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 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.

Houston, T.X., September 15, 2025  – Since launching in 2023, the Per Scholas Houston campus has trained more than 250 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and IT Support. Our alumni have earned jobs at employers including AT&T, IRISNDT, Buchanan Technologies, Titan Technologies, and Preferred Technologies.

“As Houston continues to lead the way in energy innovation, our Power Up: Houston event proved how powerful collaboration can be,” said Per Scholas Houston Managing Director Tondalayo Hall. “By bringing together industry leaders, workforce development experts, and community partners at Capgemini during Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week, we highlighted the incredible potential of a well-rounded, tech-skilled energy workforce. This gathering was more than a conversation. It was a catalyst for the relationships, ideas, and opportunities that will drive our city’s energy future.”

Today, top leaders in the energy, utilities, and technology sectors explored the powerful intersection of innovation and workforce development among industry peers at Power Up: Houston, hosted at Capgemini. Caitlyn Brazill, President, Per Scholas, and  Kenneth Walker, Executive Vice President of Inclusion & Culture, Per Scholas, were in attendance. 

Central to the event was an Industry Expert Panel moderated by Janet Pope, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility & Engagement – Americas Region, Capgemini. Panelists included Bhavani Arabandi, Principal Research Associate – Work, Education & Labor Division, Urban Institute; Bryant Black, Founder, Black Arrow Group; Claire Gauthier, Executive Vice President, Global Energy & Utilities Industry, Capgemini; and Tondalayo Hall, Managing Director, Per Scholas Houston. Carla Walker-Miller, CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Solutions, a featured panelist from Power Up: Detroit, also joined as a featured guest in Houston.

Power Up: Houston was held in collaboration with the Urban Institute, IREC, and CareerEquity. This grant-funded partnership delivers worker-centered training tailored to the energy sector’s IT needs. Per Scholas Houston also extends gratitude to partnerships with Rice Management Company, The Ion, The Herzstein Foundation, Comcast, and The Texas Workforce Commission, without whom our work would not be possible. 

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.

This event is part of the Power Up Series that was created by Per Scholas and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). DOL makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. The total cost of the Power IT project is $5,815,899. $5,000,000 (86 percent) is funded through the Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program of the U.S. Department of Labor–Employment and Training Administration. The other $815,899 (14 percent) is funded through nonfederal resources.

Detroit, M.I., August 18, 2025  – Since launching in 2019, the Per Scholas Detroit campus has trained more than 450 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and IT Support. Our alumni have earned jobs at employers including IC Data Communications, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Stefanini Group, TEKsystems, and Zentro Internet. 

“Detroit’s tech future is being built right now, and it’s being built by the skilled talent from our own communities,” says Laura Chavez, Managing Director of Per Scholas Detroit. “Power Up: Detroit is more than a convening; it’s a movement uniting industry leaders who believe in investing in local brilliance to power our energy and innovation economy.”

Today, top leaders in the energy, utilities, and technology sectors explored the powerful intersection of innovation and workforce development among industry peers at Power Up: Detroit, hosted at Newlab within Michigan Central. Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions and Per Scholas; Kenneth Walker, Executive Vice President of Inclusion & Culture, Per Scholas were in attendance. 

The morning began with an Executive Breakfast, open to Director+ leaders. A Fireside Chat featuring Carla Walker-Miller, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Walker-Miller Energy Solutions, and Paul Douglas, President of The JPI Group, followed. The event concluded with an Industry Expert Panel moderated by Ron Stefanski, Host of DisruptEd. Panelists included Clarinda Barnett Harrison, Director of Talent Development and Programming, Michigan Central; Susan Biszewski-Eber, Senior Manager of Apprenticeship Programs, Interstate Renewable Energy Council; Paul Douglas, President at The JPI Group; and Laura Chavez, Managing Director at Per Scholas Detroit.

Per Scholas Detroit hosted Power Up: Detroit in collaboration with the Urban Institute, IREC, and CareerEquity. This grant-funded partnership delivers worker-centered training tailored to the energy sector’s IT needs.

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

rgerena@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 $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.

This event is part of the Power Up Series that was created by Per Scholas and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). DOL makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. The total cost of the Power IT project is $5,815,899. $5,000,000 (86 percent) is funded through the Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program of the U.S. Department of Labor–Employment and Training Administration. The other $815,899 (14 percent) is funded through nonfederal resources.

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.

ATLANTA, GA (July 23, 2025) — From July 10 through July 14, Per Scholas Atlanta brought together its alumni for HackJam 2025, a high-energy, multi-day coding competition designed to accelerate careers and showcase the power of alumni innovation. 

Held as part of Per Scholas’s Career Accelerator initiative, the event offered hands-on mentorship, high-level networking, and a competitive edge for participants.

This year’s HackJam featured a $1,000 grand prize, awarded to the top team after an intensive weekend of collaboration and problem-solving. Throughout the event, alumni teams received mentorship from executive engineers at CGI, helping them refine their ideas and technical execution while gaining valuable industry insight.

The competition was judged by an esteemed panel of leaders from technology and business sectors:

• Brian Turner, Senior Vice President of Consulting Services, CGI

• John Holm, Vice President of Consulting Services, CGI

• Renee Pearson, Rollins, Inc.

• Bernex Richardson, Thrive Collaborative

• Tyrone Washington, Executive Vice President of Information Technology, Per Scholas National Leadership

• Sherri Sims, Managing Director, Per Scholas Atlanta

Their expert feedback and evaluation added a powerful layer of professional relevance to the competition, with each judge bringing years of leadership and technical expertise to the table.

“HackJam is more than just a competition,” said Sherri Sims, Managing Director of Per Scholas Atlanta. “It’s a career catalyst. Our alumni walk away with new skills, stronger networks, and a deeper sense of what’s possible in tech.”

This year’s HackJam builds on the momentum of the Career Accelerator, Per Scholas’s ongoing effort to ensure graduates stay connected, supported, and equipped for long-term success in the tech industry.

Check out event highlights on LinkedIn: Here and Here.

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.

Charlotte, N.C., June 25, 2025  – Since launching in 2020, the Per Scholas North Carolina campus has trained more than 800 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and IT Support. Our alumni have earned jobs at employers including Capgemini, Humana, and Wells Fargo.

“Charlotte is a regional leader in energy innovation and clean technology, which makes it an ideal place to kick off this series,” says Mike Terrell, Senior Managing Director of Per Scholas North Carolina. “We’re excited to bring industry leaders together to explore how our graduates can drive progress in clean energy, grid modernization, and digital infrastructure, and bring fresh talent to every corner of the energy sector.”

Today, top leaders in the energy, utilities, and technology sectors explored the powerful intersection of innovation and workforce development among industry peers at Power Up: Charlotte, hosted at the Per Scholas North Carolina campus. Plinio Ayala, Chief Executive Officer, Per Scholas, Kenneth Walker, Executive Vice President, Inclusion & Culture, Per Scholas, and Omoanaste McCarther, Senior Director, Workforce Initiatives, Per Scholas, were also in attendance.The morning began with an Executive Breakfast, open to Director+ leaders. An industry-expert panel, open to the public, followed. The industry panel was moderated by Zach Boren, Senior Fellow – Work, Education, and Labor Division of the Urban Institute. Panelists included Paul Douglas, President at The JPI Group; Megan Howes, Assistant Director, Workforce Development, Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC); Michael Johnson, Senior Software Engineering Manager at Duke Energy; and Mike Terrell, Senior Managing Director at Per Scholas North Carolina. 

Monty McGee, Director of Cybersecurity Partnerships & Engagement at Edison Electric Institute, and Dr. Kristie Sauls, Program Director of NC Career Launch at the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, shared additional remarks. 

Per Scholas North Carolina hosted Power Up: Charlotte in collaboration with the Urban Institute, IREC, and CareerEquity. This grant-funded partnership delivers worker-centered training tailored to the energy sector’s IT needs.

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

rgerena@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 $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.

This event is part of the Power Up Series that was created by Per Scholas and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). DOL makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. The total cost of the Power IT project is $5,815,899. $5,000,000 (86 percent) is funded through the Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program of the U.S. Department of Labor–Employment and Training Administration. The other $815,899 (14 percent) is funded through nonfederal resources.

Kansas City, MO., June 24, 2025 — Since launching in 2024, the Per Scholas Kansas City campus has trained 65 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as IT Support and future-forward Data Centers systems training. Our alumni have earned jobs at local Kansas City employers, including Conexon, GovCIO, and NestPay as well as large national employers such as Costco and Panasonic.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, alumni, and friends, Per Scholas Kansas City hosted its One-Year Campus Celebration in Kansas City with remarks from Asher Baker of TEKsystems, Brandon Krekel of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Per Scholas Kansas City alumni Nacima Kachi, and Jasmine Miller, Per Scholas Chief Program Officer. Montreece Smith, Per Scholas Chief People Officer, was also present.

“We are incredibly proud of the impact Per Scholas Kansas City has made in its first year,” said Cedric Deadmon, Per Scholas Kansas City Managing Director.

Per Scholas Kansas City acknowledges TEKsystems for their generous support that made this celebration possible.

“TEKsystems is proud to continue our national partnership with Per Scholas and provide local support for their cohorts!” said Asher Barker, Core Applications Account Manager, TEKsystems.

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 Kansas City area. Per Scholas Kansas City is transforming lives and will continue to shape Kansas City’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 Kansas City, follow them on LinkedIn or Per Scholas Kansas City.

Contact: 

Rafael Gerena, Vice President of Communications and Policy, Per Scholas

rgerena@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 $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.

New York, N.Y., May 15, 2025 — Per Scholas is bringing together leading voices in the data center industry for an engaging virtual conversation about the future of tech infrastructure and talent development. The panel, Data Centers in Demand: Workforce Trends & Talent Pipelines, featured expert insights from TEKsystems and Microsoft. 

Moderated by Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions at Per Scholas, this timely panel explored the increasing demand for data center talent and what that means for aspiring technologists and employers alike.

Panelists included:

• Craig Curry, Microsoft, Datacenter Technician Manager
• John Lullen, TEKsystems, Managing Executive, Marketplace Inclusion
• Riley Mahler, TEKsystems Global Services, Regional Director Microsoft Account
• Jasmine Smiley, Microsoft, Regional Program Manager DC Operations Field Management

🔑 Top 3 Takeaways from the Discussion:

1. Data Centers Are Booming—But Talent Gaps Remain
   As Brittany Murrey (Per Scholas) noted, there’s a 60% growth in data center jobs since 2016, and companies are urgently seeking skilled professionals. Per Scholas is closing this gap through hands-on, industry-aligned training.
   
2. Expanding Opportunity is a Business Imperative
   Riley Mahler (TEKsystems Global Services) stated about 300,000 or so data center-oriented openings are unfilled right now, and looking ahead to a higher demand for jobs in data centers, there could be upward of 2.3 million active jobs. As Jasmine Smiley (Microsoft) and John Lullen (TEKsystems) shared, intentional hiring and workforce development are key to sustainable innovation in this space with this projected growth.
3. Career Pathways Are Real and Growing
   Per Scholas trained technologist Craig Curry (Microsoft) explained how data center training fast-tracks learners into rewarding tech careers, even those from non-technical backgrounds.

WATCH THE FULL PANEL BELOW.

With data centers continuing to play a critical role in powering global digital infrastructure, this conversation examined the evolving landscape of workforce needs, the essential skills for data center careers, and how inclusive training pipelines can close the talent gap.

“Data centers are the hardware powering every corner of society. They impact critical infrastructure like hospitals and medical systems, and play a large role in entertainment streaming. As more businesses move to the cloud, the demand for skilled techs who can manage, protect, and fine-tune these systems is skyrocketing,” said Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions, Per Scholas. “At Per Scholas, we’re training people for these high-growth careers, equipping them with the skills to not just join the tech industry, but to help shape its future.”

This event underscored Per Scholas’ commitment to expanding access to high-growth tech careers by preparing individuals with the most in-demand skills—through no-cost training and partnerships with leading employers.