NEW YORK, NY – Tuesday, September 30, 2025 — Per Scholas has appointed Roberto Zeledon as its inaugural Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), and welcomed him to the National Leadership Team. In this role, Roberto will lead the organization’s national marketing, brand, and communications strategy, driving efforts to expand visibility, strengthen partnerships, and deepen engagement with learners, donors, and corporate partners.

Roberto brings 25+ years of experience in marketing and brand strategy across both corporate and mission-driven organizations. Before joining Per Scholas, he served as Chief Marketing Officer at Year Up United, where he shaped the organization’s national impact through large-scale media campaigns, brand-building initiatives, and a major rebranding effort. Earlier in his career, Roberto led account and marketing relationships at Digitas for major brands, including Holiday Inn Hotels (part of the InterContinental Hotels Group) and Celebrity Cruises.

“Roberto’s expertise in storytelling and brand strategy, combined with his commitment to creating opportunity through education and workforce development, makes him an exceptional addition to the Per Scholas leadership team,” said Plinio Ayala, CEO of Per Scholas. “We are thrilled to welcome him as we continue to expand our reach and impact nationwide.”

Roberto holds a B.S. in Marketing and Law from Syracuse University and an MBA from Boston College’s Carroll School of Management. He lives in Miami, Florida, with his wife and daughter.

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. With 20+ 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.

Charlotte, N.C., September 25, 2025 — Since launching in 2020, the Per Scholas North Carolina campus has trained over 1,000 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as Cybersecurity, End User Support and Salesforce Administrator. Our alumni have earned jobs at employers including Capgemini, Humana, and Wells Fargo.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, alumni, and friends, Per Scholas North Carolina hosted its Five-Year Campus Celebration in Charlotte with remarks from Sherri Jones, Workforce & Career Development Manager, City of Charlotte; Leaton Harris, Vice President, Engagement and Inclusion, TEKsystems; and Kathleen Evans, Regional Director of External Affairs, AT&T. Jasmine Miller, Chief Program Officer, Per Scholas and Robin Nadeau, Regional Senior Vice President South, Per Scholas were also in attendance. A formal check presentation and reception followed. 

“I’m excited to celebrate this milestone not just for our team, but for the hundreds of North Carolinians who turned potential into thriving tech careers through Per Scholas, and I’m grateful to everyone who trusted us to be a part of their career journey. When we launched during the pandemic, our goal was to expand pathways to economic mobility for our neighbors, and five years later, I’m proud to say that we’ve helped generate more than $29 million in new wages in Charlotte and across North Carolina,” said Mike Terrell, Senior Managing Director, Per Scholas North Carolina. None of this would have been possible without our employer and philanthropic partners, and our incredible staff and alumni community—thank you for believing in this work. The next five years are about scaling and deepening our impact: continuing to expand our reach across North Carolina and sharpening our focus on in-demand skills so local companies can hire job-ready talent.” 

In addition to AT&T, Per Scholas North Carolina acknowledges the generous ongoing support of The BlackRock Foundation, Focusing Philanthropy, Truist Foundation, Leon Levine Foundation, Leonard G. Herring Foundation, Bank of America, City of Charlotte, Cloudera, Lenovo, Mecklenburg County, and TD Bank. Without our partners, our work would not be possible. 

“AT&T is proud to support Per Scholas and its mission to empower learners and prepare them to succeed in technology-based careers today and in the future. By providing access to digital skills training, career readiness instruction, and educational resources, we are equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive in a 21st-century world,” said Kathleen Evans, Regional Director of External Affairs, AT&T North Carolina. “Together with Per Scholas, we are connecting more North Carolinians and empowering the next generation of technology leaders.” 

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 North Carolina area. Notably, every dollar invested in Per Scholas yields an $8 net economic return. Per Scholas North Carolina is transforming lives and will now be shaping North Carolina’s future as a thriving technology hub by equipping Per Scholas Technologists with in-demand tech skills at no cost.

To learn more about Per Scholas North Carolina, follow them on LinkedIn or Per Scholas North Carolina.

Contact: Rafael Gerena, Vice President of Communications & Policy, Per Scholas

communications@perscholas.org. 

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, generating over $35 billion in increased personal earnings. With 20+ 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 Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T  

At AT&T, our corporate responsibility work is dedicated to bridging the digital divide across the country. We are committed to providing people of all ages and from every community with the essential resources they need to thrive in the digital era. For generations, we have supported programs that impact millions of individuals nationwide, and since 2021, we have committed $5 billion to initiatives that enhance connectivity, promote digital literacy, and improve access to high-speed internet. Our efforts particularly focus on uplifting underserved communities, including students, older adults, and those on tribal lands, ensuring everyone can participate in the digital world and benefit from its opportunities.

Per Scholas Marks 30 Years of Unlocking Tech Careers, Honors Leaders from Comcast and Ballmer Group at Anniversary Gala

Celebrating three decades of bridging the opportunity gap, the no-cost tech training provider will honor key partners at its New York City anniversary gala

NEW YORK, NY – September 25, 2025 – Per Scholas, a national tech training nonprofit, today announced it will host Empowering The Future: Celebrating 30 Years of Unlocking Potential, its 30th Anniversary celebration on Tuesday, October 21 at Guastavino’s in New York City. This milestone event will celebrate three decades of advancing economic mobility by providing access to high-quality, no-cost tech training to untapped talent. The gala will feature esteemed speakers and honor two key partners for their transformative impact:

• Dalila Wilson-Scott, Executive Vice President and Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer of Comcast Corporation and President of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation, will be recognized for her transformative impact in corporate responsibility and for driving strategic initiatives that create opportunity in communities. This includes her leadership of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion initiative to connect people to the internet, provide digital opportunity, and build a future of Unlimited Possibilities.
• Ballmer Group, co-founded by Connie and Steve Ballmer, will be honored for its commitment to improving economic mobility for children and families. Through their partnership, Ballmer Group has been a catalyst for Per Scholas’ innovation and growth, enabling the development of immersive training models and the integration of cutting-edge AI and data center content into the curriculum. The award will be accepted by Terri Ludwig, Chief Executive Officer of Ballmer Group.

“Since its founding in the South Bronx in 1995, Per Scholas has been driven by a simple belief: that a thriving workforce begins with equitable access to opportunity,” Plinio Ayala, CEO of Per Scholas said. “This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on our impact, highlight the incredible stories of our learners, and honor the invaluable partnerships that shaped our journey, while looking ahead to an even brighter future.” 

The evening will feature a keynote address from Rashaun Williams, founder and CIO of Harbinger Sports Partners, limited partner of the NFL Atlanta Falcons, and guest Shark on ABC’s Shark Tank. Williams will be joined by esteemed guest speakers Ginni Rometty and Charles Phillips. Rometty is the former Chairman, President and CEO of IBM and Co-Chair of OneTen; she also serves on the boards of JPMorgan Chase, Cargill, and Memorial Sloan Kettering. Phillips is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Recognize and previously served as CEO of Infor, President of Oracle, and Managing Director at Morgan Stanley; he also serves on the boards of American Express, the Apollo Theater and more.

Event Details:

• What: Per Scholas 30th Anniversary Celebration
• When: October 21, 2025, 6:00 PM EST
• Where: Guastavino’s, 409 East 59th Street, NYC

Per Scholas’ 30th anniversary gala is presented by Comcast, with generous support from additional sponsors including Allstate, Amazon, EY, Guardian, TEKsystems, Apollo Global Management, Cognizant, Capgemini, CDW, Jean Hill and Larry Schultis, Dirk Manelski, Microsoft, Prudential, Ian Shrank and Alexandra W. Logue, S&P Global, Dana and Josh Lieberman, Lewis E. Miller, and PwC.

For more information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit our website.

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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. With 20+ 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.

BRONX, N.Y. (September 11, 2025)—Today, Per Scholas, the leading national tech training nonprofit, welcomes new National Board Member Steve Rullo. 

Steve Rullo, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Guardian. 

Steve leads Guardian’s digital transformation and technology strategy to support long-term growth. He brings over 30 years of experience across digital, technology, and financial services, including senior leadership roles at Great-West Lifeco and GE. Steve also co-founded a consulting firm and held senior roles at Cigna Healthcare and a tech start-up. He holds a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

“It’s a privilege to join an organization that’s making a real difference in communities across the country through tech education and career access,” said Rullo. “I’m inspired by the Per Scholas’ commitment to inclusive innovation and look forward to supporting its efforts to build a more dynamic tech workforce.”

“We are honored to welcome Steve to Per Scholas’ National Board, where his dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm will greatly contribute to our mission of unlocking potential,” stated Plinio Ayala, CEO of Per Scholas. “Our National Board Members exemplify our vision to further change the face of technology to achieve a strong economy for all.”

To learn more about Per Scholas’s work and our National Board, visit PerScholas.org. 

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. 

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New Board Members to Guide Growth as Local Campus Responds to Urgent Workforce Needs

St. Louis, MO — September 4, 2025 – Per Scholas St. Louis is announcing the launch of its inaugural Advisory Board on September 24, 2025, comprised of leading business and community executives dedicated to advancing tech talent and economic mobility across the region. At the same time, the campus is introducing new training tracks in Healthcare IT and Data Center to meet rising employer demand and provide more pathways into high-growth technology careers.

Advisory Board members include:

• Matt Modica, Vice President & CISO, BJC HealthCare
• Ashley Pyle, Chief Experience Officer, GadellNet
• Marc Ashworth, CISO, First Bank
• Branyea Jones, Training & Development, DEI, Clayco Corp
• April Lopinot, Chief People Officer, Keeley Companies
• Kendall Norris, Chief Winning In Life Officer, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation

“Per Scholas is honored to welcome such an accomplished group of leaders to our St. Louis Advisory Board,” said Kiesha Mabry Haymore, Managing Director of Per Scholas St. Louis. “Their expertise and commitment will ensure that our campus not only equips learners with the in-demand skills needed to succeed in tech, but also strengthens pathways for local residents to thrive in industries vital to the region’s future, from healthcare to data infrastructure.”

The announcement comes at a critical moment for the region’s workforce. With recent headlines highlighting the closure of the St. Louis Job Corps Center and the resulting disruption for students, Per Scholas St. Louis offers a no-cost, proven alternative for residents seeking tech career training.

“Our work goes beyond the classroom—it’s about connecting talent to opportunity. By launching this Advisory Board and linking learners with top employers, we’re building stronger bridges to economic mobility,” stated Steve Martak, Per Scholas St. Louis’ Director of Talent Solutions.

Since opening in 2022, Per Scholas St. Louis has enrolled 368 learners in IT Support, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering, preparing them for thriving careers with top regional employers. The new Healthcare IT and Data Center tracks will expand opportunities for learners while strengthening talent pipelines for local companies in critical industries.

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 $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 20+ 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 is proud to announce the appointment of Karla Benson Rutten as Regional Senior Vice President, Midwest, along with Laura Chavez as Managing Director of Per Scholas Detroit and Sharise Erby as Managing Director of Per Scholas Phoenix. These accomplished leaders bring decades of experience in nonprofit management, workforce development, and community engagement, advancing Per Scholas’s mission to expand access to no-cost tech training and career pathways.

Karla Benson Rutten – Regional Senior Vice President, Midwest
Karla Benson Rutten leads Per Scholas’ Midwest region, overseeing strategy and operations across seven campuses in Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and St. Louis. She guides cross-functional teams that deliver no-cost technology training, professional development, and job attainment support, connecting Per Scholas Technologists with high-growth tech careers.

Prior to joining Per Scholas, Karla held leadership roles across nonprofit organizations and higher education, including Executive Director of the Jeremiah Program in St. Paul, Vice President of Community Engagement at Girl Scouts River Valleys, and 15 years at Macalester College directing the Lealtad-Suzuki Center. She is the founder of Benson Rutten Innovations, a consulting firm focused on leadership development and DEI strategy. Karla holds a Master’s in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Iowa State University. Her work is driven by a passion for equity, personal growth, and helping individuals create lasting impact in their communities.

Laura Chavez (She/Her) – Managing Director, Detroit
Laura Chavez serves as the Managing Director of Per Scholas Detroit, where she oversees the strategic direction and daily operations of the campus. She leads local partnerships, program implementation, and learner support, ensuring access to tech career pathways across the region.

With more than ten years in nonprofit leadership, Laura has developed programs and partnerships that meet the needs of historically underrepresented communities. Raised in Southwest Detroit, she brings a deep understanding of her community and remains actively engaged in mentoring emerging leaders and advocating for equitable economic opportunities. Laura holds a degree in Public Policy, and her leadership reflects a commitment to dignity, inclusion, and meaningful impact.

Sharise Erby (She/Her) – Managing Director, Phoenix
Sharise Erby leads Per Scholas Phoenix, overseeing campus strategy, operations, and engagement with learners, staff, and community and employer partners. Her work focuses on closing the opportunity gap and creating pathways to high-growth tech careers.

Sharise brings over 30 years of experience spanning healthcare, workforce development, and nonprofit leadership. She spent two decades in healthcare operations serving underserved communities and has spent the last 15 years leading initiatives in economic empowerment, financial literacy, and small business growth. Sharise is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and holds a Master’s in Health Administration. Recognized with awards such as the City of Phoenix MLK “Living the Dream” Award and the Titan 100 Top CEO distinction, she also serves as a Commissioner on the Phoenix Women’s Commission. A best-selling author and global speaker, Sharise inspires others to lead with purpose and embrace transformation as a tool for growth.

Looking Ahead
Karla, Laura, and Sharise join Per Scholas at an exciting time as we continue to expand our impact and create equitable pathways into the technology sector. Their leadership, expertise, and dedication will be invaluable as we help learners build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in tech careers. 

Forbes recently featured the powerful impact of Per Scholas’ partnership with TEKsystems, showcasing how together we’ve built a thriving, work-ready talent pipeline over the past decade. What began as a shared commitment to look beyond traditional hiring practices has grown into a national collaboration that prioritizes skills, potential, and continuous learning. 

Since 2015, TEKsystems and Per Scholas have co-designed rigorous, hands-on training programs in 12 U.S. cities, preparing individuals for in-demand technology roles and launching more than 1,500 careers. This partnership not only helps TEKsystems meet customer needs with job-ready talent but also expands access to life-changing tech careers for individuals historically excluded from the industry. As Forbes highlights, the results are clear: when employers invest in human potential, entire communities benefit.

Read the full feature here.

Atlanta, G.A., August 7, 2025 — Per Scholas Atlanta is proud to announce a generous $100,000 award from the Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF), which will significantly enhance the campus’s ability to provide no-cost, high-impact tech training to women across metro Atlanta. The funding was celebrated alongside the Atlanta Women’s Foundation and special guest Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. The video footage captured at the celebration, including Per Scholas Atlanta’s Managing Director Sherri Sims’ interview, will be featured during AWF’s “Numbers Too Big to Ignore” Luncheon on October 29, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center. The annual event raises awareness and funds to support economic empowerment for women and girls in Atlanta.

Since launching its Atlanta campus in 2016, Per Scholas has trained more than 1,700 local learners in high-demand tech skills, including IT Support, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Software Engineering. This funding from AWF marks the first grant Per Scholas Atlanta has received from the foundation and comes at a pivotal moment in the campus’s growth.

“Support from the Atlanta Women’s Foundation is transformational,” said Sherri Sims, Managing Director of Per Scholas Atlanta. “This investment allows us to deepen our focus on supporting women into thriving tech careers—careers that don’t just offer that first job, but long-term opportunity, growth, and generational change.”

The grant will enable Per Scholas Atlanta to expand its reach to even more women throughout the region—many of whom face compounding barriers such as limited access to technical education, caregiving responsibilities, lack of traditional credentials, or career interruptions. Per Scholas meets these challenges head-on, offering rigorous technical instruction paired with robust professional development and career coaching at no cost to learners.

“AWF’s investment fuels not only our training but also our wraparound supports,” Sims added. “This includes resume coaching, mock interviews, employer exposure, and community-building that empowers learners to not only enter the tech workforce—but thrive within it.”

Mayor Andre Dickens attended the celebration as the keynote speaker and praised the ongoing work of Per Scholas and AWF to build a more inclusive tech ecosystem. “When we invest in women, we invest in families, communities, and the future of our city,” he said.

AWF joins a growing list of funders supporting Per Scholas Atlanta’s efforts, and this City Hall celebration emphasized the power of community partnerships, equity-driven investment, and storytelling. “It was an incredible moment to stand alongside so many mission-aligned organizations and feel the collective impact we’re having,” said Peggy Still Johnson, Per Scholas’ Senior Manager of Development for the Southern Region. “We’re honored to be among this year’s grant recipients.”

Per Scholas Atlanta is grateful to The Atlanta Women’s Foundation for this game-changing investment, and to all donors and community supporters, such as Sage, Stand Together Foundation, and KMS Technology, who continue to believe in economic mobility for Atlantans. Per Scholas Atlanta invites employers and aspiring technologists alike to get involved.

To learn more about Per Scholas Atlanta, follow them on LinkedIn or visit perscholas.org/atlanta.

Glassport, P.A., July 29, 2025 — Since launching in 2021, the Per Scholas Pittsburgh campus has trained nearly 600 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as IT Support and Cybersecurity.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, and friends, Per Scholas Pittsburgh announced its Satellite Campus Launch in Glassport, PA, with remarks from Nick Pisciottano, Pennsylvania State Senator, District 45; Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive, David McDonald, Superintendent, South Allegheny School District; Elaina Skiba, Glassport Borough Manager; and Todd Derby, Per Scholas Regional Senior Vice President, Northeast. Sang Lee, Per Scholas Chief Development Officer, was also in attendance.

“Today is about more than just the expansion of a program. It’s about recognizing the need to bring sought-after training and employment opportunities to an area often left out of the conversation when we talk about the growth and revitalization of the region,” said Gene Walker, Managing Director, Per Scholas Pittsburgh. “Glassport is an area ripe for this type of opportunity, and the partnerships that we’ve already developed is proof that they are ready to take full advantage of our training and support.” 

The first cohort of Glassport Borough’s 10 learners began their coursework today. Per Scholas’ satellite model, first launched in New York in 2021, has proven effective in expanding access to communities with limited tech training options. By combining dedicated on-site support with connected classroom learning, this model offers equal-quality training experiences, builds capacity for community partners and creates efficient pathways to employment.

“Glassport could not be more excited about our new partnership with Per Scholas. One of our visions for the Borough is all about community and how we can be a part of helping not just our residents, but others in the Mon Valley. We believe that it’s not just about Glassport succeeding, but really, it’s about the South Allegheny School District and including the Mon Valley, ” stated Elaina Skiba, Glassport Borough Manager. “Recognizing some of the students in the first Glassport class was so rewarding, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Glassport and Per Scholas.”

Per Scholas Pittsburgh acknowledges the Richard King Mellon Foundation and South Allegheny School District for their generous support, which made this celebration possible. Per Scholas Pittsburgh has placed learners at numerous institutions, including All Lines Technology, eNGINE, BNY Mellon, SoftWriters, and TEKsystems.

With a proven tech training model including both in-person and remote learning, Per Scholas continues to unlock opportunities for individuals, strengthen communities, and drive business success across the greater Pittsburgh area. Per Scholas Pittsburgh is transforming lives and will continue to shape Pittsburgh’s future as a thriving technology hub by equipping Per Scholas Technologists with in-demand tech skills at no cost.

To learn more about Per Scholas Pittsburgh, follow them on LinkedIn or visit Per Scholas Pittsburgh.

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 3 0,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 20+ 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.

Since launching in 2020, the Per Scholas Chicago campus has trained more than 700 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills to advance careers in IT Support and Cybersecurity. 

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, alumni, and friends, Per Scholas Chicago hosted Expanding Access to Tech Careers: A Leadership Conversation & Breakfast during Chicago Tech Week. This beautiful convening took place at the historic Willis Tower and featured insights from Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Per Scholas Chief Executive Officer Plinio Ayala. The conversation was moderated by Dorri McWhorter, President & Chief Executive Officer, Executives’ Club of Chicago. Per Scholas Chief Operating Officer, Tamara Johnson, and Regional Senior Vice President Karla Benson Rutten were also in attendance. 

“It was an honor to gather our supporters and key stakeholders to discuss the role of high-quality training programs in building a more inclusive economy,“ said Kate Doyle, Per Scholas Chicago Managing Director.

Per Scholas Chicago acknowledges Comcast, JPMorgan Chase & Co., TEKsystems, CDW, Bank of America Foundation, and Motorola Solutions Foundation for their generous support that made this celebration possible.

With a proven tech training model including both in-person and remote learning, Per Scholas continues to unlock opportunities for individuals, strengthen communities, and drive business success across the greater Chicago area. Per Scholas Chicago is transforming lives and will continue to shape the region’s future as a thriving technology hub by equipping Per Scholas technologists with in-demand tech skills at no cost.

To learn more about Per Scholas Chicago, follow them on LinkedIn or Per Scholas Chicago.

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, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 20+ 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.