Per Scholas “A Job Changes Everything” Campaign Shatters Records, Raises over $175K In Most Successful Fundraiser Ever: Monthly Impact Report – Jan. 2017

The #AJobChangesEverything fundraiser raised more than $175,000 for Per Scholas students this holiday season. A record amount–and $80,000 more than 2015. A very special thank you to the Per Scholas Board of Directors and regional advisory council members who generously pledged to match every dollar raised up to $50,000–which was a success!

These donations represent friends, family, volunteers, alumni, board and staff who gave generously and spread the word far and wide about our work. These funds will help support training for 1,000 individuals in 2017 for life-changing careers in technology.

Having a job means something different for everyone. For Per Scholas CEO, Plinio Ayala, a job allowed him the ability to enjoy his favorite childhood activity, stickball. Every September, Plinio’s mother bought him one new pair of sneakers in preparation for school. By early August, the soles would have holes and his socks would tear. Knowing his Mom could not afford a new pair of sneakers or socks, Plinio knew he had to cut his summer fun short.

“I would stop my most favorite thing– playing stickball in the school yard. [When I was 14] I was legally allowed to work. With my first paycheck, I bought two pairs of Pro Keds, one white and one black. I never wanted to have holes in my socks again, but more importantly, I did not want torn sneakers to keep me from doing what I loved most at the time– playing stickball.”

For Plinio, a job, and subsequently a paycheck, meant a pair of sneakers and being able to play stickball. For those we serve, the stakes are much higher and your support allows us to train 1,000 more students in 2017. That’s 1,000 more individuals who will be able to share what a job has changed for them.

To all who donated, thank you from everyone–staff and students-we couldn’t have done it without you.

Check out past Monthly Impact Reports here.