The Allstate Foundation, a Founder’s Circle partner of Per Scholas, has provided generous funding for our no-cost tech training programs since 2021. The Foundation proudly supports Per Scholas’ mission to provide rigorous IT job training employment opportunities for diverse adult learners from low-to-moderate income households across our growing 20+ training campuses.

With a renewed $1 million in support from The Allstate Foundation, Per Scholas will scale our rigorous, no-cost IT job training, opening doors to high-quality tech careers for at least 4,250 diverse learners across 20+ campuses in 2024. This support will also enable us to coach learners on business professional skill development, including communication, collaboration, presentation, and problem-solving skills; provide holistic support services to all learners to identify and mitigate barriers that might impact learner success in training and employment, including financial capabilities and navigator/support services; and upon graduation, connect learners to leading employers for career opportunities and job attainment.

The Allstate Foundation’s support has helped promote economic progress for thousands of diverse technologists and is narrowing the opportunity gap by helping historically underrepresented communities secure thriving careers in partnership with Per Scholas. We are proud to partner with an organization whose support aligns with our mission to unlock potential for our learners and alumni as we change the face of tech.

BRONX, N.Y. (June 28, 2024) — National nonprofit Per Scholas has appointed two new members of their National Leadership Team. Pam Kingpetcharat has been named the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Brittany Murrey as the Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions. Both women will support Per Scholas’ commitment to advancing economic equity and an ambitious plan to train 10,000 people yearly.

As CFO, Pam Kingpetcharat is responsible for financial planning and reporting, operations, budgeting, risk management, accounting and finance, payroll, and auditing functions. As Per Scholas evolves, Pam is responsible for ensuring that fiscal actions align with organizational objectives and priorities to train technologists with our no-cost training model.

Pam has more than 20 years of experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. In the private sector, she advised leading multinational corporations, organizations, and government agencies about Information and Communications Technology policy, strategy and operations management, public finance management and reform, change management, and organizational effectiveness. Pam’s appointment took effect in June.

“I am excited to join Per Scholas and align our mission with our fiscal actions,” stated Pam Kingpetcharat. “The work I will do here mirrors one of my favorite quotes from Mixine Hong Kingston, ‘To me success means effectiveness in the world, that I am able to carry my ideas and values into the world – that I am able to change it in positive ways.’ I will carry my ideas and values to Per Scholas to advance our mission.”

As Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions, Brittany Murrey will lead the Talent Solutions team collaborating  with our more than 850 employer partners – from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups – building sustainable and diverse talent pipelines, together changing the face of tech. With national remote training and campuses in more than 20 cities and growing, Brittany collaborates with our training and development teams to foster high-demand tech skills, including Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering, and to close the widening skills gap for businesses. 

Brittany is a business and workforce development professional with experience advising employers about how to attract and engage diverse talent pools and improve career pathways for people from underserved communities. Recently, she supported the launch of an employer advisory department at the Center for Employment Opportunities with the goal of improving career pathways for job seekers facing employment barriers. Brittany’s appointment took effect in January.

“Per Scholas’ business model is evolving just like the tech industry is. I look forward to collaborating with leading businesses and our training and development teams to create diverse, robust tech talent solutions,” reflected Brittany Murrey. “As we continue to change the face of tech, we will also provide innovative hiring solutions for our employer partners.”

“Each year, Per Scholas trains more future technologists in the skills they need to be competitive and ready for a variety of roles, and our organization needs innovative leaders to continue our mission. I’m thrilled about Kim and Brittany’s appointments to Per Scholas’ National Leadership Team – as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions –  and know that with their expertise, knowledge, and leadership, Per Scholas will continue to increase economic equity and advance opportunity throughout America,” said Plinio Ayala, President and CEO of Per Scholas.

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. To learn more, visit PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

Per Scholas Expands Tech Training to Kansas City

 The launch of the new Kansas City campus represents a pivotal moment in the efforts to bridge the digital skills gap and foster economic growth in the region; Now Accepting Applications

KANSAS CITY, MO (JUNE 26, 2024) – National tech training nonprofit Per Scholas launches its new campus in Kansas City, joining Great Jobs KC, the leading workforce development program in Kansas City, to provide holistic information technology training and career development opportunities. This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in addressing the growing demand for skilled IT professionals in the Kansas City region. Per Scholas Kansas City will offer its no-cost technology skills training from its newest campus located at Offices at Park 39, 300 E 39th St., Kansas City, MO. In addition to Great Jobs KC selecting and investing in Per Scholas, Per Scholas Kansas City has received generous support from Comcast NBCUniversal, Cortex, Missouri Tech First Initiative powered by Cortex, and the NFL Foundation.

At the heart of this collaboration lies the shared commitment to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the ever-advancing tech industry. Per Scholas brings its renowned approach to IT training, which integrates technical education with professional development, including soft and hard skills. Through this partnership, Great Jobs KC and Per Scholas learners will undergo a comprehensive 13-week program designed to equip them with the expertise and confidence needed to excel in the IT field. After graduation, alumni will work with Great Jobs KC Employer Engagement Managers as well as Per Scholas’ Talent Solutions professionals to ensure job attainment.

The Per Scholas Kansas City campus will serve as a hub for innovative learning and career advancement, and offer comprehensive training for CompTIA A+ certification, a globally recognized credential validating foundational IT skills, as well as Google IT Support certification. These skills and certifications will position alumni for success in the rapidly expanding Kansas City tech sector.

Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to expand our reach to Kansas City through this partnership with Great Jobs KC. By combining our expertise in IT training with their proven track record of workforce development, we are poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and the economic vitality of the region. We are grateful for their investment and the support of Missouri Tech First, Cortex, the NFL Foundation, and Comcast NBCUniversal.”

“Per Scholas’ new Kansas City campus is an exciting development for the region’s workforce,” said Governor Mike Parson. “This initiative is another example of the collaborative partnerships that are investing in our communities and state’s economy. By equipping Missourians with skills needed for high-tech jobs, Per Scholas is helping pave the way for a stronger workforce, more resilient economy, and prosperous future.”

“Per Scholas is providing cutting-edge training that’s helping Missourians prosper by preparing them for jobs in the technology industry,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “We’re grateful for the efforts of this organization as it opens doors for those entering the workforce or sharpening their skills in the Kansas City region.”

Per Scholas Kansas City’s inaugural cohort launched in May, beginning with its best-in-class IT Support course. Applications are open, and interested individuals can learn more and apply here for upcoming cohorts. Prospective learners must be at least 18 years or older, possess at least a high school diploma, authorized to work in the U.S., have a passion for technology, and have availability to be placed in a tech role following completion of the training.

Per Scholas unlocks potential for individuals, communities, and companies by offering rigorous, 12- to 15-week tech skills training and connecting Per Scholas graduates to high-growth careers in technology. Per Scholas Kansas City is the nonprofit’s second campus in Missouri, with outreach including Kansas, joining Per Scholas St. Louis, which has been training technologists in a variety of tech skills since the Cortex Innovation District brought the organization to St. Louis in 2022.

“We frequently hear from companies we grow and companies we recruit that the most important asset in a tech economy is talent,” said Sam Fiorello, President & CEO, Cortex. “Per Scholas is a model that proves that there are many paths beyond a four-year degree from a college or university for preparing someone for a successful tech career. We are proud to expand this training asset beyond the St. Louis region through our Missouri Tech First, powered by Cortex, initiative.”

“Equipping Missourians with the most in-demand skills and industry-informed training to navigate current and future opportunities is a business imperative as much as it is just,” said Kieran Blanks, VP of Workforce Systems at Cortex, which is spearheading the $7 million Missouri Tech First Initiative. “By strategically investing in our workforce and cultivating innovation, we are positioning Missouri as a national frontrunner in the digital economy, enticing companies seeking elite tech talent.”

Aligned with its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, 85 percent of Per Scholas learners are people of color, more than 40 percent identify as women, and more than half have a high school diploma as their highest education credential. Per Scholas graduates are hired into tech roles by more than 850 employer partners nationwide, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. The Per Scholas model is proven and evidence-based. Per Scholas trains technologists go on to earn three times their pre-training wage in their first job following graduation. Plus, every dollar invested in Per Scholas results in an $8 net economic return.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Per Scholas to bring their transformative IT training program to Kansas City,” said Jimmy Swift, Great Jobs KC Chief Program Officer. “This partnership represents a significant investment in the future of our workforce, providing individuals with the opportunity to gain valuable skills and pursue fulfilling careers in the thriving tech industry.”

“Per Scholas expansion into Kansas City will undoubtedly help build a diverse and thriving workforce by providing access to skills training for in-demand tech careers,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation and President of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation. “Through Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity and economic mobility, we’re thrilled to partner with Per Scholas in their ongoing work to connect future technologists with leading businesses. We look forward to what we will continue to achieve together.”

“The NFL is proud to support the launch of Per Scholas’ Kansas City campus as they continue to break barriers and create positive social change,” said NFL Vice President, Social Responsibility Clare Graff. “Through Per Scholas’ no-cost tech training, individuals, particularly people of color, are empowered to enter the tech industry and launch thriving careers – a mission that aligns with the NFL’s commitment to create a more equitable society through our Inspire Change social justice initiative.”

To learn more about Great Jobs KC, click here . To learn more about Per Scholas Kansas City, click here, and follow Per Scholas Kansas City on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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 Comcast NBCUniversal

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences.

About Cortex

Cortex is a vibrant space serving as an inclusive economic engine for St. Louis. Cortex creates equitable economic impacts by leveraging high-quality facilities, developing programs that build knowledge and networks, and convening strategic partnerships that attract and support emerging and established companies. Founded in 2002 through a collaboration of Washington University in St. Louis, BJC HealthCare, the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Cortex Innovation Community (CortexSTL.org) is an internationally recognized hub of innovation and entrepreneurship that is focused on accelerating inclusive economic growth in St. Louis.

About NFL Inspire Change

Inspire Change is the NFL’s year-round social justice initiative aimed at reducing barriers to opportunity, particularly in communities of color, and showcasing how the collective NFL family is working to create positive change in communities across the country. Since the inception of Inspire Change, the NFL has provided more than $375 million to dozens of national grant partners and hundreds of grassroots organizations to advance social justice causes across the four pillars of the initiative: education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform. To learn more about Inspire Change, please visit www.nfl.com/inspirechange. Follow @InspireChange on X/Twitter and Instagram. On Facebook, follow www.facebook.com/inspirechange. To view the Inspire Change Impact Report click here. 

About Great Jobs KC

Great Jobs KC is a Kansas City-based nonprofit that provides access to college scholarships and tuition-free job training, along with job placement assistance for individuals from low- and modest-income families in the metropolitan area, providing a pipeline of talent for a strong regional workforce. Please join us on our mission for economic independence for all. For more information, visit www.greatjobskc.org.

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Per Scholas was awarded a grant as part of Governor Greg Abbott’s over $6.3 million in Texas Talent Connection grants. Per Scholas is one of 20 innovative workforce skills training and job placement programs in communities across the state that was awarded from the grants.

The $350,000 grant is for year one of the Creating Economic Mobility and Robust Futures Through Information Technology Training project serving Collin, Dallas, Denton, Fort Bend, Harris, Houston, and Tarrant counties for the Per Scholas Dallas and Per Scholas Houston campuses.

Learn more about this grant here.

Per Scholas Orlando Managing Director Jeremy Garren has been accepted into the upcoming cohort of the Orlando Economic Partnership’s Black Boardroom Leadership Institute (BBLI), a significant milestone in his professional journey. The BBLI is a prestigious program designed to address the underrepresentation of Black executives on boards of directors by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to excel in these roles.

The BBLI is a unique initiative that offers an intensive training curriculum focused on corporate governance, fiduciary duties, and strategic leadership. Participants gain invaluable insights from experienced board members and executives, engage in interactive workshops, and build strong connections with peers and mentors. The program’s ultimate goal is to foster diversity and inclusion within corporate boardrooms, ensuring that Black leaders have a prominent voice in shaping the future of businesses and communities.

Garren’s acceptance into the BBLI cohort is a testament to his dedication, leadership potential, and commitment to making a positive impact. Through this program, he will be poised to take on influential roles within corporate governance, contributing to the advancement of diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of business leadership.

For more information on the Black Boardroom Leadership Institute and its mission, visit the Orlando Economic Partnership’s website.

Per Scholas is excited to announce that Jeremy Besch has been named the new managing director for our Per Scholas Buffalo campus. Per Scholas is expanding to Buffalo this year, bringing our no-cost technical training to the Buffalo community. Later this year, the campus will launch its first IT Support cohort, a 12-week, entry-level course that prepares learners for dual certifications in CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support. Like all Per Scholas courses, it also includes professional development training, in order to holistically prepare learners to launch high-growth careers in tech.

Jeremy brings to the table a strong background in education and leadership and a commitment to community. Welcome, Jeremy!

Read Buffalo Business First’s announcement of Jeremy’s appointment here.

Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala was featured in the 2024 Bronx Power 100, an annual list published by City and State NY that celebrates powerful leaders who bring positive change and growth to the Bronx borough. This mention is a testament to Plinio’s influence and contributions to the Bronx community, and highlights his efforts to bridging the digital divide and cultivate technology skills within the emerging workforce.

Read the full article here.

Since 2012, Per Scholas has partnered with Barclays, empowering our learners and alumni to unlock their potential. Recently, Barclays hosted a volunteer event at their Times Square location for our learners and alumni, which included mock interviews and networking opportunities with Barclays employees. In addition to the event, Per Scholas alumni currently working at Barclays were featured on Barclays’ large screens in Times Square, showing that our collaboration is about more than just jobs—it’s about mentorship and empowerment.

“Per Scholas technologists are incredibly determined to be successful,” Eliza Tam, Managing Director at Barclays, reflected following the mock interview volunteer event. “Their commitment and determination set them apart from the rest.” Such sentiments echo the notion that Barclays’ support runs deep and that they have an engaging role as partners and as managers.

Eliza met Jeff Ates at a Per Scholas mock interview event years ago while he was still a learner, and it was at that event that she knew Jeff had what it took to become a leader in the industry. 

Per Scholas was a perfect fit for Jeff, as it would provide him with the specific skills and job-readiness training needed to directly launch his career. Jeff was accepted into Per Scholas New York’s 2018 Cybersecurity cohort. Shortly thereafter, he was hired at Barclays for an accelerated apprenticeship opportunity, which quickly grew into his current role as a Unix System Administrator, which was a direct result of the networking portion of the mock interview event with Barclays. “I’ve got my dream job,” Jeff reflected. “My life has changed completely…financially, I’m doing way better than I ever projected. The work/life balance is also great, which is good for my work style.” Jeff continues to excel in his role and is eager to continue his career in technology. 

Our partnership with Barclays has enabled us to expand Per Scholas’ capacity to create stronger connections with a broad range of employers, establishing a sustainable tech talent pipeline across the nation and contributing to the development and implementation of our cybersecurity curriculum, which has trained more than 2,300 technologists. 

We are grateful for our partnership with Barclays, and look forward to more volunteer events including the recent mock interview event, which showcase the multiple facets of our innovative partnership. 

Per Scholas is thrilled to have been selected for a grant renewal with the NFL as part of their Inspire Change social justice initiative. Per Scholas was one of 10 nonprofit partners selected for the measurable positive change they are enacting across the country. 

“We’re thrilled to continue unlocking potential across the country in partnership with the NFL Foundation and Inspire Change’s support,” said Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala. “With this extended commitment, Per Scholas will continue to provide no-cost tech training to future technologists, unlocking their potential and advancing economic equity for communities across the nation, including the launch of our newest campus in Kansas City.” 

Read more here. 

Per Scholas is thrilled to announce that New York Governor Kathy Hochul has awarded our organization a $1 million grant through the New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development. This funding will support the launch of a new tech training campus in Buffalo, aimed at providing high-demand technical skills and robust support services to local residents.

The grant is part of a broader initiative in which $8.7 million was awarded to 11 employer-driven, high-skilled workforce training programs across New York State, promoting innovative approaches and best practices that reduce the barriers to participation for high-need communities.These efforts aim to support nearly 1,700 trainees through collaborations between training providers and over 60 business partners in sectors such as construction, industrial manufacturing, renewable energy, and software engineering.

“New York is making sure that the State is well prepared with the talent and workforce of the future,” Governor Hochul said. “This latest round of strategic workforce development grants will continue our mission to ensure that all New Yorkers have the opportunity to gain skills needed by top employers, especially those who have been traditionally left behind.”

Read more about the announcement here.