Patrick Kaiser

When Patrick Kaiser first laid hands on a computer back in the ’90s, something clicked. The family’s new household machine wasn’t just a novelty—it was the beginning of a lifelong fascination with technology. But life took him down other paths first, including a meaningful career in the U.S. Army.

After serving his country, Patrick faced a new mission: figuring out what came next.

“I wasn’t going to be doing the Army for a career, so I needed to decide what I was going to do with my life,” he said. “Tech was always something I loved, so I took a certification route and started working in IT. But when my certs lapsed, I needed a way back in.”

That’s when he found Per Scholas. Patrick enrolled in Per Scholas Kansas City’s IT Support program, ready to rebuild his career. What he didn’t expect was how transformative the experience would be—not just professionally but personally.

“I’m a 44-year-old, partially deaf, disabled veteran,” Patrick shared. “And I did it. The program was demanding, sure, but absolutely achievable. I really liked the instructors, the learners, and the staff. Everything was great.”

Like many learners, Patrick found a key breakthrough moment during the course’s first practice exams. “We were all feeling pretty confident—maybe too confident,” he laughed. “That first test was humbling. But it was meant to be. The instructors used it to show us that we needed more than memorization—we needed real understanding. That lesson stuck with me.”

He didn’t go through it alone. Patrick’s cohort became a tight-knit support team. “We shared notes, studied together, pushed each other. It was a real team effort,” he said.

Though Patrick receives a military retirement pension, stepping away from full-time work to focus on training came with financial strain. That’s where the Zero Percent Loan (ZPL) program came in.

“It was offered with no pressure, just as an option—and it ended up being a huge help,” Patrick explained. “It helped pay for gas, a few tech items I needed to study, and gave me some financial breathing room. Honestly, it was too easy. They make it simple, and the app with reminders is great.”

To others considering the loan, Patrick has this advice: “There’s no harm in applying. If it could help, go for it. It was a win-win for me.”

Today, Patrick works as an Installation and Support Technician at Freight Snap. He splits his time between remote tech support and on-site installations of devices that help dimension freight shipments with 3D imaging—a niche but essential corner of the logistics industry.

“I love where I’m at—the company, the product, the people. I was really blessed to land here after Per Scholas,” he said.

Looking ahead, Patrick is eager to keep growing in the field. He recently earned a bachelor’s degree in cloud assurance and hopes to pursue further certifications in Microsoft Azure and AWS, especially as cloud skills become more essential in his work.

When asked to describe Per Scholas in one word, Patrick didn’t hesitate: “Blessing.”

Patrick’s story is a testament to resilience, opportunity, and the power of community. With his career back on track and new goals on the horizon, he’s not only transforming his own future—he’s eager to help others do the same. Patrick is proving that when you invest in potential, the impact ripples outward. 

For him, Per Scholas wasn’t just a training program—it was the spark for a new chapter, and he’s just getting started.