Scholas is pleased to announce its Columbus, OH Advisory Board. Per Scholas is a national workforce nonprofit that provides rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development in careers such as IT in Atlanta, GA; Cincinnati and Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region; and New York.  Per Scholas’ Advisory Boards provide local leadership and guidance for carrying out the organization’s mission of opening doors to technology careers for individuals from often overlooked communities.

Harold Bennett, Head of Operations, Chase Wealth Management Annuity

Alonzo Edmundo, President/CEO, GetCR8V, LLC

Louise A. Elliot, CTO, Huntington Bank

Cassandra Faris, Director of Talent Development, Improving Enterprises

Mika Gatta, Account Manager, End User Support Services, TEKsystems

Theresa Harris, CEO, TMH Solutions

Dr. Andy Igonor, Dean of Ross College of Business, Franklin University

Tina Lyden, Executive IT Management, Triton Technology Solutions, LLC

Doug McCollough, Chief Information Officer, City of Dublin

Jason Skidmore, CEO, Vernovis

Buzz Woeckener, Associate Vice President, Nationwide Mutual Insurance

“I am both excited and encouraged with enthusiasm that our new Advisory Board members bring to our mission,” says Toni Cunningham, Managing Director of Per Scholas Columbus. “Their passion for our students and demonstrated commitment to the organization’s growth and success will ensure that Per Scholas Columbus is an integral part of building the local workforce in our community and serves as a viable talent solution to Central Ohio area employers.”

For more on Per Scholas Columbus, visit: http://www.perscholas.org/colu…

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. Through rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development, we prepare motivated and curious adults who are unemployed or underemployed for successful careers as IT professionals, and we create onramps to businesses in need of their talents. Today we provide our solutions in six cities across the country: Atlanta, GA; Greater Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region; and New York. To date, Per Scholas has trained 7,000 individuals, helping them build lasting, life changing skills and careers in technology.

Franklin University and Per Scholas Sign Education Partnership 

For Immediate Release: Dec. 5, 2017

Contact Sherry Mercurio, Director of Public Relations

sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu, 614.947.6581

or

Jacob McIntosh, Manager, Marketing and Events

jmcintosh@perscholas.org, 978 578 6821

Columbus, OH — Franklin University, one of the leading educators of working adults, is pleased to announce its new educational partnership with Per Scholas, a national workforce nonprofit. Through this partnership, the University continues its mission to provide high quality, relevant education to the broadest possible community of learners to achieve their goals and enrich the world.

To mark the new partnership, Franklin and Per Scholas will host an event on Thursday, Dec. 7 during which more than 50 Per Scholas alumni and Per Scholas’ Columbus Advisory Board Members will join Franklin University representatives to celebrate.

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that provides rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development in careers such as IT in Atlanta, GA; Cincinnati and Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region; and New York.

Through today’s announcement, Per Scholas graduates have the opportunity to make the most of their prior learning to position themselves for continued success with a bachelor’s degree from Franklin University. Alum can take advantage of a tuition discount and free books for bachelor’s degrees in one of Franklin University’s computer science and information science majors.

“Per Scholas is thrilled to partner alongside Fralkin University, to provide affordable education opporuntites to our graduates,” says Toni Cunningham, Managing Director, Per Scholas. “Per Scholas alumni will benefit from combined hands-on learning opporuntites, professional development as well as certifications and degrees that will make them competitive for the Ohio tech community.” 

“We are honored to partner with Per Scholas to offer the opportunity for their alumni to continue their education,” said Dr. Andy Igonor, Dean, Ross College of Business, Frankli University and Per Scholas Columbus Advisory Board Member. “Through this new academic partnership, Franklin University can help further develop these motivated adults who are often underemployed to hold successful and meaningful careers in a competitive yet growing industry.”

For more on Franklin University’s educational partnerships, visit: http://www.franklin.edu/partne…

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. Through rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development, we prepare motivated and curious adults who are unemployed or underemployed for successful careers as IT professionals, and we create onramps to businesses in need of their talents. Today we provide our solutions in six cities across the country: Atlanta, GA; Greater Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region; and New York. To date, Per Scholas has trained 7,000 individuals, helping them build lasting, life changing skills and careers in technology.

About Franklin University
Founded in 1902, Franklin University is one of the leading and most experienced educators of adult students. The University offers applied, in-demand undergraduate, master’s and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals.  From entrepreneurs to CEOs, more than 45,000 Franklin alumni can be found around the world contributing to the communities in which they live and work. Students can take classes through Franklin through its Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, two central Ohio locations, in Beavercreek, at co-locations across Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and online. In addition, the University’s MBA program is offered internationally through agreements with institutions in Europe and the Middle East. Further information regarding Franklin University can be found at www.franklin.edu.

Franklin University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).