Kansas City, MO., June 24, 2025 — Since launching in 2024, the Per Scholas Kansas City campus has trained 65 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as IT Support and future-forward Data Centers systems training. Our alumni have earned jobs at local Kansas City employers, including Conexon, GovCIO, and NestPay as well as large national employers such as Costco and Panasonic.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, alumni, and friends, Per Scholas Kansas City hosted its One-Year Campus Celebration in Kansas City with remarks from Asher Baker of TEKsystems, Brandon Krekel of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Per Scholas Kansas City alumni Nacima Kachi, and Jasmine Miller, Per Scholas Chief Program Officer. Montreece Smith, Per Scholas Chief People Officer, was also present.

“We are incredibly proud of the impact Per Scholas Kansas City has made in its first year,” said Cedric Deadmon, Per Scholas Kansas City Managing Director.

Per Scholas Kansas City acknowledges TEKsystems for their generous support that made this celebration possible.

“TEKsystems is proud to continue our national partnership with Per Scholas and provide local support for their cohorts!” said Asher Barker, Core Applications Account Manager, TEKsystems.

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 Kansas City area. Per Scholas Kansas City is transforming lives and will continue to shape Kansas City’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 Kansas City, follow them on LinkedIn or Per Scholas Kansas City.

Contact: 

Rafael Gerena, Vice President of Communications and Policy, Per Scholas

rgerena@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 $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. 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.

Inside the tech workforce: what workers are seeing

At Per Scholas, we see how quickly AI, cybersecurity, and data infrastructure are reshaping the workplace—and how many companies are still struggling to adapt.

But what is today’s tech workforce really facing? And what will it take to meet the moment?   
                                                                                                                                                   

We asked 2,000 professionals representing a range of roles and levels to find out. The result is our new 2025 Future of Tech Report.  Below are some of the key insights—what’s working, what’s missing, and where the biggest disconnects lie.

An imminent risk no one seems ready for

Cybersecurity topped the list of concerns, with two-thirds of executives naming it the biggest risk to their business. Yet only half of employees say their company is prepared to respond to an attack.

A big gap also appears in AI. While most leaders believe their teams are already using AI, a third of workers say that they don’t use AI technology in their work at all.

These divides are where companies fall behind.

Employees are motivated, but on their own

There’s real potential in today’s workforce, but most companies haven’t built the systems to unlock it.

88% of employees told us they’d upskill if given the chance, and, on average, they’d dedicate more than seven hours a month to it. But many are left to navigate new tools and threats on their own, without structured training or clear paths forward.

How Per Scholas helps close the gap

At Per Scholas, we don’t just teach skills, we build solutions for the workforce challenges companies are facing right now.

From cybersecurity threats to AI adoption to infrastructure growth, we train individuals with the technical and professional skills needed to step into these evolving roles, ready to contribute, grow, and lead.

Here’s how we help:

Train talent for high-demand roles
Our programs reflect real-world needs in cybersecurity, AI operations, and infrastructure.

Upskill your current workforce
We partner with employers to equip existing teams with the tools to stay ahead.

Strengthen your talent pipeline
We design long-term scalable strategies that align with your business goals.

Expand your reach
We connect companies with new, often overlooked, sources of talent across the country.

The tech landscape isn’t slowing down, and neither are we. We’ve worked with companies like Barclays and Comcast to build stronger teams, deeper pipelines, and real resilience.
Because the future isn’t waiting—and neither should your workforce.

Want the full picture?

Our 2025 Future of Tech Report lays out what tech teams are facing and how to move forward with confidence.

Download the full report → Click Here!

June 10, 2025 — Per Scholas is proud to announce that our CEO, Plinio Ayala, has been named to City & State New York’s Bronx Power 100 list. This annual recognition honors influential leaders who are driving positive change and growth in the Bronx.

Born and raised in the South Bronx, Plinio has dedicated his career to creating economic opportunities for individuals across the nation. Under his leadership, Per Scholas has expanded its reach nationally, providing no-cost technology training, boasting an impressive 85% graduation rate, with many alumni securing careers in the technology sector within a year of completing the program.

Plinio’s inclusion in the 2024 Bronx Power 100 underscores the impact of Per Scholas’s work and the organization’s role in shaping the future of workforce development. As we continue to grow and empower individuals through technology training, we remain committed to fostering economic mobility.

Congrats, Plinio, on this incredible honor! 

View the recent Bronx Power 100 edition.

Philadelphia, P.A., May 30, 2025 — Since launching in 2019, the Per Scholas Philadelphia campus has trained more than 600 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as IT Support and Cybersecurity.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, alumni, and friends, Per Scholas Philadelphia hosted its Five-Year Campus Celebration in Philadelphia with remarks from Claire Statchura of Comcast, Sean Sheridan of TEKsystems, Liz Newell of CHUBB, Shana Savage of Urban Technology Project, and Per Scholas Philadelphia alumni who work at those institutions. Per Scholas President Caitlyn Brazill was also in attendance.

“It’s not often that you have the chance to slow down and mark such a huge milestone. I’m grateful for all those whose lives have been touched by Per Scholas Philadelphia, the people who have worked on and off our campus to do the work, the employers who have volunteered to meet and then hire our graduates, the communities who helped spread the word, and the funders who make it all possible. The successes of those first 600 learners keeps our doors open to serve hundreds and thousands more in the years to come,“ said Joshua Park, Per Scholas Philadelphia Managing Director.

The evening’s presentation concluded with a joint announcement of a satellite Per Scholas Philadelphia classroom at OIC Philadelphia to launch in November 2025. Per Scholas’ satellite model, first launched in New York in 2021, has proven effective in expanding access to communities with limited tech training options. By combining dedicated on-site support with connected classroom learning, this model offers equal-quality training experiences, builds capacity for community partners, and creates efficient pathways to employment.

“At OIC, we’ve always believed in the power of partnership to create transformative change, and our collaboration with Per Scholas perfectly embodies this principle. In the legacy of our founder, Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan, we’re committed to connecting our community members to family-sustaining careers with real growth potential. We’re thrilled to welcome Per Scholas as part of OIC’s workforce hub this November, where together we’ll continue breaking down barriers and building pathways to economic opportunity for Philadelphia residents,” stated Sheila Ireland, President & Chief Executive Officer OIC. “This partnership represents the kind of meaningful collaboration that creates lasting change, one life at a time.“

Per Scholas Philadelphia acknowledges Comcast, TEKsystems, and OIC Philadelphia for their generous support that made this celebration possible.

“TEKsystems’ partnership with Per Scholas has been instrumental in transforming the tech landscape of Philadelphia. By providing tuition-free, high-quality technology certification programs, Per Scholas equips learners with the necessary skills to be job-ready for positions with our clients in the Philadelphia market. This collaboration has empowered hundreds of local residents, fostering economic growth and creating a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the vibrant spirit of Philadelphia. We’re thankful to partner with such an impactful organization and are excited to see the continued impact we’ll have supporting the City of Philadelphia,” said Sean Sheridan, Team Lead, Philadelphia Delivery Center, TEKsystems.

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 Philadelphia area. Per Scholas Philadelphia is transforming lives and will continue to shape Philadelphia’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 Philadelphia, follow them on LinkedIn or Per Scholas Philadelphia.

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 $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. 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.

As we commemorated Memorial Day, we paused as a nation to honor the fallen, reflect on the courage of our soldiers, and express gratitude for the freedoms they defended. But our responsibility to those who served extends beyond remembrance. As we pay tribute to their sacrifice, we must also invest in their futures.

Each year, nearly 200,000 service members transition from active duty to civilian life — a journey that can be both hopeful and daunting. From translating military experience into a civilian résumé to navigating unfamiliar workplace cultures, veterans face unique and persistent barriers. Only one in four veterans has a job lined up upon separation, and many report financial insecurity as a top concern.

These challenges have been widely discussed — but now, more than ever, they require action. As our workforce evolves rapidly in the face of technological change, we have a unique opportunity to empower veterans through pathways that lead to meaningful, sustainable careers.

Veterans bring unparalleled strengths to the table — discipline, leadership, resilience, and teamwork. What they often need is access to training that helps them translate these qualities into in-demand skills. That’s where programs like Per Scholas come in.

By offering no-cost, GI Bill-approved training in high-growth sectors like IT support and cybersecurity, Per Scholas equips veterans with industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support. Just as critical, the program provides holistic support — from interview preparation to professional communication skills — helping veterans navigate civilian work environments with confidence.

More than 1,000 military members have already graduated from these programs, successfully transitioning into tech careers that offer competitive pay, flexibility, and growth — a perfect fit for many military families.

This Memorial Day, Debbie Roman, Managing Director of Per Scholas New York, joined forces with New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. to co-author a powerful op-ed in The Hill. Together, they called for greater investment in veteran-focused career pathways, stressing how workforce development must evolve to meet the real needs of returning service members.

With a projected global shortage of IT talent by 2026, tapping into the veteran talent pool isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart, strategic move for our economy.

As we reflect on those who gave everything, let’s recommit to those who’ve returned. Let us champion programs that recognize not just the service of our veterans, but their immense potential. By helping them build sustainable civilian careers, we pay tribute in the most meaningful way: with action.

Learn more.

Debbie Roman is the Managing Director of Per Scholas New York. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., a Democrat, represents the 15th District in the New York State Senate.

In the world of technology, we’re constantly discussing the importance of building better systems. But what about the system that powers it all—you? Without the right mental health support, tech employees can become stressed, burned out, and overwhelmed.

Claire Cuno, LMSW, is the Senior Director of Learner Support at Per Scholas. She understands the importance of prioritizing mental health and personal wellness to achieve goals and supports tech learners from various backgrounds. We’ve drawn on her expertise to understand how mental health is essential for holistic wellness across the tech workforce.

Mental health awareness isn’t a luxury for tech personnel—it’s a foundational skill. Just as you’d spend time learning Python or getting to grips with Git, developing emotional resilience, strengthening focus, and building self-awareness are crucial for long-term success.

The Mental Load of a Tech Career

Technology is, by its nature, fast-paced and constantly changing. Tech workers have high expectations placed on them and are constantly put under pressure to perform. That’s what led to the trope of the “10x engineer,” the mythical co-worker who churns out ten times the volume of code or other output than anyone else. Ideas like this are outdated and create imposter syndrome in other workers who worry that they can never achieve these dizzy heights of productivity.

Is it any wonder, then, that research shows mental health issues are much higher among workers in technology-based fields than in other industries? Claire notes, “At Per Scholas, we see how stress and burnout show up not just in seasoned engineers, but even in learners just entering the field.” That tendency toward burnout is compounded by the risks of isolation associated with remote work, freelancing, and long hours spent on solo projects.

Technology personnel need to be provided with the tools to identify and address mental health concerns, ideally before they even start their vocational career.

Emotional Resilience: Your Debugging Superpower

Debugging code is an everyday occurrence in tech, but what if you could debug yourself? Becoming emotionally resilient means you learn ways to process and bounce back from setbacks, whether that’s a tough one-to-one review, a job rejection, or a failed project. You learn how to acknowledge the disappointment, honor the feeling, and then look onward and upward with even strength rather than spiraling into dejection.

Problematic product launches and frequent layoffs are, unfortunately, part of the world of technology. Things rarely go smoothly, but with the right mental health skills, you can learn to recode your brain and take a more positive or productive perspective.

Claire confirms this: “Resilience is learned and honed and for our learners, especially those overcoming systemic barriers, it’s often the most powerful skill they walk away with.”

Tech personnel who learn grounding techniques or mindfulness, engage with stress management tools, or work with peer support groups are more likely to weather these storms successfully. The Learner Support Team provides these opportunities for learners to explore these techniques for stress management.

Focus: The Hidden Edge

Of course, tech employees have another factor that contributes to potential burnout—the requirement for intense and prolonged focus amid multiple distractions, from Slack pings to stakeholder objections. Task-switching, or moving rapidly from one task to another, reduces accuracy and efficiency, leading to lower-quality work.

Anxiety and depression can both impact concentration and cause workers to prioritize poorly. There’s also the issue of different neurotypes. Some people are wired to hyperfixate on a single task for hours, while others, for example, some people with ADHD, may flit from task to task with minimal loss of productivity. However, sustaining these ways of working can be exhausting.

Treat focus like an app that needs an upgrade. You can’t just add more features without updating the system and resources. That leads to latency and crashing—and your brain is no different. Consider mindfulness exercises to learn how to stay in the moment. Take regular breaks. Resting increases productivity, boosts problem-solving skills, and can prevent burnout.

As Claire notes, “Focus isn’t about willpower. It’s about systems that respect your brain.” You can’t just tell yourself to “focus better.” You can learn that skill gradually, building systems that work for you.” Per Scholas’ Learner Support Team therefore provides workshops on study skills and individualized success planning for learners. With these resources, learners are empowered to build the necessary skills for mental health management. 

Self-Awareness: The Foundation of Growth

Without accepting that things need to change, growth is impossible. Self-awareness allows you to recognize stress triggers, understand your limits, note behavior patterns, and have the confidence to ask for support.

Journaling is one way to note patterns that need to be disrupted. Regular feedback from peers and leaders can also help, as can coaching, not just on technical performance but on day-to-day issues like workplace relationships and career progression.

Knowing where you want to be and how to get there is critical to holistic mental wellbeing. “Technical skill might get you the job. But self-awareness keeps you thriving in it,” says Claire, referencing the importance of getting to know yourself and your needs to get the most out of any tech-based role. And when times are tough, there’s nothing more powerful than asking for help and utilizing the resources at your disposal.  

What Tech Needs to Do Better

Much of what we’ve discussed places the responsibility of mental health awareness on the individual or their direct manager. However, tech companies must start to move away from this approach to mental health and instead foster a culture that supports overall well-being from the top down. Tech organizations can achieve this via:

• Normalizing mental health conversations: Encouraging open discussions on mental health from onboarding stages to leadership development.
• Building a culture of support: Integrate systems and policies that promote mental well-being, such as mental health days and peer-to-peer mentorship programs.
• Training managers in psychological safety: Invest in leaders who can understand and model healthy emotional behaviors. 

“Mental health is not separate from performance—it is foundational to performance,” says Claire. “Tech leaders have a responsibility to create environments where both can flourish.”

Upgrading Mental Health to a Core Skill

The system that keeps all tech companies thriving is their people. Understanding mental health is no longer a soft skill—it’s very much a core skill. Organizations that understand this and invest in the holistic well-being of their teams will edge out competitors while attracting and retaining top talent across their industry.

Taking a final word from Claire, “We’re not just developing technical talent. We’re nurturing whole individuals who will transform the future of technology.”Whether you’re coding your first app or leading a team, invest in your mental health like you would your next certification. 

New York, N.Y., May 15, 2025 — Per Scholas is bringing together leading voices in the data center industry for an engaging virtual conversation about the future of tech infrastructure and talent development. The panel, Data Centers in Demand: Workforce Trends & Talent Pipelines, featured expert insights from TEKsystems and Microsoft. 

Moderated by Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions at Per Scholas, this timely panel explored the increasing demand for data center talent and what that means for aspiring technologists and employers alike.

Panelists included:

• Craig Curry, Microsoft, Datacenter Technician Manager
• John Lullen, TEKsystems, Managing Executive, Marketplace Inclusion
• Riley Mahler, TEKsystems Global Services, Regional Director Microsoft Account
• Jasmine Smiley, Microsoft, Regional Program Manager DC Operations Field Management

🔑 Top 3 Takeaways from the Discussion:

1. Data Centers Are Booming—But Talent Gaps Remain
   As Brittany Murrey (Per Scholas) noted, there’s a 60% growth in data center jobs since 2016, and companies are urgently seeking skilled professionals. Per Scholas is closing this gap through hands-on, industry-aligned training.
   
2. Expanding Opportunity is a Business Imperative
   Riley Mahler (TEKsystems Global Services) stated about 300,000 or so data center-oriented openings are unfilled right now, and looking ahead to a higher demand for jobs in data centers, there could be upward of 2.3 million active jobs. As Jasmine Smiley (Microsoft) and John Lullen (TEKsystems) shared, intentional hiring and workforce development are key to sustainable innovation in this space with this projected growth.
3. Career Pathways Are Real and Growing
   Per Scholas trained technologist Craig Curry (Microsoft) explained how data center training fast-tracks learners into rewarding tech careers, even those from non-technical backgrounds.

WATCH THE FULL PANEL BELOW.

With data centers continuing to play a critical role in powering global digital infrastructure, this conversation examined the evolving landscape of workforce needs, the essential skills for data center careers, and how inclusive training pipelines can close the talent gap.

“Data centers are the hardware powering every corner of society. They impact critical infrastructure like hospitals and medical systems, and play a large role in entertainment streaming. As more businesses move to the cloud, the demand for skilled techs who can manage, protect, and fine-tune these systems is skyrocketing,” said Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions, Per Scholas. “At Per Scholas, we’re training people for these high-growth careers, equipping them with the skills to not just join the tech industry, but to help shape its future.”

This event underscored Per Scholas’ commitment to expanding access to high-growth tech careers by preparing individuals with the most in-demand skills—through no-cost training and partnerships with leading employers.

The tech world and its code are elegant in design; complex algorithms drive the modern innovations we see around us. And while computers can run nonstop with flawless logic, the same can’t be said for the individuals who write the code and operate these systems. Human beings can’t perpetually maintain the required mental stamina. As a tech learner, you’ve probably already discovered this.

Technology training courses are incredibly rewarding, but also notoriously demanding. Your course load challenges you with steep learning curves and an endless flow of new information. Over time, this becomes emotionally taxing. You might find your resilience and confidence waning. 

Mastering mental health awareness is important because many of the same demands (e.g., stress, burnout, and impostor syndrome) will be an element of your tech career. We’ve put together these practical tips to help you debug your mind and thrive as a tech learner:

Stress in Tech Training: Recognizing the Load

Once upon a time, a thought ran through your mind: “Getting paid to work with computers has got to be the best job ever!” In many ways, that’s still true. But if your tech training coursework starts to feel like it’s too much, you may now wonder, “What happened?”

You’re probably:

• Running into the inherent pressure that comes with learning about technology
• Grappling with understanding new concepts that arrive at a fast pace
• Dealing with high expectations, both from instructors and yourself
• Balancing all the other responsibilities in your life, like an existing job, paying bills, and family commitments
• And more 

Remember, this is all normal stress. The key is to recognize when it becomes unhealthy.

Signs of unhealthy stress include persistent fatigue, heightened anxiety, poor sleep patterns, and irritability. If you’re suffering from any of these problems, try these stress-relieving strategies now:

•     Utilize the Pomodoro Technique: work in focused bursts followed by short breaks. For example, you might work hard for 25 minutes and then take a five-minute break. This prevents prolonged mental strain and helps concentration
•     Establish a daily routine: having a sense of stability and predictability of routines can make the world around you seem less chaotic
•     Reward yourself: after completing a challenging module, step outside or listen to your favorite music. You can also buy yourself something small after completing a major project milestone. Whatever you prefer, rewards can boost morale and keep you pushing

Impostor Syndrome: You’re Not a Fraud

Imposter syndrome is a common challenge felt by people in all professions. This is the sense that you aren’t good enough to do the work you do and that you’re fooling everyone around you, despite evidence to the contrary. 

Unfortunately, impostor syndrome can hit tech learners and professionals exceptionally hard. But why is that?

Mainly, it is due to the rapid learning curves associated with tech. When you regularly encounter new concepts, coding languages, and system frameworks, it becomes easy to feel like everyone else is learning quicker than you. And in the tech world, there is constant comparison to your peers. The most talented people can make their IT skills look like magic, and that’s what you’re being compared against.

Comparing each other also feeds into the myth of the “natural-born coder.”, aka the idea that some people are just inherently gifted at tech and others aren’t. Believing so can fuel impostor syndrome. 

However, with the right instructors, everyone has the opportunity to learn equally. Fortunately, there are some proven ways to combat impostor syndrome:

•     Keep a “win journal”: simply a list of all your tech training accomplishments. Seeing your success proves on paper that you’re not a fraud and really possess talent
•     Don’t suffer in silence: share your feelings of inadequacy with peers or mentors. Gaining an outside perspective helps you see the truth more clearly
•     Remember, growth comes from learning: it does not come from perfection. Everyone makes mistakes and struggles, even the so-called “naturals.” The important thing is your willingness to learn and persevere

Burnout: When Passion Turns to Exhaustion

Burnout is more than stress: it’s a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. When you suffer from burnout, your energy feels depleted, and you can feel detached. It’s a scary condition that results from prolonged stress, and it’s important to spot those feelings of exhaustion or loss of interest so you can address them early.

Try these tips when you feel like stress is turning into burnout:

•     Set boundaries: It’s so easy to get burned out in tech because opportunities for work or learning are all around us (computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.). Know when to log off, step away from your computer, or stop studying for the day, to avoid stress morphing into burnout
•     Diversify your routine: Having a routine is important, but changing things up when you’re stressed can give you a new outlook. Since tech learners spend so much time sitting in front of computers, taking a walk in nature is an excellent escape. Spending time on a favorite hobby can also be a good routine-buster
•     Use mental health resources: Many training courses, like those offered by Per Scholas, provide support services. Don’t hesitate to utilize this help when you need it, or other resources like mental wellness apps

Building a Personal Mental Health Toolkit

Just as a developer needs a toolkit of coding languages, frameworks, and debugging tools, a tech learner needs a mental health toolkit. You can build your toolkit by simply incorporating some daily mental hygiene practices, such as:

1. Taking time each day to practice mindfulness or focused breathing exercises. These tools are proven to reduce anxiety and increase focus
2. Keep a gratitude journal. This is simply a log of things you’re thankful for daily. Focusing on the positive improves outlook and reduces stress
3. Connect with support networks of all types. Whether it’s your peers, a mentor, or long-term friends, stay engaged with those who care about you. They can offer helpful perspectives when stress feels overwhelming
4. Know when to seek help. Even though these strategies can build resilience, sometimes it’s best to talk to a mental health professional. If you’ve tried some of the tips discussed here but still feel overwhelmed, it may be time to contact a licensed therapist or counselor

Debugging is Part of the Process

As a tech learner, you know that identifying bugs is the first step to solving them. This is true even when your mind needs debugging. And just like you might approach debugging code one step at a time, incorporating mental health awareness into your life can happen gradually. 

We challenge you to try one mental wellness strategy this week and share it with your peers. You’ll soon find that your cohorts also deal with stress, anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, and other issues. Debugging is part of the process, both in tech and with mental health. By sharing these tips for tech learners, you don’t have to address mental health alone.

As the conversation around workforce development grows louder, one challenge continues to surface: while many training programs offer no-cost or low-cost courses, far fewer address the full cost of being a learner, including basic living expenses. A recent article from Workshift titled “Want to Close the Skills Gap? Cover Living Expenses, Not Just Tuition” explores this critical gap and highlights how to improve outcomes for learners and employers alike.

Per Scholas, a national nonprofit that provides no-cost technology training to communities across the nation, is doing just that. They’re working to remove financial barriers beyond tuition. In partnership with Social Finance, Per Scholas launched an innovative Zero Percent Loan initiative, offering learners interest-free loans to help cover living costs during their training. This effort reflects a broader understanding that economic stability is foundational to educational success and long-term career growth.

The results of this approach are compelling. As outlined in Per Scholas’ Whitepaper, The Zero Percent Loan: Transforming Workforce Access, the training supports learners with critical resources at a crucial time, helping learners focus on their courses without sacrificing basic needs. This whitepaper details how even modest support for rent, food, and transportation can dramatically increase retention and job placement rates.

One shining example of the impact is Tori Haynes, an alumna of Per Scholas Baltimore. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her work as a security guard and professional DJ, Tori pivoted toward a new future in tech. After being encouraged by a Per Scholas alum during a job interview, she enrolled in the IT Support training. While the no-cost nature of the course was appealing, it was the $3,000 Zero Percent Loan that made it truly viable.

“When I found out I got the loan, it was such a relief,” Tori shared. “It allowed me to concentrate fully on my studies and gave me a cushion so I didn’t have to work constantly to make ends meet.” Tori went on to land a role as an IT Support Specialist at MCB Real Estate, describing the program as “life-changing.”

Per Scholas’ partnership with Social Finance is a forward-thinking model of what workforce development must become—one that acknowledges the financial reality of adult learners and works to eliminate it as a barrier to success.

As we look to close the skills gap in a meaningful, inclusive way, solutions like the Zero Percent Loan serve as proof that it’s not just about no-cost tuition—it’s about full support for the learner.

We are honored to be featured in Cisco’s recent blog post, “Opening Doors to Cybersecurity Careers with Splunk and Per Scholas,” which highlights our collaborative efforts with Splunk to expand access to cybersecurity education and career opportunities.

The article underscores our joint mission to bridge the cybersecurity talent gap by providing rigorous, no-cost technology training to adult learners from low- to moderate-income households across the U.S. Through our partnership, we offer hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like Splunk, enabling learners to earn certifications such as the Splunk Core Certified User. This equips them with the skills needed to pursue careers as cybersecurity analysts, junior desktop technicians, and tech support engineers.

Our collaboration with Splunk began in 2018, focusing on delivering free software, training, and support to overlooked talent pools in New York City. In 2021, Splunk provided unrestricted grant funding to aid in our swift expansion, allowing us to reach more learners nationwide.

This feature by Cisco not only recognizes the impact of our partnership with Splunk but also emphasizes the importance of accessible cybersecurity education in today’s digital landscape. We remain committed to empowering individuals with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the tech industry.

Read the full feature here.