Charlotte, NC — April 23, 2026 — Per Scholas North Carolina today announced it has received a $7 million grant from The Leon Levine Foundation to support the expansion of its technology workforce training programs across North Carolina. This investment will help scale Per Scholas’ proven model to reach more learners statewide and strengthen pathways to economic mobility.

Distributed over five years, the grant will support Per Scholas North Carolina’s efforts to grow into a statewide workforce engine, expanding access to no-cost, employer-aligned training and connecting more individuals to in-demand careers in technology.

Through this support, Per Scholas North Carolina aims to:

• Increase training capacity to 1,000 learners annually by 2030
• Serve an additional 330 Career Accelerator participants each year
• Reach more than 3,000 learners over five years
• Drive an estimated $3.9 billion in lifetime earnings impact for graduates

“This grant from The Leon Levine Foundation represents an important step forward in expanding access to high-quality tech training across North Carolina,” said Mike Terrell, Managing Director of Per Scholas North Carolina. “With this support, we can reach more communities, strengthen our partnerships, and continue delivering the outcomes that help individuals build sustainable, long-term careers.”

The investment will support key growth initiatives, including expanded training infrastructure in Charlotte and the Research Triangle region, the development of satellite training sites, and increased access for rural learners through community-based partnerships. It will also advance program innovation, including new career pathways and enhanced work-based learning opportunities aligned with employer demand.

“This support allows us to thoughtfully scale our impact while maintaining the quality and outcomes that define Per Scholas,” said Caitlyn Brazill, Per Scholas President. “We’re focused on ensuring that more North Carolinians can access training that leads directly to meaningful employment and long-term economic mobility.”

Deborah Majewski, Program Director Human Services at The Leon Levine Foundation, added: “Per Scholas has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding access to opportunity and helping individuals build pathways to self-sufficiency. This investment reflects our support for programs that equip people with the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce and strengthen communities across North Carolina.”

Per Scholas North Carolina’s expansion aligns with statewide workforce priorities, including increasing access to industry-recognized credentials, strengthening employer partnerships, and extending opportunity to underserved communities across both urban and rural areas.

About Per Scholas
As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward—aiming to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $35 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 25 campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

About The Leon Levine Foundation
About The Leon Levine Foundation: Established in 1980 by Leon Levine, founder and former chairman of Family Dollar Stores, Inc., The Leon Levine Foundation empowers underserved Carolinians to be self-sufficient and strengthens Jewish communities. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the Foundation creates impact through grants and investments across North and South Carolina, supporting both long-standing community partners and focused strategic initiatives. The Foundation is on a time-bound mission to strengthen children and families, build strong futures for hardworking adults, and cultivate vibrant Jewish communities. Guided by Mr. Levine’s vision, the Foundation’s philanthropy is anchored in four enduring areas of impact: education, healthcare, human services, and Jewish values.

Per Scholas Expands Board of Directors with Appointment of Financial Services Leaders Paul Bajus and Charles Song

NEW YORK, NY — April 21, 2026 — Per Scholas has appointed Paul Bajus and Charles Song to its Board of Directors. The additions bring deep expertise in financial services, investment strategy, and large-scale organizational leadership as the organization accelerates its goal of expanding access to tech careers nationwide.

Bajus currently serves as Head of U.S. Retail Solutions & Service at TD Bank, where he leads the strategic direction and execution of the bank’s U.S. retail franchise, focusing on customer experience and advisory-driven banking solutions. He previously served as Chief of Staff in the Office of the U.S. CEO at TD Bank. Earlier in his career, he served 15 years in the U.S. Army, both as an enlisted soldier and a commissioned officer.

Song is President and Chief Investment Officer at Tishman Capital Partners, overseeing investment strategy across real estate, alternatives, and public markets. He also serves on multiple advisory boards and previously worked as a Managing Director at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, specializing in real estate equities. Song is a graduate of Cornell University.

Per Scholas leadership emphasized that the new board members will support the organization’s continued expansion, particularly as it works to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030.

Bajus said he was drawn to Per Scholas for its demonstrated impact on economic mobility and its role in meeting growing demand for tech talent. Song highlighted the organization’s growth trajectory and the importance of ensuring that advances in artificial intelligence expand opportunity rather than widen inequality.

Per Scholas is excited to welcome Paul and Charles as their two newest board members. Read the entire press release: here.

Per Scholas is proud to announce a continuation of our partnership with Ascendium Education Group, a nonprofit committed to helping learners from low-income backgrounds achieve their career goals.

Through this investment, Ascendium is supporting Per Scholas as we scale our proven tech workforce training model nationwide. The partnership will expand immersive training programs, strengthen work-based learning opportunities, and help ensure long-term sustainability, enabling more learners to access high-growth careers in technology.

As demand for talent accelerates in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Data Center operations, employers are seeking candidates with both technical proficiency and applied experience. Ascendium’s support will help Per Scholas keep its curriculum aligned to evolving industry needs while deepening hands-on learning through employer-led projects, apprenticeships, and other experiential models that prepare learners to contribute from day one.

“Scale requires more than resources — it requires shared belief in what is possible,” said Plinio Ayala, Chief Executive Officer of Per Scholas. “Ascendium’s partnership strengthens our ability to expand access to high-quality, no-cost training while maintaining the strong outcomes that define our model.”

With this investment, Per Scholas will increase enrollment in immersive training and Career Accelerator upskilling programs, launch new industry-aligned pathways, and continue building partnerships with employers and postsecondary institutions. The initiative also includes exploring public funding collaborations to support sustainable growth and broaden access to no-cost training.

Our partnership with Ascendium reflects a shared commitment to expanding pathways into thriving tech careers and strengthening long-term economic mobility for individuals, families, and communities nationwide.

About Ascendium:

Ascendium Education Group® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization driven by the belief that learning after high school gives people the power to build better futures. Our national philanthropy focuses on increasing opportunities for learners from low-income backgrounds to achieve upward mobility through postsecondary education and workforce training. We partner with organizations whose objectives align with our core strategies to expand opportunity, support learner success, and connect and align systems. Our grantees include postsecondary education and workforce training providers, intermediaries, researchers, and media organizations from across the U.S. To learn more, visit ascendiumphilanthropy.org.

About Per Scholas:

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward—aiming to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $35 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 25 campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

Caitlyn Brazill Appointed to Inaugural America Forward Policy Council

NEW YORK, NY — March 3, 2026 — Per Scholas proudly announces that Caitlyn Brazill, President at Per Scholas, has been appointed to the inaugural America Forward Policy Council, a new national leadership body convened by the America Forward Coalition to help shape evidence-based public policy and advance innovative solutions that expand economic opportunity across the United States.

The America Forward Policy Council brings together 15 distinguished leaders from across public policy, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and civic innovation. Members were selected for their deep expertise and demonstrated commitment to advancing practical, results-driven solutions addressing some of the nation’s most pressing challenges — including education, workforce development, economic mobility, youth wellbeing, and civic participation.

As a member of the inaugural council, Brazill will help guide the coalition’s national policy agenda, providing strategic insight to strengthen partnerships between policymakers and social innovators working to expand opportunity and drive measurable outcomes for communities nationwide.

“I’m honored to join the America Forward Policy Council at a moment when evidence-based policy and cross-sector collaboration are essential to expanding economic mobility,” said Brazill. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen how workforce development organizations and social innovators can inform smarter public policy when their outcomes and community impact are centered in data-driven decision-making. I look forward to working alongside fellow council members to advance policies that scale proven solutions and create equitable pathways to opportunity.”

The Policy Council will serve as a strategic advisory body supporting America Forward’s mission to unite social entrepreneurs with policymakers to champion policies that foster innovation, reward impact, and scale proven solutions. Working alongside the coalition’s Advisory Board and staff, council members will help ensure policy priorities reflect the real needs and aspirations of communities across the country.

Brazill joins a cohort of nationally recognized leaders committed to advancing evidence-based approaches that expand access to opportunity and strengthen the future of work.

Her appointment further underscores Per Scholas’ ongoing commitment to shaping national workforce policy and advocating for solutions that connect individuals to high-growth careers while helping employers build diverse, future-ready talent pipelines.

About Per Scholas

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward—aiming to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $35 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 25 campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

Caitlyn Brazill Joins National Skills Coalition Advisory Council

NEW YORK, NY — March 3, 2026 — Per Scholas proudly announces that Caitlyn Brazill, President of Per Scholas, has been appointed to the A New Promise of Work Advisory Council at the National Skills Coalition (NSC), a new cross-sector leadership body convened to shape a forward-looking national workforce agenda that expands access to skills, good jobs, and long-term economic mobility.

The advisory council brings together 34 distinguished leaders from workforce development, public policy, business, and nonprofit sectors. Members were selected for their expertise and commitment to advancing practical, results-driven solutions addressing workforce challenges, economic equity, skills training, and the future of work.

As a member of the council, Brazill will provide strategic guidance to NSC, helping shape policies that strengthen workforce systems, expand pathways to valuable skills and high-quality jobs, and drive measurable outcomes for workers, learners, and communities nationwide.

“We are at a pivotal moment where workforce systems must evolve to meet the changing needs of workers and employers,” said Brazill. “I’m honored to join the National Skills Coalition Advisory Council and collaborate with leaders across the country to advance workforce solutions that create equitable opportunities and economic mobility for all.”

The council’s work will inform NSC’s A New Promise of Work initiative, which aims to reposition workforce development as a first-choice investment—strengthening communities, expanding access to opportunity, and supporting long-term economic growth. Throughout 2026, NSC will engage local leaders, learners, and employers to ensure the agenda reflects real-world needs and prepares workers for an evolving economy shaped by technology and demographic change.

Brazill’s appointment reinforces Per Scholas’ continued commitment to shaping national workforce policy and advocating for strategies that connect skilled technologists to in-demand careers while helping employers build diverse, future-ready talent pipelines.

Read the official press release here. 

About Per Scholas
As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, the organization is charting an ambitious path forward—aiming to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, Per Scholas has offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $35 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, learners earn three times their pre-training wage in their first role after completing a program. With 25 campuses and remote programs, Per Scholas partners with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential.

Per Scholas is building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

St. Louis, MO, Friday, February 27, 2026 — Since launching in 2022, the Per Scholas St. Louis campus has trained over 400 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as Cybersecurity, Data Center Technician, and IT Support. Our alumni have earned jobs at employers including Boeing, BJCHealthcare, TEKSystems, UKG, and more.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, alumni, and friends, Per Scholas St. Louis celebrated the incredible milestone of 400 learners trained. From a gallery showcasing learner journeys, to powerful reflections from alumni, employer partners, and advisors, the celebration centered on what matters most: transformation, access, and workforce opportunity that changes lives and strengthens the St. Louis region. 

“Four hundred learners trained isn’t just a number. It represents 400 individuals who chose courage, growth, and a new path forward. At Per Scholas St. Louis, we’re not just training technologists; we’re advancing economic mobility and strengthening our regional workforce. And this is only the beginning” said Keisha Mabry Haymore, Managing Director of Per Scholas St. Louis.

The program featured remarks from Sam Fiorello, President & Chief Executive Officer, Cortex; Cindy Heermann, Human Resources Director, HomeWAV; Ashley Pyle, Chief Experience Officer, GadellNet; and esteemed alumni Misti Schwaller and Brianna Young. Cindy Heermann remarked “HomeWAV is excited to be working with Per Scholas; its current 13-week training has been an excellent source of candidates for several of our roles, and the professionalism and job-readiness of your students have been truly outstanding.” She continued, “We value this partnership and look forward to continuing to build a strong, long-term relationship that creates meaningful opportunities for your graduates and supports our growing team.”

Per Scholas St. Louis thanks Cortex Innovation Community for being a partner since our founding year; without their commitment, the successes of our St. Louis campus would not have been possible. “Per Scholas’ milestone of graduating 400 learners represents real economic mobility for St. Louis families and the power of the partnership between Per Scholas and Cortex to build a more inclusive innovation economy. This is what sustainable change looks like in action,” said Sam Fiorello, President & Chief Executive Officer, Cortex. 

Per Scholas St. Louis also acknowledges the generous support of the Bellwether Foundation, the William T. Kemper Foundation, Bank of America, the Hermann Family Foundation, Upward Momentum, St. Louis Port Authority, and the Light A Single Candle Foundation.

With a proven tech training model including both in-person and remote learning hubs, Per Scholas continues to unlock opportunities for individuals, strengthen communities, and drive business success across the greater St. Louis area. Notably, every dollar invested in Per Scholas yields an $8 net economic return. Per Scholas St. Louis is transforming lives by equipping Per Scholas Technologists with in-demand tech skills at no cost. This summer, Per Scholas St. Louis will begin training learners in Healthcare IT.

To learn more about Per Scholas St. Louis and upcoming training, follow them on LinkedIn or Per Scholas St. Louis. 

About Per Scholas
As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward—aiming to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $35 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 25 campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

Per Scholas Appoints Dr. Sylvia R. Mitchell as Executive Vice President of Curriculum, Design & Development

NEW YORK, NY — February 25, 2026 — Per Scholas today announced the appointment of Dr. Sylvia R. Mitchell as Executive Vice President of Curriculum, Design & Development, welcoming her to the organization’s National Leadership Team. In this role, Dr. Mitchell will lead the national strategy, design, and development of industry-aligned curriculum that prepares adult learners for high-growth careers in technology and critical infrastructure.

Dr. Mitchell will oversee curriculum architecture, learning experience design, and technical program development across multiple domains, including IT, cybersecurity, cloud computing, AI/ML, and advanced manufacturing. Her leadership will help ensure that Per Scholas continues to deliver scalable, workforce-driven training solutions that connect learners to sustainable career pathways and advance economic mobility nationwide.

Dr. Mitchell brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in education and workforce development, with a strong focus on serving adult learners and underserved communities. Throughout her career, she has led large-scale workforce transformation initiatives across multiple states and secured more than $50 million in grant funding to expand access to career-connected education and employment opportunities.

Prior to joining Per Scholas, Dr. Mitchell held several senior leadership roles, including Superintendent of Schools, Vice President of Schools, and Chief of Strategic District Supports. In these roles, she led organizational transformation efforts to strengthen workforce pipelines, improve employment outcomes, and align education systems with evolving industry needs.

A nationally recognized speaker, author, and advocate for workforce equity and community transformation, Dr. Mitchell is driven by a belief in the power of education and opportunity to transform lives and communities. Grounded in a lifelong commitment to service, she remains focused on building systems that enable adult learners to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

Dr. Mitchell joins Per Scholas at a pivotal moment as the organization continues to expand its national footprint and advance innovative, employer-aligned training programs designed to meet the needs of both learners and industry.

About Per Scholas

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward—aiming to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $35 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 25 campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

Menlo Park, CA — JobTrain and Per Scholas proudly celebrated the graduation of their inaugural San Francisco Bay Area IT Support cohort with a pinning ceremony marking a major milestone in the partnership’s shared commitment to workforce equity and economic mobility.

All 15 learners completed the program with a 100% graduation rate, each earning a median final grade of 90% or higher—a powerful testament to the rigor of the training and the dedication of the learners. The ceremony honored graduates as they crossed the threshold from training to technology careers, symbolized by the formal pinning tradition.

The graduation ceremony featured remarks from Barrie Hathaway, President and CEO of JobTrain, who encouraged graduates to pursue their ambitions boldly and without limitation. “This moment is about more than completing a program,” Hathaway shared. “It’s about giving yourself permission to go after big dreams—and knowing you belong in the rooms and roles you’re stepping into next.”

The event was further elevated by the presence of Betsy Nash, Mayor of Menlo Park, whose attendance underscored the importance of local leadership in supporting inclusive workforce development and technology career pathways.

Hosted and executed by JobTrain, the ceremony brought together leadership, instructors, career services professionals, and community partners who played a critical role in supporting learner success. Remarks were delivered by Patrick Amaral, Technical Instructor at Per Scholas, along with JobTrain program and career services leaders who highlighted the perseverance, growth, and readiness of the graduating cohort.

The program’s welcome and recognition of graduates were led by Siosiua “C2” Vega, Communications & Engagement Manager at JobTrain and a JobTrain alumnus (Class of 2004)—a full-circle moment reflecting the long-term impact of JobTrain’s mission.

“This inaugural cohort represents what’s possible when mission-aligned organizations come together with a shared focus on outcomes,” said Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions at Per Scholas, who joined the celebration as a special guest speaker. “These graduates are prepared, confident, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the tech workforce.”

Following the ceremony, graduates, speakers, and guests gathered for a reception and photo call to commemorate the occasion and celebrate the collective achievement.

The JobTrain x Per Scholas IT Support program marks the beginning of an expanded effort to create accessible, employer-aligned technology training in the Bay Area—opening doors to sustainable careers and strengthening the region’s tech talent pipeline.

Per Scholas is thrilled to be featured in The New York Times, celebrating our continued impact fostering economic mobility, preparing skilled individuals across the country for thriving tech careers. The New York Times Communities Fund supports local, national and global nonprofits that help people improve their circumstances and lead more enriching lives through the power of education, and as one of this year’s recipients, we’re honored to uplift our shared mission of the power of education.

The New York Times Communities Fund is helping to shape the lives of thousands of learners across the country – learners including Ismal Fofana. After a life-altering accident in 2019 left him unable to continue his career in restaurant management, Ismail faced the daunting task of starting over while supporting his young daughter. Though he had a lifelong interest in technology, he lacked a formal degree and feared a tech career was out of reach.

Everything changed when he discovered Per Scholas, a nonprofit providing rigorous technical training, all at no cost to learners. Through their 15-week coding program, Ismail received not only the technical instruction needed to master software engineering from scratch but also the professional mentorship to navigate the industry. Today, Ismail is thriving as a full-time Software Engineer at Accenture, a role that has empowered him to achieve financial stability and build a long-term career. As Ismail puts it, “Talent is everywhere in this world, but opportunity is not,” and Per Scholas provided the bridge to that career opportunity.

For 30 years, Per Scholas has offered no-cost, comprehensive tech training that has transformed lives and careers across the nation. Founded in the South Bronx in 1995, Per Scholas has expanded to 25 cities, with remote and satellite options, and trained more than 30,000 technologists. Our organization works closely with tech employers to ensure that alumni possess in-demand skills upon graduation, and offers professional development training and job attainment support for learners, as well as continued career growth opportunities through our Career Accelerator upskilling program. 

“Receiving support from The New York Times Communities Fund for the third consecutive year is a profound honor that directly affirms the impact of our work,” said Per Scholas CEO Plinio Ayala. “This vital partnership allows us to maintain our no-cost model, ensuring that skilled technologists from communities across the country can access the tech training they need to launch life-changing careers, and our feature in The New York Times further amplifies our combined impact.”

Per Scholas’ commitment to providing high-quality training at no cost to our learners is made possible through dedicated donor support. We are especially honored to announce that 2025 marks our third consecutive year being awarded a grant from The New York Times Communities Fund! This vital and sustained partnership is a testament to our shared mission, ensuring access remains available for all our learners and alumni – learners with stories like Ismail’s. We are immensely grateful to partner with and be featured in The New York Times, advancing our work to build skilled tech talent pipelines.

Read the full New York Times feature here.

Houston, TX – [December 19, 2025] – Per Scholas Houston announced today that it has received a grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation to support expanded access to no-cost technology training and career pathways for individuals across the Houston region.

Through this grant, Per Scholas Houston will continue removing barriers to education and employment by equipping learners with the skills, support, and resources needed to pursue in-demand careers in the technology sector. This investment strengthens Per Scholas’ ability to serve individuals who have historically been excluded from high-growth career opportunities and reinforces a shared commitment to economic mobility in the community.

“At Per Scholas Houston, our mission is to unlock potential and create pathways to economic opportunity through skills-based training,” said Per Scholas Houston Managing Director Tondalayo Hall. “Support from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation helps ensure more Houstonians can access the tools, training, and confidence needed to launch meaningful careers in tech.”

The grant will support Per Scholas Houston’s ongoing workforce development efforts, which connect learners to industry-aligned training, professional development, and employer networks, helping build a stronger local tech talent pipeline.

About CenterPoint Energy Foundation:

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst in the communities it serves by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to improve stakeholders’ lives today and build a strong foundation for tomorrow. Grants are awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations with programs that support community vitality and education in CenterPoint Energy’s footprint.

About Per Scholas:

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward— expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 25+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.