On October 2, Per Scholas Director of Veteran Recruitment and Partnerships, George Darby III, delivered an impactful session – “Building a Military Ready Culture vs. Military Friendly Culture” at the Military Influencers Conference. His session highlighted the critical difference between simply being Military Friendly and becoming truly Military Ready, urging organizations to go beyond initial outreach to create environments where veterans and their families can thrive long-term.

Darby emphasized that while being Military Friendly is a great first step—helping veterans and military spouses get a foot in the door—it is not enough to retain them. He called for a paradigm shift in organizational culture, advocating for employers to adopt Military Ready practices that take into account the unique challenges veterans and their families face during the transition to civilian life. He shared key strategies such as implementing veteran-specific onboarding programs, providing mental health support, and offering flexible employment options for military spouses.

Darby also spoke about the crucial role that organizations can play in building sustainable career pathways for military spouses, who often struggle with frequent relocations and gaps in employment. He shared how organizations can make a difference by offering remote work opportunities, flexible schedules, and professional development to ensure their success.

The session was a powerful call to action, urging companies to adopt a Military Ready mindset and truly commit to engaging the military community at all levels.

Per Scholas’ Executive Vice President of DEIB&C and special advisor to the CEO, Ken Walker, has been featured once again in City & State New York! This time, Ken has been named a New York Trailblazer in Building and Real Estate. This honor celebrates leaders in the movement to reshape New York City’s landscape, improving space and affordability within the city.

Ken was recognized for his important work in helping to guide the growth of Per Scholas’s campus real estate portfolio in New York and in dozens of locations across the country. Ken also helped launch Per Scholas’s Diverse by Design initiative to help organizations build diverse and inclusive tech workspaces, open doors of opportunity to diverse tech talent, and drive diversity in the tech industry. Congratulations, Ken!

See the Trailblazers in Building and Real Estate here.

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, recognizes and celebrates the many contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people. From celebrating traditional foods and vibrant art to recognizing influential figures, this month highlights the rich culture and significance of Hispanic communities.

As the Hispanic and Latinx populations continue to grow in the United States, their influence in the tech industry is essential for driving diversity and creating inclusive environments. However, they face significant challenges as minorities remain underrepresented in the tech field. It’s fitting that this year’s theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is Pioneers of Change. Pioneers of Change celebrates those breaking barriers today and paving the way for future generations to create greater inclusion and representation in the tech field.

At Per Scholas, our mission is to provide accessible tech education that empowers Hispanic and Latinx communities to overcome underrepresentation. We ensure learners gain the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers and thrive in the industry.

Looking Forward: The Future of Hispanic Heritage in Tech

Currently, the majority of Latinx K-12 learners are in states with the highest demand for technology jobs. At Per Scholas, there are opportunities for further education designed to prepare students for success in the tech industry after high school graduation, allowing them to thrive in the growing field around them. The increasing influence of Hispanics in tech will continue to increase diversity and drive innovation.   

Diversity, particularly in tech leadership roles, is vital because it can improve innovation and creativity, leading to increased revenue. By uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds, ideas, and experiences, we can foster creativity and promote a richer diversity in the tech industry. Diversity enhances the success of Latinx learners and empowers the tech industry to adapt and excel in a competitive field

Hispanic culture contributes to this diversity. It is deeply rooted in community and family, fostering future Latinx tech employees with strong teamwork skills and a foundational work ethic. These values can have a positive influence on the tech industry by providing the collaborative work environment necessary to drive creativity and innovation. 

Hispanic professionals have already made significant contributions in tech. They’re becoming more prominent in large corporations such as Google and Microsoft and are a driving force behind many small businesses and tech startups. 

Per Scholas is leading the way in supporting Hispanic learners. We’re on the cutting edge of supporting and amplifying Hispanic voices by providing exceptional training opportunities. We’ve also formed strong relationships with various partners and supporters. Per Scholas will continue supporting Hispanic learners through expanded programs, partnerships, and outreach into the community.

Breaking Barriers: How Per Scholas Supports Hispanic Students in Tech  

Hispanic and Latinx learners face many challenges entering and thriving in the tech industry, including limited access to tech-focused education in many communities. Financial barriers can also hinder an individual’s ability to further education. A current lack of representation in the tech field means fewer role models and mentors for Hispanics seeking careers in tech.

Per Scholas is helping Hispanic learners overcome these barriers by providing the following:

• Exceptional Training
• Professional Development
• Connections to 850+ Employee Partners
• Community Support

Building a supportive community is particularly important in helping Hispanic learners succeed in tech. Mentorship helps learners develop core technology skills and enables them to build confidence and a deeper understanding of the technology industry.

There are already many incredible success stories about our alumni, including Hispanics in tech:

• Catherine Acevedo: Born in the Dominican Republic, Catherine Acevedo came to New Jersey as a young girl, eventually settling in New York. She worked in the restaurant industry and took courses in business and accounting. While doing computer work, she took an interest in cybersecurity. At the urging of her manager, Catherine enrolled in Per Scholas’s cybersecurity course and landed a great job as an Associate Engineer at Nagarro within two weeks of graduating.
• Angel Juarez: While restocking products at a retail store, Angel Juarez decided to apply for a Software Engineering Course at Per Scholas. He’s now a full-stack engineer with American Express and dreams of continuing his education by studying robotics.

The Role of Hispanic Tech Professionals in Building a More Inclusive Future 

Greater inclusion in tech brings diverse experiences and perspectives to the table. This can lead to more equitable technology solutions, such as improved customer outcomes and increased access to technology for everyone.

Hispanic professionals are already making great strides in the technology sector. A few include Paula Bellizia, who has held prominent positions at Google and Microsoft, and Victor Delgado, who heads Samsung’s Strategic Alliances in South Korea.

Hispanics in tech can inspire the next generation by volunteering at local schools and sharing their tech skills and knowledge. They can also engage in mentorship programs in the workplace, which help promote tech diversity. 

Why Representation Matters: Encouraging the Next Generation of Hispanic Tech Talent

The Hispanic population in the United States has recently passed 65 million, accounting for almost 71% of all population growth between 2022 and 2023. This means representation in tech is crucial for understanding the needs of the Hispanic community and inspiring future generations of Hispanic learners.

Watching successful role models in action through mentorship programs or other community involvement can inspire learners and professionals to choose technology as a future career.

There are several ways Per Scholas is reaching out to empower the next generation. The Centralized Internal Foundation was created to enable learners and diversify the tech industry. We also promote collaborative consulting and develop a customized pipeline of diverse candidates with skills to meet various business needs.

Support for Hispanic learners and diversity in tech can be increased in many ways. Schools can start by training teachers to better understand and support cultural differences. Families can help learners develop better language skills and increase their involvement in school activities. Communities can support local Hispanic organizations and provide learners with the necessary resources to succeed.

The Hispanic Community is increasingly driving the technology boom, but much work still needs to be done. Everyone must do their part to continue making progress. Whether through mentoring, advocating for diversity in tech, or supporting Per Scholas, we can each contribute toward breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future.

If you’re interested in helping us reboot the economy more inclusively, please donate to Per Scholas today.

Per Scholas New York recently celebrated a momentous graduation ceremony at Barclays, one of our valued Founder’s Circle supporters. The event recognized the hard work and dedication of 91 technologists, each of whom successfully completed intensive training in highly sought-after fields including Cybersecurity and IT support. These graduates represented various cohorts, including Cybersecurity at Brooklyn/Stanley Issacs satellite, Bronx IT Support, IT Support at Brooklyn/CommonPoint Queens satellite, and IT Support from Brooklyn/JCC Staten Island satellite. The graduation not only celebrated the individual achievements of these technologists but also underscored Per Scholas’ ongoing commitment to creating pathways for diverse talent to enter and thrive in their technological careers.

During the ceremony, Debbie Roman, Managing Director of Per Scholas New York, delivered a wholehearted speech encouraging alumni to view this milestone as the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and growth. In addition to Roman’s inspiring remarking, industry leaders such as Craig Robertson, CEO of the Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) at Barclays and Wale Akinwande, Per Scholas National Board and Senior VP and Chief Auditor at S&P Global, emphasized the importance of persistence and innovation as these new technologists enter into an ever-evolving field. 

Meanwhile, Per Scholas Kansas City marked a historic moment with its inaugural graduation on Friday, August 30, 2024, celebrating 16 graduates from its IT support cohort. Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala attended and addressed the Kansas City technologists, acknowledging their achievement and the bright futures ahead of them in an industry ready for skilled professionals. Ayala’s remarks captured the transformative impact of Per Scholas’ programs, as these graduates prepare to apply their new skills and continue to drive change in their communities. 

These ceremonies serve as reminders of the ongoing commitment Per Scholas holds to empowering individuals from underrepresented backgrounds with meaningful careers in technology. As we continue to expand across the country, the success of these alumni reinforces our mission to build a more inclusive tech workforce and demonstrates the power of opportunity and education to change lives. We are excited to witness the future contributions of these technologists and remain committed to supporting their journeys ahead.

The life-changing training programs too few people know about (9/6/24)

The Washington Post recently posted an op-ed discussing the importance of apprenticeships as an alternative to traditional college education. Many contributors share their personal experiences with apprenticeships, highlighting the benefits such as hands-on learning, well-paying careers, and opportunities for advancement. Good jobs exist and people can gain greater access to them through training and apprenticeship programs. The only issue? Many people are unaware of apprenticeship opportunities. 

Read the article here and see how Per Scholas is helping.

Per Scholas is grateful to be a recipient of the Texas Talent Connection Grant program, from the Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The $350,000 investment will support our campuses in Houston and Dallas in scaling no-cost technical skills training, professional development and job placement services to Texas learners, serving Collin, Dallas, Denton, Fort Bend, Harris, Houston, and Tarrant counties. The funds will create new pathways to job opportunities such as help desk analysts, desktop support technicians, and associate network engineers in the information technology industry. 

Administered through the Texas Workforce Investment Council, over $6.3 million in grants were awarded this month to organizations leading innovative education and workforce skills training programs that ensure Texas’ growing workforce and businesses are prepared to successfully operate in an ever-changing 21st century economy. 

“Our cities are seeing growth in tech roles across industries, especially in education and technology,” said Per Scholas Houston Managing Director Tondalayo Hall. “To meet the demand and ensure that more Texans have access to the economic mobility that the innovation sector offers, organizations like Per Scholas are critical in building on-ramps for those new to the field.”

To learn more about this grant, read the full press release.

Per Scholas National Capital Region’s Senior Managing Director, Jessica Diaz Council, and Site Director, Monique Singleton, spoke with Black Enterprise and shared insights into Per Scholas’s impact and growth.

Per Scholas, a leading nonprofit organization, is making significant strides in bridging the gap between underserved communities and high-paying tech careers through its no-cost professional tech training programs. With operations in nearly two dozen cities, including recent expansions to Buffalo, New York, and Kansas City, Missouri, Per Scholas is at the forefront of efforts to diversify the tech workforce.

Founded in the Bronx, New York, Per Scholas began as a tech recycling initiative and has since grown into a nationwide organization committed to providing access to quality education. TPer Scholas’s programs are designed not only to equip learners with essential technical skills but also to offer comprehensive support, including mental health services and financial coaching, ensuring their holistic success.

One of the latest initiatives from Per Scholas is a cybersecurity apprenticeship program, licensed by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, which addresses the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals. This program is a part of Per Scholas’s ongoing efforts to align its training with industry needs, ensuring graduates are job-ready.

“Our mission is to provide tuition-free, relevant, and high-quality tech training that truly prepares our learners for success,” said Jessica Diaz Council, Senior Managing Director of Per Scholas National Capital Region. “Through close collaboration with employer partners and a strong support system, we are changing lives and making a lasting impact on the tech industry.”

Per Scholas continues to offer rolling admissions and is actively engaged in fundraising efforts to sustain its tuition-free model, allowing the organization to expand its reach and continue democratizing access to education across the country.

Read the full conversation here.

Per Scholas, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic equity through tech training, is expanding its reach to Buffalo, New York. The organization, which operates in nearly two dozen locations across the U.S., offers free, rigorous training programs aimed at equipping underrepresented individuals with the skills needed to secure high-paying tech jobs.

Per Scholas Buffalo will welcome its first cohort of 20 learners on October 15, 2024, in its newly renovated campus at the Larkin at Exchange building. The 13-week program is designed for individuals 18 and older, with a high school diploma or equivalent, who are ready to work in the U.S. immediately.

“Buffalo’s growing tech sector presents an ideal environment for our expansion,” said Jeremy Besch, Managing Director of Per Scholas Buffalo. “We are committed to ensuring that our learners, many of whom may initially find this new environment intimidating, feel welcomed and prepared to thrive in their future careers.”

The organization plans to train 60 more learners in Buffalo throughout 2025, with potential expansion to additional satellite locations in Western New York. Per Scholas has a proven track record, with an 85% graduation rate and 80% of graduates securing full-time employment within a year.

Per Scholas Buffalo is supported by funding from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, Empire State Development, Amazon, and the NFL, among others. Applications are open until September 30, 2024.

Read more here!

Per Scholas was recently featured in The Chief’s article, “Bronx-based nonprofit builds bridges to tech jobs,” highlighting our no-cost training.

Per Scholas offers technology training at no-cost to learners that helps underemployed adults launch successful IT careers. The training provides hands-on experience in various tech fields, preparing students for jobs like IT support and software engineering.

Per Scholas Alumni like Marie Cari have leveraged this training to secure roles at companies such as Bank of America, with ongoing support from Per Scholas. The organization collaborates with major employers and government agencies to provide employment opportunities for its graduates.

Read more: Per Scholas Builds Bridges to Tech Jobs