Jasmine Miller, Atlanta Managing Director on Air with NPR WABE

Last month, Per Scholas’ Managing Director for Atlanta, Jasmine Miller, sat down with NPR affiliate WABE’s Rose Scott to talk about diversity in technology, and the work of growing representation for women and minorities in the field. The two were joined by Erika Shackleford, a Per Scholas graduate, for a conversation that explored the organization’s mission to bring technology trainings and career opportunities to often-overlooked communities nationwide.

 “We have a huge challenge here, locally and nationally, to really move towards helping these companies diversify the tech industry,” said Ms. Miller. “We want to make sure that the folks who are coming through our training are going to be successful, because it’s not just about training for us. It really is about helping them build a career in IT, so we partner with corporations, and we move these folks into jobs.”

“I like technology just because it’s a vast field. It’s not just one thing you can focus on… It’s an open space and you can find what you love,” Said Ms. Shackelford of the opportunities available to her since training with Per Scholas. Having found her passion, she hopes to pass on what she has learned. “Eventually I want to pay it forward, and start teaching people how to code.”

To hear the full story, head over to WABE’s website. The feature on Per Scholas begins at the 40-minute mark.