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 [email protected].

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.

Earlier this month, Per Scholas was thrilled to participate at the JFF Horizons 2024 Conference in Washington, DC. Our mission is to drive equity and opportunity in the ever-advancing technology landscape by unlocking the untapped potential of individuals, uplifting communities, and meeting the needs of employers through rigorous tech training. 

Per Scholas’s President and CEO Plinio Ayala joined the visionary CEOs of Braven and the National Education Equity Lab, Aimée Eubanks Davis and Leslie Cornfeld, respectively, for the Non-Profits Advancing Economic Mobility & the Workforce of the Future panel, moderated and sponsored by Apollo Opportunity Foundation. During this invigorating discussion, the panelists encouraged attendees to unpack the latest trends and challenges in economic mobility strategies, workforce development, and the future of work.

Our Chief Training Officer Jasmine Miller highlighted the importance of attending the JFF Horizons Conference, specifically stating, “This opportunity has really allowed us to connect with stakeholders across the board from philanthropy to funders policymakers; [its] really an opportunity for all of us to use our power to come together to impact the individuals that we’re here to serve.” Other notable stakeholders we connected with during Horizons included:

• Social entrepreneurs
• K-12 educators and academic researchers
• Data analysts and workforce development experts

These connections reinforce our commitment to building a stronger nation through innovative tech training. We are honored to be part of the national movement to enhance workforce training and build a stronger, more resilient nation.

Common themes throughout Horizons included: for the people, by the people; today’s solutions, tomorrow’s future of work; closing gaps, opening opportunities; and breaking down barriers, bridging the divide. 

JFF Horizons sparked many essential conversations around creating economic equity and advancement for all. Per Scholas was thrilled to attend the conference and even more so to share our insight on unlocking potential of our learners by empowering them with new digital skills and sparking new ways of engaging with employer partners. 

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.