Choosing between college and trade school may be one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. The option you choose influences your career path, earning potential, lifestyle, and more. Both can lead to meaningful employment, but cost and flexibility, among other factors, differ significantly. That’s why you’ll want to weigh everything carefully and make a confident choice.

Attending college or a traditional trade school isn’t for everyone, and that’s where Per Scholas can help. We advance economic equity through rigorous, no-cost tuition tech training and connect skilled talent with leading businesses, helping learners enter the industry without a traditional degree. Below, you’ll discover trade school vs. college pros and cons and learn more about differences in costs, program length, salary, and career potential. You can then decide which path best fits your goals or choose a different route.

Trade School vs. College: What’s the Difference?

Trade schools typically take less time to complete than college degrees, which usually take two to four years. Trade schools also offer a more hands-on approach to learning while preparing you for a specific career, such as IT, construction, automotive technology, or health care administration.

Colleges, on the other hand, are generally more academic and classroom-based, which suits some learning styles. They can also offer more flexible career pathways. For example, you can major in one tech field, minor in another, and then decide which one you want to pursue. Earning a degree in itself can also open up new job opportunities.

The main differences between trade school and college are cost, time commitment, and career options. For example, trade schools are less expensive and require less time to complete, whereas colleges provide more flexibility.

What Is a Trade School?

You may have heard about this pathway when researching a career in tech. But what is a trade school, and why might it be a good choice for you?

Trade schools, also known as vocational or technical schools, prepare you for a specific career through hands-on training. They’re a popular way to get jobs, such as:

• Electrician
• HVAC technician
• Welder
• Medical assistant

They’re also becoming popular because they offer a path to in-demand technology roles such as software developer or cybersecurity analyst. But they’re not the only way to get a job in the tech industry. Per Scholas, for example, offers skills-based training as an alternative to traditional colleges and trade schools to help you enter this competitive field.

Trade schools generally have shorter timelines than colleges, sometimes taking as little as a few months to complete. Credentials you can earn at this type of institution include certificates, diplomas, and apprenticeships.

What Is College?

College is an educational institution after high school that lets you earn an associate or bachelor’s degree, usually within a two- to four-year timeframe.  

Compared to trade schools, colleges often have a broader academic curriculum and more stringent enrollment requirements, such as a particular SAT score. They can also offer opportunities for networking, internships, and more advanced education, such as a PhD.

If you want career flexibility or need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to work in a particular field, college may be the right option for you. If you want to complete school quickly and develop the required skills for a specific job, consider a trade school instead.

Trade School vs. College Pros and Cons

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of both pathways:

Pros and Cons of Trade School

Pros of Trade School

• Equips you to get a job faster (you can complete a program in as little as a few months)
• Costs less compared to most degrees
• Provides hands-on training
• Meets the demand for many skilled trades
• Offers skills for specific careers

Cons of Trade School

• Not as much career flexibility as a college degree
• Fewer opportunities for general education or soft skill development
• Credits you earn in a trade school may not transfer to a college program
• Some roles may have physical demands or salary ceilings

Pros and Cons of College

Pros of College

• Provides a broader education
• Offers more career flexibility
• Has potential for higher long-term earnings
• Gives you access to job roles that require a degree
• Creates opportunities for networking and internships

Cons of College

• Higher costs
• Longer time commitment
• Potential debt
• Delayed entry into the workforce (you may not have full-time earnings for up to four years or even more)
• Some degrees may not lead directly to a job without additional experience/training

Comparing the pros and cons of trade school vs. college can help you determine which option best matches your career plans and budget.

Trade School vs. College Cost

One of the primary differences between trade schools and college is the financial investment. Generally, trade schools are less expensive because their programs are shorter and more focused on a particular career. Colleges require a more substantial investment. In fact, the average cost for someone living on campus at a four-year college in 2022-2023 was between $27,100 and $58,600, depending on the type of institution. (See National Center for Education Statistics data for college costs.)

The price you’ll pay for a trade school or college depends on the following:

• Tuition
• Fees
• Accommodation (whether you need to live on campus or not)
• Books, supplies, and equipment needed to complete your program

When comparing trade school vs. college costs, be sure to consider any debt you may incur and the time you’ll spend out of the workforce.

Trade School vs. College Salary and Career Outcomes

College alumni may have higher average long-term earnings, especially in traditional careers such as law, finance, and healthcare. In fact, those with bachelor’s degrees have median weekly earnings of $1,543, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, their trade school counterparts could earn comparable wages in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity and computer science.

Ultimately, trade school vs. college salaries depend on the specific role, experience level, and other factors. For example, the salary for a registered nurse, a job that typically requires an associate or a bachelor’s degree, is $88,647 per year, according to Indeed. The average salary for an elevator technician, who typically requires an apprenticeship at a trade school, is $74,417 per year, not that far behind. The elevator technician may also have less debt than the registered nurse.

Job Readiness, Flexibility, and Long-Term Growth

Another difference is how trade schools and colleges prepare learners for the workforce.

Usually, a trade school lets you acquire job-specific skills in a comparatively short timeframe, which helps you enter the workforce quickly. It may also provide a clear path to a particular job, such as an IT specialist or cybersecurity technician.

A college lets you build a broader range of knowledge and learn more transferable skills, which is beneficial if you want to change career paths in the future. It’s also often the only way to enter certain job roles, such as an attorney or surgeon.

There’s a definite tradeoff between job readiness and long-term career flexibility, so this is something you’ll want to consider before making a choice.

Is Trade School Better Than College?

No career route is inherently “better.” The right option for you depends on your goals, preferred learning style, financial situation, interests, and other details.

Think about what your future career might look like when considering a trade school or college.

Trade school may be the right fit if:

• You want a quick way to enter the workforce and start earning money
• You have a specific skills-based career in mind, such as plumbing or IT
• You want to spend less time in school

College may be the right fit if:

• You want a position that requires a degree
• You prefer academic study more than hands-on learning
• You value the flexibility of changing careers in the future
• You want to continue with more advanced education later, such as a PhD or JD

So, is trade school better than college? Not at all. Success depends on what you do with your education, not the place where you get it.  

A Third Path: No-Cost Tuition Career-Focused IT Training

Trade school and college are certainly not the only paths to a career you’ll love. Numerous other options exist for obtaining the skills employers are actively seeking right now.

If you’re interested in a tech career, spending four years at college may not be the best route to take, even if all your friends are getting degrees. A traditional trade school may also be a bad fit. One alternative is to attend a no-cost training program that prepares you for high-demand fields such as cloud computing, software engineering, and data analytics.

Per Scholas can help. We offer these programs across the U.S. and serve learners who want practical, hands-on training without the expense of a conventional degree.

Explore our training programs.

Related reading: Starting an IT career

How to Choose the Right Path for Your Future

Now that you’ve learned about trade school vs. college pros and cons, it’s time to make a decision. Before you do, evaluate both options carefully and ask yourself the following:

• Do you know exactly what career you want?
• How much time do you want to dedicate to school?
• How much debt are you willing to take on?
• Do you prefer hands-on training or learning in a classroom?
• Does your dream job require a degree or something else, such as a license or certificate?
• Do you want the flexibility of changing careers at some point in the future?

Your answers depend on what you want to achieve in your life and where you see yourself in the future. You should also consider your financial situation, learning style, and other important factors when making your final decision.

Build a Career Without Taking the Traditional Route

Trade school and college can lead to a high-paying, meaningful career. However, they’re not the only options, so don’t feel pressured to go down either path.

If you enjoy tech, consider no-cost tuition and career-focused, accessible training through Per Scholas, including our cybersecurity programs. Over 30 years, we’ve trained thousands of individuals across the U.S. We’ve helped them access tech careers and build career pathways toward economic equity.

Take the next step toward an in-demand career that matches your skills and goals.

Explore Per Scholas’ training programs today or apply for no-cost skills training.

The BlackRock Foundation continues to strengthen its national partnership with Per Scholas, a leading provider of no-cost technology training, advancing a shared commitment to expanding access to technology careers and building inclusive talent pipelines nationwide.

Since the partnership began in 2018, BlackRock and The BlackRock Foundation have granted $7.8 million nationally to support Per Scholas programs across Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, New York, Orlando, Seattle, and North Carolina. This Founder’s Circle partnership has helped scale training capacity, deepen employer connections, and expand access to high-growth technology careers for thousands of learners across the country.

In addition to financial investment, BlackRock employees have contributed through mentoring, curriculum engagement, and volunteer support, including participation in virtual software engineering roundtables and direct engagement with learners, helping align training with evolving employer needs across markets.

At scale, BlackRock’s cumulative investment has helped enable Per Scholas to train at least 5,600 learners for technology careers and is projected to generate more than $166 million in new annual earnings in low- and moderate-income communities nationwide.

That national commitment was reflected locally at Per Scholas North Carolina’s Unlocking Potential: A Celebration of People and Possibility event, where The BlackRock Foundation leaders joined staff, alumni, and employer partners to celebrate the impact of workforce development in the region. Their participation served as a visible proof point of how the national partnership is translating into community-level impact.

As part of the evening’s program, The BlackRock Foundation was recognized with the Opportunity Builder Award, honoring organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to expanding access to high-quality career pathways and investing in underserved talent.

“Being named an Opportunity Builder reflects what we aim to do every day at BlackRock and The BlackRock Foundation—expand access, invest in people, and help create pathways to economic opportunity,” said Marc H. Balizer, Managing Director, who accepted the award on behalf of The BlackRock Foundation. “Our partnership with Per Scholas shows what’s possible when employers and training organizations come together with a shared focus on impact and outcomes.”

Caitlyn Brazill, President of Per Scholas, underscored the depth and longevity of the partnership, “partners like The BlackRock Foundation are essential to everything we do,” said Brazill. “This partnership shows what it looks like when organizations not only invest in talent, but actively help build the bridges that connect learners to lasting careers.”

In North Carolina, The BlackRock Foundation’s $1 million investment is driving rural workforce development and economic recovery in communities impacted by job displacement, including Western North Carolina. The results speak for themselves. BlackRock’s support has helped more than 300 North Carolinians earn industry-recognized credentials and launch careers in cybersecurity, software engineering, and data analytics, with projected first-year wages totaling more than $9.6 million cumulatively for graduates supported through the partnership.

In western North Carolina, this investment has taken on even greater significance. When Hurricane Helene devastated the region, communities were forced to confront urgent questions about recovery, resilience, and opportunity. Because BlackRock’s investment was already rooted in expanding access to rural opportunity, it became a critical lever in the aftermath—helping rebuild pathways to economic mobility when they were needed most.

Together, The BlackRock Foundation and Per Scholas continue to demonstrate the power of aligning employer needs with accessible, skills-based training. From early investments in Atlanta and Boston to large-scale national expansion and targeted rural recovery efforts in North Carolina, the partnership reflects a sustained commitment to economic mobility and inclusive workforce development.

As both organizations continue to scale their work, the collaboration stands as a model for how employer partnerships translate into measurable opportunity—connecting talent to careers and strengthening communities across the United States.

In celebration of National IT Service Day, Per Scholas was honored to host a dynamic virtual panel featuring three distinguished leaders from IBM. Titled “Inside the Tech Workforce,” the event provided our learners and alumni with a rare, “under the hood” look at one of the world’s largest technology companies, and was the final panel of a series from IBM. 

The session served as a powerful reminder of the impact of our long-standing partnership with IBM. By bridging the gap between classroom training and industry reality, events like these empower our community to see themselves not just as participants in the tech economy, but as its future leaders.

Leading Perspectives from the Front Lines of Innovation

The panel featured a cross-section of IBM’s top talent, representing decades of experience and a wide array of technical disciplines. Our community had the privilege of hearing from:

• Jay Overacre (Global IT Transformation Leader, DevIT Services): A 30-year IBM veteran, Jay shared his expertise on leading data center transformations and providing the infrastructure that powers global software development.
• Tamela (Product Owner, AI Content Governance): Highlighting the critical “human” side of tech, Tamela discussed her hybrid role in AI governance and technical writing, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and responsibility in emerging technologies.
• Kurt Koehle (Power Cloud Consultant): With 31 years at IBM and experience working in 23 different countries, Kurt inspired learners with stories of global travel and the evolving landscape of cloud consultancy.

From the intricacies of Cloud Infrastructure and IT Automation to the emerging ethics of AI Content Governance, the speakers provided actionable career advice and shared the personal “why” behind their long-standing careers at IBM.

A Partnership Built on Opportunity

At Per Scholas, we believe that talent is found everywhere, but opportunity is not. Our partnership with IBM is a cornerstone of our mission to change that reality. By volunteering their time and expertise, these IBMers provided more than just information—they provided mentorship and a roadmap for success.

The energy throughout the session was electric, with learners and alumni engaging in a deep-dive Q&A that touched on everything from breaking into UX design to the daily habits that lead to a 30-year career in tech.

Get Involved: Corporate Engagement

We extend our deepest gratitude to Jay, Tamela, and Kurt for their time and transparency. Their contributions help ensure that Per Scholas graduates are not just job-ready, but industry-ready.

Are you interested in bringing your company’s expertise to our learners? We are always looking for corporate partners to host panels, provide mentorship, or lead technical workshops.

To learn more about corporate engagement opportunities and how your team can help shape the future of the tech workforce, please contact Tori Grafeman at tgrafeman@perscholas.org.

Charlotte, NC — April 23, 2026 — Per Scholas North Carolina today announced it has received a $7 million grant from The Leon Levine Foundation to support the expansion of its technology workforce training programs across North Carolina. This investment will help scale Per Scholas’ proven model to reach more learners statewide and strengthen pathways to economic mobility.

Distributed over five years, the grant will support Per Scholas North Carolina’s efforts to grow into a statewide workforce engine, expanding access to no-cost, employer-aligned training and connecting more individuals to in-demand careers in technology.

Through this support, Per Scholas North Carolina aims to:

• Increase training capacity to 1,000 learners annually by 2030
• Serve an additional 330 Career Accelerator participants each year
• Reach more than 3,000 learners over five years
• Drive an estimated $3.9 billion in lifetime earnings impact for graduates

“This grant from The Leon Levine Foundation represents an important step forward in expanding access to high-quality tech training across North Carolina,” said Mike Terrell, Managing Director of Per Scholas North Carolina. “With this support, we can reach more communities, strengthen our partnerships, and continue delivering the outcomes that help individuals build sustainable, long-term careers.”

The investment will support key growth initiatives, including expanded training infrastructure in Charlotte and the Research Triangle region, the development of satellite training sites, and increased access for rural learners through community-based partnerships. It will also advance program innovation, including new career pathways and enhanced work-based learning opportunities aligned with employer demand.

“This support allows us to thoughtfully scale our impact while maintaining the quality and outcomes that define Per Scholas,” said Caitlyn Brazill, Per Scholas President. “We’re focused on ensuring that more North Carolinians can access training that leads directly to meaningful employment and long-term economic mobility.”

Deborah Majewski, Program Director Human Services at The Leon Levine Foundation, added: “Per Scholas has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding access to opportunity and helping individuals build pathways to self-sufficiency. This investment reflects our support for programs that equip people with the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce and strengthen communities across North Carolina.”

Per Scholas North Carolina’s expansion aligns with statewide workforce priorities, including increasing access to industry-recognized credentials, strengthening employer partnerships, and extending opportunity to underserved communities across both urban and rural areas.

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.

About The Leon Levine Foundation
About The Leon Levine Foundation: Established in 1980 by Leon Levine, founder and former chairman of Family Dollar Stores, Inc., The Leon Levine Foundation empowers underserved Carolinians to be self-sufficient and strengthens Jewish communities. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the Foundation creates impact through grants and investments across North and South Carolina, supporting both long-standing community partners and focused strategic initiatives. The Foundation is on a time-bound mission to strengthen children and families, build strong futures for hardworking adults, and cultivate vibrant Jewish communities. Guided by Mr. Levine’s vision, the Foundation’s philanthropy is anchored in four enduring areas of impact: education, healthcare, human services, and Jewish values.

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape of Indianapolis, finding job-ready entry-level talent is a perennial challenge for many firms. For Bell Techlogix, a leader in managed IT services and holistic IT lifecycle management, the solution wasn’t found in traditional job boards—it was found in a revitalized partnership with Per Scholas.

While the relationship originally began when Per Scholas opened its Indianapolis campus in 2023, it reached a new level of “immediate connection” in 2024. With a fresh wave of HR leadership and a shared vision for the local workforce, the partnership was fully activated. Since then, Bell Techlogix has hired seven Per Scholas graduates into critical IT Support roles, creating a reliable pipeline of diverse, high-caliber talent.

The transition from a learner to a professional at Bell Techlogix is rigorous. Shaira Shelton, Talent Acquisition Manager, and Dayana Tellez, Talent Acquisition & Onboarding Advisor, have watched Per Scholas technologists navigate this transition with remarkable speed.

“When we’re bringing on service desk analysts from Per Scholas, they go through an intensive five-day learning and development session,” explains Shaira Shelton. “They then go onto a specific account and are trained on how that specific customer likes to be communicated with. We’ve seen technologists from Per Scholas move into deeper troubleshooting levels faster than some of the other talent  we’ve hired.”

Dayana Tellez notes that the feedback from team managers has been overwhelmingly positive: “I’ve connected with the managers these new hires report to. They’ve filled the gap, are exceeding expectations, and are hitting the marks exactly where they are needed. Per Scholas has definitely been a really good partner when it comes to diversifying our applicants and our pipeline.”

One of the most insightful parts of the partnership is Bell Techlogix’s outlook on the future of the workforce. While the industry is buzzing about AI, Shaira and Dayana argue that the “human element” is becoming more valuable, not less. They’ve moved away from the term “soft skills,” preferring to call them “Power Skills” or “Essential Skills.”

“We still need to support entry-level IT professionals. While AI can help with back-end work, we still need the human element—the problem-solving, communication, and reliability. We’re seeing those ‘Power Skills’ in the talent coming from Per Scholas,” Shaira shares.

What truly cements this partnership is that Bell Techlogix doesn’t just wait for resumes to hit their inbox; they help write the success stories. Shaira, Dayana, and the wider Bell Techlogix team are active volunteers in Per Scholas Professional Development (PD) classes. From conducting mock interviews to providing direct feedback on what the industry currently lacks, they are deeply embedded in the curriculum.

“It’s so much more rewarding than just sending over a job posting,” Shaira reflects. “Going to the graduations has been great—especially after doing mock interviews and then seeing them walk across the stage. You start to feel a sense of pride. You want to help them reach their goals.”

This feedback loop is a two-way street. When Bell Techlogix identifies a specific skill gap (referred to as “X, Y, or Z” in the field), the Per Scholas instructional team adapts.

“We’ll give feedback and say, ‘Hey, they’re missing X,’ and then the next round of candidates comes prepared with it. Having that back-and-forth is something that’s really rare,” adds Shaira.

As Bell Techlogix looks toward the future, its goal is simple: Hire more. They view Per Scholas as the first stop when a new role opens up.

By hiring graduates like Jacob Mashmeyer, who transitioned from a learner to an alumni speaker at his own graduation, Bell Techlogix is proving that the Indianapolis IT market is vibrant, diverse, and ready for the future.

“We look forward to continuing to hire and partner as we move into the rest of the year and beyond,” Shaira concludes. “We just think the world of Per Scholas, really.”

At American Art Clay Co. (AMACO), the mission is to provide high-quality materials that help artists bring their visions to life. But recently, a different kind of “shaping” has been taking place within their IT department. Through a strategic partnership with Per Scholas, AMACO has discovered a new standard for technical excellence, customer service, and community reinvestment.

When IT Director Marty Dickerson took over the department, he faced a significant challenge. The IT team’s internal reputation was struggling. The goal was to transform the support desk into a high-level service department that empowered the rest of the company.

Marty, an active member and mentor within the Society for Information Management (SIM), a national network for IT leaders, found a natural ally in Per Scholas. Through his connection with Theron Wilson, Managing Director of Per Scholas Indianapolis and fellow SIM colleague, Marty realized that the solution to his talent gap lay in a program that emphasizes both technical grit and professional polish.

Enter Karl Kuehn, a Per Scholas graduate who arrived at AMACO with a “fire” that immediately caught leadership’s attention. Even during a rigorous interview process, Karl stood out for his technical knowledge and his exceptional communication skills.

“I have specific things I look for in potential employees and resumes,” says Ted Shockey, Senior IT Technician and Karl’s direct mentor. “Karl hit most of those for me. I can teach anybody how to fix something; I can teach you the steps. But I can’t teach you the soft skills, how to deal with people. At a point, you either know how to do it or you don’t. Karl was given the tools to show he can, and he does.”

Starting as a Junior Technician, Karl had an immediate impact. He has since been promoted to IT Technician, demonstrating that the Per Scholas blueprint produces professionals ready for rapid career progression.

The hallmark of Karl’s tenure at AMACO was a project that neither Marty nor Ted saw coming. Assigned to overhaul a production-side application, Karl went beyond fixing the existing bugs and reimagined the tool from the ground up.

“He took that project and knocked it out of the park at a level neither of us foresaw,” Marty recalls. “When he went through an alpha test with us, it was amazing. It was a level beyond. It made things easier for our production personnel, and they’ve already forgotten all they had to go through with the previous application.”

For AMACO, the impact was clear: Karl wasn’t just maintaining their systems; he was innovating on their behalf. For this Per Scholas alumnus, the impact was a life-changing career path where his work is valued at the highest levels of the company.

What makes the AMACO and Per Scholas partnership unique is its “full circle” nature. The impact goes both ways:

1. Talent for AMACO: The company gained a high-performing, culture-fit Per Scholas technician who required minimal onboarding. “If you could get me another person even close to Karl’s skill levels… I’d take all I could,” Ted says.
2. Hardware for Per Scholas: AMACO recognizes that for learners to succeed, they need physical equipment to practice on. Marty has facilitated the donation of “aged-out” laptops to Per Scholas labs. “It’s great that we have hardware we can contribute to support that effort,” Marty explains. “It’s a small way to sow back into the organization and say thanks.”
3. Mentorship for the Community: Through the SIM connection and professional development projects, AMACO leadership stays engaged with the Per Scholas mission, ensuring the curriculum remains aligned with real-world employer needs.

As AMACO looks toward the future, including upcoming retirements and departmental shifts, they aren’t worried about where their next great hire will come from. They already know the way to Per Scholas.

“The confidence Per Scholas built into him is a huge factor in his success here,” Marty says. 

By blending the “how” of technology with the “how to deliver,” Per Scholas has provided AMACO with more than an employee. They’ve partnered with talent dedicated to the same artistry and care that go into every piece of clay they produce.

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.