LaLonnie Moseley

Before attending Per Scholas, LaLonnie Moseley worked in a variety of different fields, ranging from customer service, to teaching, to in-home assistance, and more. While working as an early childhood educator, there were two non-working computers in her room which sparked LaLonnie’s interest in tech as she tried to trouble-shoot them.

LaLonnie found herself out of work during the Pandemic. With a small child to care for and bills to pay, LaLonnie knew she needed to find work, but she also wanted a change. “I didn’t just want another minimum wage job; I wanted to start a new career,” LaLonnie recalled. “I wanted job security, opportunities for advancement, and stability.” 

LaLonnie’s partner, who is currently working to achieve his CCNA certification, showed LaLonnie the benefits of a career in tech, such as the flexibility and work/life balance that it offered. He was familiar with Per Scholas and, recognizing her burgeoning interest in pursuing tech, encouraged her to apply to the program. She was soon accepted into and enrolled in Per Scholas Baltimore’s IT Support course. 

The course was very fast-paced and LaLonnie was amazed not only at how much information was covered, but at how the topics were covered so well that she actually learned and retained everything. It was difficult, but LaLonnie felt incredibly supported by her teachers and classmates, who pushed her to succeed. “I had a wonderful experience with the staff as well as my classmates in terms of the coursework and materials,” she reflected. “It was difficult, but my experience going through the program, from start to finish, was nothing short of amazing….Coming into the program I was intimidated. Finishing the program, I felt whole and complete.”

Shortly before the end of the program, LaLonnie had to have emergency surgery. She was in a lot of pain and missing class, and she felt close to giving up on the course. “When I reached out to the administration telling them I didn’t think I could continue, the teachers both reached out to me and assured me that I would graduate,” LaLonnie said. “They told me to take the time I needed and they were so supportive. They said, ‘whatever help and assistance you need from us, we’re here for you.’ I ended up graduating on time with everyone else. I got my certifications and they were so supportive every step of the way.”

The support from Per Scholas, LaLonnie said, went far beyond academics. “We had someone in our class who was going through issues in their home and was homeless,” LaLonnie recalled. “Per Scholas actually found a shelter for them to go to. The support went beyond just technology training. They prepared you for the job. They made sure you were secure and doing alright. They made sure we all had laptops and access to the internet. It was just so many things they did outside of just technology. The staff definitely stepped up to the plate and made sure we felt the support. They are like a second family to any person that goes to Per Scholas. I can’t be more thankful for the experience.”

Since graduating, LaLonnie has been working with the Per Scholas professional development team to prepare for interviews. She is excited to land her first job in tech and is grateful for the networking opportunities that Per Scholas offers. One day, she would like to open a childcare center that focuses on education and technical awareness.