FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2015

Cincinnati, OH — Cornhole is not exclusive to tailgating and barbeques. National IT job training nonprofit Per Scholas is hosting a cornhole tournament fundraiser to bring attention to the booming tech industry in Greater Cincinnati and how its job training model is transforming locals into a skilled workforce to help fuel it. The event will be October 27 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the CityLink Center 800 Bank Street. Tickets are on sale now and open to the public.

Per Scholas came to Cincinnati just two years ago to provide its high-impact, tuition-free IT job training and offers its services to those disconnected from the professional workforce, individuals out of work or in low-wage jobs. In two years Per Scholas has trained 132 new technologists and graduates are working in tech jobs at more than 50 local companies. They’ve earned the attention and recognition from the White House TechHire initiative, Mayor Cranley’s office, and the Cincinnati Business community.

“The curriculum is exactly the training that our new hires need to handle the complex challenges they face as employees of Pomeroy,” said Ray Bradley, Manager at Pomeroy, an IT services firm located in Greater Cincinnati.

Rita Knaff, a graduate of Per Scholas and now an employee at Pomeroy, made a career transition after being laid off during the economic downturn. She held her previous job in the airline industry for close to 20 years. “I knew I had to make my skills relevant to the job market today. Per Scholas didn’t just teach the technical skills, but how to actually be successful on the job.”

The cost of a ticket to Toss for Techs will go directly to fund the IT job training and job placement services. A general admission ticket includes food and drink tickets, as well as general play cornhole. There will be entry into a competitive cornhole tournament officiated by Frank Geers, President & CEO at American Cornhole Organization (ACO). If you would like to compete in the tournament, please indicate that when purchasing your ticket. There are 5 people per team and prizes for winners.

The event is supported and sponsored by local businesses CompuCom, E.W. Scripps Company, Ernst and Young LLP, First Financial Bank, Promark, Qvidian, and TEKsystems, as well as the site host CityLink.

Do good:

• Get in the game. Tickets are $50-$75. Buy in advance.
• See the happy stories on the Per Scholas Instagram
• Learn more about volunteering, applying & other ways to get involved

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SILVER SPRING, MD – Sept. 24, 2015 – Cybersecurity giant Symantec invests $375,000 in it’s newest Cyber Career Connection (SC3) partner, national IT workforce development organization Per Scholas in the National Capital Region, to train military veterans for careers in cybersecurity.

As the economy continues to improve and headlines tout large numbers of job creation, the reality in low-income and middle-class communities shows the economic recovery has not hit everyone. In the National Capital Region, unemployment is at 5%-8% with 10%-16% of residents below the poverty line, and 45%-59% of adults lacking post-secondary credentials (DC, MD; Opportunity Index, 2014). Yet tech positions, accessible through training and credentials, are plentiful and growing. By 2018, regional businesses will grow their non-management IT workforce from 198,851 to over 219,456 positions (CareerBuilder/EMSI Analyst, 2014). Between turnover and new job openings, there are approximately 9,800 annual openings that residents, if properly trained, could fill.

To address this gap, the Per Scholas workforce development approach is driven by the understanding of the business community and where the pain points are in hiring. That information is used to build training programs tailored to the skills that are currently in demand in information technology. Upon opening its doors in the National Capital Region, Per Scholas heard from employers eager to fill cybersecurity roles.

The National Capital Region (NCR) had more than 23,000 job postings for cybersecurity in 2013, and 2015 projections show this number grew to 33,000, the most nationally. Growing demand is only part of the challenge employers face. The pipeline of talent is also scarce given cybersecurity qualifications.

Recognized by the White House as an effective model, Per Scholas has a track record and an independent study that proves several weeks of training is sufficient for its students, who are adults unemployed or in low-wage jobs, to acquire the skills and certification needed to succeed in entry-level IT roles. In less than one year of operation, Per Scholas of the National Capital Region trained 100 technologists with a 92% graduation rate, and 86% of those graduates have already landed jobs at average starting wages upwards of $39,000 annually.

Chrystal Banks graduated from Per Scholas in late 2014. A former barista at Starbucks and mother to a 2-year-old son, Chrystal nearly completed college before the cost of school became more than she could manage on her hourly salary. When the opportunity of Per Scholas was presented to her, she jumped on it eager to make a career out of a natural knack she had with technology. Chrystal graduated and began working on the Help Desk at a local university that earned her both a stable income and stable schedule. She is soon to begin an advancement course to learn web development at General Assembly. “Coming with the basic skills Per Scholas gave me, it’s up to me to take the initiative to build on that, and I’ve done that,” Chrystal shared. “I have a job. I have a nice apartment. My son is smart, and I get to nurture that. I have resources and a stable work schedule that allows me to be there for him and support his growth.”

Through the SC3 cybersecurity program, Per Scholas will provide military veterans tuition-free training in IT support and cybersecurity. The first eight weeks of training facilitated by Per Scholas will prepare participants with the foundation of IT infrastructure and support leading to the CompTIA A+ certification. The second phase of the training will be provided in partnership with Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) and provide four additional months of training that leads to Network+, Security+ and Ethical Hacker Certifications and entry-level employment assistance into cybersecurity.

Referral partners for this program will come from Paralyzed Veterans of America, Easter Seals, the Center for Women Veterans, and the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation to ensure the training is offered to two of the most overlooked but talented groups of people. The training will be conducted at Per Scholas, 700 Roeder Road, 1st Floor, Silver Spring, MD. Any questions should be directed to Bridgette Gray at (301) 557-9200 or to nationalcapitalregion@perscholas.org.

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ABOUT

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit offering tuition-free, high-quality technology job training and career development to unemployed and underemployed individuals. Since 1998, more than 5,000 have enrolled in its job training programs. For more information, visit perscholas.org, Twitter @PerScholas and Facebook.

The second annual Per Scholas Golf Outing was held September 10 at Golf Club of Dublin and raised significant funds to support talented, unemployed and underemployed local residents who leveraged the free Per Scholas IT job training to launch life-changing careers in technology. The event was sponsored and attended by Centric Consulting, HMB, Huntington Bank, Leading EDJE, Lightwell, Robert Half Technology, Safelite Auto, and TEKSystems.

Per Scholas graduate Angelica Williams gave opening remarks and stressed the impact of the training. “Since graduating, my children and I have moved into our own home. We have fun playing together in the backyard and hanging out with our neighbors and their big loving dog. My children enjoy the privacy of their own rooms and I enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing I can support and provide for my babies!” Angelica today works in the IT department at Nationwide after expressing unemployment from her previous career in healthcare. She expressed to the attendees, “Life has greatly improved for us, and I cannot take all the credit for that. Your support is essential in continuing to produce such amazing, inspiring success stories.”

Signs adorned the course at each hole to emphasize the impact of the nationally-recognized job training model. Since opening in 2012, Per Scholas has:

• Placed 180 women and men in entry-level IT support careers and produces an 80% job-placement rate
• 96 local companies have hired graduates; 30% have hired multiple graduates, like Nationwide, TEKsystems and Time Warner Cable
• Graduates on average increase their pre-training incomes by 150%
• Graduates collectively earned $5.6 million in wages in the past two and a half years—a significant investment back into the regional economy.
• Recognition from the White House, the City of Columbus, and local business community attest the quality and impact this has on today’s workforce issues.

At the end of the day, Chris Ferguson, a graduate from April 2014 spoke to the attendees. He was shy and nervous but also beaming. He shared, “While you were all playing golf in support of Per Scholas, I received a job offer from JPMorgan Chase.” He ran up to the Managing Director Rob Guentter to show him his phone with the offer letter. It was a great moment for all.

Per Scholas offers five classes annually in Columbus with the capacity to train up to 100 women and men each year. The cost to train one individual is $6,000 for the eight-week intensive course. Before enrollment, 38% of our students were receiving public benefits. After graduating and becoming employed with average starting wage earnings of $31,000, the return is more than $300,000 collectively from their earnings.

Columbus was the first operation to open as part of Per Scholas’ national expansion outside of its headquarters in New York. The impact and growth in the Columbus region has been energizing and we are grateful to each supporter who has ensured our place in the community.

Join our friends, supporters, and alumni at our inaugural fundraiser in the Greater Cincinnati market, a fundraiser cornhole tournament at our home at the CityLink Center. Get your tickets here.

Whether you want to join for fun and games or compete in the professionally-run cornhole tournament, your participation directly supports Per Scholas’ commitment to building the IT talent pipeline in Greater Cincinnati.

Why should you attend?

• Competitive corn hole tournament, officiated by Frank Geers, American Cornhole Organization
• Food, drinks, and fun for all non-competitors and competitors alike
• Celebrate with business leaders from the tech industry
• Meet extraordinary Per Scholas students & graduates
• Invest in the future of the Cincinnati tech economy
• Sponsors have a bigger impact funding careers in tech

A general admission ticket includes light food and two drink tickets, as well as general play cornhole.

The cornhole tournament will be officiated by Frank Geers, President & CEO at American Cornhole LLC. If you would like to compete in the tournament, please indicate that when purchasing your ticket. There are 5 people per team.

Thank you to our early bird sponsors TEKsystems, CompuCom, Promark, Qvidian and E.W. Scripps Company, as well as our host CityLink.

*We are still accepting sponsorships. Please contact Managing Director Paul Cashen for secure your spot today.

Here’s to launching hundreds more powerful careers in technology. In just over two years of operation, Per Scholas Cincinnati has graduated more than 100 individuals with nearly 80% securing career-launching positions in the tech industry in the Greater Cincinnati area, earning $2.85 million in annual wages and contributing to the regional economy.

Let the games begin!

Driving the Next Generation of Technologists

Enjoy a day on the golf course and support Per Scholas at our second annual Columbus Golf Outing on September 10.

Last year the generous support we received through this event was reinvested in talented, unemployed and underemployed local residents who leveraged our free training to secure life-changing jobs in technology and began creating better lives for themselves and their families. Our graduates have made $3.5 million in wages in the past two and a half years – a significant investment into the regional economy.

Become a sponsor of our signature event in Columbus and enjoy friendly team competition as well as the opportunity to meet and get to know our extraordinary students and alumni. There will be complimentary refreshments, a raffle, course contests, and team prizes. To secure a sponsorship, contact Managing Director Rob Guentter atrguentter@perscholas.org or 614-824-4777 for more information.

• DATE: September 10, 2015
• SHOTGUN START: 10:00AM; Registration begins at 8:30AM; lunch and reception to follow golf
• WHERE: Golf Club of Dublin – 5805 Eiterman Road, Dublin, OH 43016
• TEAMS: $440 for 4 golfers (full team); $110 for individual

Now accepting individual golfers. Click here to get your ticket.

Thanks to our sponsors: Centric Consulting, HMB, LeadingEDJE, Lightwell, andTEKsystems.

“Awesome”… “Unbelievable”… “Great synergy with CityLink.”

On July 21, technology job-training nonprofit Per Scholas celebrated the grand opening of its new location in the CityLink Center, located in west end Cincinnati. More than 60 guests attended at the Bank Street location to support this new collaboration. Guests toured the technology-training facility, met graduates of the program as well as current students, and learned about Per Scholas’ high-impact technology job training.

“You are doing good and important work here,” Cincinnati Vice Mayor David Mann remarked as a special guest speaker in the program. Others from local city agencies, corporations, and philanthropy joined–with a large presence from the local IT industry.

One feeling was unanimous: “impressed.” Courtney Hodapp, representing JPMorgan Chase, commented on how impressed she was with everything she saw and heard. A representative of Senator Rob Portman stated that she was very impressed with both the program and students.

Per Scholas training graduate Rita Knaff gave remarks at the opening. Prior to Per Scholas she worked in the airline industry for nearly 20 years before being laid off during the economic recession. “After 100 job applications, receiving rejection letter after rejection letter, I knew I needed a new plan.” She found and enrolled in Per Scholas and today works at local IT company Pomeroy as a project coordinator.

Per Scholas and CityLink share a similar mission of helping Greater Cincinnatians break the cycle of poverty. As part of the collaboration, Per Scholas students now have access to on-site childcare during their classes, financial counseling through SmartMoney, private transportation through Changing Gears, counseling with Catholic Charities, and more, that allow students to complete the job training and begin a new career without additional obstacles in the way.

“We needed a place where we can expand and grow in Cincinnati, and provide the many wraparound services that ensures our students are able to fully transform their life. CityLink welcoming us into its network allows for all of that,” said Plinio Ayala, President and CEO of Per Scholas.

CityLink Executive Director, Johnmark Oudersluys, is grateful to have a nationally recognized program join the CityLink collaboration, “We are extremely excited about the synergies our partnership with Per Scholas presents our clients and how it will further our respective missions.”

To date, Per Scholas has enrolled 130 residents from Greater Cincinnati, and employed graduates are already earning approximately $1.8 million dollars collectively.

The Cincinnati location of Per Scholas is part of a national network of sites launched by its New York City based headquarters. Founded in 1995 as a neighborhood-based effort to increase access to personal computers, Per Scholas was an early pioneer in bridging the digital divide for families and children in the South Bronx.

Per Scholas and CityLink plan to serve up to 80 individuals through the IT career training during the first year, with a goal of not only graduating, but placing a minimum of 80% of students in gainful field-related employment opportunities.

On July 14, Per Scholas held its annual Women in Tech Networking Event where we celebrated Per Scholas’ women grads who are diversifying the industry. Our friends, colleagues, partners alums and students joined us in our commitment to build a welcoming community for every woman technologist in New York City and beyond.

At the event, guests heard from inspiring women technologists about how they are touching the lives of other women all over New York City and beyond.

Vice President of Program Operations, Kelly Richardson, rocked it on the mic as the emcee. Special shout out to CA Technologies for sponsoring, to Kate Spade & Company Foundation and the New York Women’s Foundation for their generous support of the program, and to our host Thomson Reuters.Thanks to our panelists:Lisa Edwards, Per Scholas grad & Analyst at Barclays; Joyce Shen of Thomson Reuters; and Marianne Cocco of CA Technologies.

Per Scholas has committed to train 1,000 women for careers in technology by 2018. Since the launch of our Women in Tech program in 2013, 425 women have already graduated from Per Scholas, 89% of whom are women of color.

As our Women in Tech grads diversify the tech industry, the support helps provide the welcoming community they and every woman technologist needs as — together — we work to transform NYC’s vibrant tech ecosystem.

Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Make an Investment and donate to our 1,000 WOMEN IN TECH summer campaign. (Or, encourage a friend to donate!). Every dollar supports our shared commitment to diversifying the tech industry.
2. Volunteer to work with students on their path to a career in tech. Contact Sarah for opportunities.
3. Mentor a future woman technologist. Per Scholas is actively recruiting mentors from the technology field to encourage and advise Women in Tech students with the goal of helping them transition into the IT workforce. Contact Sarah for opportunities.
4. Hire a graduate. Pass this email along to your HR department or other key players, or contact Sarah for more information.
5. Spread the word. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to keep up with the feel good news. Forward this message to friends and family to share our inspiring work with more.

National IT Training Program is newest collaborative partner to CityLink’s West End campus

Cincinnati, OH— Nationally-recognized IT job training nonprofit Per Scholas is celebrating the opening of its new location in the CityLink Center with a grand opening event open to the public on July 21 at 800 Bank Street. The event will run from 1:30-3:30 PM EDT. Guests will tour the technology training facility, meet graduates and current students, and learn about Per Scholas’ high-impact technology job training. Remarks will be made by Vice Mayor David Mann, supporting partners CityLink, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, and Pomeroy, and Per Scholas executives.

CityLink Center and Per Scholas joined forces to support their shared mission of helping Greater Cincinnatians break the cycle of poverty. Per Scholas joins as a resident partner at CityLink providing free professional technology training and job placement services for unemployed adults seeking careers in IT. Its model has been recognized by the White House as an effective solution to assisting the unemployed back to work. CityLink integrates 15 different onsite social service partners offering a wide-range of services and supports delivered in a holistic context to magnify impact. By giving people the skills to gain meaningful employment and provide for themselves and their families, Per Scholas and CityLink are building the foundation for stronger, financially stable communities.

Per Scholas made the move from its former site in Avondale and began classes at the CityLink Center in March. The 8-week intensive technical training course is designed to equip individuals who are committed to beginning a career in IT support with CompTIA A+ and other certifications. In addition to extensive hands-on technical training, programming includes career and personal development as well as ongoing individualized support and coaching for job placement matching graduates directly with local employers like Pomeroy and Time Warner Cable. To date, Per Scholas enrolled 130 residents from Greater Cincinnati, and employed graduates are already earning approximately $1.8 million dollars collectively.

As a part of the CityLink collaboration, Per Scholas students now have access to on-site childcare during classes, financial counseling through SmartMoney, private transportation through Changing Gears, counseling with Catholic Charities, and more.

“We needed a place where we can expand and grow in Cincinnati, and provide the many wraparound services that ensures our students are able to fully transform their life. CityLink welcoming us into its network allows for all of that. It is wonderful to be joining this community and the impact we will have on our students and alumni will only be greater,” said Plinio Ayala, President and CEO of Per Scholas.

CityLink Executive Director, Johnmark Oudersluys, is grateful to have a nationally recognized program join the CityLink collaboration, “We are extremely excited about the synergies our partnership with Per Scholas presents our clients and how it will further our respective missions. Together we are able to surround these students with supports and services from our other on-site partners to maximize the impact of their time and training.”

The Cincinnati location of Per Scholas is part of a national network of sites launched by its New York City based headquarters. Founded in 1995 as a neighborhood-based effort to increase access to personal computers, Per Scholas was an early pioneer in bridging the digital divide for families and children in the South Bronx. Today, Per Scholas operates the largest and oldest professional IT workforce development program in New York and began expanding nationally in 2012. Other locations include Columbus, Dallas, Washington, D.C., with additional sites to follow.

Per Scholas and CityLink plan to serve up to 80 individuals through the IT career training during the first year, with a goal of not only graduating, but placing a minimum of 80% of students in gainful field-related employment opportunities.

“There are a lot of people who helped make this possible,” said current Per Scholas student Brandon Kinney as he looked around in awe at the 70 plus guests at the Per Scholas Dallas grand opening held today, June 18.

Brandon and his fellow classmates greeted guests upon arrival and provided tours of the new Per Scholas space. Everyone who has been invested in Per Scholas Dallas since the beginning joined the celebration – CitySquare, Capital One, TEKSystems, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Workday, the Women of Saint Michael’s, the Boone Family Foundation, Barclays, JPMorgan Chase — the list goes on from many in the philanthropic sector, tech sector, finance, and fellow community nonprofits. The opening of Per Scholas Dallas was a collective effort.

Dallas is the fifth and newest Per Scholas location to open. The first class graduated four weeks ago and the second is currently in session. Among those first graduates, already 50 percent are working following training at an average starting salary of $38,000 — higher than the national $30,000 starting average. In the months ahead, a total of 80 individuals will be trained in Dallas in its first year, 700 through Per Scholas nationwide.

“These are good jobs. Good careers that lift people up and get them on their way to a better life,” said Billy Lane, Managing Director of Per Scholas Dallas. The selection of Dallas was a result of an extensive feasibility study conducted by Per Scholas. Technology positions, for which professional training and credentials are essential, are plentiful and growing. Dallas-Fort Worth ranks near the top for high-tech growth with an estimated 142,000 high-tech jobs in the area, a 3% increase from last year, and third highest in the nation. At the same time, 36% of households live in asset poverty and 66% of adults lack post-secondary credentials in Dallas (CFED, Opportunity Index).

“You do not help the community by acting alone,” Dr. John Siburt, President and Chief Operating Officer of CitySquare, said in his remarks. “We do it together.” CitySquare recruited Per Scholas to open its operation in CitySquare’s South Dallas Opportunity Center where several community service providers reside – a multi-service center to fight poverty and create opportunity for Dallas residents.

“If I was an IT manager, I would leave here hiring every last one of the students I have met today. You can tell immediately upon meeting them — they are ready to work,” Kent Eastman, President of Texas Capital One, said in his speech. Capital One is an anchor funder that aided in the opening of Per Scholas in Dallas.

Councilwoman-Elect Tiffinni Young and Montreece Smith of CA Technologies also spoke, each expressing similar enthusiasm to build community, strengthen the local workforce and economy, and empower every single Per Scholas student toward a path of success. Appropriately following the remarks of these champion supporters was Per Scholas graduate Joe Anderson of the inaugural Dallas class.

“Before I found Per Scholas, my professional life consisted of a bunch of odd jobs. I worked security, drove trucks for a few years. Just jobs. Jobs to make money, jobs to pay the bills. I was just there, but not particularly happy. I am excited to share today that I’ve completed 4 really intensive interviews with the company Alvarez and Marsal and I am waiting to hear final word from them — hopefully with an offer,” Joe shared.

Per Scholas provides Joe and others like him free high quality hands-on technical skills learning and professional soft skills development. The course teaches to the CompTIA A+ certification, which prepares candidates for entry-level help desk and technical support roles. The Per Scholas model has been proven successful through independent studies, triggering growth into new markets like Dallas.

Per Scholas extends its deepest thanks to the guest speakers and the South Dallas community for a very warm welcome. We look forward to engaging with local partners and employers. The takeaway message from Managing Director Billy Lane of Per Scholas Dallas is clear: “Hire our graduates. And if you can’t, then introduce Per Scholas to a person who can.”

Many partners contributed to support the opening of Per Scholas Dallas. Special thanks: AdvanceNet Labs, Aerotek, Allegis Group Foundation, AT&T, Barclays, Boone Family Foundation, Capital One, CA Technologies, Commit!, Communities Foundation of Texas, Council Members Dwaine Caraway, Carolyn Davis, and Adam Medrano, Creating IT Futures Foundation, CRGT, CynergisTek, Dallas Regional Chamber, Dallas Women’s Foundation, D/FW Airport, The Family Place, Habitat for Humanity, Improving Enterprises, Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, Jewish Family Services, JPMorgan Chase, KForce, Matthews Southwest, The Offices of Mayor Mike Rawlings, Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins, The Meadows Foundation, Metroplex Tech Business Council, Neuberger Berman, Nexus, NPower, Open Systems Technologies, Palter Stokley Sims Wright, Reliance Methods, Revitalize South Dallas Coalition, Social Impact Architects, Social Venture Partners Dallas, Staff One HR, TEKsystems, Thomson Family Foundation, Time Warner Cable, TREC Dallas, Twist Solutions, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Urban League of Greater Dallas & N.C. Texas, UT Dallas, Virtusa, Wai-Wize, Women of Saint Michael’s, Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas, Workday, Worksoft, and YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas.

Last night, May 12, 2015 was the annual New York Per Scholas event, the Imagine Gala. Sponsored by Control Group, JPMorgan Chase and the Per Scholas Board of Directors, nearly 400 guests — largely from tech and finance — came out to support Per Scholas.

Guests enjoyed wine and appetizers in the beautiful City Winery. They wrote messages on the Imagine Wall and enjoyed the photo booth.

The sensation of the night was the student-run Tech Challenge. Our students got to show off their skills to professionals from Goldman Sachs, Bloomberg, Barclays, and many, many more while creating personal connections with these special guests through a fun, shared experience. “I’d hire all of them,” expressed one guest. “This is the most fun I’ve ever had at a nonprofit event,” said another.

Activity on the floor took a brief pause to hear remarks. Chelsea Clinton joined in by video to open the program. Reflecting on her impression of meeting Per Scholas graduate Tiffany Lewin, IT Analyst at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Chelsea expressed, “Per Scholas gives me hope that we can tackle our country’s hardest problems.”

Following was alumnus Allen Wan whose first job ever was at Goldman Sachs following his training at Per Scholas. Allen was joined on the stage by his mentor (and now friend) from Goldman, Alex Goetze. They spoke to the win-win benefit Per Scholas provided them.

The program was closed by Damian Rivera from Accenture, co-chair of the New York Advisory board and long-time supporter.

In under 5 minutes, $10,000 was raised by guests to support Per Scholas’ technology job training programs. An investment that will create more high-performing professionals that will provide a more diverse and competitive workforce that ultimately benefits all of us, and our shared future.

Thank you to all who attended. Your support will launch a career, which will impact a family, the employers who benefit, and this city that we all call home.

To see more, watch the Per Scholas video or view photos from the night via our Facebook page. To make a donation to Per Scholas, click here.