For Immediate Release: January 5, 2018

Contact: Jacob McIntosh, Manager, Marketing and Events

[email protected], (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

[email protected], 614.947.6581

or

Jacob McIntosh, Manager, Marketing and Events

[email protected], 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).

Per Scholas is eager to announce our participation in the Columbus Foundation’s annual Big Give fundraising campaign! October 10th through October 11th, you can support Per Scholas’ mission to provide onramps for underemployed or unemployed community members with tuition-free technical training by giving a gift to Per Scholas Columbus via the Big Give website.

Since its opening in 2012, Columbus has impacted the surrounding community in a positive way, training students in IT and preparing them for careers in the technology sector. Last year, 85 students were enrolled and 93% of students graduated. Of those students, 82% were diverse and 35% were young adults ranging from 18 to 25 years old. Each year these numbers continue to grow in Columbus.

What is the Big Give?

Big Give is an online giving rally to make a difference through kindness. The Columbus Foundation, its family of donors, and community and corporate partners have worked to make sure that participating nonprofits receive 100% of the donations given. Donations received during the 26-hour online event will be eligible for bonus pool funds based on a pro rata basis. Everyone who gives will have their donation(s) amplified!

When is the Big Give?

The Big Give runs from Tuesday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. ET through Wednesday, October 11, 12:00 p.m. ET. Donations made to Per Scholas through The Big Give will be distributed by November 30.

Your generous donation during this 26-hour giving campaign allows Per Scholas Columbus to continue its great work of providing students with technology training and professional development skills. Because of campaigns like the Big Give, each one of our six national sites is able to not only train future IT professionals, but match them with employer partners as well. Per Scholas Columbus recently placed 100% of students in its latest cohort. We are not only helping individuals get sustainable careers in technology. We are helping to build better communities.

If you would like to support Per Scholas during this year’s Big Give, you can give online in the Giving Store. On the move? Give on the go by texting the code 8600 to (614) 230-0347.

Make sure you share your participation in the Big Give on social media by tagging @perscholas, @colsfoundation, and using the hashtags #BigGive and #LeadnTech.

Per Scholas Columbus has partnered with Commons Studio, a social enterprise focused on career development that offers professionally photographed portraits and headshots for individuals entering the workforce.

Matt Reese, the organization’s founder explains that “job recruiters spend a majority of their time looking through profile photos on sites like LinkedIn and company profiles as opposed to vital skills and talents.” “I empathize with individuals entering the workforce. We all know our creative potential and the talent that we possess but you have to face and overcome obstacles that make it hard to be successful.” Commons Studio operates on a buy one – give one policy they created a program called Shot for Shot®  Portraits – every time an individual purchases a headshot from the company a second headshot is donated to an individual seeking to enter the workforce.

The concept behind Shot for Shot®  Portraits was realized when Matt Reese recognized common themes between his own challenges as a freelance photographer and individuals working to build a sustainable career and lifestyle for their families. This became a passion for career development which has translated into working with community based organizations all over Central Ohio.

Commons Studio’s team worked with their first class of Per Scholas students to photograph professional headshots that they will use on their application and referral materials. Kris Hamilton, a recent Per Scholas IT Support Graduate commented “It was a fabulous day! It was a Saturday, there were cameras and big lights! I haven’t had professional pictures taken since I was a child, maybe 10 years old and it was very exciting to sit in a  professional photography studio.”

Lori Calliman, Director of Business Solutions at Per Scholas Columbus remarked that “social media has had a profound impact on the ‘professional headshot’; job seekers have decided that their social media ‘selfie’ can now double as their professional headshot and that is very far from the truth. HR professionals are telling us that a headshot can actually make or break your chances of getting in the door. Thanks to Matt Reese and Commons Studio the head-shot will be one less obstacle for Per Scholas students.”

The day itself was a training opportunity for photographers and Per Scholas students alike. “We are able to use this as a training experience for apprentice photographers at the studio giving them an opportunity to apply best practices and build rapport with students as their clients” says Matt Reese. Similarly, the studio space exposed Per Scholas students to a professional setting and allowed them to engage professional photographers about how they would like to represent themselves to the employer community.

To learn more aboutShot for Shot®  Portraits, please check out http://www.columbusphotographer.com.

Behind the Scenes photos by Lori Caliman

Shot for Shot® Portraits by Matt Reese | Commons Studio © 2017

Check out past Monthly Impact Reports here.

Per Scholas Columbus has launched a new course, its first ever “Combo” class offering students to graduate from training with two CompTIA certifications. The Combo Class is a 15-week course, which allows students to gain both an A+ certification, as well as a Network+ certification. It is expected that students who graduate with these dual certifications will be qualified for not only entry-level positions, but also those positions which represent step two in their individual career paths.

Certifications continue to be an industry standard for employers assessing competency and talent for their future workforce. Per Scholas works directly with employers to understand which jobs and certifications are in demand, and models curriculum based on those conversations to train individuals not only for a job, but a future career in the IT workforce.  

A current student in the course, Jazmine Bradshaw commented “Per Scholas is definitely a learning experience and a great opportunity for those who do not have access to IT training. They give you the tools to get out in the IT world. They are so helpful, the study groups are helpful, I appreciate the study groups and my classmates are amazing!”

During the 15 weeks, students will also have a more enhanced soft skills training module. New additions to the softs skills trainings include job shadow days, internships and a more robust training in presentation and public speaking skills. Working closely with employer partners offers a unique opportunity for students to get simulated experiences that model what really happens in an interview or in the office.

“We are very excited to now offer this next-level training opportunity to our students,” says Toni Cunningham, Managing Director for Columbus. “I believe that the Combo Class will allow us to present even more prepared graduates who are ready to add an even greater value in the workplace at the point of hire.”

For the Columbus site, this new offering represents growth. Columbus is excited to expand our offerings, as Per Scholas strives to remain employer-driven and relevant to today’s 21st Century workplace.

Check out past Monthly Impact Reports here.

Stories from our Ambassadors across the country.

NEW YORK

Sade Strachan

“My name is Sade Strachan, I’m 28 years old from the South Bronx. I graduated from Per Scholas May of 2016 receiving my A+ certification in IT Support. I now work for NCR Corporation as a Second Level Customer Engineer.” Read more.

ATLANTA

Vanessa Brown

“My name is Vanessa Brown, originally from Long Island, NY, but currently reside in Lawrenceville, GA. It is a suburb approximately 30 miles outside of Atlanta. I was one of the first graduates of the Long Island class sponsored by Per Scholas in 1997. My very first job after graduating was with IBM.” Read more.

DALLAS

Alex Hernandez

“My name is Alex Hernandez and I attended the first class held at Per Scholas’ Dallas campus that started back in March of 2015. I have lived in Dallas Texas my whole life and knew the struggles of finding decent employment in a competitive market all too well.  I truly believe that if I did not attend Per Scholas, I would still be working labor intensive jobs earning less than half of what I make today.” Read more.

The annual BizTech Awards from Columbus Business First recognize the people, organizations and companies making an impact on technology and innovation in the community. The BizTech Award for Nonprofit Service was presented to Per Scholas Columbus. This award recognizes a nonprofit organization that has achieved success bringing a technology based initiative or breakthrough to their organization, constituents or the Central Ohio community.

Nick Fortine, market president and publisher of Columbus Business First, said, “I can say without a doubt that the business of technology in Columbus is a robust as it has ever been. One need look no further than the honorees highlighted, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s choice of Columbus as the recipient of the $50 million Smart City grant, or the record-breaking funding being drawn to Central Ohio by the likes of Drive Capital, Rev1Ventures, NCT Ventures and many others. BizTech is definitely happening in Columbus.”

The BizTech Awards celebrate those contributing to a culture of technology leadership and innovation in the Columbus region. Nominate individuals and organizations that contribute to the Columbus region’s growing reputation as a leader in technology innovation.

“Columbus is emerging as a strong technology hub in the Midwest. Opportunities abound for those looking to grow a career or start a technology business. As a workforce development/IT training provider, we are excited about what this means for our graduates; real opportunities to launch technology careers,” said Toni Cunningham, managing director, Per Scholas Columbus.

Per Scholas was described in one word: Impactful.

For more information and to see the other BizTech Award winners, click here.

Check out past Monthly Impact Reports here.

The annual BizTech Awards from Columbus Business First recognize the people, organizations and companies making an impact on technology and innovation in the community. The BizTech Award for Nonprofit Service was presented to Per Scholas Columbus. This award recognizes a nonprofit organization that has achieved success bringing a technology based initiative or breakthrough to their organization, constituents or the Central Ohio community.

Nick Fortine, market president and publisher of Columbus Business First, said, “I can say without a doubt that the business of technology in Columbus is a robust as it has ever been. One need look no further than the honorees highlighted, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s choice of Columbus as the recipient of the $50 million Smart City grant, or the record-breaking funding being drawn to Central Ohio by the likes of Drive Capital, Rev1Ventures, NCT Ventures and many others. BizTech is definitely happening in Columbus.”

The BizTech Awards celebrate those contributing to a culture of technology leadership and innovation in the Columbus region. Nominate individuals and organizations that contribute to the Columbus region’s growing reputation as a leader in technology innovation.

“Columbus is emerging as a strong technology hub in the Midwest. Opportunities abound for those looking to grow a career or start a technology business. As a workforce development/IT training provider, we are excited about what this means for our graduates; real opportunities to launch technology careers,” said Toni Cunningham, managing director, Per Scholas Columbus.

Per Scholas was described in one word: Impactful.

For more information and to see the other BizTech Award winners, click here.

Roy considers himself a lifelong learner with a passion for tech. He loved computers growing up and taught himself many of the skills necessary to start an independent tech-on-call business that he operated for several years. However, it was not until he received the training and certification opportunity from Per Scholas that he truly felt the beginnings of his career develop.

Growing up in northern Ohio, Roy moved to Columbus in 2000 to pursue careers that offered financial stability. He was stretched thin, working two part-time jobs in wine and tech sales. In an effort to follow his passion, Roy decided to quit his job as a wine salesman, but was laid off from the tech company just one month later. In a period of financial uncertainty, Roy moved back in with his parents and struggled to find a path forward. For a long period of time Roy felt uncertain and began second guessing some choices that had left him with a lack of self confidence and financial means. He struggled to find opportunity and access to the fulfilling career he desired.

One morning, he opened a Craigslist Ad advertising free IT training and opportunities to pursue an A+ certification. Reflecting back Roy remarks, “I was at a very low point, I quit one job, and I got fired from another. If I wanted things to get better, Per Scholas was my big shot. It was the most affordable option, the most comprehensive option and it was the best opportunity to get the experience and certification I needed to not let those circumstances happen again.”

Roy worked hard to receive his A+ certification but he did not stop there. Motivated by an internal drive to succeed and a love for technology Roy committed to another eight weeks of studying for the Network+ exam. He aced the test, missing only one question, and accepted a job working as a Technician at a Help Desk. However, it quickly became clear that the company needed more than what a troubleshooting professional could offer and took the initiative to establish an entire IT department for the company. This included building out the budget for equipment and personnel to support the growing technology needs.

Roy was busy at work, but true to himself, he continued to strengthen his skills. During his first year of employment Roy studied and passed the Security+ exam adding a third certification to his growing list of certifications. When the company went under, Roy found himself in demand and immediately found a Network Administrator job for the nonprofit, Alvis180. Even better, Alvis180 is a mission driven organization assisting formerly incarcerated individuals reenter the workforce. In many ways, Roy has found two callings.

“Financially, I have never made this much money and I work for a non profit and it is work that I love.” Reflecting on his transformation after Per Scholas, “It has had the most important impact on my life both materially and psychologically. I got fired right before I started at Per Scholas. Now, next week I am taking two weeks of vacation and they are going to bring a contractor in to fill my role. I am in demand. They have to have me there, or someone with my skill set. They can’t get rid of me now.”

Roy has since advanced his career further as an IT Risk Analyst for Per Scholas Signature Partne TekSystems.

Per Scholas Columbus has partnered with the Columbus Urban League to be a training provider for their Urban Tech Jobs Program (UTJP). The UTJP targets long-term unemployed, as well as those who are in career transition – with a focus on opportunity youth and veterans. CUL refers participants to Per Scholas and provides a stipend to help support training costs as well as supportive services throughout training. Upon completion, both Per Scholas and the CUL assist participants with job placement. The Urban Tech Jobs Program is a three-year initiative funded by the Department of Labor, and the Columbus Urban League is one of seven affiliates across the country to administer this program. Two UTJP students will join the next Per Scholas Columbus cohort, and at least 31 more will be trained in the next three years.