Craig Curry

Craig Curry spent 17+ years in law enforcement, a career where discipline, quick decision-making, and a commitment to service were paramount. But after nearly two decades in the field, Craig knew it was time for a change. He wanted more for his family, a future that would offer growth and opportunity. As a father of two, his focus shifted from merely working hard to building something sustainable.

“I knew I needed something more. I was working hard, but I wasn’t going anywhere. I wanted to build a future for my children, something that would last.”

But making that leap into a new career wasn’t easy—until Craig discovered Per Scholas.

When Craig first considered transitioning into tech, he found himself overwhelmed by all the specializations, especially the buzz around cybersecurity. But it wasn’t until learning about Per Scholas that things clicked.

“One thing someone told me—and it was actually someone from Per Scholas, ‘How can you protect something you know nothing about?’ And I thought… that’s true,” Craig said, referring to his interest in cybersecurity.

This simple but profound advice helped Craig realize he needed to understand the fundamentals of technology first, not just dive into something trendy. That was the spark that led him to Per Scholas.

Craig became an IT Support Learner at Per Scholas Phoenix in 2023, ready to embrace the unknown. The curriculum was challenging, pushing him to learn coding, IT support, and cybersecurity. But the transition wasn’t just about gaining technical skills—it was about learning how to approach challenges with a new mindset.

“It was intense. There were days when I thought I couldn’t keep up. But my instructors kept me on track, and my classmates became like a second family. We were all in it together, pushing each other to do our best. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before.”

Craig’s previous experience in law enforcement gave him a strong foundation in problem-solving and handling high-pressure situations. But it was the Per Scholas environment that truly helped him unlock his potential.

“The classes forced me to challenge old habits, to rethink how I approach problems. And that’s what gave me the confidence to push forward.”

After completing his course, Craig landed an internship with TEKsystems at a Microsoft data center in Arizona. This internship wasn’t just a job—it was the real-world test of everything he had learned at Per Scholas.

“During my internship, I looked around and realized, ‘I’m doing this. I’m really doing this.’ It wasn’t just a job; it was the career I always dreamed about.”

Craig’s hard work and perseverance paid off quickly. Within just six months, he was promoted from a contractor role to a higher position in Microsoft’s data center, and within another two months, he became a full-time employee.

Today, Craig is thriving as an IT Support Professional with Microsoft, earning a salary far higher than he ever thought possible. But the true reward is not just financial, security that now comes with supporting his family and mentoring others who, like him, are looking for a fresh start.

“My life has completely changed. I’m earning more than I ever thought possible, and it’s all because of Per Scholas. I’m now able to support my family and give my children the future they deserve.”

Craig’s journey is proof that anyone can pursue new opportunities with the right opportunity and a supportive environment. For Craig, Per Scholas didn’t just provide a pathway to a new career—it gave him the tools to change his entire future.

“This is not an accident. There’s a blueprint already. It’s a partnership between Per Scholas and TEKsystems, and that’s your foot in the door. From there, it’s all about applying yourself.”

Craig’s story exemplifies the power of Per Scholas in creating real economic mobility. Through a rigorous, supportive pathway, Per Scholas gave Craig not just technical skills but the confidence and network to succeed in tech. His journey shows that with hard work, dedication, and the right guidance and tools, anyone can break into a new field, no matter where they start.