Pittsburgh Shows How Outcomes-Based Workforce Training Unlocks Opportunity

Across the country, communities face the same challenge: employers struggle to find workers, while capable individuals are often shut out of stable, well-paying jobs. Pittsburgh’s Industry Recognized Training Pipeline provides a compelling example of how to solve this problem.

By shifting funding from activities to measurable outcomes, Partner4Work aligned training programs with real labor market demand. Contracts were structured so providers were accountable for learner success, including completion, credential attainment, and employment.

Per Scholas was selected as a partner in this initiative because of our proven track record of connecting learners to technology careers. In Pittsburgh, more than 500 learners have benefited from cohort-based programs designed to lead to quality jobs. Early results exceeded expectations: over 90% graduation, many securing roles with starting wages of $25/hour or more, and strong employer engagement ensuring pathways to opportunity.

Pittsburgh proves what we’ve seen nationwide: when workforce systems prioritize employer alignment, learner success, and outcome-based funding, learners thrive, employers gain access to the talent they need, and communities grow stronger.

At Per Scholas, we are excited to continue scaling these results—helping more learners access technology careers and economic mobility while advising workforce systems on what works.

Learn more about how outcomes-focused training transforms lives and communities → Here.