Kenetra Woods

Before entering the world of tech, Kenetra Woods spent years working in healthcare and inventory management. She was no stranger to hard work or change, but a stable, long-term career in IT had never felt like a realistic option. It wasn’t for lack of interest. It was more the belief that those doors simply weren’t open to someone like her.

But life has a way of shifting at just the right time. In 2022, Kenetra accomplished a major personal milestone when she closed on her first home. It was a dream fulfilled. But just days later, that dream was shadowed by unexpected news: she was laid off from her job. “I remember thinking, ‘What am I going to do now?’” 

As she began searching for a new direction, Kenetra came across Per Scholas Indianapolis, which had recently launched its first CompTIA A+ cohort. It was an entry point into the world of IT, an industry she had always been curious about but never fully understood. “I thought IT was just fixing computers,” she admitted. “I didn’t know there was this entire universe of roles, paths, and specialties.”

Despite her nerves, she applied. She wasn’t sure she’d be accepted, but when she was, she made a decision that would ultimately change the trajectory of her life. From the moment she stepped into her first Per Scholas classroom, Kenetra was met with both challenge and encouragement. The curriculum was rigorous. At first, she felt intimidated, unsure if she belonged. But rather than retreat, she pushed forward.

“It was hard. I had classmates who were already speaking the language of IT, and I was just jumping in,” she said. “But I kept showing up. And every day, I got a little more confident.”

It wasn’t just the technical training that mattered, though learning how to troubleshoot, build, and understand systems laid a solid foundation. It was the supportive environment, the accountability, and the belief the staff had in every learner that made the difference. Per Scholas emphasized professional development, time management, networking, and interview preparation, soft skills that Kenetra said were just as important as the tech.

“Time management was huge for me,” she said. “I was learning how to balance my responsibilities, show up for class every day, and prepare for a brand-new career. It forced me to be intentional with my time and trust my ability to grow.”

One of the things that stood out most to Kenetra during her time at Per Scholas was the feeling of genuine inclusion. “They never made me feel like just another learner. They made me feel seen and that I mattered,” she said. Even after she graduated, she remained actively connected to the Per Scholas community. Whether it was being invited back to events, supporting new learners, or simply receiving a check-in email, the relationship didn’t end with her certificate.

That sense of ongoing support was especially critical during her first apprenticeship, where she began applying her new skills in the real world. The apprenticeship program aimed to place learners into different branches of IT within the State of Indiana, and while it was an exciting opportunity, it also came with new fears. “I was nervous, I didn’t know if I could really do it,” she commented.

Behind the scenes, Per Scholas staff were still championing her success. One of the staff members reached out directly to her apprenticeship contact just to advocate for her and ensure she had what she needed to thrive. “They didn’t have to do that. But they did. And it reminded me that I had people rooting for me, even when I didn’t fully believe in myself.”

That unwavering support, combined with her own persistence, paid off. Today, Kenetra holds the title of System Administrator in Identity and Access Management at the Indiana Office of Technology. In her role, she helps manage digital identities, ensuring secure access to data and systems — a role that sits at the intersection of technology and trust.

“I never saw myself here,” she said. “But now that I’m in this space, I realize how much I love solving problems, helping people, and making systems work better. It’s not just a job; it’s a career I’m proud of.”

Recognizing the value of continuous learning in tech, Kenetra pursued several additional certifications to deepen her expertise and increase her marketability.

Kenetra was able to take the Google Data Analytics course and Cisco Cybersecurity Fundamentals upskilling courses through Per Scholas and received the Google Data Analytics and the Cisco Cybersecurity Fundamentals certifications, as well as CompTIA A+ from Per Scholas. She then obtained the CompTIA ITF+ during her time as a learner at Per Scholas, which she purchased a voucher for prior to enrollment, CompTIA Security+, Network+, Microsoft AZ900 and SC900, ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity, and A/CCRF- AKYLADE Certified Cyber Resilience Fundamentals certifications outside of Per Scholas. She became ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity, A/CCRF- AKYLADE Certified Cyber Resilience Fundamentals, Microsoft AZ-900, and CompTIA ITF+, which she purchased and completed on her own following her graduation.  Additionally, the CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, and Microsoft SC-900 were provided through Kenetra’s apprenticeship through the State of Indiana. She is currently working on the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification.

Throughout this process, Per Scholas played a vital role—not only providing classroom instruction but also offering resources for exam preparation, practice labs, and mentorship. 

“They helped me map out which certifications to pursue next,” she said. “It wasn’t just about passing exams, but about building a strong skill set that aligned with my career goals.”

Recently, Kenetra proudly displayed her certifications framed on the wall as a visible testament to how far she had come. “When I look at those certificates, I see more than just paper,” she reflected. “I see a journey of perseverance, growth, and opportunity.”

Her confidence has grown beyond her certifications. In April 2024, she earned her associate’s degree in liberal arts from Indiana Wesleyan University. Her ongoing commitment to learning is part of why she’s now preparing to pursue a bachelor’s degree focused on IT or Cybersecurity, confident that she’s laying the groundwork for a long-term career that will continue to evolve.

Kenetra’s story is not just about personal transformation; it’s about creating a ripple effect. At a recent Per Scholas graduation event, two new alumni asked if she would consider being their mentor. She was floored. “I never thought of myself as a mentor,” she said. “But now I check in with them every week. I want them to know they’re not alone.”

She also stays in touch with her original cohort. What started as friendly competition over who would pass certification exams first has turned into lasting friendships, regular meetups, and ongoing encouragement. “We still go out and talk about where we are and where we’re headed.”

Perhaps most powerfully, Kenetra now sees herself through a different lens. As a mother, her proudest moment is hearing her daughter say, “My mommy works in IT.” It’s a declaration of pride and progress, a tangible example of what’s possible through perseverance, community, and access to opportunity.

When asked to sum up her Per Scholas experience in one word, Kenetra didn’t hesitate. “Life-changing,” she said. “All of this, everything I’ve done, started with A+. That certification changed my life.”

Whether she received flowers at graduation after being named “Class Mom,” mentored new alumni, or simply saw her certifications framed on her wall, Kenetra recognizes the deep and lasting impact Per Scholas has had on her life.

“I do what I do because it’s in my heart,” she said. “I want everyone to win — whatever that means for them. And I’ll keep sharing my story because someone out there needs to know: if I can do it, so can you.”