30 Years of Tech Innovation, 30 Years of Impact: How Per Scholas and the Industry Transformed Together

During the last 30 years, we’ve seen technology develop into an unstoppable force that influences how we live, work, and communicate.

In 1995, dial-up internet and floppy disks were gaining popularity, while mobile phones were in their infancy. Fast forward to today, and we manage nearly every aspect of our lives on mobile devices, while cloud computing and AI have become ubiquitous.

Per Scholas has also experienced a remarkable journey in the last three decades, evolving alongside the technology it champions to create a more inclusive and representative industry.

Here are some of the events and people that have shaped the history of technology from 1995 to 2025.

1. 2000 – Dot-Com Bubble Bursts, But Tech Doesn’t Die

In 1995, just 0.7% of the global population used the internet. In 2025, that number stands at 68%. However, that journey hasn’t always been smooth, with the dot-com boom and subsequent bust being a prime example.

In the late 1990s, investment in internet startups created a frenzy on the stock markets, but this was short-lived, with billions of dollars in market value wiped out in the year 2000.

The dot-com crash exposed inequalities in who exactly benefited in the technology economy, with entrepreneurs and investors walking away with vast fortunes at the expense of those with little market knowledge. However, the event also opened the door for people to rethink how technology is built and by whom.

Recognizing skills gaps in technology, Per Scholas doubled down on workforce training in 2020, providing skills and knowledge that help learners thrive in the modern world.

2. 2011 – Kimberly Bryant Founds Black Girls CODE

While Black people make up 13% of the U.S. population, they represent just 7% of the computing workforce.

After her daughter expressed an interest in computer programming, Kimberly Bryant started Black Girls Code in 2011, a nonprofit that empowers girls of color through coding education and technological engagement.

Per Scholas also creates access for those traditionally left out of tech. We offer no-cost training, certifications, and job attainment assistance, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams.  

3. 2018 – Timnit Gebru Co-Authors Groundbreaking Work on AI Bias

In 2018, Timnit Gebru, a leader in AI ethics research, co-authored a paper that showed facial recognition is less reliable when identifying some individuals, which could lead to discrimination.

Also around this time, Per Scholas led efforts to prepare learners for AI and its potential downsides. We started training AI learners to lead, not just follow — a philosophy that also extends into other technologies, such as the cloud and cybersecurity.

4. 2020 – The Pandemic Forces the World Online

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a digital divide between those with reliable internet access and technology skills and those without became remarkably apparent.

Shortly after the start of the pandemic, Per Scholas pivoted to remote training, ensuring continuity for our learners during one of the most significant events in modern history. Former alum Kevin Rappe, now Systems Engineer at Cetrom Information Technology, Inc., says:

“[Per Scholas helped us get] as hands-on as possible over remote learning. They did a really impressive job, and it worked very well.”

5. 2025 – Per Scholas Hits 30 Years, with More Than 30K Trained and Counting

Per Scholas is proud to celebrate 30 years, and we honored this historic milestone by ringing the Nasdaq Closing Bell back in February.

Since 1995, we’ve made a massive effort to diversify tech for everyone, which continues to be our driving force. Former alum Jadah Stone, now an IT Support Specialist at Casper, says:

“Per Scholas provided really amazing resources for people that might not have otherwise been able to have an opportunity like this.”

The Per Scholas Journey: 1995-2025

Here’s a timeline of some of our most important milestones:

• 1995: Per Scholas starts in the South Bronx. Our mission? To bridge the digital divide.
• 2000s: At the dawn of the new millennium, Per Scholas expands into tech training. 
• 2010s: We expand nationally and start partnering with leading tech companies.
• 2020s: We adopt a more responsive, future-focused curriculum that tackles AI, cybersecurity, the cloud, IT workforce development, and other emerging technologies.
• 2025: Our alumni are now working at Microsoft, Google, JPMorgan Chase, TEKsystems, Cognizant, and other leading tech companies.

Per Scholas Alumni Success Stories

Various individuals have shaped the tech landscape — and Per Scholas alumni are part of that story.

Here are some quotes from those who have unlocked their potential through our no-cost technology training and access to careers in tech without a degree:

• “Per Scholas has completely changed my entire life. That little 8-year-old girl who was at one point homeless is now breaking barriers in the tech industry.” – Deja Craft, Computer Systems Engineer
• “It’s amazing to see what Per Scholas does for people. Essentially, bringing them from knowing nothing about tech or hardware or software, and preparing them to be able to enter the industry.” – Steven Reyes, Helpdesk Technician at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
• “Now I have options. I have people calling me about jobs. I have ample opportunity for growth. I am eternally grateful for this experience.” – Nico Castro-Arrien, Business Operations Support Analyst

Building the Next 30 Years

Despite changing the tech landscape, Per Scholas is on the path to successfully training individuals for thriving careers. The obstacles we currently face include access to technology, representation in the workplace, and rapid changes in the sector that might leave some communities behind.

Per Scholas is preparing for these challenges by constantly evolving. Our career accelerators, simulation-based training, and AI skilling are helping to build a more inclusive tech workforce.

Partner with us by becoming a donor and being part of our evolution. You can help build a more equitable tech workforce for the next 30 years!