Lennon Williams

When Lennon Williams moved to Buffalo in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, he found himself at a crossroads. A father with responsibilities and a lifelong passion for technology, he was looking for direction. “I always liked tech as a kid,” Lennon shared. “I played a lot of video games, took apart computers, washing machines, anything I could get my hands on.”

Like many others, he initially believed that a career in tech meant becoming a software developer. He spent two years self-teaching coding but found the journey difficult without support. Lennon worked various jobs to support his family. But the spark for a tech career never left. 

One day, while scrolling through TikTok, he came across a video for Per Scholas. “I actually scrolled past it,” he laughed. “But then someone else sent me the same video. That’s when I felt like it had to be a sign.”

He applied. Lennon was one of just 21 selected for Per Scholas Buffalo’s inaugural IT Support cohort in 2024. 

“I was honored. It felt like a huge opportunity and a fresh start. I fell in love with it — the material, the instructors, and the mission,” he comments. 

During the program, Lennon earned his CompTIA A+ certification and was introduced to a range of other training tracks: “They offered multiple Google certifications, IT Support, UX Design, Cybersecurity, plus ServiceNow. It was a full plate, but I was excited to dive in.”

Thanks to a mock interview hosted by Per Scholas’s career development team, Lennon secured his first IT job as a Functional Support Analyst at Odoo shortly after graduation. 

Just six months in, he’s thriving. “I’ve met CEOs, worked with multiple businesses, and now I’m even co-chairing a new tech network in Buffalo to help others get into tech. I never thought I’d be doing this.”

One of the most meaningful supports Lennon received during his journey was the Zero Percent Interest Loan (ZPL), offered through Per Scholas to help learners cover basic expenses while enrolled in full-time training.

“Training was 9 to 5, and it was hard to work and study at the same time,” Lennon explained. “The ZPL gave me peace of mind. I was able to pay my rent, support my kids, and focus on learning.”

Lennon emphasized how straightforward the loan process was. “They explained everything clearly. I read the documents, clicked a few links, and got approved within a week. Plus, it releases monthly depending on your program’s length.”

But what stood out most was how flexible and fair the repayment system was: “I got a grace period before payments began. And there’s no interest — zero. That’s almost unheard of.”

Even now, as he repays the loan, Lennon finds the experience smooth and transparent. Lennon recommends the ZPL for anyone in the program who’s struggling financially: “It let me focus on my future without worrying about the present.”

Today, Lennon is continuing to expand his skills and focusing on upskilling. Through Per Scholas’s alumni network, he enrolled in a six-month project management course and is considering a path into networking and infrastructure. He credits fellow alumni with showing him what’s possible.

But perhaps the most exciting development is what’s happening locally. Lennon and a fellow graduate are building a new tech network in Buffalo, aimed at connecting tech professionals, employers, and aspiring learners.

“The goal is to create pathways for people like me — people who didn’t even know these careers existed. That’s the impact I want to make.”

When asked to reflect on his journey, Lennon describes it in one word: transformative. “I didn’t even know what I was capable of until I joined Per Scholas,” he adds.

Lennon thought IT was just coding. Now, he helps companies every day by creating networks, exploring cybersecurity, and managing projects. His journey is a testament to Per Scholas’s transformative impact on learners. 

His advice to anyone considering a similar path?

“Just do it. You have no idea what you’re capable of until you’re around people chasing the same dream. The worst thing that can happen is that you leave with a valuable skill and a certification. That’s not a loss — that’s a start.”

From a TikTok video to a brand-new career, Lennon Williams is living proof of what’s possible when you follow the sign and take the leap.