Per Scholas is proud to announce a continuation of our partnership with Ascendium Education Group, a nonprofit committed to helping learners from low-income backgrounds achieve their career goals.

Through this investment, Ascendium is supporting Per Scholas as we scale our proven tech workforce training model nationwide. The partnership will expand immersive training programs, strengthen work-based learning opportunities, and help ensure long-term sustainability, enabling more learners to access high-growth careers in technology.

As demand for talent accelerates in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Data Center operations, employers are seeking candidates with both technical proficiency and applied experience. Ascendium’s support will help Per Scholas keep its curriculum aligned to evolving industry needs while deepening hands-on learning through employer-led projects, apprenticeships, and other experiential models that prepare learners to contribute from day one.

“Scale requires more than resources — it requires shared belief in what is possible,” said Plinio Ayala, Chief Executive Officer of Per Scholas. “Ascendium’s partnership strengthens our ability to expand access to high-quality, no-cost training while maintaining the strong outcomes that define our model.”

With this investment, Per Scholas will increase enrollment in immersive training and Career Accelerator upskilling programs, launch new industry-aligned pathways, and continue building partnerships with employers and postsecondary institutions. The initiative also includes exploring public funding collaborations to support sustainable growth and broaden access to no-cost training.

Our partnership with Ascendium reflects a shared commitment to expanding pathways into thriving tech careers and strengthening long-term economic mobility for individuals, families, and communities nationwide.

About Ascendium:

Ascendium Education Group® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization driven by the belief that learning after high school gives people the power to build better futures. Our national philanthropy focuses on increasing opportunities for learners from low-income backgrounds to achieve upward mobility through postsecondary education and workforce training. We partner with organizations whose objectives align with our core strategies to expand opportunity, support learner success, and connect and align systems. Our grantees include postsecondary education and workforce training providers, intermediaries, researchers, and media organizations from across the U.S. To learn more, visit ascendiumphilanthropy.org.

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 $35 billion in increased personal earnings. 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.

A little over a year after Hurricane Helene disrupted the economic fabric of Western North Carolina, the transition from immediate relief to long-term recovery is gaining momentum. Per Scholas is honored to be part of Cisco’s 40 Communities initiative, joining forces with Cisco and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to strengthen the region’s resilience.

While LISC focuses on the small business “backbone” of the community, Per Scholas is dedicated to providing hands-on, tech training at no cost to residents to upskill low- to moderate-income adults seeking promising careers in technology.

“By leveraging Cisco’s technology and expertise, we’re creating pathways to opportunity for people in Western North Carolina who are ready to rebuild not just their own futures, but their community’s future,” says Michael Terrell, Per Scholas North Carolina Senior Managing Director.

This partnership exemplifies our commitment to creating lasting change, ensuring that Western North Carolina doesn’t just recover but thrives for years to come.

Read the Full Story Here.

St. Louis, MO, Friday, February 27, 2026 — Since launching in 2022, the Per Scholas St. Louis campus has trained over 400 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as Cybersecurity, Data Center Technician, and IT Support. Our alumni have earned jobs at employers including Boeing, BJCHealthcare, TEKSystems, UKG, and more.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, alumni, and friends, Per Scholas St. Louis celebrated the incredible milestone of 400 learners trained. From a gallery showcasing learner journeys, to powerful reflections from alumni, employer partners, and advisors, the celebration centered on what matters most: transformation, access, and workforce opportunity that changes lives and strengthens the St. Louis region. 

“Four hundred learners trained isn’t just a number. It represents 400 individuals who chose courage, growth, and a new path forward. At Per Scholas St. Louis, we’re not just training technologists; we’re advancing economic mobility and strengthening our regional workforce. And this is only the beginning” said Keisha Mabry Haymore, Managing Director of Per Scholas St. Louis.

The program featured remarks from Sam Fiorello, President & Chief Executive Officer, Cortex; Cindy Heermann, Human Resources Director, HomeWAV; Ashley Pyle, Chief Experience Officer, GadellNet; and esteemed alumni Misti Schwaller and Brianna Young. Cindy Heermann remarked “HomeWAV is excited to be working with Per Scholas; its current 13-week training has been an excellent source of candidates for several of our roles, and the professionalism and job-readiness of your students have been truly outstanding.” She continued, “We value this partnership and look forward to continuing to build a strong, long-term relationship that creates meaningful opportunities for your graduates and supports our growing team.”

Per Scholas St. Louis thanks Cortex Innovation Community for being a partner since our founding year; without their commitment, the successes of our St. Louis campus would not have been possible. “Per Scholas’ milestone of graduating 400 learners represents real economic mobility for St. Louis families and the power of the partnership between Per Scholas and Cortex to build a more inclusive innovation economy. This is what sustainable change looks like in action,” said Sam Fiorello, President & Chief Executive Officer, Cortex. 

Per Scholas St. Louis also acknowledges the generous support of the Bellwether Foundation, the William T. Kemper Foundation, Bank of America, the Hermann Family Foundation, Upward Momentum, St. Louis Port Authority, and the Light A Single Candle Foundation.

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 St. Louis area. Notably, every dollar invested in Per Scholas yields an $8 net economic return. Per Scholas St. Louis is transforming lives by equipping Per Scholas Technologists with in-demand tech skills at no cost. This summer, Per Scholas St. Louis will begin training learners in Healthcare IT.

To learn more about Per Scholas St. Louis and upcoming training, follow them on LinkedIn or Per Scholas St. Louis. 

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 $35 billion in increased personal earnings. 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 Featured in Forbes Councils for Insights on Scaling Tech Teams Through Skills-Based Hiring and Upskilling

NEW YORK, NY — February 2026 — Per Scholas was recently featured in Forbes Councils for its thought leadership on scaling technology teams in today’s AI-driven labor market. The article, written by Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions, highlights how organizations can address tech talent challenges by hiring for potential and investing in internal upskilling programs.

Murrey emphasizes that traditional “unicorn” hiring expectations often leave positions unfilled and overburden teams. Instead, companies should focus on identifying candidates with learning agility, adaptability, and leadership potential, while building nontraditional talent pipelines through partnerships with workforce development organizations, community colleges, and technical training providers.

“Tech leaders do not have a talent shortage problem. They have a talent strategy problem,” Murrey writes in Forbes Councils. “Organizations that prioritize skills-based hiring and internal development will be best positioned for long-term growth in an evolving market.”

The feature reinforces Per Scholas’ commitment to advancing workforce development and economic mobility by connecting skilled technologists to high-demand careers. By combining rigorous technical training, professional skills development, and employer-aligned pathways, Per Scholas helps organizations build resilient, future-ready teams while providing learners with opportunities to thrive in the tech economy.

With more than 30,000 alumni trained across 20+ campuses and remote programs nationwide, Per Scholas continues to demonstrate how workforce development strategies that focus on potential and upskilling can scale impact and transform lives.

👉 Read the full Forbes Councils article here.

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.