Per Scholas is excited to announce that we received a $1 million grant from JPMorgan Chase to help expand apprenticeship opportunities for learners and scale programs for in-demand occupations.

We are one of four organizations to receive the philanthropic commitment totaling $3.5 million. This commitment will support Per Scholas in developing and piloting a new cybersecurity apprenticeship initiative, which addresses a critical labor shortage while testing a sustainable, innovative, earn-and-learn approach to achieving economic mobility.

“We are incredibly grateful for this generous investment, which will increase our impact and create economic mobility for thousands of individuals in communities across the country, including an anticipated $80M generated in first-year wages for new cyber technologists historically underrepresented in the cybersecurity space,” said Per Scholas President & CEO Plinio Ayala. “We are excited to partner with employers across the country to make this program a success and help close the cybersecurity skills gap.”

This support will also help us expand our existing suite of cybersecurity training programs to reach more learners annually, recruiting unemployed and underemployed talent from Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Newark, St. Louis and Greater Washington region.

Read the full press release here.

Every year, nearly 200,000 men and women transition from U.S. military service to civilian life. Only 1 in 4 has a job lined up when they return — creating the daunting task of translating their military skills into civilian employment opportunities. Per Scholas, in partnership with TEKsystems, is leading the way in supporting the military community by providing tuition-free, full-time immersive training for in-demand technical skills that lead to industry-recognized credentials. This innovative approach empowers military service members, veterans and spouses to build successful careers in the tech industry by not only providing technical training but also fostering business professional skills, providing learner support and direct connections to employers, and creating a clear path to career advancement in tech.

Demand-Driven Training for Military Service Members, Veterans and Spouses

Per Scholas’ no-cost training program is designed to equip participants with in-demand technical skills and is centered around industry-recognized credentials, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the specific needs of the job market. TEKsystems, a global provider of business, technology and talent solutions, is committed to creating diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces in the tech industry. Our partnership with TEKsystems addresses the lack of diversity, including the underrepresentation of veterans, in the industry and the demand for technical talent by combining resources, leaning into strengths, and partnering to widen our reach and deepen our impact for individuals, businesses, and communities. This demand-driven approach ensures that military service members, veterans and spouses are not simply trained but trained for success in real-world tech roles. 

Business Professional Skills for the Win with a Holistic Approach

Recognizing that technical proficiency is just one piece of the puzzle, Per Scholas dedicates 20% of classroom time to career coaching and the development of business professional skills. Beyond funding and training, TEKsystems supports our learners – through networking with our learners and alumni, career coaching, and participating in various campus events. We want to build upon the skills learned in their military experience and help them thrive and adapt in any workplace. With our work to support military service members, veterans and spouses, individuals in the military community can gain technical knowledge and soft skills, coupled with their incredible military experience, to position them for continued career success.

Transitioning to a new career can be challenging, and Per Scholas and TEKsystems acknowledge the need for comprehensive support. Per Scholas provides learner support services that include benefit navigation, financial coaching, and wellness support, ensuring that learners can persist through the training program. This holistic approach addresses not only the technical aspects but also the personal and financial challenges military service members, veterans and spouses may face during their career transition. 

Connecting Directly with Employers

One of the most distinctive features of Per Scholas’ training is our direct connection to employers. In the past year alone, over 850 companies hired Per Scholas graduates, with more than 1,000 hires through TEKsystems, demonstrating the high demand for the skills and credentials these military service members, veterans and spouses bring to the job market. This direct link to employers helps ensure that learners have a clear path to employment upon graduation. “I am honored to work with partners including TEKsystems that put hiring from the military community at the forefront in efforts to diversify the tech industry,” stated Per Scholas Director of Veteran Recruitment & Partnerships George Darby. “TEKsystems understands that hiring military service members, veterans and spouses is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also a great business decision. Partners that understand the unique skills and value this talent pool brings are ahead of the competition.”

TEKsystems: Committed to Creating Opportunities for Veterans

TEKsystems is a valuable partner in this endeavor. Having helped more than 20,000 military service members, veterans and spouses since 2013, they understand the distinctive skills within the military community and continue to make a real impact. As a Department of Defense-authorized SkillBridge employer, a program for service members to transition to a civilian career, TEKsystems leads the way for veterans looking to transition out of the military. Their partnership with Per Scholas demonstrates a shared commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry, recognizing the immense potential and unique qualities of veterans and their spouses.

As military service members, veterans and spouses transition to civilian life, there’s no doubt they face challenges in finding their next opportunity and meaningful employment. However, Per Scholas and TEKsystems, through their collaborative efforts, are paving the way for military service members, veterans and spouses to thrive in the tech industry. Their commitment to inclusivity and empowerment reflects a changing landscape in the tech industry that celebrates the unparalleled value the military community can bring. With a blend of purpose, partnership, and perseverance, the path to success in the tech industry for our military heroes and their spouses is clearer than ever before.

For those looking to enter into the tech field, specific certifications are necessary to take on most roles. While possessing a traditional 4-year college degree can potentially give applicants a leg up in the job search, certifications are the main requirement for many roles in the field. 

Certifications are not necessarily required for all roles, but obtaining certain certifications indicates to hiring managers that you are proficient in those areas covered by the certification exam. Many companies prefer candidates who have certifications, because it validates knowledge of best practices. Furthermore, because certifications need to be renewed regularly, possessing a valid certification indicates that the candidate’s knowledge base is up to date.

The CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for launching IT careers in today’s digital world, and embarking on the journey to earn your CompTIA A+ certification is a pivotal step towards advancing your career in IT. This credential validates your foundational skills and knowledge in IT as well as your ability to problem solve in real-time, and it equips you with the knowledge to fill a wide range of entry-level technology jobs, making you a desirable candidate in the competitive tech job market. 

Per Scholas offers various courses for those looking to either break into or advance their career in tech. We believe in creating opportunities and on-ramps for aspiring technologists so, in addition to all courses and resources being cost-free to our learners, we also cover the costs of all certification exams, including the CompTIA A+. Our courses prepare students for the certification exams for multiple different types of IT certifications, and our IT Support, Desktop Support, and Security Fundamentals courses provide the training and resources learners need to succeed in the CompTIA A+ exam, and cover all exam fees.

Although the exam is difficult and requires studying and preparation in order to pass, Per Scholas learners are well prepared for the certification process. “It is possible to go from zero to expert, and it has been done over and over again here at Per Scholas,” Per Scholas Dallas IT Support Alumni Deji Adefuye reflected. “Even if you don’t believe in it, someone else believes it and has done it, which means it is possible for you too.”

In this article, we will outline the importance of the CompTIA A+ certification in launching a career in tech, what one can expect on the certification exam, and tips for exam preparation and studying.

Understanding the CompTIA A+ Exam

The CompTIA A+ certification is an internationally-recognized, entry-level qualification in the IT industry. It is issued by the IT association Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), and is widely accepted as an industry standard certification often used to start a career in IT. 

According to CompTIA’s website, the CompTIA A+ Core Series requires candidates to pass two exams: Core 1 and Core 2. These exams cover a wide range of content, emphasizing the technologies and skills tech professionals need to succeed in most entry-level IT positions. The certification exam consists of a combination of multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions, and broadly tests an individual’s knowledge of various IT basics. Categories include hardware, software, networking, operating systems, and security. 

Exam format and topics covered

As mentioned above, the CompTIA A+ exam consists of two separate exams, which together cover the broad range of knowledge necessary for most entry-level IT positions. The exam is considered to be “vendor neutral,” which means that passing the exam will “prove competence across a wide range of concepts that can be applied to multiple vendors or platforms.”

The exam itself is updated regularly in order to keep up with the demands of the ever-changing and rapidly evolving tech field. CompTIA updates each of their exams approximately every three years in order to reflect new industry trends and standards, and to ensure that the information they teach is up to date.

In April of 2022, CompTIA updated their A+ exam from the CompTIA A+ 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2) series, which was released in 2019, to the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2) series. The 2019 exam series has since been retired, and those looking to become CompTIA A+ certified this year and in upcoming years should focus their studies on the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2) series exams – note that both the Core 1 and Core 2 exams are necessary to pass. According to CompTIA’s official website, the new exam series places a greater emphasis on the technologies and skills IT pros need to support a remote or hybrid workforce – an increasingly common trend in the tech industry. 

According to the CompTIA website, each of the two exams contains a maximum of 90 questions, comprised of a combination of multiple choice questions (single and multiple response), drag and drop responses, and performance-based problems, which are “exam items designed to test a candidate’s ability to solve problems in real-world settings and are delivered as either simulations (approximations of an environment or tool, such as a firewall, network diagram, terminal window, or operating system) or within virtual environments (virtual machines/systems running select operating systems and software in a production environment).”

Comprehensively, CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) covers “mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing,” while CompTIA A+ 220-1102 (Core 2) covers “operating systems, security, software and operational procedures.”

CompTIA A+ certifications are valid for 3 years from the date the exam is passed, after which the certification will need to be renewed – through participating in specific training courses or obtaining new, higher level certifications – or retaken.

Certifications must be regularly renewed or retaken in order to keep candidates’ knowledge and skill sets up to date and relevant in the rapidly changing field of IT.

Read more about what the CompTIA A+ certification contains and what roles it prepares you for here.

Importance of CompTIA A+ for IT Professionals

Earning a CompTIA A+ certification is an incredible launchpad into the wide world of technology careers. The certification validates your expertise and proves to potential employers that you have mastered the knowledge gained through training. There are many advantages to having a CompTIA A+ certification under your belt, and simply earning the certification is often considered sufficient to be hired for an entry-level IT position. Earning the certification can also be a way for those already established in the IT field to level up their skills. As the CompTIA A+ website notes, “CompTIA A+ will either help you get your start in IT or help you get promoted in your current job. It is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT and is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles.”

Being CompTIA A+ certified can make you an appealing candidate for most hiring managers during your job search. According to research by the International Data Corporation (IDC), “96 percent of human resources managers use IT certifications as screening or hiring criteria during recruitment.” 

Furthermore, the IDC’s research also revealed that once hired, CompTIA-certified professionals typically perform at a higher level than their non-certified peers over time. CompTIA-certified IT professionals were found to possess higher levels of confidence in their own abilities and greater knowledge bases on a variety of topics. They also proved to be more reliable in their work over time and reached job proficiency more rapidly than their non-certified counterparts.

The CompTIA A+ certification is also incredibly versatile. Unlike other certifications that tie you down to specific roles, the CompTIA A+ certification lays the foundation for your tech knowledge, equipping you with universal skills that allow you to pursue any IT career path, as well as positions that are remote, in-person, or hybrid. Plus, the certification is not limited by borders – CompTIA holds international accreditation and is crafted by industry experts, making the skills of those who possess their certifications globally recognized and respected. 

Official Study Resources

There are many courses, study guides, and resources available for those looking to earn their CompTIA A+ certification. 

CompTIA’s Official Study Guide

A combination of studying the proper material, completing practice questions, labs, and practice tests are the best ways to prepare for passing the CompTIA A+ certification exam. 

CompTIA offers several resources for those looking to obtain their certifications. For the A+ exam, they offer an intensive, 20-day bootcamp designed to prepare candidates to pass the exam. However, at $3,999 this course is not accessible to many. CompTIA also offers self-paced study guide eBooks for learning material ($678), practice questions ($266), labs ($266), and exam prep bundles ($926 – $1,647), who’s cumulative costs may also not be accessible to many exam candidates. 

At Per Scholas, we recognize that the cost of exam preparation and placement is prohibitively expensive to many. We strongly believe in unlocking the potential of our learners by breaking down barriers keeping many individuals from entering into or advancing in the tech field. This is why we cover the cost of all resources, training, study materials, practice exams, and exam fees themselves for every one of our learners, making sure our learners never pay a cent towards our training. 

How to Study for and Take the CompTIA A+ Exam

Most training programs, including Per Scholas, are designed to help you learn every bit of material that will show up on the exam, and will contain labs, practice exams, and guided study to help you prepare. However, it is important to remember that a portion of the exam preparation will also be on you, and will require you to study on your own terms. Studying for any test, including the CompTIA A+ exam can be difficult and daunting but, with the right approach, you can develop a solid study plan to help you succeed. 

The first step in preparing for the exam is to evaluate your current knowledge. Review the concepts you will be tested on during the exam, and identify any areas of weakness in order to organize your study plan. Different sections of the exam bear different weights in terms of affecting your overall grade, so it is important to also determine which sections you will need to focus on. The current exam topics and their respective weights, according to the CompTIA website, are as follows:

CompTIA A+ 220-1101:

• Mobile Devices – 15%
• Networking – 20%
• Hardware – 25%
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing – 11%
• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting – 29%

CompTIA A+ 220-1102:

• Operating Systems – 31%
• Security – 25%
• Software Troubleshooting – 22%
• Operational Procedures – 22%

Set a study schedule for yourself, with emphasis on the areas you are weakest in, and the areas that bear the most weight on the exam. Determine what your best study environment is – alone or in groups, in a public setting or at home, etc. Per Scholas cohorts typically create student-led study groups to help prepare for the exam, which can be a great resource for those who prefer to study with others. While most of our classes bear a large focus on exam preparation, Per Scholas instructors can also offer guidance on methods for self-study outside of class. 

Taking the Exam

The CompTIA A+ is composed of two exams, which must both be passed in order for a candidate to become fully certified. The two exams, Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) are each 90 minutes in length, with no more than 90 questions each.

Once an individual is ready to take the examinations, they will need to obtain a CompTIA A+ voucher for both exams from the CompTIA website, before scheduling each exam at an approved testing location. Typically, the voucher for each exam costs $232, with potential additional fees for exam retakes and training materials. At Per Scholas, all fees are covered, so our students are able to obtain their certifications free of charge.

After obtaining your voucher, you will need to select a testing location. The Pearson VUE website will help you determine an authorized testing center near you to schedule your exam at. CompTIA’s exam provider, Pearson VUE, makes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations during certification exams for people who need them and who qualify.

On the day of the exam, you will most likely want to eat beforehand, as there are no breaks. Be sure to arrive early to the testing center to allow enough time for check-in. You will need to bring two valid forms of identification with you, and they must be the original IDs, rather than a photocopy. You can read more about what forms of identification are accepted here. 

You are not allowed to bring personal items with you into the testing room, so be sure to limit what you bring. Some testing centers will have designated space to store test-takers belonging, and you may want to check with your specific testing center beforehand.

The two CompTIA A+ exams must be taken separately, and each exam designates 90 minutes. You will find out your results directly after taking the exam and, depending on whether or not you passed, you will either receive your certification, or reschedule to take the exam again.

It is normal to be nervous on testing day, but remember to try to relax and do the best that you can. 

Ready to Take on the CompTIA A+?

Certifications are an important step in launching an IT career, as they ensure you are equipped with the knowledge to take on a wide range of tech roles and make you a competitive candidate in the job search. The CompTIA A+ certification is an excellent, industry-recognized way to get started in the tech field by equipping individuals with all the skills necessary for most entry-level tech positions. 

At Per Scholas, we understand that talent is ubiquitous, but opportunity is not. That is why we not only provide free tech training but also cover the cost of certification exams for our learners. Learners in our courses are able to earn a variety of certifications (depending on the specific course they enroll in), including the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, the Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+), and the CompTIA A+ certification, all free of charge. Our IT Support, Desktop Support, and Security Fundamentals courses prepare learners to successfully pass the CompTIA A+ certification exam, as well as covering the exam fees.

Apply to Per Scholas today! Learn more about the tuition-free training we offer and apply to IT courses that will help launch your career in tech.

See what’s available in your area

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) awarded Per Scholas $1.5 million in funding through the Cyber Workforce Development and Training for Underserved Communities program. This funding opportunity seeks to increase the number of skilled cybersecurity individuals within underserved communities. It will build on Per Scholas’ capacity to deliver quality training and apprenticeship programs and connect learners with employment opportunities, creating a more diverse cybersecurity workforce across America.

Read more here.

We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month annually from September 15 – October 15, but diversifying the tech landscape to include more Hispanic and Latinx perspectives and presence is something Per Scholas keeps in mind throughout the year. With partners, including TEKsystems, we have connected nearly 1,500 Hispanic learners with technology careers in a field in which they are typically not represented. 

At Per Scholas, Hispanic technologists comprise 17% of our learners, while they make up just 15% of the technology workforce. This is a statistic we are constantly working to increase as part of our mission to create economic equity and representative diversity in the tech workforce. Achieving such a vision requires strong collaboration with partners who are similarly committed to our goal. 

TEKsystems has been our partner for nearly a decade and is committed to nurturing an inclusive workplace culture and welcoming diversity in technology from the inside out. TEKsystems recognizes the contributions of Hispanics in the workforce and celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month through powerful stories from their team. Leaders from TEKsystems’ Employee Network, AdelanTEK, reflected on how fostering an inclusive culture in the workplace inspires authenticity and results in individual success, both personally and professionally. Additionally, TEKsystems Recruiter Lead Magdaleny Soberanis-Depaz shared how her upbringing as a Latina has shaped her career and the impact diversity has in the workplace “Growing up in a multicultural community and learning from people of all walks of life has given me a perspective that is an advantage over most,” Magdeleny reflected. “Diversity is truly a strength. Because I am a person of color and in a leadership position, I’m able to bring different perspectives, opinions, and ideas around problem-solving and solutions, ultimately creating a bigger impact on my team and peers within the office, as well as outside of the office.” 

Per Scholas and TEKsystems share the same mission and belief that diversifying the tech workforce will bring innovation and powerful insight to the industry. These perspectives are shared by Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala, who is passionate about working with companies whose mission aligns with Per Scholas. Plinio grew up in a close-knit neighborhood in the South Bronx that contained many diverse Hispanic communities, including Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Dominicans, Hondurans, and more. Thus, Per Scholas’s mission is important to him and his Hispanic heritage on a personal level. Plinio’s story resonates internally at Per Scholas and translates to the learners we interact with as we train them for various technology roles.  

“Being Hispanic and leading an organization rooted in diversity and inclusion, I’m inspired by my colleagues who feel like they can be their authentic selves and bring their culture and identity into their work,” Plinio reflects. “Having different backgrounds and using our unique experiences to create new and innovative ideas in tech gives me hope for the future of technology. We have come so far at Per Scholas to bring more Hispanics into technology, but there is still room for growth. I hope to hear of more C-suite leaders of Hispanic background in tech in the next year, which is possible with training and partnering with companies, including TEKsystems, who share the same mission.” 

We’re proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and elevate Latinx voices and experiences throughout the year, especially with partners, including TEKsystems, that create an inclusive workplace culture and welcome diversity in technology from the inside out.

Phoenix, AZ (November 1, 2023): Per Scholas, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic mobility for underserved communities through IT training and job placement, welcomes you to an open house event at its new Phoenix campus on Friday, November 3. 

Community members in attendance will learn more about Per Scholas and their transformative work in providing training, certification, and job placement services for individuals looking to break into the technology industry. 

“We are excited to welcome the Phoenix community to our open house and showcase the incredible impact that Per Scholas has in empowering individuals with IT skills and career opportunities,” said Jaclyn Boyes, Regional Senior Vice President. “We are dedicated to providing a pathway to economic mobility for underrepresented communities, and this event is an excellent opportunity for the community to meet our team, understand our programs, and connect with our mission.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with the newest Per Scholas Phoenix team member, Managing Director Jerry J. McPherson, who joined in June 2023.

An economic activist, community leader, and dedicated change agent for unrepresented communities, McPherson brings a wealth of experience to his role, having previously served as the Director of Economic Empowerment at the Greater Phoenix Urban League, serving as a CPA in both public and private practice and is a proud veteran of the United States Military. 

“Throughout my career, my primary focus has been on creating economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for others,” shares McPherson. “The technology industry offers a unique platform for career growth and financial stability that many from underserved communities have not benefited from. At Per Scholas, we are unlocking potential and harnessing the power of the evolving tech sector to make transformational change. I am honored to lead this team dedicated to changing the face of tech right here in Arizona.”

McPherson is an accomplished leader with recognitions that include “40 Under 40” by both the Phoenix Business Journal and CPA Practice Advisor. 

Come meet the Per Scholas staff, alumni, and community partners and discover how you can be a part of Phoenix’s vibrant tech ecosystem.

When: Friday, November 3

Time: 1:30 p.m. — 5 p.m. 

Where: Per Scholas Phoenix, 3003 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 85012

The event will feature a networking mixer, door prizes, refreshments and appetizers, and campus tours. Individuals are encouraged to register their attendance. 

About Per Scholas:

Per Scholas is a national organization that has been advancing economic mobility for 25 years. Through rigorous training, professional development, and robust employer connections, we prepare individuals traditionally underrepresented in technology for high-growth careers in the industry. We partner with leading employers to build more diverse talent pools, directly connecting our graduates to new career opportunities at businesses ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. With campuses in 22 cities, Per Scholas has trained more than 20,000 individuals in tech skills, building bridges to careers in technology. To learn more, visit PerScholas.org.

On August 10, the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Philadelphia hosted a Connecting Communities webinar, where Per Scholas Philadelphia alumni and Teaching Fellow David Byard participated in a panel discussion. Panelists shared insights from the Worker Voices 2023 report, how many workers are reshaping the workforce, recent expectations of job quality, and how they use skill development and self-investment to change their economic opportunities.

Federal Reserve Presidents Raphael Bostic from the Atlanta Fed and Patrick T. Harker from the Philadelphia Fed shared their perspectives, and David Byard was joined by speakers Rebecca Hanson, Executive Director at SEIU-UHW Joint Employer Education Fund; Sarah Miller, Principal Advisor at Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; Ashley Putnam, Director, Economic Growth & Mobility Project at Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and moderator Whitney Felder, Marketing Communications Specialist at Fed Communities.

Watch the full Shifting Perspectives and Expectations on Employment webinar here!

In addition to the webinar and considering the takeaways from the discussions, Per Scholas Senior Managing Director Nikki Pumphrey provided her perspective on how Worker Voices are Essential. “During the pandemic, and perhaps even more so recently, we have seen greater adoption of skills-based hiring,” Pumphrey states. “The World Economic Forum predicted that 45% of companies had focused efforts on hiring based on competencies by 2022. This trend is likely to continue as new labor market dynamics emerge and talent shortages continue. Employers are making more informed choices about how they attract talent, but also about how to develop effective skill-building strategies for incumbent workers.”

Read Nikki Pumphrey’s Per Scholas Perspective here.  

Per Scholas was featured in Forbes magazine, highlighting our organization’s long-standing partnership with Barclays, and the ways in which this partnership serves to help our learners develop key skills and unlock employment opportunities, including in roles at Barclays.

Charles Koch Foundation’s Executive Director Ryan Stowers interviewed Mark Thain, Americas Head of Citizenship at Barclays, regarding Barclays’ partnership with Per Scholas and the large-scale impact it has created.

Read the full article here!

Pioneering Cybersecurity Diversity with Per Scholas Diverse by Design

With Cybersecurity Awareness Month coming to a close, there’s no better time to discuss the vital need for diversifying the cybersecurity workforce, the potential consequences for technology industry leaders not addressing this issue, and the multifaceted approach that Per Scholas is adopting to break down barriers for underrepresented talent. At Per Scholas, we’re providing tech talent solutions with tailored training for organizations and upskilling opportunities for technologists. 

Cybersecurity Demands Innovation & Diversity

In the ever-evolving realm of the technology industry, the role of cybersecurity as a guardian of our digital assets and infrastructure cannot be overstated. However, we face a challenge that has become too familiar – the absence of diversity within the cybersecurity workforce. An article from Forbes states, ” The International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals (ICMCP) points out women are barely 14% of the information security ranks, while women make up 51% of the U.S. population. The U.S. Labor Department says African Americans make up a scant 3% of information security analysts in the U.S. today.” 

Technology requires innovation. Without technology, we would suddenly find ourselves in a state of crisis because our quality of life relies heavily on it – our days start with technology literally at our fingertips. Diverse workforces lead to better innovation that stands as the cornerstone keeping organizations competitive, forward-thinking problem solvers. Cybersecurity, a critical component of technology, should be no exception to diversity. The lack of diversity, particularly concerning gender and ethnicity within the cybersecurity workforce, poses a challenge to innovation.

Diversity brings a host of benefits. It ushers in fresh perspectives and insights that are vital for comprehensive risk assessment, robust security strategies, and responses to emerging threats. In a continuously evolving cybersecurity environment, diverse teams possess the adaptability and expertise required to tackle these challenges adeptly. Diverse cybersecurity teams are specially positioned to detect and address biases in security systems and algorithms, ensuring the integrity and fairness of our cybersecurity measures. Within the technology sector, the demand for cybersecurity professionals has grown exponentially. Organizations must broaden recruitment efforts to encompass underrepresented groups, enabling the industry to tackle this scarcity and foster economic growth and innovation. This strategic shift also empowers organizations with the invaluable opportunity to tap into the potential of individuals who are traditionally overlooked.

Paving the Way for Diverse Cybersecurity Technologists

At Per Scholas, we understand that underrepresented talent often encounter barriers to entry into the cybersecurity field, and we have taken proactive measures to combat these challenges. For more than 25 years, Per Scholas has been unlocking potential for individuals, communities, and employers through rigorous training for careers in tech, including cybersecurity.

We offer free technology workforce development programs, removing the financial constraints that many talented individuals from underrepresented groups face, and actively facilitate connections, mentorships, and networking opportunities to help participants bridge the gap in professional networks, a crucial element in securing employment. 

Per Scholas Diverse by Design specifically promotes a culture of inclusivity and actively combats unconscious biases within the tech sector by championing diversity and inclusion as part of our core values. Per Scholas Enterprise Solutions also recognizes the significance of upskilling existing talent and providing tailored training for organizations and offers customized training solutions to equip organizations with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the evolving threat landscape effectively with partner organizations committed to building a diverse workforce. 

Advancing Equity to Increase Opportunities in Cybersecurity

Now is the time to diversify the technology industry, where innovation and security are pivotal to success, and the need for diversity in the cybersecurity workforce is not up for debate. As technology industry leaders, we bear a unique responsibility to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion opportunities within our ranks. Per Scholas is partnering with CGI, a Global IT and business consulting firm, to address this challenge and provide sustainable solutions. We have curated a customized invite-only event along with CGI dedicated to diversity in the cybersecurity industry entitled “Advancing Equity to Increase Opportunities in Cybersecurity.” This event will bring awareness to the challenges of starting a career in cybersecurity and how to develop strategies to increase access and representation.  

Having reliable access to WiFi, computers, and other resources is critical to success in technology training courses like ours. For more than 25 years, Per Scholas has been providing opportunities for individuals to launch thriving tech careers with our tuition-free tech training. We have found new ways to increase workforce equity for our learners and have given them the materials needed to succeed in their training; however, there is still room for improvement in addressing accessibility. The good news is that there are programs available for learners to get access to the Internet, transportation, and computers and laptops in order to complete our training and launch their tech careers.

Resources such as the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) assist those eligible with obtaining Broadband Internet access nationwide and are available to our learners as they embark on the college admissions process and Per Scholas training. The direct benefit of this program is that it’s helping to bridge the gap between opportunity and accessibility – as it should not be obstructed by lack of resources. This program is further bolstered by the work of one of our partners, Comcast, to close the digital divide.

In the first six months of 2023 alone, we’ve discovered that nearly 100 of our enrolled learners needed help with getting Internet access. Given this data, we can only imagine how many more applicants have been impacted due to a lack of Internet access including those applying to Per Scholas training. With the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, potential learners can acquire the resources needed to launch a thriving career in tech.

The benefit program, ACP, provides up to $30 per month or $75 in Tribal areas toward Internet service. When combined with Comcast’s Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials+ service tiers, it makes home broadband effectively free.

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household has received a Pell Grant, participates in Federal Assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid, or meets the eligibility criteria for the Internet provider’s existing low-income Internet program.

To learn more and how to apply, visit the federal government’s website or contact an Internet service provider in your area.

Comcast NBCUniversal has been a partner of Per Scholas since 2021 and invested in Per Scholas to help individuals build the skills they need for successful careers in technology.

Through this partnership, Per Scholas will prepare more than 10,000 diverse adults for careers in tech across at least 15 Comcast markets over the next three years. Comcast is also providing Internet access for individuals who need connectivity, providing a way for learners to use our training remotely and for potential learners to apply to our program.

Per Scholas doesn’t want accessibility to stop learners or potential learners from launching their tech careers. The good news is now there are programs and initiatives that will increase accessibility for all learners, thus increasing opportunities for them in the tech sector as well.

To learn more about courses offered at a Per Scholas campus near you, click here.

Learn more about the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program here.