Per Scholas Provides Talent for Growing Houston IT Sector

When it comes to tech hubs in the United States, a few cities or regions typically come to mind. Of course, there’s Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay area. You might think of Fishkill, New York, where IBM innovated for decades in facilities that now belong to the semiconductor giant GlobalFoundries. Now, there’s a new city establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing hubs for IT tech talent in America — Houston, Texas.

While Austin has traditionally been associated with the tech industry in the Lone Star State, Houston is quickly becoming the new IT capital of Texas. As CIO Magazine said in March 2024, “Houston has emerged as a top Texas competitor to Austin for tech companies, entrepreneurs, and employees who are looking for a lower cost of living.”

The magazine further reported on the tech investment in the city: “In the past five years, venture-backed startups in Houston have received more than $6 billion in venture capital funding, with the city launching more than 80 startup development organizations (SDOs).” 

At the center of all this growth is the Ion District, described by the Greater Houston Partnership as a “16-acre innovation community and economic engine.” It’s no coincidence that the nonprofit IT training organization Per Scholas chose to open its Houston tech training facility in the Ion District, creating a homegrown talent network for Houston’s thriving tech scene.

The ION District and Per Scholas: A Perfect Pair for Houston

According to the Ion District’s 2024 Community Investment Report, workforce development for Houston IT employers is a major focus. That’s out of necessity, as the district’s Houston Facts report noted Houston’s leading position in tech job posting growth nationwide in 2022, with a remarkable 45.6% year-over-year increase.

Per Scholas opened its Houston facility in July 2023, and the timing was right for an IT workforce development partnership. The Ion District and Per Scholas teamed up for a Tech Job Training and Talent Placement Program. In a short time, the program has seen significant growth, receiving over 930 applications, enrolling 48 students across three cohorts, and achieving a 21-graduate milestone. 

Diversity in Tech Training: Opportunities for Everyone

Another thing that makes Per Scholas and the Ion District a good match is their shared commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Working together, Per Scholas and the Ion District strive to provide IT career opportunities and equitable access for all members of the Houston community. 

The latest Per Scholas stats show that 85 percent of their learners are people of color. More than 40 percent identify as women, and more than half have a high school diploma for their highest education credential.

For its part, the Ion District actively promotes diversity within Houston’s tech ecosystem through its Inclusive Tech Accelerator and Inclusive Tech Investment Fund. This initiative is backed by a combined $6.5 million investment from Rice University, providing crucial support to minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) in advancing their products and services.

The district has also implemented an MWBE Outreach and Technical Assistance program, hosting seven events attended by over 800 individuals. This program connects MWBEs with expert advisors to guide them in navigating and capitalizing on economic development opportunities within the Ion District.

Per Scholas IT Courses Offered in Houston

Per Scholas’ Houston facility offers industry-standard training across a wide range of IT subjects to equip alumni with the most in-demand skills. One of the more popular Per Scholas programs is the IT Support course. Learners receive comprehensive training in IT support fundamentals, culminating in the prestigious Google IT Support Professional Certificate and the industry-standard CompTIA A+ certification. 

Designed for individuals with no prior IT experience or coursework, Per Scholas programs like the IT Support course equip learners with the practical skills and knowledge sought after by employers in Houston’s rapidly evolving tech sector.

For those with some previous experience, Per Scholas offers the Software Engineer program. This 15-week course covers front-end development with React and back-end development with Node.js. It then moves into advanced topics like design patterns and system architecture. Recognizing the rapid pace of technological advancement, the curriculum undergoes a thorough review and updates every two quarters to ensure learners have the most relevant and up-to-date skills.

Learn More About Per Scholas Houston Tech Training

Houston is a natural fit for Per Scholas, as the national nonprofit organization has a long history of providing IT training where it can make the most impact. Besides Houston, Per Scholas operates in several major cities across the United States, including New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Atlanta, Detroit, and more.

At all their locations, Per Scholas programs offer intensive, skills-based training programs emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Per Scholas has also implemented several successful job placement programs across its facilities, ensuring alumni can secure good jobs in their local technology sectors. To learn more, view the upcoming courses at Per Scholas Houston.