On June 18th, Per Scholas Chief Revenue Officer Caitlyn Brazill participated in a panel discussion at Capgemini’s Business to Planet New York Sustainability Connect event. During the panel discussion: Green Economy and Job Creation, panelists discussed ways to foster positive change towards a greener and more inclusive economy. They explored public education, training for green jobs and the landscape for green business development, as well as the importance of a skilled workforce equipped to drive innovation and sustainability across various sectors.

Caitlyn discussed the renewable industry’s increasing need for skilled tech talent, and Per Scholas’ commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive tech workforce. “Equity is imperative – we have a tremendous opportunity to reshape our economy in the coming years, and shift investment into the kind of jobs and companies that will foster a greener planet,” Caitlyn said. “But if we don’t develop the talent pipeline in an equitable manner and create real pathways into those roles, we will continue to replicate the kinds of inequality and lack of representation we see in the tech workforce today.

“Nearly 9 in 10 Per Scholas learners are people of color, more than 40% identify as women and the majority come from communities and families who have been overlooked as a source of technical talent. Green companies can think differently about talent pipelines, partnering with effective workforce development organizations such as Per Scholas to create opportunities for diverse talent, and to design customized training programs that meet their company’s evolving needs.”

The SIM Women Leadership Summit offered profound insights into the essential shifts required to cultivate a diverse and inclusive leadership landscape within the technology sector, and I had the privilege to present at this year’s event. This year’s discussions centered around the summit theme, “New Intersections Ahead!” and delved into the importance of adaptability, the non-linear nature of IT careers, philanthropic impacts on STEM, and the pivotal role of women in entrepreneurship. Here are my expanded takeaways incorporating these themes and how Per Scholas will actively continue to play a part in diversifying tech leadership:

Adaptability and Resilience in an AI-Enabled Workforce

One of the standout discussions was presented by Infotech, highlighting that adaptability and resilience are crucial skills in today’s AI-driven workforce. As AI technologies continue to reshape industries, the ability to adapt and pivot becomes vital for career longevity and effectiveness. This reality opens significant opportunities for organizations like Per Scholas, which prepares learners from diverse backgrounds for tech careers. These programs are not just about imparting technical skills but also fostering a mindset equipped to handle continuous technological disruptions and thrive in leadership positions. This approach is particularly beneficial for marginalized communities who are often underrepresented in tech, empowering them with the tools to succeed in a dynamic work environment. Additionally, there is a lack of ethics and rules when using AI – and they will come with time (especially given the ever-changing tech world). Technologists and leaders need to figure out the best ways AI can be utilized for their organizations and train their teams on how to use it correctly.

Embracing the Non-linear Career Paths of IT Leaders

It was acknowledged at the summit that few IT leaders have linear career paths; instead, their professional journeys are filled with twists and turns. This reality is even more pronounced for women, people of color, and those from various sexual orientations or appearances, who often face additional barriers and biases. Recognizing and valuing these diverse career trajectories can enrich leadership within tech organizations. Companies can better support and develop talents from all backgrounds when they recognize the non-linear paths in the tech industry, fostering a more inclusive and robust leadership pipeline.

A Call for Systemic Change in STEM

A powerful message from Lyda Hill Philanthropy emphasized that solving the world’s biggest problems requires every great mind at the table. This vision underscores the need for systemic changes to encourage more girls to see themselves as future STEM professionals. The summit discussed initiatives and educational programs designed to inspire young women and girls by exposing them to role models and career paths in STEM fields. Such efforts are crucial in shifting the cultural and social narratives that often deter women from pursuing science and technology careers.

The Role of Women in Entrepreneurship and Investment

A significant theme at the summit was the underrepresentation of women in entrepreneurship, particularly in venture-backed companies. Despite women founding less than 2% of these companies, there is a growing network of women-led venture capital and angel investors dedicated to changing this landscape. Additionally, with wealth increasingly shifting into women’s hands, their investment decisions are poised to have a profound impact on developing services and products tailored for women and girls. This shift not only represents a market opportunity but also a chance to influence societal norms and economic frameworks through female-led innovation. I was joined by Per Scholas Dallas Alumna Tara McDaniel to discuss the importance of women leadership in technology and entrepreneurship as a real-life example of what fostering an environment of inclusivity for women looks like and share her experience as a woman in tech. Tara highlighted the importance of women supporting women – a theme heard loud and clear throughout the summit. The community is ready to support through mentorship programs and deepening connections, a notion we can bring to Per Scholas with mentorship opportunities for our diverse cohorts. 

Conclusion

The SIM Women Leadership Summit brought to light the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in advancing diversity within tech leadership. From enhancing adaptability in an AI-infused market to supporting non-linear career paths, and from pushing for systemic changes in STEM education to empowering female entrepreneurs and investors, the discussions underscored a collective drive towards a more inclusive and equitable future. Each of these areas not only contributes to individual growth and organizational success but also plays a critical role in societal advancement as we are at an intersection of technology and women leadership, underscoring the profound impact of diversity and inclusion in shaping the future of technology and leadership.

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. 

On June 18th, Per Scholas’s Deputy Chief Training Officer, Noah Mitchell, will be joining national panel of experts in a webinar hosted by Grantmakers for Education. Attendees will discuss the growth and impact of skills-based training programs like Per Scholas, and what this growth means for “traditional” higher education.

Web panelists in attendance included:

• Noah Mitchell, Per Scholas
• Carolyn Lee, Ascendium Education Group
• Frieda Molina, MDRC
• Rebecca Taber Staehelin, Merit America
• Garrett Warfield, Year Up

Read more about the panel and register here.

Per Scholas Chief of Staff Tamara Johnson joined teams from across the nation this week in a discussion hosted by the White House Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) to build a strong cyber workforce in the U.S. More than 500,000 cybersecurity positions are currently open across the country, according to the White House. 

“Access to diverse communities, assessing aptitude, and retention are among the top challenges shared by employers in the room at the White House event. Any solution to solving the cyber talent gap will need to address these three challenges in a scalable way,” Tamara said. 

Per Scholas was invited to share the innovative ways our model boosts the cyber workforce – and connects underrepresented professionals with high-impact careers. Per Scholas commits to the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy, where we lead the effort to train 5,000 cyber learners over the next 5 years and grow its national Registered Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program to 40 cyber apprentices in 2024.

The event featured remarks from White House leaders and voices from across a dozen industries, including Per Scholas Pittsburgh alum Dominic Ragghianti. Learn more about the nationwide effort in the latest White House press release.

On December 14th, Per Scholas partner Salesforce held the New York City stop of their World Tour event. This traveling event brings together Salesforce users, partners, customers, and surrounding communities for a day of learning and discussion, and this year’s event delved into the latests in AI solutions, and its ability to drive productivity and customer satisfaction. Experts from a variety of fields weighed in on the next “Big AIdeas for Good.”

Per Scholas President and CEO, Plinio Ayala was interviewed at the event, and described how Per Scholas has partnered with Salesforce to create Per Scholas Resume Boost, powered by @Salesforce AI. This tool generates a customized resume draft based on a learner’s information and course grade, which is refined with the help of Per Scholas career coaches, expediting the resume-creation process from around 6 hours to just 30 minutes. Beyond technical training a portion of all Per Scholas courses are dedicated to professional development, and this powerful AI tool will greatly support  Per Scholas staff, allowing them to devote time to other areas and provide training to a greater number learners. This advancement will help move our organization towards our goal of graduating 10,000 learners per year.

Click to learn more about the event and watch Plinio speak!

Per Scholas was excited and honored to welcome Daniel West, Vice President of Social Impact at BlackRock as the keynote speaker at our last Per Scholas New York graduation of 2023. The ceremony celebrated 33 graduates of a Cybersecurity cohort co-hosted with our satellite partner, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation. 

BlackRock has partnered with Per Scholas since 2018 to create paths to financial security by providing individuals often excluded from tech careers with skills training and access to high-growth opportunities in the tech sector. This partnership has been pivotal in many Per Scholas initiatives, including our scale to remote training during the Covid pandemic, building and expanding our training capacity and options, the launch of our newest campus in Houston, and more.

In his commencement address, Mr. West celebrated the incredible achievements, determination, hard work, and limitless future potential of each graduate, as well as the foundation that had been set within each of them for a lifetime of continuous learning. 

“This is a momentous occasion, not just for each of you individually, but for the communities you come from, and for the transformative power of education in the pursuit of a brighter future,” West said. “Your unique perspectives, informed by the tapestry of your individual stories, will contribute to innovative solutions, and foster more inclusive workplaces…You have the potential to shape the future, not only for yourselves but for those who will follow in your footsteps. Armed with your education and the foundation laid at Per Scholas, I have no doubt that each of you will indeed change the world.”

Per Scholas, in collaboration with the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, Amazon, and local officials, has officially launched our satellite campus at the Gerard Carter Center in Stapleton, Staten Island. The first class on-site, an IT Support course, kicked off on October 23rd, and a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on November 2nd. 

Read about the launch here!

Phoenix, AZ (November 1, 2023): Per Scholas, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic mobility for underserved communities through IT training and job placement, welcomes you to an open house event at its new Phoenix campus on Friday, November 3. 

Community members in attendance will learn more about Per Scholas and their transformative work in providing training, certification, and job placement services for individuals looking to break into the technology industry. 

“We are excited to welcome the Phoenix community to our open house and showcase the incredible impact that Per Scholas has in empowering individuals with IT skills and career opportunities,” said Jaclyn Boyes, Regional Senior Vice President. “We are dedicated to providing a pathway to economic mobility for underrepresented communities, and this event is an excellent opportunity for the community to meet our team, understand our programs, and connect with our mission.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with the newest Per Scholas Phoenix team member, Managing Director Jerry J. McPherson, who joined in June 2023.

An economic activist, community leader, and dedicated change agent for unrepresented communities, McPherson brings a wealth of experience to his role, having previously served as the Director of Economic Empowerment at the Greater Phoenix Urban League, serving as a CPA in both public and private practice and is a proud veteran of the United States Military. 

“Throughout my career, my primary focus has been on creating economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for others,” shares McPherson. “The technology industry offers a unique platform for career growth and financial stability that many from underserved communities have not benefited from. At Per Scholas, we are unlocking potential and harnessing the power of the evolving tech sector to make transformational change. I am honored to lead this team dedicated to changing the face of tech right here in Arizona.”

McPherson is an accomplished leader with recognitions that include “40 Under 40” by both the Phoenix Business Journal and CPA Practice Advisor. 

Come meet the Per Scholas staff, alumni, and community partners and discover how you can be a part of Phoenix’s vibrant tech ecosystem.

When: Friday, November 3

Time: 1:30 p.m. — 5 p.m. 

Where: Per Scholas Phoenix, 3003 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 85012

The event will feature a networking mixer, door prizes, refreshments and appetizers, and campus tours. Individuals are encouraged to register their attendance. 

About Per Scholas:

Per Scholas is a national organization that has been advancing economic mobility for 25 years. Through rigorous training, professional development, and robust employer connections, we prepare individuals traditionally underrepresented in technology for high-growth careers in the industry. We partner with leading employers to build more diverse talent pools, directly connecting our graduates to new career opportunities at businesses ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. With campuses in 22 cities, Per Scholas has trained more than 20,000 individuals in tech skills, building bridges to careers in technology. To learn more, visit PerScholas.org.

On August 10, the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Philadelphia hosted a Connecting Communities webinar, where Per Scholas Philadelphia alumni and Teaching Fellow David Byard participated in a panel discussion. Panelists shared insights from the Worker Voices 2023 report, how many workers are reshaping the workforce, recent expectations of job quality, and how they use skill development and self-investment to change their economic opportunities.

Federal Reserve Presidents Raphael Bostic from the Atlanta Fed and Patrick T. Harker from the Philadelphia Fed shared their perspectives, and David Byard was joined by speakers Rebecca Hanson, Executive Director at SEIU-UHW Joint Employer Education Fund; Sarah Miller, Principal Advisor at Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; Ashley Putnam, Director, Economic Growth & Mobility Project at Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and moderator Whitney Felder, Marketing Communications Specialist at Fed Communities.

Watch the full Shifting Perspectives and Expectations on Employment webinar here!

In addition to the webinar and considering the takeaways from the discussions, Per Scholas Senior Managing Director Nikki Pumphrey provided her perspective on how Worker Voices are Essential. “During the pandemic, and perhaps even more so recently, we have seen greater adoption of skills-based hiring,” Pumphrey states. “The World Economic Forum predicted that 45% of companies had focused efforts on hiring based on competencies by 2022. This trend is likely to continue as new labor market dynamics emerge and talent shortages continue. Employers are making more informed choices about how they attract talent, but also about how to develop effective skill-building strategies for incumbent workers.”

Read Nikki Pumphrey’s Per Scholas Perspective here.