We’re honored to be featured in a recent article highlighting an innovative pilot program designed to support workforce training alumni through text-based coaching. The initiative, led by Empower Work and funded by the Truist and GitLab Foundations, is exploring how real-time guidance can help graduates navigate career challenges and improve job retention.

As part of this partnership, Per Scholas is reinforcing our commitment to alumni success by investing in upskilling programs in high-demand fields like cloud computing, network management, and project management. This recognition underscores the importance of ongoing support for our graduates as they build thriving careers in tech.

We’re excited to be part of this groundbreaking initiative and look forward to seeing its impact on workforce training nationwide. Want to learn more? Read the full story to see how Per Scholas and other leading organizations are working together to create lasting career success for graduates!

Los Angeles, C.A., March 13, 2025 — Since launching in March 2023, the Per Scholas Los Angeles campus has trained over 300 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as IT Support, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, learners, and friends, Per Scholas Los Angeles hosted a grand opening celebration featuring the graduation ceremony of its first in-person cohort, followed by a ribbon-cutting dedication with remarks from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department, and an open house reception.

“Technology is ever-evolving, and so too must we. This grand opening isn’t just about a new space; it’s about opening doors to new possibilities, new skills, and new futures for those who seek to thrive in the digital age,” said Patrice Madu, Per Scholas Los Angeles Managing Director.

Per Scholas Los Angeles acknowledges the generous support of Focusing Philanthropy, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, The James Irvine Foundation, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Comcast NBCUniversal, Joseph Drown Foundation, Michael J. Connell Foundation, Microsoft, Amazon, the City of Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department, and Match Group.

With a proven model that includes both in-person and remote learning hubs, Per Scholas continues to unlock opportunities for individuals, strengthen communities, and drive business success across the state. Notably, every dollar invested in Per Scholas yields an $8 net economic return. Per Scholas Los Angeles is transforming lives and shaping Los Angeles’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 Los Angeles, follow them on LinkedIn or visit their page.

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is proud to celebrate 30 years of fostering economic mobility by giving individuals from diverse backgrounds access to high-growth tech careers. 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. By 2030, we aim to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually—building on three decades of impact. 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. 85%+ of our learners are people of color, 40% are women, and more than half hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone, driving transformative economic change.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

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Per Scholas Houston proudly collaborated with Ion Houston to bring together industry leaders from J.P. Morgan, Microsoft, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and our President & CEO for the event, TECHnique: The Unique Perspectives of Leaders in the Tech Ecosystem.

This event offered a unique opportunity to explore the perspectives shaping today’s tech workforce. Panelists discussed challenges and opportunities in technology development, industry needs, tech training opportunities available within the Houston community, and valuable insights into how these organizations collaborate to strengthen the tech ecosystem.

Panelists included Plinio Ayala, Peter Beard, Rob Schapiro, and Karthigeyan Kuppan. Their expertise and the insights they shared tackled key challenges and opportunities shaping today’s tech workforce.

In 2025, the tech landscape will continue to evolve as new trends, innovations, and hurdles emerge. 

Whether considering the impact of new technologies, security concerns, regulation challenges, or sustainability goals, tech leaders must source the right talent. However, building these teams is not always straightforward. Tech leaders will face skills gaps and competition for talent while aiming to meet DEI goals. 

Per Scholas can help address these concerns by offering a strategic solution via no-cost training programs that build a skilled and diverse talent pipeline. Here’s what to consider. 

The Evolving Tech Talent Landscape

While the tech industry continues to evolve exponentially, the demand for skilled talent is soaring. However, over 60% of tech leaders agree that hiring top talent is a major obstacle. Being aware of what’s required will help these leaders pinpoint who they need on their teams and how they’ll obtain that talent. Staying on top of tech trends will help them better navigate this process. 

Focusing on the latest trends will help tech leaders better prepare for the year ahead, including the following:

• The rise of new technologies like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing requires specialized skills and training, transforming the talent acquisition process.  
• A rising demand for adaptive, forward-thinking technologists who offer forward-thinking perspectives will be required to grow and innovate. 
• An increased focus on remote and hybrid workforces, as tech leaders understand these models require some fine-tuning to enhance optimal productivity and collaboration. Automation, AI, the evolution of cybersecurity, and continuous learning will all play a role in achieving top-performing remote and hybrid teams. 

The Talent Shortage Must Be Addressed

As niche technology skills become more important, tech leaders face challenges surrounding this specialized talent. Traditional hiring methods aren’t meeting the demand for these unique skill sets — which can lead to prolonged hiring processes and missed opportunities. These vacancies can be costly, which is why talent shortages should be a top priority in 2025 — followed by retention strategies to keep that talent. 

Traditional methods of assessing a candidate do not always consider specialized skills and how an individual will contribute to an organization’s cultural fit and diversity. Even when they do, the hiring process can be lengthy. 

Data shows that when considering all tech roles, the average time to fill a position is 62 days, whereas it takes an average of 70.5 days to hire a senior data scientist. So, depending on the roles you need to fill, it can be challenging to source a candidate, and when you do, it’s not an overnight process. 

The costs of these vacancies can be significant — especially when considering lost productivity and the potential security risks.

Key Challenges Tech Leaders Face in Hiring

Finding tech talent isn’t easy, especially when positions are in high demand or organizations lack the internal systems and processes to hire top talent. Here are some of the primary challenges tech leaders face today.

The Skills Gap

• Many candidates lack the practical, job-ready skills that organizations need, which is why tech training, as are apprenticeships, are so crucial.
• Rapid technological advancements are outpacing traditional educational systems. There is a new era of learning that requires a specialized approach to obtain top-tier talent. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

• Building teams that reflect broader societal diversity is becoming increasingly important for innovation and competitiveness. However, the tech industry continues to struggle with a lack of diverse representation.

Learn more about Diverse by Design and how its initiatives contribute to better business outcomes. 

Budget Constraints

• Rising costs of traditional hiring and training remain an issue when seeking top tech talent. Therefore, it will remain paramount to focus on a cost-effective hiring and talent acquisition strategy that yields a healthy ROI. 

Why Per Scholas is the Answer to Modern Hiring Challenges

The challenges organizations and tech leaders face heading into 2025 can be addressed by partnering with Per Scholas. Here are some reasons why. 

No-Cost, High-Quality Training

• Per Scholas offers no-cost training to individuals, reducing hiring costs for companies while improving retention rates. 
• These training courses focus on in-demand skills like cybersecurity, cloud computing, software development, and more.

Practical, Job-Ready Skills

• Per Scholas, learners are trained based on the latest technologies, tools, and methodologies.
• Partnerships with industry leaders ensure alignment with real-world requirements. 

Diversity-Driven Talent Pool

• Per Scholas learners in 2024 were 85% POC and 42% women. Support is offered to increase diversity in the tech workforce, including resources like Women in Tech. 
• Per Scholas can help organizations meet their DEI goals, as courses and resources are developed based on the unique challenges faced by women, gender-diverse, people of color, neurodiverse, veterans, people with disabilities, etc. 

Learn more: Per Scholas & TEKsystems: Four Tips for Evaluating Your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy.

Proven Track Record

• Per Scholas alumni unlock their potential and move into specialized tech positions, helping them find rewarding technology careers while contributing to business success. Explore alumni stories to see the talent associated with Per Scholas. 
• Data shows that employees trained at Per Scholas lower turnover rates by 30%. These individuals also support lower recruiting costs and the development of a diversified tech team. 

Related: Why hire a Per Scholas graduate?

How Tech Leaders Can Partner with Per Scholas

When considering the latest hiring trends and advances in technology, it’s critical that tech leaders leverage the right partnerships. Options to partner with Per Scholas include:

• Custom hiring solutions: Explore opportunities to co-design training programs tailored to your specific needs. This strategy will help you optimize the ROI of your hiring in tech processes. 
• Internship and apprenticeship programs: Bridge-to-hire pathways that allow employers to evaluate talent while building practical experience.
• Corporate sponsorships: Collaborate to expand training initiatives and invest in the future of tech talent.

Take an Innovative Approach to Hiring in 2025 

In 2025, tech leaders will need to take a more innovative approach when aiming to build a top-talent tech team. If you’re in this position, seeking tech talent, a partnership with Per Scholas is the solution you seek. 

Let’s shape the future of tech together. Partner with Per Scholas to find your next hire.

Learn more or schedule a consultation with Per Scholas today!

For updates and stories, check out the following Per Scholas accounts:

• Twitter
• LinkedIn

Per Scholas is excited to be celebrating Arianna Hernandez’s inspiring story, which was recently featured in The Muse. The article highlights Arianna’s incredible journey from overcoming personal and professional challenges as an immigrant to breaking into the tech industry with the help of the Per Scholas IT Support program. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the transformative impact that accessible education can have on someone’s life.

When Arianna arrived in the U.S. from Venezuela, she faced a daunting set of challenges: a new language, an unfamiliar culture, and the need to start her career over from scratch. Like many immigrants, she faced barriers that made it difficult to transition into a new field, especially one as competitive as tech. However, Arianna was determined to find a way forward. After holding several roles in logistics and customer service, she came across Per Scholas, which she describes as a turning point.

Our program provided Arianna with more than just technical skills. Through in-person classes, hands-on labs, and professional development support, she gained both the hard and soft skills needed to navigate a tech career. The program’s resources not only helped her pass industry-recognized certifications like the CompTIA A+, but also gave her the confidence to pursue opportunities she once thought were beyond her reach. Arianna’s success in securing a help desk analyst role with Republic Services just months after graduating is a powerful example of what is possible when individuals are given the tools and support to thrive.

Arianna’s story is particularly meaningful as it reflects the core mission of Per Scholas to create pathways into tech careers for individuals who might otherwise be overlooked due to systemic barriers. The Muse’s feature on Arianna celebrates her hard work and dedication while highlighting the importance of initiatives that create more opportunities for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. By offering no-cost, high-quality tech training to individuals who are frequently excluded from these opportunities, whether because of financial limitations, lack of access, or biases, Per Scholas is working to build a more equitable workforce.

Stories like Arianna’s fuel our commitment to expand our programs and reach even more individuals across the country. We firmly believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. By investing in our learners’ growth and development, we are not only transforming their lives but also enriching the tech industry with diverse perspectives and skills.

Thank you to The Muse for spotlighting Arianna’s journey and the broader impact of our work at Per Scholas. We are proud to be a part of stories like hers and are excited to continue empowering talented individuals to achieve their career aspirations, no matter where they start.

On October 24th, Blue Meridian held their annual Partnership Summit, which brings together organizations with a shared commitment to improve the lives of marginalized communities in the US. The concept of this year’s summit was “Unlocking Potential,” an integral theme close to Per Scholas’ heart.

Per Scholas’ President and CEO, Plinio Ayala, was a featured speaker at the event, hosting a breakout room panel discussion entitled “Changing the Face of Technology.” Plinio discussed Per Scholas’ commitment to unlocking potential for individuals, families, communities, companies, and local economies through technical skills training. He highlighted the significance of diversity in tech, and the importance of connecting our skilled alumni with employers, enabling alumni to launch thriving, high-growth careers in tech.

Two of our wonderful Per Scholas alumni were featured in the panel: Moja Chatman, who graduated from Per Scholas’ AWS re/Start course in September 2020 and now works as a Junior Software Developer at Barclays, and Jadah Stone, who graduated from Per Scholas’ Network Support course in 2019, and now works as a Systems Engineer at Saks Cloud Services.

Jadah and Moja shared their experiences at Per Scholas, as well as their journey’s to success post-graduation, and emphasized the importance of organizations like Per Scholas in helping others who wish to find a pathway to economic mobility.

On October 2, Per Scholas Director of Veteran Recruitment and Partnerships, George Darby III, delivered an impactful session – “Building a Military Ready Culture vs. Military Friendly Culture” at the Military Influencers Conference. His session highlighted the critical difference between simply being Military Friendly and becoming truly Military Ready, urging organizations to go beyond initial outreach to create environments where veterans and their families can thrive long-term.

Darby emphasized that while being Military Friendly is a great first step—helping veterans and military spouses get a foot in the door—it is not enough to retain them. He called for a paradigm shift in organizational culture, advocating for employers to adopt Military Ready practices that take into account the unique challenges veterans and their families face during the transition to civilian life. He shared key strategies such as implementing veteran-specific onboarding programs, providing mental health support, and offering flexible employment options for military spouses.

Darby also spoke about the crucial role that organizations can play in building sustainable career pathways for military spouses, who often struggle with frequent relocations and gaps in employment. He shared how organizations can make a difference by offering remote work opportunities, flexible schedules, and professional development to ensure their success.

The session was a powerful call to action, urging companies to adopt a Military Ready mindset and truly commit to engaging the military community at all levels.

On September 18, Per Scholas Philadelphia’s IT Support cohort was welcomed by TD Bank for a dynamic corporate engagement event. The in-person gathering aimed to foster deeper connections between aspiring technologists and industry professionals while providing hands-on career development opportunities.

The event kicked off with a personal tour of TD Bank’s Philadelphia office, giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s operations, infrastructure, and technological innovation. This immersive experience allowed the cohort to see firsthand the real-world applications of IT in a corporate setting.

Following the tour, TD Bank’s leadership team held a 30-minute panel discussion. Leaders shared insights on navigating careers in IT, the importance of continuous learning, and what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of technology. The session was interactive, with learners asking questions and gaining valuable advice directly from industry leaders.

The event then shifted to the mock interviews portion of the day, where the IT Support learners engaged in one-on-one interview practice with TD Bank professionals. This one-hour session provided learners with feedback on their interviewing skills, helping them refine their techniques and build confidence for future job opportunities.

The day concluded with a networking lunch, offering time for Per Scholas Philadelphia learners to connect with TD Bank employees, leadership, and their fellow cohort members. This informal setting fostered conversations about career paths, personal experiences, and potential collaborations.

Overall, the event provided an enriching experience for the IT Support cohort, blending professional development with corporate insights, while reinforcing Per Scholas’ mission to create access to career pathways in technology.

On Thursday, September 19, Per Scholas hosted a panel, Build Your Talent Pipeline through Cybersecurity & Tech Apprenticeships, with industry leaders addressing one of today’s most pressing challenges: the shortage of skilled cybersecurity and tech professionals. The event, led by Alanna Hughes, Senior Vice President of Innovation & Strategy at Per Scholas, Patrice Madu, Per Scholas Los Angeles Managing Director, and Terence West, Senior Director of Apprenticeships at Per Scholas, provided attendees with insights into overcoming hiring challenges through innovative apprenticeship programs.

Key speakers included Sabra Johnson, General Manager at ISD; Walter Tucker IV, Program Manager at ISD; Nicole Van Baelen, HR Director at Trane; and Ladena Sampson, Program Manager at Train, who shared their experiences on successfully building a talent pipeline through apprenticeships.

Throughout the event, attendees learned practical strategies to bypass common barriers to acquiring top cybersecurity talent. The discussions provided an in-depth look at the current cybersecurity hiring landscape, helping participants understand how to stay competitive in an evolving market. Speakers also highlighted how apprenticeships can play a crucial role in cultivating future leaders and retaining skilled professionals.

The event was more than just a discussion; it offered an invaluable opportunity for networking and idea exchange. If you’re interested in learning more about apprenticeship opportunities, reach out to Alanna Hughes at ahughes@perscholas.org.

Per Scholas New York recently celebrated a momentous graduation ceremony at Barclays, one of our valued Founder’s Circle supporters. The event recognized the hard work and dedication of 91 technologists, each of whom successfully completed intensive training in highly sought-after fields including Cybersecurity and IT support. These graduates represented various cohorts, including Cybersecurity at Brooklyn/Stanley Issacs satellite, Bronx IT Support, IT Support at Brooklyn/CommonPoint Queens satellite, and IT Support from Brooklyn/JCC Staten Island satellite. The graduation not only celebrated the individual achievements of these technologists but also underscored Per Scholas’ ongoing commitment to creating pathways for diverse talent to enter and thrive in their technological careers.

During the ceremony, Debbie Roman, Managing Director of Per Scholas New York, delivered a wholehearted speech encouraging alumni to view this milestone as the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and growth. In addition to Roman’s inspiring remarking, industry leaders such as Craig Robertson, CEO of the Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) at Barclays and Wale Akinwande, Per Scholas National Board and Senior VP and Chief Auditor at S&P Global, emphasized the importance of persistence and innovation as these new technologists enter into an ever-evolving field. 

Meanwhile, Per Scholas Kansas City marked a historic moment with its inaugural graduation on Friday, August 30, 2024, celebrating 16 graduates from its IT support cohort. Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala attended and addressed the Kansas City technologists, acknowledging their achievement and the bright futures ahead of them in an industry ready for skilled professionals. Ayala’s remarks captured the transformative impact of Per Scholas’ programs, as these graduates prepare to apply their new skills and continue to drive change in their communities. 

These ceremonies serve as reminders of the ongoing commitment Per Scholas holds to empowering individuals from underrepresented backgrounds with meaningful careers in technology. As we continue to expand across the country, the success of these alumni reinforces our mission to build a more inclusive tech workforce and demonstrates the power of opportunity and education to change lives. We are excited to witness the future contributions of these technologists and remain committed to supporting their journeys ahead.