The life-changing training programs too few people know about (9/6/24)

The Washington Post recently posted an op-ed discussing the importance of apprenticeships as an alternative to traditional college education. Many contributors share their personal experiences with apprenticeships, highlighting the benefits such as hands-on learning, well-paying careers, and opportunities for advancement. Good jobs exist and people can gain greater access to them through training and apprenticeship programs. The only issue? Many people are unaware of apprenticeship opportunities. 

Read the article here and see how Per Scholas is helping.

Per Scholas is grateful to be a recipient of the Texas Talent Connection Grant program, from the Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The $350,000 investment will support our campuses in Houston and Dallas in scaling no-cost technical skills training, professional development and job placement services to Texas learners, serving Collin, Dallas, Denton, Fort Bend, Harris, Houston, and Tarrant counties. The funds will create new pathways to job opportunities such as help desk analysts, desktop support technicians, and associate network engineers in the information technology industry. 

Administered through the Texas Workforce Investment Council, over $6.3 million in grants were awarded this month to organizations leading innovative education and workforce skills training programs that ensure Texas’ growing workforce and businesses are prepared to successfully operate in an ever-changing 21st century economy. 

“Our cities are seeing growth in tech roles across industries, especially in education and technology,” said Per Scholas Houston Managing Director Tondalayo Hall. “To meet the demand and ensure that more Texans have access to the economic mobility that the innovation sector offers, organizations like Per Scholas are critical in building on-ramps for those new to the field.”

To learn more about this grant, read the full press release.

Per Scholas National Capital Region’s Senior Managing Director, Jessica Diaz Council, and Site Director, Monique Singleton, spoke with Black Enterprise and shared insights into Per Scholas’s impact and growth.

Per Scholas, a leading nonprofit organization, is making significant strides in bridging the gap between underserved communities and high-paying tech careers through its no-cost professional tech training programs. With operations in nearly two dozen cities, including recent expansions to Buffalo, New York, and Kansas City, Missouri, Per Scholas is at the forefront of efforts to diversify the tech workforce.

Founded in the Bronx, New York, Per Scholas began as a tech recycling initiative and has since grown into a nationwide organization committed to providing access to quality education. TPer Scholas’s programs are designed not only to equip learners with essential technical skills but also to offer comprehensive support, including mental health services and financial coaching, ensuring their holistic success.

One of the latest initiatives from Per Scholas is a cybersecurity apprenticeship program, licensed by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, which addresses the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals. This program is a part of Per Scholas’s ongoing efforts to align its training with industry needs, ensuring graduates are job-ready.

“Our mission is to provide tuition-free, relevant, and high-quality tech training that truly prepares our learners for success,” said Jessica Diaz Council, Senior Managing Director of Per Scholas National Capital Region. “Through close collaboration with employer partners and a strong support system, we are changing lives and making a lasting impact on the tech industry.”

Per Scholas continues to offer rolling admissions and is actively engaged in fundraising efforts to sustain its tuition-free model, allowing the organization to expand its reach and continue democratizing access to education across the country.

Read the full conversation here.

Per Scholas, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic equity through tech training, is expanding its reach to Buffalo, New York. The organization, which operates in nearly two dozen locations across the U.S., offers free, rigorous training programs aimed at equipping underrepresented individuals with the skills needed to secure high-paying tech jobs.

Per Scholas Buffalo will welcome its first cohort of 20 learners on October 15, 2024, in its newly renovated campus at the Larkin at Exchange building. The 13-week program is designed for individuals 18 and older, with a high school diploma or equivalent, who are ready to work in the U.S. immediately.

“Buffalo’s growing tech sector presents an ideal environment for our expansion,” said Jeremy Besch, Managing Director of Per Scholas Buffalo. “We are committed to ensuring that our learners, many of whom may initially find this new environment intimidating, feel welcomed and prepared to thrive in their future careers.”

The organization plans to train 60 more learners in Buffalo throughout 2025, with potential expansion to additional satellite locations in Western New York. Per Scholas has a proven track record, with an 85% graduation rate and 80% of graduates securing full-time employment within a year.

Per Scholas Buffalo is supported by funding from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, Empire State Development, Amazon, and the NFL, among others. Applications are open until September 30, 2024.

Read more here!

Per Scholas was recently featured in The Chief’s article, “Bronx-based nonprofit builds bridges to tech jobs,” highlighting our no-cost training.

Per Scholas offers technology training at no-cost to learners that helps underemployed adults launch successful IT careers. The training provides hands-on experience in various tech fields, preparing students for jobs like IT support and software engineering.

Per Scholas Alumni like Marie Cari have leveraged this training to secure roles at companies such as Bank of America, with ongoing support from Per Scholas. The organization collaborates with major employers and government agencies to provide employment opportunities for its graduates.

Read more: Per Scholas Builds Bridges to Tech Jobs

Ahead of the Nelsonville Music Festival in July, rapper and activist Killer Mike visited Per Scholas Columbus. Killer Mike’s activism is focused on several causes, including workforce and economic development, especially amongst trades training, making Per Scholas an exciting stop on his current tour.

During this visit, Killer Mike spoke with several Per Scholas Learners and Alumni, learning about their passions, ambitions, and how they’ve unlocked their potential through Per Scholas. A big thanks to Killer Mike for taking the time to visit the campus and meet with our incredible Technologists. And thank you to our partners at Stand Together and SkillUp for making this a possibility. 

The traditional work structure is a thing of the past. In a post-COVID world, more and more workplaces adapt to the employees’ needs. Companies are giving their employees the chance to cultivate new skills and gain new certifications and credentials. By investing in their talent and giving employees more agency, employers are empowering their workforce to be more driven and dedicated.

Read how Per Scholas and employer partner Barclays have embraced this change here!

We are excited to share that Noah Mitchell, Deputy Chief Training Officer at Per Scholas, has been named one of the 2024 Smart 50 Award honorees in Central Ohio! The Smart 50 Awards — presented by Hylant — recognize the top executives of 50 companies in the region for their ability to effectively build and lead savvy organizations. At Per Scholas, Noah provides vital guidance and support in the development and execution of our training department’s strategic vision and initiatives. He oversees the comprehensive development and execution of training programs, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

Congratulations to Noah and the Smart 50 winners honored this week for their innovation, impact, and efforts in strengthening business continuity in their community.

Comcast has announced a $35 million investment to support workforce development as part of Project UP — Comcast’s comprehensive commitment, aimed at creating economic opportunities and addressing the digital skills gap. As part of this initiative, Per Scholas will receive funding to expand its technology training programs for diverse communities.

Comcast’s investment will help Per Scholas increase the capacity of its training programs, update its curriculum to meet industry standards and strengthen job placement services. By partnering with organizations like Per Scholas, Comcast aims to foster a more diverse and skilled workforce, empowering individuals and supporting economic mobility.

Read the full press release on this investment here.