Per Schoals Chief Enterprise Solutions Officer Damien Howard wrote his first piece for Forbes Councils, an invitation-only, professional organization where top CEOs and entrepreneurs are supported through connections, visibility, and growth. 

Damien highlights the recent shift in job trends. Employers are no longer looking for a 4-year degree to be qualified for a position. Now, alternatives such as a completion certificate from an evidence-based, proven skills-based training firm; an associate degree; military service; or on-the-job experience are becoming more acceptable – ultimately leading to a stronger economy and more successful businesses. Damien describes how America’s employers are key agents of change and suggests 3 ways that businesses can shift their approach and gain diverse talent.  

Read about his three tips here!

NPower and Per Scholas Each Receive $1M Grants from Truist Foundation to Support Tech Training Across North Carolina  

Grants will help expand access to careers in technology, boost
economic mobility for underserved adult learners

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 10, 2023 – In an era where technology and digital prowess have become essential for many job opportunities, Truist Foundation today announced $2 million in commitments to support a singular focus: forging pathways to economic mobility through technology-oriented training initiatives in communities across North Carolina. A $1 million grant will go to national tech training nonprofit NPower and a separate $1 million grant will go to Per Scholas, a national nonprofit that aims to advance economic equity through training for tech careers. 

“North Carolina has long been a thriving tech hub, but not everyone has access to the opportunities it offers,” said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. “Truist Foundation wants to make careers in tech accessible to everyone across the state, and by offering coursework and career opportunities in more communities, NPower and Per Scholas are helping to break down those barriers to entry.” 

Per Scholas will use its funding to double the size of its technology skills training program offering in the Tarheel state. Through dynamic partnerships, Per Scholas North Carolina will offer remote training programs to more than 250 learners in rural areas of the state in an effort to increase access and opportunity for high-growth careers in technology. 

As it expands, the organization will grow its powerful partnership with Wilkes Community College to provide tech skills, professional development and coaching to learners in Western North Carolina, outside of Charlotte city limits. With a robust roster of employer partners, from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, some previous Per Scholas North Carolina graduates were able to double their pretraining wages in their first tech job, which can result in sustainable economic mobility.

“Per Scholas is grateful for this tremendous investment into Per Scholas North Carolina from Charlotte-based Truist Foundation, helping to increase pathways to economic mobility for North Carolinians. We know the transformative impact a career in technology can have on individuals, and increasing access and opportunity is key. Per Scholas North Carolina has seen the impact of our rural training model already, injecting more than $1.9 million back into local communities,” said Mike Terrell, managing director of Per Scholas North Carolina. “We’re very humbled by Truist Foundation’s grant, which will help us unlock potential for even more aspiring rural technologists, in turn building stronger communities, companies and economies.”  

Using the grant funds, NPower will expand its free flagship Tech Fundamentals training program into North Carolina for the first time with a location in Raleigh—a vibrant city within the Research Triangle community. The 16-week training program addresses barriers that exist among young adults ages 18 to 26, military-connected individuals and women of color eager to enter the field of technology.

The ambitious expansion seeks to attract, educate and empower at least 150 new learners over the course of the grant, and aims to hone their skills to master the art of information technology (IT) with the expectation of acquiring expertise equivalent to professionals with one to two years of experience. One of the goals of this initiative is for the impact to extend beyond the boundaries of learning, enabling these graduates to confidently embrace the digital economy and its myriad possibilities.

“Real innovation begins when the problem statement is clear and there is a sincere commitment to address it. That’s why we’re thrilled to be partnering with Truist Foundation for our expansion into North Carolina,” said Bertina Ceccarelli, CEO of NPower. “Empowering underserved communities through innovation in tech and embracing diversity isn’t just a vision; it’s the driving force behind NPower’s mission, where every challenge becomes an opportunity to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.”

During an event at Truist Center in Charlotte, Truist Financial Chairman and CEO Bill Rogers joined Bell, Ceccarelli and Caitlyn Brazill, chief development officer of Per Scholas, to formally announce the grants and discuss their impact across North Carolina. Terrell and NPower Executive Director Ray Trapp also participated in a panel moderated by Bell to discuss the importance of progressing economic mobility in North Carolina.

North Carolina is known as a tech hub in the U.S. In 2021, commercial real estate leader CBRE ranked Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte among the top tech talent markets in the U.S. and Canada. According to their findings, Charlotte proved to have one of the most diverse tech talent workforces in the U.S. and ranks among the top 10 states in the nation for total employment in this sector. 

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About NPower

NPower is a national nonprofit on a mission to move people from poverty to the middle class by training youth from underserved communities and military-connected individuals in a range of tech skills and placing them in quality jobs. Students who enter their free, six-month program, earn industry-recognized certifications and graduate with the competencies of an IT professional with one to two years of experience. NPower also places students in paid internships with corporate and nonprofit organizations. Eighty percent of NPower graduates get a full-time job or continue their education. Not only is NPower changing life trajectories for individuals from vulnerable communities, but they are also strengthening the overall competitiveness of U.S. businesses hamstrung by today’s limited pool of IT talent. To learn more about NPower, visit www.npower.org.

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 our DNA, with 85 percent of learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half have a high school diploma as their highest education credential. Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For local updates, follow Per Scholas North Carolina on LinkedIn and Facebook. 

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. Truist Foundation grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

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Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE: TFC) and Truist Foundation today announced $17 million in commitments to support affordable housing in Charlotte and career development and economic mobility programs across North Carolina.

The Truist commitment consists of three initiatives:

• $15 million equity investment from Truist Community Capital in the Housing Impact Fund II to combat displacement, secure affordable housing and facilitate critical services for low-to-moderate income families across Mecklenburg County. It is the second such fund formed by Erskine Bowles, former head of the U.S. Small Business Administration and White House Chief of Staff under President Clinton, and Nelson Schwab, a founding partner of Carousel Capital.
• $1 million Truist Foundation grant to Per Scholas North Carolina to expand technology skills training in rural North Carolina.
• $1 million Truist Foundation grant to NPower to provide technology skills and employment opportunities for military-connected individuals and underserved young adults in the Raleigh community.

Read the Truist press release here.

THE STATE OF DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN TECH

Although there have been advancements over the years in the diversity of the tech field, the broad field of technology is still heavily dominated by white men, and now is a good time to celebrate the many accomplishments of our Hispanic and Latinx co-workers and learners while reflecting on the state of diversity in tech. Black, female, Latino/a, and other minorities remain greatly underrepresented throughout the tech industry.

In recent years, more emphasis has been put nationally on the importance of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the workplace, but the tech industry still has a long way to go in becoming a more equitable workforce.

• For example, in 2014, Google, a subsidiary of one of the world’s largest tech companies, reported that only 2.9% of their employees were Latino/a.

• Google promised to commit over $150 million to increasing diversity at their company but, by 2020, just 5.9% of their workforce identified as Latino/a, a definite improvement, but nowhere near representative of the U.S. population.

• According to a 2021 analysis of federal government data by the Pew Research Center, Hispanic workers make up 17% of total employment across all occupations, but make up just 8% of tech workers.

WHY DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION MATTERS

Currently, there are a myriad of barriers for minority individuals looking to enter the tech workforce. In addition to the bias and discrimination towards certain minorities that still, unfortunately, exist in a disproportionately high amount in the STEM fields, lack of access to opportunity and specified support within the tech field, our country’s digital divide, racial wage gaps, poverty, systemic inequalities, and even disparities in reliable internet access, are all barriers to entry for potentially talented individuals seeking to become involved in tech.

Creating pathways for more diverse talent to get involved in tech is the first step in building a diverse workforce. While tech training programs and bootcamps can help alleviate some barriers into the tech field by costing less and being quicker than the typical four-year degree, many are still prohibitively expensive and do not adequately target underrepresented groups for recruitment.

CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE

Each year, Per Scholas observes National Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15th to October 15th, to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of those and their ancestors who come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. A fun fact: 27% of Per Scholas’ staff and 14% of our learners identify as Hispanic/Latino!

An important step in bringing more diversity to the tech field, beyond simply preparing learners to launch their careers, is showing people from various minority-in-tech backgrounds that success is possible for them in the tech field. In a 2021 study, the Pew Research Center found that over half of Hispanic Americans they surveyed felt that young Hispanic people would be a lot more likely to pursue a STEM degree if they saw examples of high achievers in the field who were Hispanic or Latinx. Earlier this year, Per Scholas partnered with executive advancement company Guerrero Media to create The Code Breakers: Women in Tech campaign. Each week, this campaign spotlights exemplary women who have built successful careers working in tech, breaking down barriers and paving the way for other minority technologists to pursue paths in tech.

One of our learners who was featured in this campaign is Sara Peña, a Latina woman from Boston who was working as a musician before making the bold decision to switch to a career in tech. Like many people, Sara found herself in a financial crisis during the Covid pandemic when she was laid off from her job. With no income and an insurmountable amount of student loans, Sara had to pivot to a more stable career. A friend mentioned she should look into coding, something Sara had once noted in passing as an interest, so she began researching different boot camps. Sara found Per Scholas through an online search and was intrigued by our mission and course offerings. She applied and was soon accepted into our Software Engineering course at Per Scholas Boston.

Although the course was tough, Sara’s perseverance and dedication helped her through, and she thrived in the program. “It is no secret how daunting it is to…start anew in a career you never thought yourself capable of,” Sara reflected. “In moments where I thought this is too much, too hard, too overwhelming, I remembered in my heart of hearts, this is what I wanted to do and this opportunity was given to me. It was something that I didn’t want to put to waste.” Shortly after graduating, Sara started her new career as a Software Developer at engineering company nou Systems, where she has been continuing to learn. She is working toward earning further certifications and exploring all that the tech field has to offer.

• While women comprise 28.8% of the U.S. tech workforce, Latina women hold only 2% of jobs in STEM.

Spreading stories like Sara’s can help encourage other Latinos and minority individuals that success is possible for them in the tech field. Per Scholas learners of various ages, gender identities, races, ethnicities, physical abilities, and backgrounds have been able to launch thriving tech careers following Per Scholas’ courses. No one should be barred from pursuing a career in tech due to a lack of connection, and the success of our learners serves to encourage others to apply, breaking down barriers to entry in tech.

THE FUTURE OF THE TECH INDUSTRY

At Per Scholas, we are expanding in the future to different cities and doing our research to make sure there is a market that has plenty of job openings and diverse demographics to fill those openings with our skilled graduates. As we continue to train diverse individuals and diversify the tech workforce, we have to consider what the face of tech will look like in the future and how we get there.

With a more diverse workforce that includes the Hispanic and Latinx culture and history, more ideas and insight are at the helm of advancements. It has been reported that organizations ranking high in internal ethnic, gender, age, and cultural diversity regularly perform significantly higher than their industry peers in terms of financial returns and employee satisfaction. Both the business and social cases for diversity are strong. It is now up to individual companies to put in the work to improve the diversity of their workforces, and Per Scholas is happy to help facilitate the process.

The promotion of DEIB in the tech workplace begins with opportunity and intentionality. The IT field has a long way to go in order to become a totally diverse and inclusive community, but it is headed in the right direction. Per Scholas is committed to helping drive this change, transforming the face of technology by opening pathways of opportunity for diverse talent, showing minority-in-tech individuals that success is possible for them in the IT field, and helping other organizations create more inclusive, intentional, and equitable workforces.

We are committed to breaking down the barriers that keep people from entering the tech industry and our cost-free, high-quality tech training seeks to further open the pathway into tech for those who would otherwise not have had the opportunity.

On July 20, Per Scholas Diverse by Design hosted our first-ever Unlocking Potential Summer Concert and Spoken Word Celebration. This hybrid event, produced live from Per Scholas New York and Per Scholas North Carolina and streamed at PerScholas.org/Concert, brought together Per Scholas staff, learners, alumni, partners, advisory board members, and more to rally around our mission to unlocking potential. 

This inspiring event featured talented musicians and poets who work, learn, and partner with Per Scholas, including:

• Deji Adefuye, Per Scholas Dallas Teaching Fellow, who premiered two original songs titled Persevere and You Believe In You
• Melodie Rodgers, Per Scholas Manager of Career Advancement, sharing her original poem, Unlock Your Potential 
• Zaidi Howard, Per Scholas Chicago Teaching Fellow, sharing his original poem, Soul Questions 
• Caprice Green, Per Scholas Detroit Alumna, performing Astonishing from Little Women 
• Mike Terrell, Per Scholas North Carolina Managing Director, performing Tears for Fears’ Everybody Wants to Rule the World 
• Omoanatse McCarther, Per Scholas Diverse by Design Senior Director, sharing her original poem, Forged Key 
• Broadway Star Tim Connell, performing Corner of the Sky from Pippin
• Nonprofit Consultant and Leadership Coach Saundra Thomas, performing her original poem, Silver Linings

Hosted by Executive Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Culture Ken Walker, viewers had the opportunity to hear from our EVP of People Montreece Smith, Regional Senior Vice Presidents Noah Mitchell, Jaclyn Boyes, and Robin Nadeau, as well as President and CEO Plinio Ayala. Chief Development Officer Caitlyn Brazill delivered remarks live from the Bronx and introduced the final performances. 

Scores of Per Scholians came together for this exciting event; many thanks to Per Scholas Columbus, Per Scholas Dallas, Per Scholas New York Bronx, and Per Scholas North Carolina for hosting on-campus viewing parties.

In closing, the event showcased just a handful of our brilliant Per Scholas alumni, which you can watch here.  If you missed the Unlocking Potential Summer Concert and Spoken Word Celebration, you can watch the recording here! If you feel inspired and want to help unlock potential, please give at perscholas.org/donate.

On July 20, Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala joined visionary leaders for the JobsFirstNYC “Adapting to the Future of Work: Listen Up” conference, back in person for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. The annual convening featured workforce development professionals, employers, educators, policymakers, and philanthropists coming together to discuss how to create an adaptive and inclusive workforce. 

Plinio shared his experience on a panel entitled, Adapting to the Future of Nonprofits, alongside Phoebe Boyer, President & CEO, Children’s Aid; Karen Ford, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services; Lisette Nieves, President, Fund For The City Of New York; Chymeka Olfonse, Managing Director, Robin Hood Foundation; and Jerome Walker, Associate Director of Partnerships, Year Up.

Throughout the panel, these nonprofit leaders explored the dynamic landscape of the nonprofit sector while lifting up emerging challenges and providing innovative solutions for the future. When asked about what the nonprofit sector needs to consider when cultivating partnerships as part of the future of work, Plinio discussed how partnerships are more valued now than ever before.

”Partnerships are no longer for the sake of partnership, but meaningful ones where everyone is winning and doing what they are good at,” Plinio shared. “Better alignment with the corporate sector requires robust dialogue with employers, partnerships that consider child care and stipends/loans for participating in programming, creating equity for all.”

Learn more about Adapting to the Future of Work and additional takeaways here!

On July 14th, Per Scholas Seattle hosted its first in-person graduation celebration, honoring the 16 technologists from their very first Software Engineering cohort. 

Per Scholas Seattle Managing Director Brian McRae welcomed graduates, alumni, colleagues, and partners and reflected on Per Scholas Seattle’s impact since launching in May 2021.  He also inspired our newest Per Scholas Seattle alumni to embrace their bright futures in tech. This cohort joins the more than 230 Per Scholas Seattle alumni trained in a variety of skills including IT Support, Software Engineering, Java Development, and Cybersecurity.  

“I couldn’t be more pleased with these graduates. From week one they exhibited such rare camaraderie and it was extremely exciting to watch them grow and develop throughout the program in such a collaborative way,” stated Brian McRae. “The graduation ceremony marked a very important milestone for Per Scholas Seattle.  Being our first one, we wanted to make it extra special by having it at the Seattle Jobs Initiative’s beautiful space which overlooks the Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, and downtown Seattle.  It ended up being a wonderful, unforgettable day for this momentous occasion,” he reflected. 

The graduation ceremony consisted of remarks and reflections from distinguished guests and encouraging words from Mariama Suwaneh, M.A., Assistant Director of the Office of Equity and Human Rights for the City of Tacoma; Jae Taylor, Founder & CEO at Mentor Mesh; Community Partner Remarks from Kevin Bromer, Ballmer Group; and Per Scholas Chief Development Officer Caitlyn Brazill. 

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

Earlier this month, Per Scholas Newark hosted JPMorgan Chase at our campus for an innovative corporate engagement workshop, Unlocking Opportunities in Cybersecurity: Guidance on Building a Successful Career. The event was organized by Per Scholas Newark Advisory Board member Farrah Patterson, who serves as Executive Director for Technology and Cybersecurity Operational Risk at JPMorgan Chase. Fifteen learners in our current Per Scholas Newark cybersecurity cohort benefited from the event.  

Topics covered during the session included Power of Networking, Interview Preparation, Imposter Syndrome, and Elevator Pitches. Speakers shared authentic insights and invaluable tips on the organic way to approach interviews, guidance on mastering interviews with a memorable 30-second introduction, and advice from their personal journeys in technology, which serves as a powerful example of success for women and people of color in cybersecurity. This session afforded the presenters an extraordinary opportunity to give back and connect with future cybersecurity technologists. 

The opportunity to increase equity here in New Jersey, through technology careers, is tremendous. At Per Scholas, we see technology as a tool to unlock potential, and to us, every company is a tech company. One of the major challenges is the lack of representation in tech, meaning individuals who participate in skills-based training, like the training we offer at Per Scholas, could be making a difference! 

“JPMorgan Chase technologists, including our Advisory Board Member Farrah Patterson, understand the importance of diversifying tech,” Per Scholas Newark Managing Director Jessica Zorola stated. “This all leads to growing a technical workforce in the Garden State, and I’m very hopeful that other businesses in need of well-trained tech talent get in touch with Per Scholas.”  

JPMorgan Chase colleagues Shawn McCredie, VP of Recruiting, Cybersecurity, Technology and Controls; Sarah Gentillon, VP of Digital Content Lead; Dan Tutt, Project Execution Associate, Cybersecurity; and Ardis Carlos, VP of Cybersecurity Community Engagement Manager, contributed their talent to help organize the workshop and provided industry insight to our cybersecurity learners. Farrah Patterson recalled how this Cybersecurity workshop was a great opportunity to inspire and guide learners as they prepare to enter the workforce. “We must support these students in achieving their career objectives together,” she said.  

Per Scholas learner Asma Daif Allah reflected, “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable insights and guidance provided by the JPMorgan Chase & Co. team during the program. It was an amazing opportunity that has equipped me with essential knowledge and skills.” 

If you’re interested in organizing a corporate engagement event with Per Scholas learners at any campus or virtually, please email rwilhelm@perscholas.org. 

The ever-evolving landscape of education has seen the increasing popularity of remote and hybrid learning options over the last few years. This initial shift was largely spurred by the Covid pandemic, but the popularity of online learning options has remained high as people recognize the benefits that this form of learning can bring. 

That being said, there are still many unique benefits that in-person learning offers. A number of learning institutions, including Per Scholas, now provide options for in-person, online, and hybrid courses. When deciding which learning option you would like to pursue, it is important to understand the significance of choosing the right mode of education that aligns with your individual needs, preferences, and goals. 

Below, we will outline some of the benefits and detriments of online vs in-person classes in order to help readers make a more informed decision about the learning option that best suits their needs. 

Advantages of Online Classes

As previously mentioned, the prevalence of online and hybrid learning has risen dramatically in the past few years, primarily during, and in the wake of, the Covid pandemic. However, remote learning has existed in some form or another for much longer than many people may realize: the first web-based courses have been around practically since the advent of the internet, with Jones International University launching in 1993. 

The idea of remote learning actually dates back even farther to the 19th century, when the University of London pioneered the idea of correspondence-based courses. Of course, advances in technology have since made remote learning much more accessible, immersive, and comprehensive, making it a valid alternative to in-person courses.

There certainly are benefits to remote learning, evidenced by its long history and increased prevalence in recent years. Many people were forced to switch to remote learning during the pandemic, but have chosen to adhere to the learning style, even after social restrictions have been lifted. 

1. Flexibility & Convenience

One of the primary benefits of remote learning is the flexibility and convenience that it provides. While Per Scholas’ remote courses are not self-paced, they do allow learners to attend from the comfort of their own homes. This can be a great benefit, particularly for parents who do not have alternative forms of childcare, allowing them to stay at home with their families. Some people may also find that they learn better in their own homes, without the distractions that can arise from classmates and in-person class settings. This is, of course, specific to the individual and their unique learning style.

2. Increased Accessibility

Remote learning is also a wonderful way to increase accessibility to courses, allowing individuals to start a tech career without having to commute. This opens up learning options for those who lack access to transportation, those who cannot factor a commute time into their schedules, and those who live farther from campus locations, allowing them to participate in learning opportunities they otherwise would not have access to. Furthermore, individuals engaged in remote learning may also benefit from a greater course variety, as remote learning can offer them access to a wide range of programs, resources, and courses, which may not otherwise be available in their immediate vicinity. 

3. Course Variety

Per Scholas offers a variety of tuition-free remote and hybrid classes for those that qualify. We offer a remote Desktop Support course and a Java Developer course Nationally, accessible to those living anywhere within the U.S. Our 22 individual campuses across the country also each offer a selection of in-person, remote, and hybrid courses, available to those who live within a certain proximity to the campus. Check the campus page nearest to you to see which courses are available!

Disadvantages of Online Classes

Of course, while remote learning has many benefits, there are also drawbacks associated with this learning style that should be taken into account when considering signing up for such a course. 

1. Availability Restrictions

The first things to consider are learning style and course options. While some exercises can be replicated in an online setting, opportunities for hands-on learning are limited by remote training. This may be difficult for those who learn best from a direct, hands-on approach. 

This may also restrict the type of course that you take, as some disciplines specifically require a hands-on component. 

At Per Scholas, for example, our courses that require learners to interact directly with physical computer components, such as our IT Support course, typically only offer an in-person or hybrid option.

2. Lack of Collaboration and Engagement

In the same vein, some individuals may learn best when they are able to engage face-to-face with an instructor, rather than through a computer screen. Similarly, although interaction and collaboration opportunities with classmates are part of both our remote and in-person courses, some individuals may find it more difficult to collaborate and build relationships with peers through an online setting.

3. Maintaining Accountability with Distractions

Finally, a large requirement for remote learning is the ability to self-motivate and hold oneself accountable for showing up to class and completing assignments in a timely manner. Without the structure imposed by an in-person classroom setting, some people can struggle with the self-discipline needed to adhere to a class schedule. Furthermore, homes and other environments beyond the classroom can be full of distractions, which may make it hard to focus on coursework. It is ultimately up to the individual to determine whether or not this type of learning environment and structure is feasible for them.

Advantages of In-Person Classes

While the flexibility and variety that remote learning options present can be the right fit for some, there are also a great many advantages to traditional, in-person learning. 

1. Hands-on Training and Face-to-Face Networking Opportunities

As mentioned above, remote learning can lack the hands-on component that some find most conducive to their learning style. In-person courses offer learners the opportunity to perform direct, physical, hands-on training exercises, which can be the most beneficial form of learning for some. In-person courses also provide learners the opportunity to interact face-to-face with their instructors and receive immediate feedback on their work.

To those who thrive in such settings, in-person courses can offer greater opportunities for networking and collaborating with peers, building interpersonal skills, and participating in group discussions, as well as the ability to work together on projects that mimic an in-person workplace setting. 

Per Scholas courses also contain opportunities to network with and perform mock interviews with industry experts, and some learners may find it most beneficial to take part in these activities in an in-person setting.

2. Classroom Setting Provides Structure

Finally, in-person classes contain the structure, highly-focused environment, and physical resources that remote courses lack. Some learners may find it difficult to remain motivated and engaged in a remote setting, where a computer screen is the only thing holding them accountable for staying on task. In-person courses can be more conducive for those who require the structure of a classroom environment and schedule.

Most of our 22 campuses offer in-person and hybrid course options. Check the campus near you to see which courses are available in your area!

Disadvantages of In-Person Classes

While there are many benefits to in-person classes, as with remote classes, there are also some associated disadvantages. 

1. Commuting Daily

In-person classes require a commute, which may be limiting to those who live farther from campus, lack transportation options in their area, or experience mobility limitations. Although Per Scholas can help learners with transportation costs, factoring a commute into the day is not always viable for all learners. Attending in-person classes may also be difficult for parents with childcare requirements or those who, for whatever reason, need to be home during the day.

2. Class Availability and Limitations

In-person course options may also be limited in particular areas, and are not always as readily or widely available as remote courses.

Making an Informed Decision

When deciding which sort of course to take, it is important for your decision to be informed, in order to make the best choice for your particular needs. There are benefits and detriments to both online and in-person courses. A variety of factors should be taken into account when weighing your options. 

These factors include, but are not limited to, your individual learning preferences, lifestyle, transportation options, program availability in your area, career goals, and support system. 

Someone with kids, for example, might benefit from online classes because of the flexibility it offers, or because it allows them to not have to set up childcare. Alternatively, someone that has the time and resources available to commute and to spend their days in class might prefer to attend an in-person class due to the hands-on learning experience it offers.

Many of the courses offered at Per Scholas allow our learners the option to choose between online, in-person, or hybrid learning. Choosing between an online vs in-person class takes consideration into your own lifestyle and what kind of learning environment is best for you.

Launch Your Tech Career with Per Scholas

As discussed, there are pros and cons associated with both in-person and online courses. Online courses can offer greater flexibility, more course options, and the ability to study from home, but may lack hands-on learning experiences, a structured learning environment, and the ability to network and interact with classmates and instructors face-to-face. 

Alternatively, in-person courses are great for hands-on learning, networking and collaboration, and providing structure and accountability, but can lack course variety and flexibility. It is up to the individual to weigh these pros and cons of online vs in-person classes, and determine the course style that best suits their needs, learning style, career goals, and lifestyle. 

Whether you’re upskilling or reskilling, Per Scholas offers remote, hybrid, and in-person course options, enabling learners to select the best style of course for their specific needs. Be sure to check the campus nearest to you to view your online, hybrid, and in-person course options, as well as our remote national courses.

Click here to sign up for our upcoming courses that fit your remote or in-person preference.

Per Scholas has received a warm welcome to the Houston community, where we will be launching our first cohort this October at our new campus in Houston’s Ion District. 

Our expansion to Houston’s Ion District was featured in the Houston Business Journal – read Sofia Gonzalez’s article here!