On June 23, 2025, the Atlanta Hawks, in collaboration with Stand Together, wrapped up an innovative six‑week Virtual Sales Academy designed to empower part‑time team members at State Farm Arena. Thirty‑three participants, ranging in age from 20 to 70 and without traditional sales backgrounds, completed this immersive program. Over the course of six weeks, they engaged in hands‑on training, including crafting sales scripts, managing objections, scheduling strategies, and conducting mock sales calls with Hawks sales leadership, all aimed at preparing individuals for potential careers in sports business. 

Per Scholas played a pivotal role within this model by providing nonprofit training expertise and helping to facilitate access to career‑readiness pathways. After the virtual sessions, graduates were celebrated with a special networking event held at State Farm Arena, allowing participants to connect face‑to‑face with Hawks and arena executives. 

This academy reflects the ongoing multi‑year collaboration between the Hawks, Stand Together, and Per Scholas, which champions skills‑based development and economic mobility by redirecting support toward talent often overlooked in conventional hiring channels. 

Read the full story.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[email protected] 

About Per Scholas                           

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 20+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

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

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

Per Scholas Future of Tech Survey Reveals Top Tech Industry Concerns 

New research uncovers key insights from tech executives and workers amid evolving workforce innovations and challenges

BRONX, NY – June 24, 2025 – Nearly two-thirds (64%) of C-Suite technology executives rank cybersecurity threats as the top challenge U.S. businesses will face over the next decade, according to new research from Per Scholas, a national tech training nonprofit. The research reveals that this concern is amplified by the critical need for robust data center infrastructure to handle burgeoning sensitive data.

Conducted by Talker Research among 1,000 cybersecurity and data center executives, the survey found an actively threatened cyber environment as 56% of companies reported defending against hacking attempts, 43% experienced data breaches, and 14% suffering from successful hacks.

“Heightened cyber risks directly translate to significant talent demands, especially given the nearly 500,000 open cybersecurity roles nationwide,” said Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President, Talent Solutions at Per Scholas. “Our data revealed that cybersecurity (53%), adaptability and problem-solving (52%), AI proficiency (42%), and digital/technical skills (38%) are the most in-demand for future hiring, highlighting a critical need for accessible training in these areas.”       

With nearly half (43%) of executives saying that they regularly hire entry-level talent, skills training continues to be an effective solution to quickly meet the rising demand for talent. Per Scholas programs, which are provided at no cost to learners, offer industry-recognized Cybersecurity, Cloud, and Data Engineering training, equipping learners with job-ready technical and professional skills. 

A companion survey of 1,000 U.S. tech employees encouragingly revealed that nearly 9 in 10 (88%) expressed willingness to undergo additional cybersecurity training, averaging 7.1 hours per month, as they also feel a preparedness gap: less than half (48%) believe their company is “very prepared” for cyberattacks. Top employee concerns include phishing (52%), external threats (42%), and lack of encryption (41%). 

The cybersecurity concerns can be attributed to the rise in AI and the data center resources needed to power it. Ninety-five percent of executives and 89% of employees viewed data centers as integral to managing the vast amounts of customer and client data, with AI (66%) as the key growth driver. Beyond its role as a growth engine, integrating AI and emerging technologies (48%) and navigating related regulations (35%) also ranked among executives’ top future challenges. Leaders overwhelmingly recognize AI’s transformative impact, with 95% stating increased AI use affects data storage strategies, and 87% believing AI fundamentally reshapes business challenges.

“The exponential growth of the data center underscores its critical role in our economy,” said Murrey. “Yet, our research reveals a significant confidence gap in meeting future demands (57% C-Suite, 37% employees). To meet these demands executives shared that cybersecurity (82%), problem-solving (79%), and communication (61%) skills are considered essential, while recruiting, retention, and upskilling remain significant challenges.”

To learn more about the survey findings, visit Per Scholas’s website.

# # # 

About Per Scholas

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward— expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 20+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

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

Per Scholas is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with SAP, a global leader in enterprise application software and business AI, to launch a new Career Accelerator course focused on SAP technologies.  The new course will provide learners with immersive technical training tailored to the skills and roles most in demand across SAP’s partner and customer networks.

As part of this exciting collaboration, SAP will work with Per Scholas to design a new 10-week course for aspiring learners looking to advance their skills in building modern cloud-based business applications. The course offers business and technical skills to prepare learners for careers in the SAP ecosystem.

The program is part of SAP’s Educate to Employ – a global program offering tools, education and expertise to excel in the digital economy. Per Scholas was selected as an Educate to Employ partner following a rigorous process led by the Global Business Coalition for Education. After considering several skills-focused organizations, Per Scholas was chosen for its commitment to providing employable skills, its collaborative approach to corporate partnerships and strong alignment with SAP’s focus on employable skills.

“We are thrilled to partner with SAP to expand opportunities for our learners and deepen our impact in the tech workforce,” said Per Scholas CEO Plinio Ayala. “This investment is more than just financial—it’s a shared commitment to economic advancement and a recognition of the incredible potential our technologists bring to the industry.”

Per Scholas will welcome an inaugural cohort of roughly 30 learners, empowering them with the practical skills and industry-recognized credentials needed to step into fast-growing tech careers. Tailored for aspiring SAP developers, particularly Per Scholas alumni with prior programming experience, the program delivers immersive, hands-on learning in building data-driven applications, extending SAP cloud solutions, and preparing for SAP Backend Developer Associate certification. Graduates will emerge ready for roles such as SAP Backend Developer, meeting the rising demand for cloud-savvy talent across manufacturing, retail, healthcare, banking, and engineering organizations that rely on SAP technology

“We’re excited to collaborate with Per Scholas to create new connections and opportunities with SAP careers,” said Katie Booth, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, SAP Americas. “Through this partnership, we’re not only investing in skills development—we’re investing in a future-ready workforce.”

This partnership reflects Per Scholas’ continued commitment to offering a responsive, employer-driven curriculum, opening doors to tech careers for individuals across the country. With support from SAP, this new Career Accelerator course will help bridge the skills gap and create pathways to success for talented individuals ready to launch careers in enterprise technology.

Kansas City, MO., June 24, 2025 — Since launching in 2024, the Per Scholas Kansas City campus has trained more than 100 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as IT Support and future-forward Data Centers systems training. Our alumni have earned jobs at local Kansas City employers, including Conexon, GovCIO, and NestPay as well as large national employers such as Costco and Panasonic.

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

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

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

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

With a proven tech training model including both in-person and remote learning hubs, Per Scholas continues to unlock opportunities for individuals, strengthen communities, and drive business success across the greater Kansas City area. Per Scholas Kansas City is transforming lives and will continue to shape Kansas City’s future as a thriving technology hub by equipping Per Scholas Technologists with in-demand tech skills at no cost.

To learn more about Per Scholas Kansas City, follow them on LinkedIn or Per Scholas Kansas City.

Contact: 

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

[email protected].

About Per Scholas

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 20+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

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

Inside the tech workforce: what workers are seeing

At Per Scholas, we see how quickly AI, cybersecurity, and data infrastructure are reshaping the workplace—and how many companies are still struggling to adapt.

But what is today’s tech workforce really facing? And what will it take to meet the moment?   
                                                                                                                                                   

We asked 2,000 professionals representing a range of roles and levels to find out. The result is our new 2025 Future of Tech Report.  Below are some of the key insights—what’s working, what’s missing, and where the biggest disconnects lie.

An imminent risk no one seems ready for

Cybersecurity topped the list of concerns, with two-thirds of executives naming it the biggest risk to their business. Yet only half of employees say their company is prepared to respond to an attack.

A big gap also appears in AI. While most leaders believe their teams are already using AI, a third of workers say that they don’t use AI technology in their work at all.

These divides are where companies fall behind.

Employees are motivated, but on their own

There’s real potential in today’s workforce, but most companies haven’t built the systems to unlock it.

88% of employees told us they’d upskill if given the chance, and, on average, they’d dedicate more than seven hours a month to it. But many are left to navigate new tools and threats on their own, without structured training or clear paths forward.

How Per Scholas helps close the gap

At Per Scholas, we don’t just teach skills, we build solutions for the workforce challenges companies are facing right now.

From cybersecurity threats to AI adoption to infrastructure growth, we train individuals with the technical and professional skills needed to step into these evolving roles, ready to contribute, grow, and lead.

Here’s how we help:

Train talent for high-demand roles
Our programs reflect real-world needs in cybersecurity, AI operations, and infrastructure.

Upskill your current workforce
We partner with employers to equip existing teams with the tools to stay ahead.

Strengthen your talent pipeline
We design long-term scalable strategies that align with your business goals.

Expand your reach
We connect companies with new, often overlooked, sources of talent across the country.

The tech landscape isn’t slowing down, and neither are we. We’ve worked with companies like Barclays and Comcast to build stronger teams, deeper pipelines, and real resilience.
Because the future isn’t waiting—and neither should your workforce.

Want the full picture?

Our 2025 Future of Tech Report lays out what tech teams are facing and how to move forward with confidence.

Download the full report → Click Here!

June 10, 2025 — Per Scholas is proud to announce that our CEO, Plinio Ayala, has been named to City & State New York’s Bronx Power 100 list. This annual recognition honors influential leaders who are driving positive change and growth in the Bronx.

Born and raised in the South Bronx, Plinio has dedicated his career to creating economic opportunities for individuals across the nation. Under his leadership, Per Scholas has expanded its reach nationally, providing no-cost technology training, boasting an impressive 85% graduation rate, with many alumni securing careers in the technology sector within a year of completing the program.

Plinio’s inclusion in the 2024 Bronx Power 100 underscores the impact of Per Scholas’s work and the organization’s role in shaping the future of workforce development. As we continue to grow and empower individuals through technology training, we remain committed to fostering economic mobility.

Congrats, Plinio, on this incredible honor! 

View the recent Bronx Power 100 edition.

Philadelphia, P.A., May 30, 2025 — Since launching in 2019, the Per Scholas Philadelphia campus has trained more than 600 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as IT Support and Cybersecurity.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, alumni, and friends, Per Scholas Philadelphia hosted its Five-Year Campus Celebration in Philadelphia with remarks from Claire Statchura of Comcast, Sean Sheridan of TEKsystems, Liz Newell of CHUBB, Shana Savage of Urban Technology Project, and Per Scholas Philadelphia alumni who work at those institutions. Per Scholas President Caitlyn Brazill was also in attendance.

“It’s not often that you have the chance to slow down and mark such a huge milestone. I’m grateful for all those whose lives have been touched by Per Scholas Philadelphia, the people who have worked on and off our campus to do the work, the employers who have volunteered to meet and then hire our graduates, the communities who helped spread the word, and the funders who make it all possible. The successes of those first 600 learners keeps our doors open to serve hundreds and thousands more in the years to come,“ said Joshua Park, Per Scholas Philadelphia Managing Director.

The evening’s presentation concluded with a joint announcement of a satellite Per Scholas Philadelphia classroom at OIC Philadelphia to launch in November 2025. Per Scholas’ satellite model, first launched in New York in 2021, has proven effective in expanding access to communities with limited tech training options. By combining dedicated on-site support with connected classroom learning, this model offers equal-quality training experiences, builds capacity for community partners, and creates efficient pathways to employment.

“At OIC, we’ve always believed in the power of partnership to create transformative change, and our collaboration with Per Scholas perfectly embodies this principle. In the legacy of our founder, Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan, we’re committed to connecting our community members to family-sustaining careers with real growth potential. We’re thrilled to welcome Per Scholas as part of OIC’s workforce hub this November, where together we’ll continue breaking down barriers and building pathways to economic opportunity for Philadelphia residents,” stated Sheila Ireland, President & Chief Executive Officer OIC. “This partnership represents the kind of meaningful collaboration that creates lasting change, one life at a time.“

Per Scholas Philadelphia acknowledges Comcast, TEKsystems, and OIC Philadelphia for their generous support that made this celebration possible.

“TEKsystems’ partnership with Per Scholas has been instrumental in transforming the tech landscape of Philadelphia. By providing tuition-free, high-quality technology certification programs, Per Scholas equips learners with the necessary skills to be job-ready for positions with our clients in the Philadelphia market. This collaboration has empowered hundreds of local residents, fostering economic growth and creating a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the vibrant spirit of Philadelphia. We’re thankful to partner with such an impactful organization and are excited to see the continued impact we’ll have supporting the City of Philadelphia,” said Sean Sheridan, Team Lead, Philadelphia Delivery Center, TEKsystems.

With a proven tech training model including both in-person and remote learning hubs, Per Scholas continues to unlock opportunities for individuals, strengthen communities, and drive business success across the greater Philadelphia area. Per Scholas Philadelphia is transforming lives and will continue to shape Philadelphia’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 Philadelphia, follow them on LinkedIn or Per Scholas Philadelphia.

About Per Scholas

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 20+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

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

As we commemorated Memorial Day, we paused as a nation to honor the fallen, reflect on the courage of our soldiers, and express gratitude for the freedoms they defended. But our responsibility to those who served extends beyond remembrance. As we pay tribute to their sacrifice, we must also invest in their futures.

Each year, nearly 200,000 service members transition from active duty to civilian life — a journey that can be both hopeful and daunting. From translating military experience into a civilian résumé to navigating unfamiliar workplace cultures, veterans face unique and persistent barriers. Only one in four veterans has a job lined up upon separation, and many report financial insecurity as a top concern.

These challenges have been widely discussed — but now, more than ever, they require action. As our workforce evolves rapidly in the face of technological change, we have a unique opportunity to empower veterans through pathways that lead to meaningful, sustainable careers.

Veterans bring unparalleled strengths to the table — discipline, leadership, resilience, and teamwork. What they often need is access to training that helps them translate these qualities into in-demand skills. That’s where programs like Per Scholas come in.

By offering no-cost, GI Bill-approved training in high-growth sectors like IT support and cybersecurity, Per Scholas equips veterans with industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support. Just as critical, the program provides holistic support — from interview preparation to professional communication skills — helping veterans navigate civilian work environments with confidence.

More than 1,000 military members have already graduated from these programs, successfully transitioning into tech careers that offer competitive pay, flexibility, and growth — a perfect fit for many military families.

This Memorial Day, Debbie Roman, Managing Director of Per Scholas New York, joined forces with New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. to co-author a powerful op-ed in The Hill. Together, they called for greater investment in veteran-focused career pathways, stressing how workforce development must evolve to meet the real needs of returning service members.

With a projected global shortage of IT talent by 2026, tapping into the veteran talent pool isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart, strategic move for our economy.

As we reflect on those who gave everything, let’s recommit to those who’ve returned. Let us champion programs that recognize not just the service of our veterans, but their immense potential. By helping them build sustainable civilian careers, we pay tribute in the most meaningful way: with action.

Learn more.

Debbie Roman is the Managing Director of Per Scholas New York. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., a Democrat, represents the 15th District in the New York State Senate.

In the world of technology, we’re constantly discussing the importance of building better systems. But what about the system that powers it all—you? Without the right mental health support, tech employees can become stressed, burned out, and overwhelmed.

Claire Cuno, LMSW, is the Senior Director of Learner Support at Per Scholas. She understands the importance of prioritizing mental health and personal wellness to achieve goals and supports tech learners from various backgrounds. We’ve drawn on her expertise to understand how mental health is essential for holistic wellness across the tech workforce.

Mental health awareness isn’t a luxury for tech personnel—it’s a foundational skill. Just as you’d spend time learning Python or getting to grips with Git, developing emotional resilience, strengthening focus, and building self-awareness are crucial for long-term success.

The Mental Load of a Tech Career

Technology is, by its nature, fast-paced and constantly changing. Tech workers have high expectations placed on them and are constantly put under pressure to perform. That’s what led to the trope of the “10x engineer,” the mythical co-worker who churns out ten times the volume of code or other output than anyone else. Ideas like this are outdated and create imposter syndrome in other workers who worry that they can never achieve these dizzy heights of productivity.

Is it any wonder, then, that research shows mental health issues are much higher among workers in technology-based fields than in other industries? Claire notes, “At Per Scholas, we see how stress and burnout show up not just in seasoned engineers, but even in learners just entering the field.” That tendency toward burnout is compounded by the risks of isolation associated with remote work, freelancing, and long hours spent on solo projects.

Technology personnel need to be provided with the tools to identify and address mental health concerns, ideally before they even start their vocational career.

Emotional Resilience: Your Debugging Superpower

Debugging code is an everyday occurrence in tech, but what if you could debug yourself? Becoming emotionally resilient means you learn ways to process and bounce back from setbacks, whether that’s a tough one-to-one review, a job rejection, or a failed project. You learn how to acknowledge the disappointment, honor the feeling, and then look onward and upward with even strength rather than spiraling into dejection.

Problematic product launches and frequent layoffs are, unfortunately, part of the world of technology. Things rarely go smoothly, but with the right mental health skills, you can learn to recode your brain and take a more positive or productive perspective.

Claire confirms this: “Resilience is learned and honed and for our learners, especially those overcoming systemic barriers, it’s often the most powerful skill they walk away with.”

Tech personnel who learn grounding techniques or mindfulness, engage with stress management tools, or work with peer support groups are more likely to weather these storms successfully. The Learner Support Team provides these opportunities for learners to explore these techniques for stress management.

Focus: The Hidden Edge

Of course, tech employees have another factor that contributes to potential burnout—the requirement for intense and prolonged focus amid multiple distractions, from Slack pings to stakeholder objections. Task-switching, or moving rapidly from one task to another, reduces accuracy and efficiency, leading to lower-quality work.

Anxiety and depression can both impact concentration and cause workers to prioritize poorly. There’s also the issue of different neurotypes. Some people are wired to hyperfixate on a single task for hours, while others, for example, some people with ADHD, may flit from task to task with minimal loss of productivity. However, sustaining these ways of working can be exhausting.

Treat focus like an app that needs an upgrade. You can’t just add more features without updating the system and resources. That leads to latency and crashing—and your brain is no different. Consider mindfulness exercises to learn how to stay in the moment. Take regular breaks. Resting increases productivity, boosts problem-solving skills, and can prevent burnout.

As Claire notes, “Focus isn’t about willpower. It’s about systems that respect your brain.” You can’t just tell yourself to “focus better.” You can learn that skill gradually, building systems that work for you.” Per Scholas’ Learner Support Team therefore provides workshops on study skills and individualized success planning for learners. With these resources, learners are empowered to build the necessary skills for mental health management. 

Self-Awareness: The Foundation of Growth

Without accepting that things need to change, growth is impossible. Self-awareness allows you to recognize stress triggers, understand your limits, note behavior patterns, and have the confidence to ask for support.

Journaling is one way to note patterns that need to be disrupted. Regular feedback from peers and leaders can also help, as can coaching, not just on technical performance but on day-to-day issues like workplace relationships and career progression.

Knowing where you want to be and how to get there is critical to holistic mental wellbeing. “Technical skill might get you the job. But self-awareness keeps you thriving in it,” says Claire, referencing the importance of getting to know yourself and your needs to get the most out of any tech-based role. And when times are tough, there’s nothing more powerful than asking for help and utilizing the resources at your disposal.  

What Tech Needs to Do Better

Much of what we’ve discussed places the responsibility of mental health awareness on the individual or their direct manager. However, tech companies must start to move away from this approach to mental health and instead foster a culture that supports overall well-being from the top down. Tech organizations can achieve this via:

• Normalizing mental health conversations: Encouraging open discussions on mental health from onboarding stages to leadership development.
• Building a culture of support: Integrate systems and policies that promote mental well-being, such as mental health days and peer-to-peer mentorship programs.
• Training managers in psychological safety: Invest in leaders who can understand and model healthy emotional behaviors. 

“Mental health is not separate from performance—it is foundational to performance,” says Claire. “Tech leaders have a responsibility to create environments where both can flourish.”

Upgrading Mental Health to a Core Skill

The system that keeps all tech companies thriving is their people. Understanding mental health is no longer a soft skill—it’s very much a core skill. Organizations that understand this and invest in the holistic well-being of their teams will edge out competitors while attracting and retaining top talent across their industry.

Taking a final word from Claire, “We’re not just developing technical talent. We’re nurturing whole individuals who will transform the future of technology.”Whether you’re coding your first app or leading a team, invest in your mental health like you would your next certification.