Jenn Fowler Howard, Senior Managing Director of Per Scholas Columbus, was recently recognized for her leadership and commitment to workforce development and equitable access to education. She was featured in Women We Admire’s article “The Top 50 Women Leaders of Columbus for 2024” for her impactful role in overseeing strategic partnerships and program execution to advance Per Scholas’ mission of providing technology training to underrepresented communities.

Howard’s work extends beyond Per Scholas, as she also serves as the founder and executive director of Project C.L.O.U.D.S, a nonprofit focused on leadership development and career preparation for youth. Her recent TEDx appearance highlights her passion for empowering young people and amplifying the influence of positive role models in their lives. This feature highlights Howard’s impact on the community and her dedication to uplifting others through education, leadership, and advocacy. Her leadership in Per Scholas Columbus plays a crucial role in bridging the gap for individuals seeking career advancement in the tech industry, and her personal endeavors further showcase her drive to inspire and support youth in reaching their full potential.

Per Scholas’ Executive Vice President of DEIB&C and special advisor to the CEO, Ken Walker, has been featured once again in City & State New York! This time, Ken has been named a New York Trailblazer in Building and Real Estate. This honor celebrates leaders in the movement to reshape New York City’s landscape, improving space and affordability within the city.

Ken was recognized for his important work in helping to guide the growth of Per Scholas’s campus real estate portfolio in New York and in dozens of locations across the country. Ken also helped launch Per Scholas’s Diverse by Design initiative to help organizations build diverse and inclusive tech workspaces, open doors of opportunity to diverse tech talent, and drive diversity in the tech industry. Congratulations, Ken!

See the Trailblazers in Building and Real Estate here.

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, recognizes and celebrates the many contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people. From celebrating traditional foods and vibrant art to recognizing influential figures, this month highlights the rich culture and significance of Hispanic communities.

As the Hispanic and Latinx populations continue to grow in the United States, their influence in the tech industry is essential for driving diversity and creating inclusive environments. However, they face significant challenges as minorities remain underrepresented in the tech field. It’s fitting that this year’s theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is Pioneers of Change. Pioneers of Change celebrates those breaking barriers today and paving the way for future generations to create greater inclusion and representation in the tech field.

At Per Scholas, our mission is to provide accessible tech education that empowers Hispanic and Latinx communities to overcome underrepresentation. We ensure learners gain the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers and thrive in the industry.

Looking Forward: The Future of Hispanic Heritage in Tech

Currently, the majority of Latinx K-12 learners are in states with the highest demand for technology jobs. At Per Scholas, there are opportunities for further education designed to prepare students for success in the tech industry after high school graduation, allowing them to thrive in the growing field around them. The increasing influence of Hispanics in tech will continue to increase diversity and drive innovation.   

Diversity, particularly in tech leadership roles, is vital because it can improve innovation and creativity, leading to increased revenue. By uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds, ideas, and experiences, we can foster creativity and promote a richer diversity in the tech industry. Diversity enhances the success of Latinx learners and empowers the tech industry to adapt and excel in a competitive field

Hispanic culture contributes to this diversity. It is deeply rooted in community and family, fostering future Latinx tech employees with strong teamwork skills and a foundational work ethic. These values can have a positive influence on the tech industry by providing the collaborative work environment necessary to drive creativity and innovation. 

Hispanic professionals have already made significant contributions in tech. They’re becoming more prominent in large corporations such as Google and Microsoft and are a driving force behind many small businesses and tech startups. 

Per Scholas is leading the way in supporting Hispanic learners. We’re on the cutting edge of supporting and amplifying Hispanic voices by providing exceptional training opportunities. We’ve also formed strong relationships with various partners and supporters. Per Scholas will continue supporting Hispanic learners through expanded programs, partnerships, and outreach into the community.

Breaking Barriers: How Per Scholas Supports Hispanic Students in Tech  

Hispanic and Latinx learners face many challenges entering and thriving in the tech industry, including limited access to tech-focused education in many communities. Financial barriers can also hinder an individual’s ability to further education. A current lack of representation in the tech field means fewer role models and mentors for Hispanics seeking careers in tech.

Per Scholas is helping Hispanic learners overcome these barriers by providing the following:

• Exceptional Training
• Professional Development
• Connections to 850+ Employee Partners
• Community Support

Building a supportive community is particularly important in helping Hispanic learners succeed in tech. Mentorship helps learners develop core technology skills and enables them to build confidence and a deeper understanding of the technology industry.

There are already many incredible success stories about our alumni, including Hispanics in tech:

• Catherine Acevedo: Born in the Dominican Republic, Catherine Acevedo came to New Jersey as a young girl, eventually settling in New York. She worked in the restaurant industry and took courses in business and accounting. While doing computer work, she took an interest in cybersecurity. At the urging of her manager, Catherine enrolled in Per Scholas’s cybersecurity course and landed a great job as an Associate Engineer at Nagarro within two weeks of graduating.
• Angel Juarez: While restocking products at a retail store, Angel Juarez decided to apply for a Software Engineering Course at Per Scholas. He’s now a full-stack engineer with American Express and dreams of continuing his education by studying robotics.

The Role of Hispanic Tech Professionals in Building a More Inclusive Future 

Greater inclusion in tech brings diverse experiences and perspectives to the table. This can lead to more equitable technology solutions, such as improved customer outcomes and increased access to technology for everyone.

Hispanic professionals are already making great strides in the technology sector. A few include Paula Bellizia, who has held prominent positions at Google and Microsoft, and Victor Delgado, who heads Samsung’s Strategic Alliances in South Korea.

Hispanics in tech can inspire the next generation by volunteering at local schools and sharing their tech skills and knowledge. They can also engage in mentorship programs in the workplace, which help promote tech diversity. 

Why Representation Matters: Encouraging the Next Generation of Hispanic Tech Talent

The Hispanic population in the United States has recently passed 65 million, accounting for almost 71% of all population growth between 2022 and 2023. This means representation in tech is crucial for understanding the needs of the Hispanic community and inspiring future generations of Hispanic learners.

Watching successful role models in action through mentorship programs or other community involvement can inspire learners and professionals to choose technology as a future career.

There are several ways Per Scholas is reaching out to empower the next generation. The Centralized Internal Foundation was created to enable learners and diversify the tech industry. We also promote collaborative consulting and develop a customized pipeline of diverse candidates with skills to meet various business needs.

Support for Hispanic learners and diversity in tech can be increased in many ways. Schools can start by training teachers to better understand and support cultural differences. Families can help learners develop better language skills and increase their involvement in school activities. Communities can support local Hispanic organizations and provide learners with the necessary resources to succeed.

The Hispanic Community is increasingly driving the technology boom, but much work still needs to be done. Everyone must do their part to continue making progress. Whether through mentoring, advocating for diversity in tech, or supporting Per Scholas, we can each contribute toward breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future.

If you’re interested in helping us reboot the economy more inclusively, please donate to Per Scholas today.

Per Scholas New York recently celebrated a momentous graduation ceremony at Barclays, one of our valued Founder’s Circle supporters. The event recognized the hard work and dedication of 91 technologists, each of whom successfully completed intensive training in highly sought-after fields including Cybersecurity and IT support. These graduates represented various cohorts, including Cybersecurity at Brooklyn/Stanley Issacs satellite, Bronx IT Support, IT Support at Brooklyn/CommonPoint Queens satellite, and IT Support from Brooklyn/JCC Staten Island satellite. The graduation not only celebrated the individual achievements of these technologists but also underscored Per Scholas’ ongoing commitment to creating pathways for diverse talent to enter and thrive in their technological careers.

During the ceremony, Debbie Roman, Managing Director of Per Scholas New York, delivered a wholehearted speech encouraging alumni to view this milestone as the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and growth. In addition to Roman’s inspiring remarking, industry leaders such as Craig Robertson, CEO of the Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) at Barclays and Wale Akinwande, Per Scholas National Board and Senior VP and Chief Auditor at S&P Global, emphasized the importance of persistence and innovation as these new technologists enter into an ever-evolving field. 

Meanwhile, Per Scholas Kansas City marked a historic moment with its inaugural graduation on Friday, August 30, 2024, celebrating 16 graduates from its IT support cohort. Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala attended and addressed the Kansas City technologists, acknowledging their achievement and the bright futures ahead of them in an industry ready for skilled professionals. Ayala’s remarks captured the transformative impact of Per Scholas’ programs, as these graduates prepare to apply their new skills and continue to drive change in their communities. 

These ceremonies serve as reminders of the ongoing commitment Per Scholas holds to empowering individuals from underrepresented backgrounds with meaningful careers in technology. As we continue to expand across the country, the success of these alumni reinforces our mission to build a more inclusive tech workforce and demonstrates the power of opportunity and education to change lives. We are excited to witness the future contributions of these technologists and remain committed to supporting their journeys ahead.

Per Scholas is grateful to be a recipient of the Texas Talent Connection Grant program, from the Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The $350,000 investment will support our campuses in Houston and Dallas in scaling no-cost technical skills training, professional development and job placement services to Texas learners, serving Collin, Dallas, Denton, Fort Bend, Harris, Houston, and Tarrant counties. The funds will create new pathways to job opportunities such as help desk analysts, desktop support technicians, and associate network engineers in the information technology industry. 

Administered through the Texas Workforce Investment Council, over $6.3 million in grants were awarded this month to organizations leading innovative education and workforce skills training programs that ensure Texas’ growing workforce and businesses are prepared to successfully operate in an ever-changing 21st century economy. 

“Our cities are seeing growth in tech roles across industries, especially in education and technology,” said Per Scholas Houston Managing Director Tondalayo Hall. “To meet the demand and ensure that more Texans have access to the economic mobility that the innovation sector offers, organizations like Per Scholas are critical in building on-ramps for those new to the field.”

To learn more about this grant, read the full press release.

Per Scholas Expands Tech Training to Buffalo

 The launch of the new Buffalo campus represents a pivotal moment in the efforts to bridge the digital skills gap and foster economic growth in the community; Per Scholas Buffalo is Now Accepting Applications for IT Support course

BUFFALO, NY (August 27, 2024) – Per Scholas, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic mobility through rigorous and no-cost technology training, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new campus in Buffalo, New York. This expansion aims to provide residents with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the rapidly growing IT sector. Per Scholas will equip individuals with the expertise required to secure high-paying, sustainable careers in the rapidly growing technology industry in Buffalo. Per Scholas Buffalo will serve as a hub for innovative learning and career advancement from its newest campus located in historic Larkinville.  Per Scholas’s tuition-free tech training is now available to local residents thanks to support from Empire State Development via a $1 million New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Pay for Performance (P4P) operating grant, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Amazon, the NFL Foundation, and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Applications are now open for Buffalo residents looking to access technology careers and potentially triple their salaries through Per Scholas’s proven model. The inaugural 13-week, full-time IT Support course cohort, which will begin mid-October, combines technical skills and business professional development, leading to industry-recognized credentials like CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support certifications.

Providing pathways for alumni with diverse backgrounds for successful careers in tech, this rigorous IT Support course program equips aspiring technologists with the knowledge and skills for a wide range of entry-level tech careers across Per Scholas’ network of employer partners ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. As the third Per Scholas campus to open in New York, the proven model continues to unlock potential for individuals, communities, and companies throughout the state. In fact, every dollar invested in Per Scholas has resulted in an $8 net economic return. 

“Per Scholas is thrilled to expand into Buffalo, a community full of promise and untapped potential,” said Per Scholas President & CEO Plinio Ayala. “We’re honored to have received such a warm welcome and a rallying of support from tremendous organizations, and humbled by the collaboration with local experts to serve both businesses and neighborhoods seeking opportunities for professional growth. Our goal is to make a meaningful impact in the lives of future technologists and the community at large.”

“New York State is committed to advancing the Buffalo communities that have faced historical economic disinvestment, and Per Scholas’ training programs provide one way to do so,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “Made possible in part through a grant from the New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development, Per Scholas Buffalo’s landmark campus is the first campus in New York State outside the New York City metropolitan area. It provides immediate opportunities for access to thriving tech careers, strengthening the community in a tangible way, and will create a brighter future for all.”

“For Buffalo to continue its path toward becoming a leader in tech, it needs to invest in developing the workforce of tomorrow,” Congressmember Tim Kennedy said. “Efforts like that of Per Scholas are providing the resources, training, and network necessary to expand our tech workforce in the Western New York region. With an emphasis on equity, Per Scholas programming will allow more people to find rewarding work in innovative new fields right here in Buffalo.”

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “The launch of Per Scholas’ new Buffalo campus represents a pivotal milestone for Buffalo’s growing tech sector and a boon to our region’s economy. Coupled with the research and innovation soon to be produced by Governor Hochul’s Empire AI initiative, the new Per Scholas campus in Buffalo’s Larkin district will equip local workers with the experience they need in cybersecurity and software engineering to secure great technology careers in Buffalo. We are currently seeing a rapid growth in AI-technology and related fields; we need to ensure that no part of the labor force is left behind. By championing future-proof skills and talent, we can equip our workforce with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.”

“Per Scholas has developed an exceptionally successful model for career development that we are excited to support. The program is opening up new opportunities for people who are passionate about entering the burgeoning tech field across Western New York,” said Amber Slichta, Vice President of Programs and Learning at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “The skills gained through Per Scholas have the potential to fuel a lifetime career of good-paying jobs. By matching newly skilled individuals with employer needs, we’re making a difference in the region.”

“Upskilling and workforce development is a priority throughout the nation, and even more so recently here in the Buffalo community,” said Carley Graham Garcia, Head of Community Affairs for Amazon in New York. “Amazon is proud to partner with Per Scholas, who is empowering individuals eager to launch a thriving career. By expanding skills training opportunities in Buffalo, this initiative will help more of our community tap into steady careers attached to life-changing compensation. At the same time, we’ll build and upskill a talent pipeline that brings even greater economic investment to Western New York.”

“The NFL’s Inspire Change social justice initiative is proud to support the launch of Per Scholas’ Buffalo campus as they continue to break barriers and create positive change, especially for people of color in Buffalo,” said NFL Vice President, Social Responsibility Clare Graff. “With Per Scholas, these individuals are empowered to enter the tech industry and launch thriving careers, aligning with our mission of advancing economic opportunities for underserved populations.”

“Per Scholas’s expansion into the Buffalo community is exciting and transformative,” noted Howard Zemsky of Larkin Development. “The work that Per Scholas will do in the Larkin District will transform the lives of the Buffalo community and local companies, and I look forward to the economic growth their alumni will bring to this community.”

“Workforce development is a key strategy to build the regional economy by connecting people and jobs, and fulfilling the needs of employers seeking talent. Per Scholas’s new Buffalo Campus will be a critical partner in growing Western New York’s tech training opportunities, strengthening our region’s workforce to meet the needs of job seekers and creating a reliable talent pipeline for industry.” said Laura Quebral, CEO, Center for Regional Strategies, an intermediary partner with the Western New York Manufacturing and Tech Coalition.

“I am thrilled to welcome Per Scholas to Buffalo. Their proven track record in training and developing a diverse tech workforce will benefit our community, where there is a strong demand for skilled tech professionals,” said Stephen Tucker, Executive Director of the Western New York Manufacturing & Tech Workforce Coalition. “Per Scholas is well-equipped to meet this demand by providing high-quality training and job attainment support that will drive economic growth and innovation in our region.”

“A healthy community thrives on a strong and diverse workforce landscape and Per Scholars is playing a vital role in building that foundation,” said Michael Ball, vice president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. “By equipping individuals with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in high-demand tech fields, Per Scholars is not only empowering individuals but also strengthening our local economy. As a community-based health plan, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is proud to support their mission, as we share a commitment to improving the health and well-being of our communities.”

To learn more about Per Scholas Buffalo, follow them on LinkedIn and Facebook, or visit their page.

About Per Scholas

For nearly 30 years, Per Scholas has been on a mission to drive equity and opportunity in the ever-advancing technology landscape by unlocking the untapped potential of individuals, uplifting communities, and meeting the needs of employers through rigorous tech training. By teaming up with dynamic employer partners, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we’re forging inclusive tech talent pipelines, fulfilling an ever-increasing need for skilled talent. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and counting, Per Scholas offers no-cost training programs in the most sought-after tech skills, spanning Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more. To date, 25,000+ individuals have been trained through Per Scholas, propelling their professional trajectories into high-growth tech careers with salaries three times higher than their pre-training earnings. At Per Scholas, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging aren’t just buzzwords—they’re in our DNA. 85+ percent of our learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit regionalcouncils.ny.gov and esd.ny.gov.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

About The NFL Foundation

Inspire Change is a year-round initiative that highlights the impactful social justice work done by NFL players, clubs, the league office, and grant partners to break down barriers to opportunity and end systemic racism. Since 2017, the NFL Family has provided $300 million to more than 40 national grant partners and more than 600 grassroots organizations to advance social justice causes in the areas of education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform. To date, the NFL Foundation has provided more than 1,800 Inspire Change matching grants to current NFL players and Legends for nonprofits of their choice to help reduce barriers to opportunity. To learn more about the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative and to view the 2023 Social Justice Impact Report, visit www.nfl.com/inspirechange. Follow @InspireChange on Twitter and Instagram. On Facebook, follow www.facebook.com/inspirechange.

About Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is a trade name of Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Since 1936, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield employs more than 1,400 people and serves as a key economic driver in the region. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of the community, including investments of more than $8 million in 2023.

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Per Scholas, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic equity through tech training, is expanding its reach to Buffalo, New York. The organization, which operates in nearly two dozen locations across the U.S., offers free, rigorous training programs aimed at equipping underrepresented individuals with the skills needed to secure high-paying tech jobs.

Per Scholas Buffalo will welcome its first cohort of 20 learners on October 15, 2024, in its newly renovated campus at the Larkin at Exchange building. The 13-week program is designed for individuals 18 and older, with a high school diploma or equivalent, who are ready to work in the U.S. immediately.

“Buffalo’s growing tech sector presents an ideal environment for our expansion,” said Jeremy Besch, Managing Director of Per Scholas Buffalo. “We are committed to ensuring that our learners, many of whom may initially find this new environment intimidating, feel welcomed and prepared to thrive in their future careers.”

The organization plans to train 60 more learners in Buffalo throughout 2025, with potential expansion to additional satellite locations in Western New York. Per Scholas has a proven track record, with an 85% graduation rate and 80% of graduates securing full-time employment within a year.

Per Scholas Buffalo is supported by funding from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, Empire State Development, Amazon, and the NFL, among others. Applications are open until September 30, 2024.

Read more here!

We are thrilled to share that Per Scholas Executive Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Culture Ken Walker has been recognized in PoliticsNY and amNY Metro’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Power Players list for 2024. This prestigious honor celebrates New York leaders who tirelessly advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion across various sectors, ensuring every New Yorker is welcomed into brave and safe spaces where they can be affirmed and respected.

At Per Scholas, Ken is not only a diversity-and-inclusion champion but also a trusted Special Advisor to the CEO, leading our DEIB & Culture and Diverse by Design efforts.

We are excited to share that Noah Mitchell, Deputy Chief Training Officer at Per Scholas, has been named one of the 2024 Smart 50 Award honorees in Central Ohio! The Smart 50 Awards — presented by Hylant — recognize the top executives of 50 companies in the region for their ability to effectively build and lead savvy organizations. At Per Scholas, Noah provides vital guidance and support in the development and execution of our training department’s strategic vision and initiatives. He oversees the comprehensive development and execution of training programs, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

Congratulations to Noah and the Smart 50 winners honored this week for their innovation, impact, and efforts in strengthening business continuity in their community.