Philadelphia, P.A., May 30, 2025 — Since launching in 2019, the Per Scholas Philadelphia campus has trained more than 600 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as IT Support and Cybersecurity.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, alumni, and friends, Per Scholas Philadelphia hosted its Five-Year Campus Celebration in Philadelphia with remarks from Claire Statchura of Comcast, Sean Sheridan of TEKsystems, Liz Newell of CHUBB, Shana Savage of Urban Technology Project, and Per Scholas Philadelphia alumni who work at those institutions. Per Scholas President Caitlyn Brazill was also in attendance.

“It’s not often that you have the chance to slow down and mark such a huge milestone. I’m grateful for all those whose lives have been touched by Per Scholas Philadelphia, the people who have worked on and off our campus to do the work, the employers who have volunteered to meet and then hire our graduates, the communities who helped spread the word, and the funders who make it all possible. The successes of those first 600 learners keeps our doors open to serve hundreds and thousands more in the years to come,“ said Joshua Park, Per Scholas Philadelphia Managing Director.

The evening’s presentation concluded with a joint announcement of a satellite Per Scholas Philadelphia classroom at OIC Philadelphia to launch in November 2025. Per Scholas’ satellite model, first launched in New York in 2021, has proven effective in expanding access to communities with limited tech training options. By combining dedicated on-site support with connected classroom learning, this model offers equal-quality training experiences, builds capacity for community partners, and creates efficient pathways to employment.

“At OIC, we’ve always believed in the power of partnership to create transformative change, and our collaboration with Per Scholas perfectly embodies this principle. In the legacy of our founder, Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan, we’re committed to connecting our community members to family-sustaining careers with real growth potential. We’re thrilled to welcome Per Scholas as part of OIC’s workforce hub this November, where together we’ll continue breaking down barriers and building pathways to economic opportunity for Philadelphia residents,” stated Sheila Ireland, President & Chief Executive Officer OIC. “This partnership represents the kind of meaningful collaboration that creates lasting change, one life at a time.“

Per Scholas Philadelphia acknowledges Comcast, TEKsystems, and OIC Philadelphia for their generous support that made this celebration possible.

“TEKsystems’ partnership with Per Scholas has been instrumental in transforming the tech landscape of Philadelphia. By providing tuition-free, high-quality technology certification programs, Per Scholas equips learners with the necessary skills to be job-ready for positions with our clients in the Philadelphia market. This collaboration has empowered hundreds of local residents, fostering economic growth and creating a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the vibrant spirit of Philadelphia. We’re thankful to partner with such an impactful organization and are excited to see the continued impact we’ll have supporting the City of Philadelphia,” said Sean Sheridan, Team Lead, Philadelphia Delivery Center, TEKsystems.

With a proven tech training model including both in-person and remote learning hubs, Per Scholas continues to unlock opportunities for individuals, strengthen communities, and drive business success across the greater Philadelphia area. Per Scholas Philadelphia is transforming lives and will continue to shape Philadelphia’s future as a thriving technology hub by equipping Per Scholas Technologists with in-demand tech skills at no cost.

To learn more about Per Scholas Philadelphia, follow them on LinkedIn or Per Scholas Philadelphia.

About Per Scholas

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 20+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

At Per Scholas, leadership is more than a title — it’s a calling to advance economic mobility, foster opportunity, and ignite change across our communities. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce six dynamic leaders who have stepped into Managing Director roles across our campuses within the last year. Each brings a wealth of experience, a passion for education and workforce development, and a deep commitment to the cities they call home.

Meet the newest Per Scholas Managing Directors:

Joshua Park – Philadelphia (Joined May 15, 2024)

Philadelphia’s tech talent pipeline just got even stronger. Joshua Park joins Per Scholas Philadelphia after more than eight years at the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, where he fostered career opportunities and built robust employer partnerships. Before his time at WPSI, Joshua led Sylvan Learning’s Philadelphia operations and began his career as a middle and high school math teacher. When he’s not opening doors for Philly’s future technologists, Joshua enjoys writing songs, growing tomatoes, and adventuring around town with his family — and three mischievous cats.

Camisha Beverly – Baltimore (Joined June 5, 2024)

Baltimore’s energy and ambition find a perfect match in Camisha Beverly. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing, training, and entrepreneurship, Camisha brings a unique ability to inspire, connect, and empower. Whether she’s working with brands like Vitamin Water and Volkswagen or leading new initiatives at Per Scholas Baltimore, Camisha is passionate about unlocking potential and expanding access to technical training. For her, the journey is about taking that first courageous step — and she’s ready to help countless Baltimoreans do just that.

Cedric Deadmon – Kansas City (Joined July 24, 2024)

Kansas City’s thriving tech ecosystem gains a champion in Cedric Deadmon. With 25 years of experience across workforce development, higher education, and career services, Cedric is a seasoned advocate for adult learners and credential attainment. A nationally certified College and Career Counselor, Cedric has consulted and presented nationally on strategies to boost economic mobility. Now, he brings his visionary leadership to Per Scholas Kansas City, ensuring that more residents gain access to life-changing tech careers.

Keisha Mabry Haymore – St. Louis (Joined September 4, 2024)

A TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, educator, and all-around powerhouse, Keisha Mabry Haymore now leads the charge at Per Scholas St. Louis. Keisha’s career spans classrooms, startups, and civic boards, and she’s been featured everywhere from NPR to Fast Company. With a background in education, business development, and digital marketing, Keisha embodies innovation and impact. Her mission in St. Louis? To build bridges, break barriers, and ensure that every learner has the opportunity to thrive in tech and beyond.

Kate Doyle – Chicago (Joined February 10, 2025)

With a background spanning special education, tech entrepreneurship, and corporate strategy, Kate Doyle’s leadership at Per Scholas Chicago signals bold new momentum. Before joining Per Scholas, Kate co-founded KindWork, a nonprofit focused on tech career pathways, and held senior positions in the tech industry. A civic leader on Chicago’s North Side, Kate is committed to creating opportunities that transform communities. She shares her home — and her passion for progress — with her spouse, child, and rescue dog.

Gene Walker – Pittsburgh (Joined February 19, 2025)

Per Scholas Pittsburgh welcomes homegrown leadership with the arrival of Gene Walker. A Pittsburgh native and proud Peabody High School graduate, Gene brings rich experience in education leadership and community engagement. As a School Board President for Pittsburgh Public Schools and former Elder at Mosaic Community Church, Gene is no stranger to service. With a house full of pets and a heart full of commitment, Gene is poised to strengthen Per Scholas’s impact in Pittsburgh and uplift learners across the Steel City.

A Bright Future Ahead

Our newest Managing Directors share a common thread: a deep belief in the transformative power of education and access. As they step into their new roles, we are filled with excitement for what’s ahead. Together, they will drive Per Scholas’ mission forward — unlocking potential and expanding economic opportunity, one city at a time.

Welcome, Joshua, Camisha, Keisha, Cedric, Kate, and Gene! We are honored to have you leading the way.

On August 10, the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Philadelphia hosted a Connecting Communities webinar, where Per Scholas Philadelphia alumni and Teaching Fellow David Byard participated in a panel discussion. Panelists shared insights from the Worker Voices 2023 report, how many workers are reshaping the workforce, recent expectations of job quality, and how they use skill development and self-investment to change their economic opportunities.

Federal Reserve Presidents Raphael Bostic from the Atlanta Fed and Patrick T. Harker from the Philadelphia Fed shared their perspectives, and David Byard was joined by speakers Rebecca Hanson, Executive Director at SEIU-UHW Joint Employer Education Fund; Sarah Miller, Principal Advisor at Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; Ashley Putnam, Director, Economic Growth & Mobility Project at Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and moderator Whitney Felder, Marketing Communications Specialist at Fed Communities.

Watch the full Shifting Perspectives and Expectations on Employment webinar here!

In addition to the webinar and considering the takeaways from the discussions, Per Scholas Senior Managing Director Nikki Pumphrey provided her perspective on how Worker Voices are Essential. “During the pandemic, and perhaps even more so recently, we have seen greater adoption of skills-based hiring,” Pumphrey states. “The World Economic Forum predicted that 45% of companies had focused efforts on hiring based on competencies by 2022. This trend is likely to continue as new labor market dynamics emerge and talent shortages continue. Employers are making more informed choices about how they attract talent, but also about how to develop effective skill-building strategies for incumbent workers.”

Read Nikki Pumphrey’s Per Scholas Perspective here.  

Per Scholas Celebrates $20 Million Investment from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

Transformational Investment Propels and Positions Tech Skills Nonprofit for National Future Impact

BRONX, New York (September 28, 2023) – Per Scholas, a national nonprofit committed to advancing economic mobility and unlocking potential through technology career training, today announced a $20 million investment from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

Receiving this transformational investment from MacKenzie Scott, one of the most dynamic philanthropists in modern times, is a testament to Per Scholas' impact over our nearly 30 year history. As we've evolved from a computer recycler in the South Bronx to a technical skills trainer in 22 cities and counting across America, we are so grateful for this $20 million gift – the largest, unrestricted funding our organization has ever received. This investment will propel Per Scholas for even greater national impact well into the future, centered on growth and innovation and ensuring our alumni achieve a thriving wage through our Career Accelerator. — Plinio Ayala, President & CEO, Per Scholas

To date, Per Scholas has prepared more than 20,000 individuals across the U.S. for high-growth careers in technology by offering tuition-free, rigorous, 12- to 15-week training in the nation’s most in-demand tech skills. The evidence-based Per Scholas model has been proven in multiple gold-standard research studies, and on average, Per Scholas-trained technologists go on to earn three times their pre-training wage in their first job following graduation. All told, Per Scholas graduates have earned more than $2.4 billion in their post-Per Scholas careers, powering economic advancement in communities across the nation.

Per Scholas connects graduates to high growth careers through our network of 850+ employer partners, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, and supports alumni through the organization’s latest innovation, the Career Accelerator, which provides Per Scholas alumni short-term upskilling opportunities, in turn propelling careers. As a result, every dollar invested in Per Scholas results in at least $8 in net economic return.

I'd like to express my most heartfelt gratitude to Per Scholas staff, funders, employer partners, and supporters, who have believed in our mission to advance economic equity and increase opportunity through America's hottest sector - technology. While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life in ways previously unimagined, it presented the opportunity for Per Scholas to innovate a new delivery model, which proved so successful that we were able to scale our impact four-fold. I echo Plinio's gratitude to Ms. Scott - this $20 million investment will certainly position Per Scholas well into our next decade of unlocking potential. — Lewis Miller, Per Scholas Co-Founder and National Board Chair

Today, Per Scholas operates in 20+ U.S. markets including Atlanta, Baltimore, Greater Boston, Chicago, Greater Cincinnati, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Newark, New York, North Carolina, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, Seattle, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. This investment will enable Per Scholas to continue to expand its training and talent solutions to additional communities across the United States, with the goal of training 10,000 learners per year by 2026.

About Per Scholas
For more than 25 years, Per Scholas has been advancing equity and increasing opportunity across America. Per Scholas unlocks potential for individuals, communities, and employers through rigorous training for careers in tech. Partnering with dynamic employer partners, from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we are building sustainable and diverse talent pipelines, together changing the face of tech. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and growing, Per Scholas offers tuition-free training in the most in-demand tech skills, including Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more.

To date, more than 20,000 individuals have gained the skills to launch high-growth tech careers, earning three times their pre-training wage. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is in our DNA: 85 percent of Per Scholas learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half have a high school diploma as their highest education credential. Visit PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Meet Esther, Per Scholas Dallas Graduate & Technologist 

Esther is just one of Per Scholas’ 20,000+ alumni. She’s a proud Per Scholas Dallas IT Support graduate and successful career switcher, living her dream of working in tech. Click below to hear her story and how she’s benefitting from the Career Accelerator – earning more stackable credentials to propel her tech career! 

Per Scholas Philadelphia is grateful to be one of four recipients of the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce Workforce Solutions Grant. The $500,000 investment will help Per Scholas Philadelphia provide free technical and professional skills training and job placement services to learners. The grant awarded organizations that strive to elevate evidence-informed approaches to address specific challenges Black, brown, and other historically disadvantaged Philadelphia residents face when preparing for and entering the workforce.

“Our city is seeing growth in tech roles across industries, especially in education and healthcare,” said Per Scholas Philadelphia Managing Director Nikki Pumphrey. “To meet the demand and ensure that more Philadelphians have access to the social and economic mobility that this industry offers, organizations including Per Scholas are critical in building on-ramps for those new to the field.”

To learn more about this grant, read the full press release.

Per Scholas Philadelphia Establishes Advisory Board 

Leaders from Fortune 100s, Technology, Non-Profit, Finance Contribute to Transform America’s Tech Workforce

PHILADELPHIA (November 3, 2022) – Per Scholas Philadelphia today announces the establishment of its inaugural Advisory Board. Leaders from Fortune 100 companies, technology, finance, media, and the nonprofit sector will contribute their time and talent to supporting Per Scholas Philadelphia and its mission to transform America’s technology workforce through rigorous tech skills training.

Inaugural Per Scholas Philadelphia Advisory Board Members include:

• Carrie Bucci, Vice President of Product, Technically Media

• Brian Harvey, AVP Talent Management, Global Technology, Chubb 

• Danita Jones, Director of Human Resources and Engagement, Family Practice & Counseling Network; Chapter President, NAAAHR Philadelphia

• Claude Lawrence, Vice President Strategy, Consumer & Wealth Management, Goldman Sachs

• Joanne Sibony, Vice President, Technology Lab Environments, Comcast

“We are thrilled to launch this next phase of impact for the growing Per Scholas community in our city. These incredible leaders will help further our mission to increase access to thriving wage careers in tech for all Philadelphians,” said Nikki Pumphrey, Senior Managing Director, Per Scholas Philadelphia.

Since opening in 2019, more than 250 learners have graduated from Per Scholas Philadelphia and have gone on to employment in tech roles at a variety of companies across the city – from large healthcare providers to small startups. 

Per Scholas Philadelphia is grateful for Founder’s Circle partners TEKsystems and Comcast, as well as generous support from The Lenfest Foundation, Connelly Foundation, and William Penn Foundation. 

Currently, Per Scholas Philadelphia offers courses in Cybersecurity and IT Support. To learn more about Per Scholas Philadelphia, please visit www.PerScholas.org/Philadelphia.

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national organization that has been advancing economic mobility for more than 25 years. Through rigorous training, professional development, and robust employer connections, we prepare individuals traditionally underrepresented in technology for high-growth careers in the industry. We partner with leading employers to build more diverse talent pools, directly connecting our graduates to new career opportunities at businesses ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. With campuses in 19 cities, Per Scholas has trained more than 17,000 individuals in tech skills, building bridges to careers in technology. To learn more, visit PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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