Per Scholas President Caitlyn Brazill Highlights How AI Is Redefining Entry-Level Tech Roles

NEW YORK, NY — In a newly published thought leadership article for CIO.com, Per Scholas President Caitlyn Brazill challenges the growing narrative that artificial intelligence is eliminating entry-level technology jobs. Instead, she argues that AI is fundamentally reshaping these roles — and that organizations must approach AI adoption as a workforce design challenge, not just a technology upgrade.

Drawing on conversations with CIOs across industries and Per Scholas’ 30-year history preparing early-career technologists for in-demand tech careers, Brazill highlights a widening disconnect between how entry-level roles are evolving and how they are defined, hired for, and supported. While employer demand for junior tech talent remains strong, outdated job descriptions and inflated experience requirements continue to create unnecessary barriers to entry.

In the article, Caitlyn explains how AI is changing early-career work by automating routine tasks while elevating the importance of human judgment, accountability, and AI fluency. Without intentionally redesigning hiring criteria, onboarding strategies, and mentorship models, organizations risk limiting critical learning opportunities for new hires and undermining long-term talent development.

She also points to Per Scholas’ outcomes as evidence that entry-level talent can thrive in an AI-enabled workplace. In 2025, the nonprofit achieved more first-time job attainments for graduates than in any previous year in its 30-year history — reinforcing continued employer demand for skills-trained, AI-ready technologists.

“The organizations that will lead in the AI era recognize a fundamental truth,” Brazill writes. “AI transformation is workforce transformation.”

Read the full article here: Link

DETROIT, MI — A recent feature by Outlier Media and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation has highlighted the transformative impact of Per Scholas Detroit, showcasing how the national nonprofit is creating a new pipeline of tech talent in the heart of the Motor City.

Operating out of the historic Fisher Building since 2018, Per Scholas Detroit provides no-cost, high-growth IT training, certifications, and career coaching to residents across Southeast Michigan. The program is specifically designed to bridge the opportunity gap for individuals who have the drive but lack the credentials required by today’s top employers.

Key Highlights from the Feature:

Proven Results: In a recent cohort, 75% of learners secured high-quality IT roles prior to graduation, proving the immediate demand for Per Scholas-trained technologists.

Thriving Wages: Per Scholas targets placements with starting wages of $24 per hour or higher, often including full medical benefits and paid time off, a critical step in building generational wealth.

A “Full-Circle” Success Story: The article spotlights Tracy Maricle, an alumna who used the program to validate her tech experience with industry certifications. Today, Tracy has returned to the campus as an Instructional Assistant, helping a new generation of Detroiters launch their own careers.

Future-Proofing for AI: Always evolving with industry standards, Per Scholas Detroit announced that, beginning in 2026, all courses will expand to include a specialized AI training component to meet the growing needs of employer partners such as General Motors, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Corewell Health.

“We are extremely appreciative of the funding we receive from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation because this is creating a legacy in the city of Detroit,” said Laura Chavez, Managing Director of Per Scholas Detroit. “The impact is not just on an individual; it’s on the family of the individual.”

Since its inception, Per Scholas Detroit has remained committed to serving a diverse learner base, including veterans, retirees, and parents re-entering the workforce. By removing financial barriers to elite tech education, the organization is ensuring that Detroit’s tech economy is as inclusive as it is innovative.

Read the full feature story here.

Menlo Park, CA — JobTrain and Per Scholas proudly celebrated the graduation of their inaugural San Francisco Bay Area IT Support cohort with a pinning ceremony marking a major milestone in the partnership’s shared commitment to workforce equity and economic mobility.

All 15 learners completed the program with a 100% graduation rate, each earning a median final grade of 90% or higher—a powerful testament to the rigor of the training and the dedication of the learners. The ceremony honored graduates as they crossed the threshold from training to technology careers, symbolized by the formal pinning tradition.

The graduation ceremony featured remarks from Barrie Hathaway, President and CEO of JobTrain, who encouraged graduates to pursue their ambitions boldly and without limitation. “This moment is about more than completing a program,” Hathaway shared. “It’s about giving yourself permission to go after big dreams—and knowing you belong in the rooms and roles you’re stepping into next.”

The event was further elevated by the presence of Betsy Nash, Mayor of Menlo Park, whose attendance underscored the importance of local leadership in supporting inclusive workforce development and technology career pathways.

Hosted and executed by JobTrain, the ceremony brought together leadership, instructors, career services professionals, and community partners who played a critical role in supporting learner success. Remarks were delivered by Patrick Amaral, Technical Instructor at Per Scholas, along with JobTrain program and career services leaders who highlighted the perseverance, growth, and readiness of the graduating cohort.

The program’s welcome and recognition of graduates were led by Siosiua “C2” Vega, Communications & Engagement Manager at JobTrain and a JobTrain alumnus (Class of 2004)—a full-circle moment reflecting the long-term impact of JobTrain’s mission.

“This inaugural cohort represents what’s possible when mission-aligned organizations come together with a shared focus on outcomes,” said Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions at Per Scholas, who joined the celebration as a special guest speaker. “These graduates are prepared, confident, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the tech workforce.”

Following the ceremony, graduates, speakers, and guests gathered for a reception and photo call to commemorate the occasion and celebrate the collective achievement.

The JobTrain x Per Scholas IT Support program marks the beginning of an expanded effort to create accessible, employer-aligned technology training in the Bay Area—opening doors to sustainable careers and strengthening the region’s tech talent pipeline.

Per Scholas Cincinnati is proud to be featured in LINK nky for our pivotal role in addressing the tech talent shortage in Northern Kentucky. With IT identified as a critical growth cluster by BE NKY, our Covington satellite campus at the Kentucky Career Center is bridging the gap between local talent and high-demand careers.

As noted by our President, Caitlyn Brazill, and Greater Cincinnati Managing Director, Dr. Roger Burns, our mission is to provide affordable, hands-on training that bypasses the traditional barriers of time and expense. From Cybersecurity to AI-integrated software engineering, we are ensuring NKY residents are equipped for the plant floors and boardrooms of tomorrow.

Read the full article here!

A recent feature in the Charlotte Business Journal highlighted the surging impact of Per Scholas North Carolina, fueled by a $1 million grant from The BlackRock Foundation. This partnership is successfully bridging the opportunity gap, moving beyond the Charlotte hub to reach rural communities across the state.

The collaboration has delivered significant economic results for North Carolinians in less than one year:

• 339 Technologists: Trained in high-demand IT roles across the state.
• 2.6x Income Growth: Alumni have more than doubled their average pre-program earnings.
• $100M Lifetime Uplift: Estimated total earnings increase for North Carolina’s workforce.

The BlackRock investment enabled Per Scholas to implement a “boots on the ground” strategy in Western North Carolina. By partnering with Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, the program provides a critical pathway to stable, high-paying tech careers for workers displaced by Hurricane Helene and those in the hospitality sector.

With nearly 40% of participants holding only a high school diploma and over 40% being parents, the program focuses on holistic support rather than just technical training. 

Since 2020, Per Scholas has trained over 1,000 learners statewide, proving that with the right investment, the tech workforce can thrive in every corner of North Carolina.

Read the full Charlotte Business Journal article here.

Per Scholas and Salesforce have partnered together for more than a decade to expand access and opportunity for thousands of Americans to launch careers in the technology sector.

Since the launch of our partnership in 2014, Salesforce has supported Per Scholas by amplifying our mission through speaking engagements, encouraging employee volunteerism, offering pro bono engagements, hiring Per Scholas technologists, and awarding grants to further our impact. As a result, Per Scholas has grown from training approximately 650 learners across 5 cities to training 7,500 learners and alumni annually across 25 markets today. 

Salesforce’s support has been instrumental in several key initiatives, including:

• Developing ResumeBoost, a new tool that uses AI to help learners create technical resumes, powered by Agentforce — the agentic layer of the Salesforce Platform
• Scaling Software Engineering cohorts to enroll more aspiring engineers;
• Pivoting program delivery to remote instruction during the pandemic;
• Launching Per Scholas Boston; and
• Establishing Codebridge training in Atlanta.

Most recently, Salesforce’s partnership has enabled Per Scholas to incorporate AI skills training into all immersive and instructor-led upskilling courses. These enhancements will ensure that learners and alumni gain the cutting-edge skills to launch and advance in technology careers and continue Salesforce’s legacy of forging innovative and meaningful partnerships.

Per Scholas is deeply grateful for our enduring partnership with Salesforce. Together, we are expanding opportunities for aspiring technologists to launch careers with personal meaning, opportunities for advancement, and the wages needed to invest in their futures. We look forward to continuing this journey, driving meaningful change, and empowering the next generation of tech professionals.

Per Scholas is thrilled to be featured in The New York Times, celebrating our continued impact fostering economic mobility, preparing skilled individuals across the country for thriving tech careers. The New York Times Communities Fund supports local, national and global nonprofits that help people improve their circumstances and lead more enriching lives through the power of education, and as one of this year’s recipients, we’re honored to uplift our shared mission of the power of education.

The New York Times Communities Fund is helping to shape the lives of thousands of learners across the country – learners including Ismal Fofana. After a life-altering accident in 2019 left him unable to continue his career in restaurant management, Ismail faced the daunting task of starting over while supporting his young daughter. Though he had a lifelong interest in technology, he lacked a formal degree and feared a tech career was out of reach.

Everything changed when he discovered Per Scholas, a nonprofit providing rigorous technical training, all at no cost to learners. Through their 15-week coding program, Ismail received not only the technical instruction needed to master software engineering from scratch but also the professional mentorship to navigate the industry. Today, Ismail is thriving as a full-time Software Engineer at Accenture, a role that has empowered him to achieve financial stability and build a long-term career. As Ismail puts it, “Talent is everywhere in this world, but opportunity is not,” and Per Scholas provided the bridge to that career opportunity.

For 30 years, Per Scholas has offered no-cost, comprehensive tech training that has transformed lives and careers across the nation. Founded in the South Bronx in 1995, Per Scholas has expanded to 25 cities, with remote and satellite options, and trained more than 30,000 technologists. Our organization works closely with tech employers to ensure that alumni possess in-demand skills upon graduation, and offers professional development training and job attainment support for learners, as well as continued career growth opportunities through our Career Accelerator upskilling program. 

“Receiving support from The New York Times Communities Fund for the third consecutive year is a profound honor that directly affirms the impact of our work,” said Per Scholas CEO Plinio Ayala. “This vital partnership allows us to maintain our no-cost model, ensuring that skilled technologists from communities across the country can access the tech training they need to launch life-changing careers, and our feature in The New York Times further amplifies our combined impact.”

Per Scholas’ commitment to providing high-quality training at no cost to our learners is made possible through dedicated donor support. We are especially honored to announce that 2025 marks our third consecutive year being awarded a grant from The New York Times Communities Fund! This vital and sustained partnership is a testament to our shared mission, ensuring access remains available for all our learners and alumni – learners with stories like Ismail’s. We are immensely grateful to partner with and be featured in The New York Times, advancing our work to build skilled tech talent pipelines.

Read the full New York Times feature here.

We are thrilled to announce that Per Scholas was featured in a recent opinion article in The New York Times, “Sound investments in education yield big returns.”

The article highlights seven evidence-based charities partnered with The New York Times Communities Fund to invest in education across various life stages. Per Scholas was recognized for its crucial work in adult education and workforce development, and this marks our third year selected as a beneficiary.

The New York Times specifically highlighted Per Scholas’ commitment to offering robust, no-cost training programs for tech careers, including IT and cybersecurity. 

We are honored to be included among these impactful organizations working to make quality educational opportunities accessible to all.

Read the full opinion article and learn more about the campaign here!

Los Angeles, CA — We are proud to announce that Per Scholas has officially been selected for the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)’s new High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP) Fund, a grant program that provides over $17 million in funding for innovative, high-quality workforce training models that are delivered through partnerships with worker-centered organizations and employers and that result in greater equity, sustainability, and job quality.

The program addresses the technology sector’s persistent skills gap and prioritizes underrepresented learners, including opportunity youth and individuals historically excluded from high-quality tech training and employment. In partnership with Goodwill of Southern California and the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department, Per Scholas will deliver a comprehensive training program combining technical instruction, soft skills, and hands-on experience to prepare learners for in-demand technology careers.

Program Highlights:

• 300–500 hours of hands-on instruction covering key IT concepts and professional skills.
• Industry-recognized credentials, including CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support certifications.
• Paid, real-world experience as Digital Navigators, providing community members with digital access support while building practical technology skills.

Through this initiative, participants will gain the education, support, and connections needed to secure long-term employment while also advancing systems-level outcomes such as equitable workforce pathways and inclusive hiring practices in the tech industry. Prospective participants can learn more and apply at https://www.perscholas.org/locations/los-angeles.

“At Per Scholas, we believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Through the High Road Digital Pathways partnership, we’re changing that—connecting Angelenos from underrepresented communities to the education, tools, and experiences they need to thrive in the technology sector. This initiative isn’t just about training people for jobs; it’s about building a future where digital equity, economic mobility, and human potential move forward together.”
— Patrice Madu, Per Scholas Los Angeles Managing Director

“In 2025, searching for a job, visiting a doctor, or signing up for a bank account all require digital access and know-how. This $1 million investment is catalyzing a workforce of Digital Navigators that will support community members in overcoming the very real digital divide, which we know disproportionately impacts Black, Latino, Indigenous, and other historically disinvested households, while also advancing the Navigators’ skills and experiences for dynamic, cross-sector tech careers here in Los Angeles County. We are so excited to build on our digital equity investments at DEO and across the County through this new program and partnership.” — Kelly LoBianco, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity

Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Care First Community Investment, the twenty grantees selected for the HRTP Fund are each developing or expanding worker- and industry-informed training programs that serve Los Angeles County individuals most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and racial and economic inequities. The sectors, communities, and training models represented through this fund are diverse—ranging from construction, hospitality and tourism, and the creative sector; to communities such as justice-involved individuals and opportunity youth; and models including pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, and other high-quality training approaches.

About DEO:
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, launched in July 2022, helps job seekers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, major industries, and communities access life-changing opportunities, and is also home to the Office of Small Business, Los Angeles County’s one-stop shop dedicated to prospective entrepreneurs and small business owners. Stay connected with DEO! Follow @EconOppLA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, subscribe to our newsletter, or visit opportunity.lacounty.gov to learn about DEO services.

About Per Scholas:
As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward—aiming to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030, 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. 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.

Detroit, MI — Detroit’s tech and energy landscape is accelerating fast, and a new episode of DisruptED spotlights the people and partnerships fueling that momentum. Recorded live at the Power Up Detroit conference, the episode brings together voices at the forefront of the city’s workforce transformation.

Hosted by Ron J. Stefanski, the conversation features Kenneth Leroy W., Executive Vice President at Per Scholas, and Laura Chavez, Managing Director of Per Scholas Detroit. Together, they discuss how the organization is working closely with employers, community leaders, and grassroots innovators to equip Detroiters with the skills needed in a rapidly evolving economy.

The episode highlights several key drivers shaping Detroit’s next chapter:

• A booming tech and energy sector: Detroit is emerging as a national leader in mobility, clean energy, and advanced technology, creating new opportunities for both residents and employers.

• Community-powered innovation: Movements like Black Tech Saturdays are helping to diversify the tech landscape and build pathways for underrepresented talent.

• Industry-aligned training: Per Scholas continues to expand access to in-demand tech careers, offering flexible, employer-informed programs designed to meet Detroit’s growing workforce needs.
  

As Detroit continues its resurgence, organizations like Per Scholas play a critical role in ensuring local talent is prepared to thrive in the city’s modern economy.

🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/eJiq3ne8