Per Scholas Launches New Training to Build Critical Infrastructure Talent in Collaboration with Microsoft

As AI and cloud computing continue to expand, so does the demand for the workforce behind the systems powering them. Data centers and critical infrastructure environments require highly skilled talent—but traditional pathways are struggling to keep pace.

To address this gap, Per Scholas and Microsoft have launched a new Critical Infrastructure training program, beginning with a 15-week cohort in Atlanta.

Co-designed with Microsoft, the program prepares individuals, many of whom have no prior experience, for roles supporting mission-critical environments. Through more than 400 hours of hands-on, instructor-led training, learners gain the technical, operational, and professional skills needed to maintain complex systems and ensure continuous uptime. The inaugural cohort begins June 22, 2026, with applications open through June 8, 2026. Learn more and apply here.

This collaboration reflects a broader shift toward employer-aligned training models. By building curriculum around real-world job requirements, Per Scholas and Microsoft are creating a more direct pathway from training to employment—reducing hiring friction while accelerating readiness.

The program also builds on existing momentum. In the past three years, Per Scholas has trained more than 500 data center technicians, many of whom are now working in critical infrastructure roles, including within Microsoft operations.

While the inaugural cohort launches in Atlanta, the long-term goal is to scale this model nationwide—creating a consistent, predictable pipeline of talent to meet growing demand.

At its core, the partnership represents a shared commitment to expanding access to high-growth careers while strengthening the workforce that powers today’s digital economy.

Read the full Press Release