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.

Per Scholas partnered with the Cultural Leadership Fund at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)  and other nonprofit organizations, including All Star Code, Black in Gaming Foundation, and Black Product Managers, to host a Talent Mixer for NYC Community-Builders at ping pong club SPIN New York as part of NY Tech Week 2023. More than 250 incredible, diverse technologists came out on a Friday evening despite the rainy weather, to make connections that will no doubt resonate in the weeks and months to come.

The evening featured a curated pre-mixer for learners and alumni from Per Scholas and other nonprofit partners to connect directly with founders and CEOs, talent heads, and tech and engineering executives from across a16z’s portfolio. The event also highlighted a panel of luminaries who shared stories of their journeys in tech, how leaders are prioritizing hiring and retaining diverse talent in a challenging climate, and what individuals and companies can do to enact change. Per Scholas is grateful to our esteemed panelists: Kyle Bailey, Vice President and Head of Engineering at dYdX; Jimmy Chen, Founder & CEO of Propel; Trinidad Hermida Black, Executive Director, Black in Gaming; and Per Scholas alumna and Per Scholas New York Advisory Board Chair Fabianna Rodriguez-Mercado, Chief of Staff, Cyber Security at Citi and Co-Leader of Latinas in Tech. After the panel, guests enjoyed food, drink, and plentiful games of ping pong to round out the night!

Click here to check out all the open roles across a16z’s portfolio companies!

This week, Per Scholas was featured on the FUTRtv Podcast, a podcast that seeks to promote “innovative ideas, cool startups and great culture as [they] explore the business of emerging technology.” Host Chris Brandt spoke with Per Scholas Chicago Manager of Recruitment and Admissions Grace Yao, and Per Scholas Chicago Manager of Career Advancement Daniel Ponciano.

Grace and Daniel discussed Per Scholas’s history, and the ways in which Per Scholas equips each of our students with a well-rounded, cost-free education, encompassing hard technical skills, as well as soft skills like networking, interviewing, and professional development. Per Scholas also offers support beyond course training as needed, including aid with internet access and financial coaching, providing laptops, computers, and other equipment for learners who need them, and more.

Watch the full podcast here!

On September 8th, Per Scholas Newark celebrated the recent graduation of four cohorts – two in IT Support and two in Cybersecurity. The event also included a commencement ceremony for the latest graduating Cybersecurity cohort. 

This event was hosted by Per Scholas Newark’s Managing Director, Jessica Zorola, who congratulated the new alumni on their hard work and success. Jessica also expressed her gratitude to the Per Scholas Newark staff and national team, who work hard each day to create a supportive, educational environment that prepares learners for success in the tech field on multiple levels. “[Our staff] have been the heart and soul of Per Scholas Newark since our founding in 2019,” Jessica told attendees. “They provide the skills and training one needs to succeed from day one on the job. My fellow colleagues have created a space of curiosity and excellence – to ensure that our learners not only build their own successful pathways within tech but lift their fellow peers to greatness as a community.”

Sandip Amin, Per Scholas’ Northeast Regional Senior Vice President, delivered celebratory remarks, highlighting Per Scholas’ long-standing commitment to unlocking potential through technology and career development training. Jose Rodriguez, Per Scholas Newark’s Campus Director, then spoke to the strengths of our Newark campus’ multiple training programs and its commitment to excellence in IT Support, Cybersecurity, Professional Development, and job-ready skills before introducing representative speakers from each of the four graduating cohorts to celebrate their respective cohorts’ accomplishments.

Next, Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala shared reflections on the power of tech training in Newark, emphasizing Per Scholas’ origin story and its role in addressing the need for skilled technology talent. He extended his well wishes to the graduates, highlighting their promising futures. Dave Francisco, a 2022 graduate of Per Scholas Newark’s Cybersecurity course and current member of the Per Scholas Newark Advisory Board, then took the stage to share his journey, emphasizing the transformative power of a career in tech. Dave, who now works as an Engineer at Kinesys Automation, offered valuable insights and wisdom to the newest Per Scholas Newark alumni, underscoring the importance of continued growth and development.

The ceremony continued with an address by Cybersecurity cohort valedictorian Asma Daif Allah, who delivered inspirational remarks and congratulated her classmates on their success. Core Value Recipients were also recognized, acknowledging graduates for their continued commitment to the values of Ambition, Integrity, Professionalism, Resourcefulness, Perseverance, and Commitment to Service.

Michele Alcazar, Head of Human Resources at Per Scholas partner Prudential, then extended her congratulatory remarks to the graduates, emphasizing the significance of their accomplishments and the opportunities that lay ahead. The program reached its culmination with recognition of each graduating learner; graduates walked across the stage to receive their graduation certificates and official Per Scholas padfolios. 

Learn more about upcoming training opportunities at Per Scholas Newark and apply by visiting PerScholas.org/Newark.

Per Scholas Celebrates $20 Million Investment from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

Transformational Investment Propels and Positions Tech Skills Nonprofit for National Future Impact

BRONX, New York (September 28, 2023) – Per Scholas, a national nonprofit committed to advancing economic mobility and unlocking potential through technology career training, today announced a $20 million investment from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

Receiving this transformational investment from MacKenzie Scott, one of the most dynamic philanthropists in modern times, is a testament to Per Scholas' impact over our nearly 30 year history. As we've evolved from a computer recycler in the South Bronx to a technical skills trainer in 22 cities and counting across America, we are so grateful for this $20 million gift – the largest, unrestricted funding our organization has ever received. This investment will propel Per Scholas for even greater national impact well into the future, centered on growth and innovation and ensuring our alumni achieve a thriving wage through our Career Accelerator. — Plinio Ayala, President & CEO, Per Scholas

To date, Per Scholas has prepared more than 20,000 individuals across the U.S. for high-growth careers in technology by offering tuition-free, rigorous, 12- to 15-week training in the nation’s most in-demand tech skills. The evidence-based Per Scholas model has been proven in multiple gold-standard research studies, and on average, Per Scholas-trained technologists go on to earn three times their pre-training wage in their first job following graduation. All told, Per Scholas graduates have earned more than $2.4 billion in their post-Per Scholas careers, powering economic advancement in communities across the nation.

Per Scholas connects graduates to high growth careers through our network of 850+ employer partners, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, and supports alumni through the organization’s latest innovation, the Career Accelerator, which provides Per Scholas alumni short-term upskilling opportunities, in turn propelling careers. As a result, every dollar invested in Per Scholas results in at least $8 in net economic return.

I'd like to express my most heartfelt gratitude to Per Scholas staff, funders, employer partners, and supporters, who have believed in our mission to advance economic equity and increase opportunity through America's hottest sector - technology. While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life in ways previously unimagined, it presented the opportunity for Per Scholas to innovate a new delivery model, which proved so successful that we were able to scale our impact four-fold. I echo Plinio's gratitude to Ms. Scott - this $20 million investment will certainly position Per Scholas well into our next decade of unlocking potential. — Lewis Miller, Per Scholas Co-Founder and National Board Chair

Today, Per Scholas operates in 20+ U.S. markets including Atlanta, Baltimore, Greater Boston, Chicago, Greater Cincinnati, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Newark, New York, North Carolina, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, Seattle, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. This investment will enable Per Scholas to continue to expand its training and talent solutions to additional communities across the United States, with the goal of training 10,000 learners per year by 2026.

About Per Scholas
For more than 25 years, Per Scholas has been advancing equity and increasing opportunity across America. Per Scholas unlocks potential for individuals, communities, and employers through rigorous training for careers in tech. Partnering with dynamic employer partners, from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we are building sustainable and diverse talent pipelines, together changing the face of tech. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and growing, Per Scholas offers tuition-free training in the most in-demand tech skills, including Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more.

To date, more than 20,000 individuals have gained the skills to launch high-growth tech careers, earning three times their pre-training wage. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is in our DNA: 85 percent of Per Scholas learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half have a high school diploma as their highest education credential. Visit PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Meet Esther, Per Scholas Dallas Graduate & Technologist 

Esther is just one of Per Scholas’ 20,000+ alumni. She’s a proud Per Scholas Dallas IT Support graduate and successful career switcher, living her dream of working in tech. Click below to hear her story and how she’s benefitting from the Career Accelerator – earning more stackable credentials to propel her tech career!