How Per Scholas Became 70% More Efficient in Matching Talent to Opportunities with Help from AdeptID

Executive Summary

Per Scholas, a national organization providing no-cost technology training to underrepresented individuals, partnered with AdeptID to enhance job attainment support for learners. Previously, Per Scholas staff manually reviewed thousands of alumni resumes for each employer job posting for capability, a process that took nearly a week per position. By implementing AI-powered talent matching, Per Scholas reduced resume submission time to under two days, boosting efficiency and increasing staff confidence, with 90% of team members trusting the AI’s recommendations. The solution also benefited Per Scholas learners directly; 75% of learners reported better resume presentation skills, and 71% felt more confident articulating their capabilities to employers.

The Challenge: Manual Processes in a Fast-Moving Industry

Per Scholas’s Tech Talent Solutions (TTS) team works to connect newly skilled graduates with employer partners hiring for related roles. As Per Scholas expanded, a bottleneck emerged. TTS team members spent dozens of hours each week manually reviewing thousands of alumni resumes for each job opening. 

This created a significant opportunity cost, as time spent reviewing resumes kept staff from building employer relationships and supporting alumni with job readiness.

“We were doing incredible work connecting our Per Scholas technologists with opportunities, but the manual nature of our matching process was limiting our ability to scale our impact,” explains Tamara Johnson, Chief Operating Officer at Per Scholas. “In tech hiring, positions are filling more quickly than ever. Every day spent on manual resume review could mean a missed opportunity for both our alumni and employer partners. With AdeptID, we’re not only able to connect job seekers to opportunities faster than ever, but we can also identify Per Scholas alumni who are the best fit for a particular job based on the specific skill set gained from their prior years of employment, as well as their Per Scholas training.”

The Solution: AI-Powered Talent Matching

Per Scholas partnered with AdeptID to integrate their talent-matching AI into the tools used by TTS staff, allowing automatic evaluation of graduate fit for job opportunities. When TTS team members receive a new job opening, they instantly receive a ranked list of graduates who would be a fit for the role, along with insights about relevant skills and potential growth areas.

Unlike traditional keyword-matching systems, this solution analyzes each learner’s unique profile, including work history, education, and training achievements, to holistically understand a graduate’s skills and potential. This is particularly important for the adult learners that Per Scholas trains, where the average age is 33. Per Scholas learners often bring years of previous work history where skills have been developed and are transferable to the job openings received by the TTS team.

“What makes this system special is its ability to understand the full spectrum of an individual’s capabilities,” notes Dan Restuccia, Head of Product at AdeptID. “It doesn’t just look at what someone has done before, it recognizes the new skills they’ve developed through Per Scholas training and their potential to grow into a role.”

The Results: Efficiency, Confidence, and Better Outcomes

Within weeks of implementation, Per Scholas witnessed dramatic improvements:

• Matching time reduced from a week to less than two days
• 90% of staff reported trust in the AI’s ability to identify strong matches
• 75% of learners reported better resume presentation skills
• 71% of learners indicated increased confidence in articulating capabilities

The benefits extended beyond the TTS team. Per Scholas Professional Development coaches, who work directly with learners to prepare them for employment, gained valuable insights into how each individual’s skills align with market demands. 

“From a Professional Development perspective, AdeptID strengthens both the advising process and learner confidence by making career pathways visible early in training, linking skills gained to real job opportunities, and identifying growth areas in a constructive way,” says Brandy Jones, Vice President, Professional Development & Career Services. “Instead of waiting until graduation, learners see data-backed matches to real roles, which validates their progress and motivates them to stay engaged. Coaches can use these insights during resume reviews, mock interviews, and goal-setting sessions, helping learners practice for actual job openings and build confidence in their readiness. By embedding career exploration throughout training, AdeptID reduces last-minute job search pressure and empowers learners to graduate with a clear, practiced, and confident career trajectory.”

Looking Forward: Scaling Success

Per Scholas has implemented AdeptID’s matching within various learning paths across the organization, with the partnership continuing to evolve based on user feedback and emerging needs.

“This partnership exemplifies what’s possible when mission-driven organizations leverage technology to amplify their impact,” says Johnson. “We’re not just matching people to jobs more efficiently, we’re creating a more transparent, accessible pathway to economic mobility while providing our employer partners with the tech talent they need to thrive.”

As the job market grows more volatile and unpredictable, connecting the right candidates with the right employers becomes increasingly challenging. Per Scholas’ use of AI solutions to create meaningful matches for alumni and partners is demonstrating how intentional implementation of AI solutions leads to mutually beneficial outcomes for each side of the interview table.

Arizona’s booming tech sector is creating new opportunities — and Per Scholas Phoenix is helping local residents seize them. Featured by AZFamily, the nonprofit’s no-cost technology training programs are opening doors for learners like Marty Perkins, who turned to Per Scholas after facing homelessness and unemployment.

Through 16 weeks of hands-on instruction in high-demand fields like IT, cybersecurity, and data center operations, Per Scholas equips learners with industry-recognized certifications and the skills to launch sustainable tech careers. “We can be that bridge,” said Managing Director Sharise Erby. “Tech is underrepresented by women, people of color, and veterans, and we’re working to change that.”

Per Scholas Phoenix celebrated a recent class with a 100% graduation rate, each graduate earning an IT certification. For Perkins, the experience has been life-changing: “I’ve always wanted an opportunity like this my whole life… I’m proud to say I got the break I’ve been searching for.”

Learn more about volunteer opportunities, donations, and upcoming courses at PerScholas.org/Phoenix.

At Per Scholas, we believe talent is everywhere, even if opportunity is not. Our mission is to advance economic equity through rigorous technical training, professional development, and access to high-growth careers. That mission takes bold partners who believe in the transformative power of skills-first training. With that, we are proud to highlight our partnership with Cognizant.

Through a generous investment, Cognizant is directly enabling Per Scholas to scale our reach and impact, aiming to train 8,500 learners across 25 cities between June 2025 and December 2026. This partnership is the kind of strategic investment that amplifies our success model and our belief that the future isn’t waiting, and neither should talent development.

Cognizant’s investment aims to support aspiring technologists from low- to moderate-income households to pursue careers across five critical pathways: Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Infrastructure Technology, and Software Development. Per Scholas’ training combines 80% technical instruction with 20% professional development, all reinforced by wrap-around supports such as financial coaching, one-on-one counseling, and career readiness services. The result? Learners not only gain in-demand skills, but they are holistically prepared to succeed in the workforce and thrive long-term.

This work is especially critical as the U.S. faces a projected shortfall of 10 million unfilled tech jobs by 2030. Together, we are not just removing barriers for individuals hoping to enter thriving careers; we are shaping a more sustainable tech workforce and filling a critical skills gap that could stall economic progress.

As we move forward in this partnership, we are energized by the potential to reimagine workforce development for the AI era. Per Scholas President Caitlyn Brazill shared:

“What excites me most is the opportunity to use AI not just to build better tools, but to build better lives. With Cognizant’s support, we’re ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds can harness transformative technologies and pursue meaningful careers. Together, we are amplifying the skills-first narrative and showing the world that talent truly can come from anywhere.”

This October marks the second anniversary of Cognizant’s Synapse Initiative and we’re proud to celebrate this next chapter together. This partnership exemplifies the power of aligned vision, meaningful investment, and shared purpose.

New York, NY – October 21, 2025 – Per Scholas is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of 50 nonprofit organizations worldwide to receive a grant from the Citi Foundation’s 2025 Global Innovation Challenge, which is distributing a collective $25 million to accelerate youth-employability initiatives. 

Launched by the Citi Foundation, the 2025 Global Innovation Challenge awards each selected organization a grant of $500,000 to pilot or scale innovative employment solutions for low-income youth, building on Citi and the Citi Foundation’s longstanding commitment to young people and their economic futures. The grant supports programs such as digital and AI upskilling, technical & vocational training, work-based learning, career guidance, entrepreneurship resources, and mentorship.

Per Scholas is committed to closing the tech-skills divide and advancing economic mobility through no-cost, rigorous technical training that leads to high-growth tech careers. Over the past three decades, the organization has supported 30,000+ learners across the U.S. in launching tech careers through programs in IT Support, Cybersecurity, Cloud, Software Engineering, and more. 

With the grant support from the Citi Foundation, Per Scholas will further scale its model—expanding its reach, deepening impact, and innovating new tech-training pathways to ensure youth access to meaningful, sustainable careers.

• Youth unemployment remains a global challenge. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates 65 million young people are unemployed worldwide. 
• Employers report a major barrier: mismatch of skills—63% say this blocks hiring of qualified workers.
• With rapid digital transformation underway, demand is growing for new skills in AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and other high-growth tech sectors.

By combining employer-aligned technical instruction, professional-skills development and employer partnerships, Per Scholas addresses these gaps and helps learners move from under-employment to thriving technology careers.

Over the next two years, Per Scholas will deploy this funding to:

• Expand access in the five existing markets: Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Chicago, and the greater Washington, D.C area..
• Develop new or enhance curriculum in emerging tech sectors (e.g., AI, cloud infrastructure).
• Strengthen employer partnerships to boost job attainment outcomes for Per Scholas Technologists.

Through this partnership, Per Scholas and the Citi Foundation are investing in the promise and potential of young adults. By providing access to no-cost, high-quality tech training and career pathways, this collaboration will help young people gain the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in today’s digital economy. With the Citi Foundation’s support, Per Scholas will continue to empower the next generation of technologists—creating pathways to meaningful employment, long-term economic mobility, and a stronger, more inclusive workforce.

About Per Scholas
As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward— expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 25 campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

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

Citi Foundation

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant communities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com. 

Media Contact
For Per Scholas:
Mackenzie Loewen, communications@perscholas.org 

For Citi Foundation:
Julia Drabick, julia.drabick@citi.com

Per Scholas’ Career Accelerator Program Drives Wage Increases for Early Career Tech Workers 

New research reveals upskilling leads to a 32% wage increase, proving that targeted, continuous training effectively closes the skills and wage gap 

Bronx, NY – October 20, 2025 – Per Scholas, a national tech training nonprofit, today announced the findings of a new study that highlights the critical role of continuous upskilling in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. The study, detailed in the white paper “Upskilling: A Pathway to Economic Advancement for Early Career Tech Workers,” showcases how the organization’s innovative Career Accelerator program effectively promotes continued economic mobility for tech professionals. 

Per Scholas launched its Career Accelerator program in 2021 to tackle a persistent, industry-wide challenge: ensuring graduates’ career momentum lasts long after their first job. This research underscored the critical need for a sustainable pathway to continued career growth, especially as AI continues to evolve workforce needs. 

Graduates who completed instructor-led upskilling courses saw average earnings grow by 32%—a $14k annual increase for a full-time worker—compared to their first post-graduation job. While this finding is based on unadjusted data, it demonstrates broad gains across learners. After controlling for key demographics, participants still experienced a significant wage premium. This compares to a 17% increase or $7k for alumni who did not complete a Career Accelerator course.

Additionally, after controlling for key demographic, educational, and work experience variables, the researchers found a statistically significant increase in earnings among those who complete an instructor-led upskilling course, compared to those who did not engage — an annual differential of $4,200. The data also suggests that the training format is critical, with instructor-led courses yielding the highest wage gains.

“As technology’s pace accelerates, upskilling is crucial for economic and career growth,” said Caitlyn Brazill, President, Per Scholas. “Our study shows that initiatives like Career Accelerator effectively close skills gaps and boost tech workers’ earning potential and career trajectories. To empower our workforce and build a resilient economy, we urge leaders to invest in working adults, track their progress, design inclusively, and keep skills agile—a roadmap for individual prosperity and economic resilience.”

Per Scholas’ Career Accelerator offers a large variety of short-format, career pathways-aligned upskilling courses designed to fit the busy lives of working professionals, with remote, instructor-led, and asynchronous options available. The program, which currently serves Per Scholas alumni, was designed to accommodate any incumbent workers, addressing a growing need for skills training with the rise of AI.

“Per Scholas didn’t just teach me IT skills; they helped me see a future I never thought possible,” said Per Scholas alumna Kenetra Woods. “From being laid off to becoming a System Administrator–earning 20% more–my experience with Career Accelerator was truly life-changing. I learned not only technical skills, but the importance of showing up every day, staying focused, and believing that I belonged. Now I mentor new alumni, helping them navigate the path I once found so daunting.”

Download now the full white paper, Upskilling: A Pathway to Economic Advancement for Early Career Tech Workers.

# # # 

About Per Scholas:

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward— expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 25+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

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

Per Scholas is proud to announce a transformational $1 million grant from Truist Foundation to expand access to no-cost technology training across multiple markets, fueling economic mobility and opportunities for skilled individuals launching careers in technology.

This grant supports our initiative, Scaling Career Accelerator and Satellite Programs in Truist Markets, which will provide training to nearly 1,000 learners, including both immersive learners and alumni upskillers.

“This grant from Truist Foundation is a powerful endorsement of our model and shared commitment to building a strong tech workforce in the United States,” said Per Scholas CEO Plinio Ayala. “Together, we’re helping learners build in-demand skills and launch life-changing careers in the United States.”

With Truist Foundation’s support, Per Scholas will:

• Scale Career Accelerator courses in fast-growing fields such as AI Prompt Engineering, Ethical Hacking, and Cloud Computing, enrolling 600 Per Scholas alumni across Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, North Carolina, and the National Capital Region.
• Launch four new Satellite training sites in Cincinnati/Kentucky, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, enrolling 335 learners and building strong local employer pipelines.

“At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities and to do this we support a wide variety of initiatives like Per Scholas,” said president of Truist Foundation, Lynette Bell. “I’m excited to see how they’ll be able to expand access to no-cost technology training that unlocks economic mobility and career pathways for learners across our footprint. Together we’re strengthening local talent pipelines and fueling meaningful growth in the technology space one learner, one opportunity and one future at a time.”

By expanding both advanced upskilling and new market entry, this investment will ensure that more individuals gain the skills and networks needed to thrive in the digital economy.

Truist Foundation’s investment reflects a shared vision, creating greater economic mobility through skills-based training and access to opportunity. By partnering together, we are driving impact at scale and helping communities across the country unlock potential and launch thriving careers in technology.

We are grateful to Truist Foundation for its commitment to building stronger communities, companies, and economies.

Per Scholas Launches 25th Campus in Partnership with JobTrain: Expanding No-Cost Tech Training in the Bay Area 

Learners will earn a CompTIA A+ certification, laying the foundation for high-growth tech careers

Menlo Park, CA – October 2, 2025 – In an innovative new partnership, Per Scholas has teamed up with JobTrain, a Bay Area-based educational and training institution, to launch its 25th campus in the heart of Silicon Valley. This collaboration aims to address the talent needs of the area’s booming tech industry while creating new pathways to economic mobility for local residents. 

“Establishing Per Scholas’ twenty-fifth campus is a landmark moment, as we bring our tech programs to the pinnacle region of technological innovation,” said Plinio Ayala, CEO at Per Scholas. “A significant training opportunity gap persists in the region. By partnering with JobTrain, an institution with deep roots and unmatched expertise in the Bay Area, we can combine our proven, no-cost technical training with their exceptional professional development. Together, we can unlock the potential of overlooked talent and build a robust tech workforce for the region’s leading companies.”

The Bay Area, a global tech industry hub, has a continuous and robust demand for IT Technicians and System Administrators. To close the talent gap, the campus will offer a 13-week entry-level IT Support course that builds a strong foundation in system administration, with a focus on supporting Windows server infrastructures and managing IT services using platforms like ServiceNow. In line with Per Scholas’ AI vision, learners will build fluency with generative AI tools like ChatGPT and benefit from innovations such as our AI tutoring chatbot. These skills are becoming critical for IT roles in troubleshooting, system management, and career preparation. Upon successful course completion, learners will earn a CompTIA A+ certification and be equipped to pursue a range of roles, such as IT Technician or System Administrator.

“For decades, JobTrain has been dedicated to providing our community with pathways to prosperity. In a region so deeply connected to technological innovation, access to the skills needed for high-growth tech careers is critical,” said Barrie Hathaway, President & CEO at JobTrain. “That’s why our partnership with Per Scholas is a game-changer. We are not just preparing individuals for a job; we are empowering them with the skills, confidence, and network to build lasting careers and thrive.”

“We’re proud to support this partnership between Per Scholas and JobTrain,” says longtime supporter and Bay Area native Charlie Wolfson, Executive Director of Arrow Impact. “By launching a new campus in Silicon Valley, Per Scholas and JobTrain are building on the region’s legacy as a global innovation hub and ensuring that more people from underrepresented backgrounds can share in its future and shape the breakthroughs to come.”

The first cohort will begin on October 6, 2025, at JobTrain’s offices at 1200 O’Brien Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025. The courses will follow a hybrid on-site and virtual model and interested candidates can confirm their eligibility and apply here. 

To learn more about JobTrain, please visit jobtrainworks.org. To learn more about Per Scholas Bay Area, click here.

###

About Per Scholas
As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward— expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills. With 25 campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

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

About JobTrain

JobTrain is a nationally accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational and training institution serving the Bay Area since 1965. With a mission to help those most in need to succeed, JobTrain offers industry-relevant vocational training, academic instruction, and essential skills development, along with rapid-employment services through its Career Centers in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. More than 190,000 individuals have turned to JobTrain for the skills, confidence, and connections to build sustainable careers. In partnership with employers and community organizations, JobTrain transforms lives and strengthens communities. Learn more at www.jobtrainworks.org.

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

Per Scholas was proudly represented at the 2025 Military Influencers Conference (MIC) this fall. As one of the largest convenings in the country focused on empowering the military community through networking, innovation, and cross-movement collaboration, the MIC is a powerful space for connection. 

This year, our presence included George Darby III, CPR, CVR, Director of Veterans Recruitment & Partnerships; Lindsey Fawley, lISW-S, Director of Learner Support and Army Spouse; Marlena Staley, CFP, AFC, MBA, CFSW, Sr. Manager, Financial Coach, Marine Corps Spouse & Air Force Mother; Katherine Tran, Technical Instructor and Navy Spouse; Lauren Blosser, Senior Manager of Development National Accounts; Ryan Spears, Manager, Recruitment & Admissions, Per Scholas Atlanta; and Feleg Abraham, Associate, Recruitment & Admissions, Per Scholas Atlanta. 

Per Scholas is continuing to further the pathway to economic mobility for military service members, veterans, and spouses as they transition to civilian life by offering no-cost, in-demand, technical skills training. 

Learn more about Per Scholas Vets in Tech here.

Charlotte, N.C., September 25, 2025 — Since launching in 2020, the Per Scholas North Carolina campus has trained over 1,000 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as Cybersecurity, End User Support and Salesforce Administrator. Our alumni have earned jobs at employers including Capgemini, Humana, and Wells Fargo.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, alumni, and friends, Per Scholas North Carolina hosted its Five-Year Campus Celebration in Charlotte with remarks from Sherri Jones, Workforce & Career Development Manager, City of Charlotte; Leaton Harris, Vice President, Engagement and Inclusion, TEKsystems; and Kathleen Evans, Regional Director of External Affairs, AT&T. Jasmine Miller, Chief Program Officer, Per Scholas and Robin Nadeau, Regional Senior Vice President South, Per Scholas were also in attendance. A formal check presentation and reception followed. 

“I’m excited to celebrate this milestone not just for our team, but for the hundreds of North Carolinians who turned potential into thriving tech careers through Per Scholas, and I’m grateful to everyone who trusted us to be a part of their career journey. When we launched during the pandemic, our goal was to expand pathways to economic mobility for our neighbors, and five years later, I’m proud to say that we’ve helped generate more than $29 million in new wages in Charlotte and across North Carolina,” said Mike Terrell, Senior Managing Director, Per Scholas North Carolina. None of this would have been possible without our employer and philanthropic partners, and our incredible staff and alumni community—thank you for believing in this work. The next five years are about scaling and deepening our impact: continuing to expand our reach across North Carolina and sharpening our focus on in-demand skills so local companies can hire job-ready talent.” 

In addition to AT&T, Per Scholas North Carolina acknowledges the generous ongoing support of The BlackRock Foundation, Focusing Philanthropy, Truist Foundation, Leon Levine Foundation, Leonard G. Herring Foundation, Bank of America, City of Charlotte, Cloudera, Lenovo, Mecklenburg County, and TD Bank. Without our partners, our work would not be possible. 

“AT&T is proud to support Per Scholas and its mission to empower learners and prepare them to succeed in technology-based careers today and in the future. By providing access to digital skills training, career readiness instruction, and educational resources, we are equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive in a 21st-century world,” said Kathleen Evans, Regional Director of External Affairs, AT&T North Carolina. “Together with Per Scholas, we are connecting more North Carolinians and empowering the next generation of technology leaders.” 

With a proven tech training model including both in-person and remote learning hubs, Per Scholas continues to unlock opportunities for individuals, strengthen communities, and drive business success across the greater North Carolina area. Notably, every dollar invested in Per Scholas yields an $8 net economic return. Per Scholas North Carolina is transforming lives and will now be shaping North Carolina’s future as a thriving technology hub by equipping Per Scholas Technologists with in-demand tech skills at no cost.

To learn more about Per Scholas North Carolina, follow them on LinkedIn or Per Scholas North Carolina.

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

communications@perscholas.org. 

About Per Scholas                           

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $35 billion in increased personal earnings. With 20+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

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

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T  

At AT&T, our corporate responsibility work is dedicated to bridging the digital divide across the country. We are committed to providing people of all ages and from every community with the essential resources they need to thrive in the digital era. For generations, we have supported programs that impact millions of individuals nationwide, and since 2021, we have committed $5 billion to initiatives that enhance connectivity, promote digital literacy, and improve access to high-speed internet. Our efforts particularly focus on uplifting underserved communities, including students, older adults, and those on tribal lands, ensuring everyone can participate in the digital world and benefit from its opportunities.

There are many reasons why so many chase a four-year degree, including the perception that without one, you won’t land a good-paying job. While many companies still value these degrees, they are not always a prerequisite for employment.

In fact, there are many high-paying career paths that don’t require a degree.

So, whether you want to work toward a high-demand career as your first major job opportunity or are eager to switch fields to one of the top-paying careers without a degree, with the right training and commitment, programs like Per Scholas can equip you with the skills to succeed.

Why Many High-Paying Jobs Don’t Require a Degree

For years, many were led to believe that without a traditional diploma and years of secondary education, they would not have the option to pursue high-paying jobs. Well, while those with degrees can certainly pursue opportunities, their degrees are not the only golden ticket.

In recent years, there has been considerable discussion about the value of hands-on experience, certifications, and practical skills. Data shows that in 2019, nearly three-quarters of employers used the GPA as a means to filter candidates. By 2023, that dropped to 37%.

Skills-based hiring is becoming increasingly common, opening up new career opportunities for those seeking high-paying jobs they love. Many are taking a hybrid approach, prioritizing learning opportunities through bootcamps, apprenticeships, and even free programs that make high-paying roles more accessible.

Pros of Experiential Learning, Practical Skills, & Certifications

The benefits of experiential learning in terms of career development and success are no longer speculation. Many individuals who have taken a similar route are now in top-paying careers without a degree, making money that was once thought to be reserved for those with a four-year degree.

One of the primary motivations for incorporating more hands-on learning and skill-building opportunities is based on the concept of self-efficacy, which is experience-based and serves as a foundation for success.

These individuals tend to offer enhanced productivity, better adaptation to a real-world work environment, and strong problem-solving skills. When combined with theoretical knowledge and practical applications, these candidates can benefit from the following.

• Faster entry into the workforce
• Lower or no learner debt
• High earning potential in specialized fields
• Clear paths to advancement with continued learning and certifications

High-Paying Tech Careers Without a Degree

Today, many high-paying tech careers are attainable, most of which do not require a four-year degree.

But why?

These roles tend to prioritize demonstrated skills, a strong portfolio, and relevant certification. Some are leveraging online courses or structured boot camps, while others are seeking unique training opportunities and taking the initiative through self-study.

Here are some lucrative tech roles you can enter with targeted training and certifications rather than a bachelor’s degree:

IT Support Specialist

• Median annual salary: $60,340 (with some making over $98,000)
• Estimated job growth: Although the projected decline for computer support specialists is 3%, an average of 50,500 openings is expected each year over the decade

Within this role, specialists provide technical assistance and troubleshoot computer issues. Many begin with a high school diploma and seek relevant information technology (IT) certifications. Today, most organizations are prioritizing hands-on experience, technical skills, and certifications, such as CompTIA A+.

Consider enrolling in IT expert training to boost your skills.

Data Analyst

• Median annual salary: $84,569 (with some making over $138,000)
• Estimated job growth: 21% from 2024 to 2034 (may depend on the specialization of the data analyst role

Data analysts collect, process, and analyze data to guide business decisions. While it was once the norm to seek out those with a bachelor’s degree, many employers are now focusing on relevant experience, data analytics certificates, and apprenticeships. While you complete professional certificates and develop your skills, you can also benefit from networking with others in the field.

Explore data analyst courses to get started.

Cybersecurity Specialist

• Median annual salary: $106,883 (with some making over $172,000)
• Estimated job growth: 29% from 2024 to 2034 (may depend on the specialization of the cybersecurity role)

Conduct risk analyses, install and maintain security tools, and develop preventive strategies to protect systems and networks from cyber threats. Again, many organizations hire candidates based on their experience and certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, as well as those willing to complete boot camps and other programs to fill skill gaps.

Learn through cybersecurity specialist training.

Ethical Hacker

• Median annual salary: $107,000 (with some making over $190,000)
• Estimated job growth: Up to 28% by 2026

As cybersecurity professionals, these individuals identify and fix security vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. This specialized role is part of a larger strategy to strengthen an organization’s security posture. From security audits to penetration testing, this multi-step process helps address the surge in cybersecurity threats, which is why it’s a high-demand, high-paying role.

Consider ethical hacking programs for this high-demand path.

How to Get Started in a High-Paying Career Without a Degree

Interested in kickstarting a high-paying career without the process of completing a traditional degree?

Breaking into a field that you’re passionate about will involve:

• Focused training
• Portfolio-building
• Strategic networking

There is work involved — it just differs from a four-year degree. For many, completing short-term programs and certifications prepares them to start their careers and earn lucrative base pay from day one. Remember:

• Start accumulating certifications and real-world experience to accelerate your hiring process
  • The same applies when aiming to advance within that career
• Stay informed about industry trends and the latest certification opportunities
• Keep your eyes open for available resources, focusing on the industry in which you want to build your career
  • e.g., For a career in IT, read How to Start Your IT Career: A 7 Step Guide
  • Explore Per Scholas training programs for industry-recognized skills and certifications
• Discover the importance of upskilling in maintaining competitiveness

Taking the First Step Toward a High-Paying Career

Don’t get stuck in a mindset that discourages you from seeking a high-growth, high-paying job. There are many jobs accessible without a degree when you focus on in-demand skills and continuous learning. Seize the opportunities presented and continually set new goals.

Choose a path aligned with your strengths — start with Per Scholas training programs to quickly gain job-ready skills.

Learn more about unlocking your potential. Also, enjoy these Per Scholas blogs:

• 30 Years of Tech Innovation, 30 Years of Impact: How Per Scholas and the Industry Transformed Together
• Smart Money Moves: Advice from a CFO for Career Changers
• Guided by Vision: The Leaders Empowering Tech’s Next Generation