Ronnie Johnson Jr

Before Ronnie Johnson Jr. ever stepped into a Per Scholas classroom, he had already built a career in PR and marketing. He’d been freelancing for years—telling stories, connecting with people, and bringing fresh ideas into every room he entered. However, life eventually led him to a crossroads.

Ronnie made the difficult decision to step away from his job to care for his grandmother and focus on his health. What he couldn’t have anticipated was the cascade of challenges that followed. Still, he kept searching for a path forward—one that would allow him to remain valuable in a rapidly changing world.

When a friend introduced him to Per Scholas, Ronnie felt something he hadn’t felt in a long time: possibility. Even better, Per Scholas had just opened its Kansas City campus. The timing, he says, felt like a blessing.

With his background in PR, Ronnie understood how he learns best—by asking questions, discussing challenges, and learning alongside others. That’s why he committed to in-person training. He needed to be hands-on, and he showed up to Per Scholas determined to succeed.

The Per Scholas Kansas City admissions team supported him every step of the way, even when deadlines got tight. Ronnie walked into the classroom ready to build a new future and enrolled in the IT Support program.

“Nothing humbles you like that first test,” he laughs.

Instead of discouraging him, it became a turning point. Ronnie realized what was truly at stake—his future, a child on the way, and the belief that sacrifice could lead to real change. So he dug in.

While juggling classes, grief, and financial strain, Ronnie faced yet another setback when his car stopped working. Still, he kept going. He kept showing up. He kept learning.

Ronnie earned multiple certifications during the program, gaining not just technical skills but confidence. He discovered that tech wasn’t just a new field—it was the right one.

“I wanted to be an asset, not a liability. We’re moving into a world driven by technology, and I refuse to be replaceable. Per Scholas helped me become that. I gained knowledge I didn’t even know I needed—and now I can do so much more.”

One of Ronnie’s greatest surprises was the sense of community within his cohort. He often says the class felt like a group of people who might never have crossed paths otherwise, but who became lifelong friends.

They studied together, supported one another, shared job leads, and refused to let anyone fall behind. For Ronnie, that kind of unity was priceless.

After completing the program, Ronnie realized Per Scholas had prepared him to take his skills anywhere. He landed his highest-paying role to date as an Information Systems Specialist in Denver, Colorado. 

Today, Ronnie sees endless possibilities in tech. With additional certifications and experience, he knows he can branch into coding, firmware, cybersecurity, systems work, and more. Technology may evolve, he says—but people who understand it will always be essential.

“This opportunity changed everything.”

Moving into tech transformed Ronnie’s life in three key ways: financially, personally, and professionally. It gave him stability when he needed it most, a community he never expected, and a future he once couldn’t imagine.

Now, he encourages others who feel stuck or uncertain to stop doubting and start doing.

“If you have the chance to better your life at no cost, why wouldn’t you? If you’re feeling lost, start by educating yourself. Start with a skill. Start with something that makes you feel needed. This program changed my life—and it can change yours too.”