Celebrating 5 Years of Impact: Per Scholas Newark and Prudential Financial’s Partnership Transform Tech Talent in Newark

Per Scholas Newark is thrilled to celebrate its 5th anniversary, marking five years of transformative impact on the lives of more than 1,000 individuals and underscoring the powerful partnership with Prudential Financial that made this milestone possible. Together, we’ve built a bridge to opportunity for countless Newark residents, providing no-cost tech training and access to sustainable career pathways in cybersecurity, software development, and Cloud AWS, IT support.

Per Scholas Newark wouldn’t be here today without Prudential’s commitment. When Per Scholas began considering Newark as a location, Prudential welcomed us with open arms, offering foundational investment and market insights that allowed us to expand to Newark and plant the seeds for growth. Their support didn’t stop with funding; Prudential’s ongoing involvement has paved the way for deep-rooted connections within the Newark community. Since day one, Prudential has continued as a key partner, helping Per Scholas Newark grow into one of the city’s premier tech talent developers.

Beyond financial support, Prudential has shown its commitment by actively hiring Per Scholas alumni. To date, more than 10 graduates have joined the Prudential team in roles across Engineering and IT infrastructure, a testament to their trust in Per Scholas-trained talent. By embracing Per Scholas alumni, Prudential helps create pathways for economic mobility and contributes to the diversity and inclusivity of Newark’s tech ecosystem.

Prudential employees have gone above and beyond, dedicating time, knowledge, and resources to Per Scholas Newark. Over 100 Prudential Financial employees have volunteered, providing invaluable mentorship to our learners. These volunteers have participated in more than two dozen events, from networking lunches, site visits, and guest lectures to resume reviews, panel discussions, and keynote speeches at graduations. This consistent engagement offers our learners real-world insights and strengthens their professional networks.

Prudential’s involvement with Per Scholas has been present for years. Back in February 2023, Per Scholas Newark hosted a hackathon in partnership with members of Prudential Financial’s Global Technology team and the Blueprint to Black Wealth initiative, presenting a unique opportunity for our mid-level career alumni to flex their skills in a competitive environment. Alumni were challenged to design an event-management app prototype, judged by Prudential executives. This experience not only showcased alumni’s technical abilities but also placed them in front of influential decision-makers at Prudential.

Additionally, volunteers from Prudential provided critical professional development support for our learners. Between September 2023 and August 2024, volunteers from Prudential participated in two learner-engagement events. In September 2023, a Prudential Executive from Human Resources was a guest speaker at a ceremony that celebrated the graduation of four cohorts in IT Support and Cybersecurity; and in October 2023, Prudential hosted 17 Cybersecurity Per Scholas learners at their Global Technology offices for a Talent Showcase and onsite visit.

On June 11, 2024, Per Scholas’ National Board and Leadership teams, and Newark’s Advisory Board, convened at our Newark campus for a national board meeting and to acknowledge the five-year anniversary. This all-day event included a panel discussion on Bridging the Tech Talent Gap: Employer Insights on Per Scholas Graduates and Hiring Trends, where a Prudential Executive from their Global Technology department was one of the panelists. 

Since opening in 2018, Per Scholas Newark has served over 1,000 learners, many from communities historically underserved in educational and employment opportunities. Our learner demographics reflect this diversity: 91% identify as people of color, 37% as women, and 42% are young adults aged 18-29. Furthermore, nearly half of our learners entered the program with only a high school diploma or equivalent, illustrating Per Scholas’ commitment to breaking down educational barriers.

Graduates from Per Scholas Newark are securing high-wage, sustainable employment opportunities, with an average initial placement wage of $26.43 per hour. Supported by Prudential’s investment, Per Scholas Newark has achieved an impressive 85% graduation rate, with 80% of graduates moving into regional tech roles earning an average of $21 per hour. Through our robust training, personalized career coaching, and Prudential’s involvement, learners are prepared to meet real-life challenges head-on, gaining skills in emotional intelligence, navigating imposter syndrome, and maintaining their mental and emotional well-being.

As Per Scholas Newark celebrates this milestone, we extend heartfelt gratitude to Prudential Financial for their belief in our mission and their steadfast partnership. In five short years, together, we have built a legacy of empowerment and economic advancement in Newark, providing countless individuals with the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive. As we look to the future, Per Scholas Newark is committed to further expanding opportunities for tech talent in the region, uplifting our community, and continuing our transformative work alongside Prudential Financial.

Click here to see the upcoming training cohorts as we continue to unlock potential in Newark!