Per Scholas Chosen to Provide Tech Training and Prepare More Un- or Underemployed Adults for Careers

NEW YORK (June 30, 2016) – This week, the Obama Administration announced $150 million in funding from the Department of Labor through TechHire partnership grants for organizations to launch innovative training and placement models to develop tech talent, as a way to keep and create jobs in local economies. Per Scholas, a national IT workforce development organization, will be implementing programs at for four of its sites – the National Capital Region, New York City, Columbus, and Greater Cincinnati. This funding will enable Per Scholas to deepen and expand its model for workforce development in order to provide life-changing business and life skills and to drive economic mobility for individuals in these regions.

In New York and the National Capital Region, funding will support Pathways to Tech Careers, a project in partnership with Jobs for the Future and General Assembly. Per Scholas’ Cincinnati and Columbus sites will participate as training providers for two other TechHire Partnership programs that are focused on connecting un- or underemployed individuals with careers in IT.

“We’re extremely honored to be a TechHire recipient. This award will enable us have an even greater impact on businesses, our students, and in the communities in which we work,” noted Plinio Ayala, president and chief executive officer of Per Scholas. “With this new funding, we can train and prepare even more individuals for a career in tech and ultimately, have long-term economic success and social mobility.”

Pathways to Tech Careers will establish and expand accelerated training programs that prepare youth and young adults with barriers to employment for high-wage, high-demand careers in IT in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. As implementing partners, Per Scholas and General Assembly will offer three different training programs, including web development boot camps, training in data analytics, and IT security, catered to young adults, veterans and other displaced workers.

This funding comes as part of $150 million in TechHire Partnership grants awarded to 39 programs across the country. Recognizing the unmet demand for tech workers around the country, President Obama launched TechHire to encourage states, cities, and rural areas to collaborate with employers and training providers to design and implement innovative approaches to develop the tech workforce. The grants are intended to enable communities to expand their local tech sectors.

Launched in 1995, Per Scholas provides rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development to people who are un- or underemployed. Oftentimes, these individuals are unable find sustainable pathways out of low-wage work, and Per Scholas provides free, effective training and program supports that enable them to launch successful careers in technology, while creating onramps to businesses in need of their talents. To date, Per Scholas has trained more than 5,000 individuals, helping them build successful careers in the tech sector. Per Scholas has been shown to produce large impacts in two separate independent studies – mostly recently by the WorkAdvance study as well as in the 2010 Sector Employment Impact Study.

To view the White House announcement, visit https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/06/27/fact-sheet-expanding-tech-economies-communities-across-country.

Per Scholas’ Effectiveness Proven in Independent Multi-Year WorkAdvance Research Study

NEW YORK (June 28, 2016) – A new report shows that Per Scholas, a national IT workforce development organization, is producing positive and lasting impacts related to the income, reliance on public benefits, and overall well-being of its students. An impact evaluation of WorkAdvance was released this week by MDRC, a nonprofit, nonpartisan education and social policy research organization. The two-year study, which followed a gold standard random control trial design, evaluated the effectiveness of four workforce development programs. The findings show that sectoral programs (training focused on rapidly growing sectors of the economy like information technology) can increase earnings among low-income individuals.

The WorkAdvance study proves the large and consistent impacts possible from an experienced provider, such as Per Scholas, and the potential impact that a well-run sector program can have. According to the findings, Per Scholas produced the largest impact on employment in a targeted sector. Key WorkAdvance findings for Per Scholas include:

• 61 percent of Per Scholas WorkAdvance group members reported working in the information technology sector at their current or most recent job.
• Students of the WorkAdvance program at Per Scholas significantly reduced their receipt of public assistance benefits following graduation.
• Per Scholas WorkAdvance group members reported higher hourly, weekly and annual earnings. Earnings increased by more than $3,700 (or 26 percent) above the control group in Year 2.
• A measure of life satisfaction was approximately ten percentage points higher among the program group compared to the control group.

“This latest study validates what we’ve known for some time – that given proper training and coaching, individuals from often overlooked communities can acquire the skills and business acumen to not only enter the IT field, but excel and experience significant career progression,” noted Plinio Ayala, president and chief executive officer of Per Scholas. “At Per Scholas, we’re not just training people for a job. We’re arming people with life-changing business and life skills that result in long-term success and economic mobility.”

Launched in 1995, Per Scholas provides rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development to people who are un- or underemployed. These un- or underemployed individuals are unable find sustainable pathways out of low-wage work, and Per Scholas provides free, effective training and program supports that enable them to launch successful careers in technology, while creating onramps to businesses in need of their talents. To date, Per Scholas has trained over 5,000 individuals, helping them build successful careers in the tech sector. Per Scholas has now been shown to produce large impacts in two separate studies – in this study as well as in the 2010 Sector Employment Impact Study.

“It is unusual to see such a consistent pattern of impacts from an employment program across so many domains of work and overall well-being,” noted Richard Hendra, principle investigator of the WorkAdvance Study. “These large impacts on both primary and secondary economic measures reaffirm the overall effectiveness of the WorkAdvance program at Per Scholas.”

WorkAdvance was launched as a research demonstration project under the federal Social Innovation Fund in 2013. The program seeks to boost the earnings of unemployed and low-wage working adults by helping them prepare for and enter quality jobs in targeted industries with opportunities for career growth. The WorkAdvance study released this week, featured four workforce development organizations in four locations: Per Scholas and St. Nicks Alliance in New York City; Madison Strategies Group in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Towards Employment in Cleveland and Youngstown, Ohio.

“Five years ago, I would have never imagined making it this far in my career, making enough to have my own place. I grew up in single parent household and things were tough. When all my friends were going away to college, I worked two to three jobs for food and shelter,” noted Naya Moss, 2015 Per Scholas NY graduate. “The training and hands-on support I received through Per Scholas prepared me for a career in tech and really enabled me to be successful, independent, and workforce ready.”

To view the WorkAdvance Executive Summary and findings, visit www.mdrc.org/publication/encouraging-evidence-sector-focused-advancement-strategy.

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Kaitlin Sanderson 

(301) 585-5034, 

kaitlin@cfoxcommunications.com

On Tuesday, June 21, 2016, Per Scholas and the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) hosted Diverse by Design, the first in a conversation series about building diversity and inclusion in the workforce. Nearly 200 guests comprising of C-Suite individuals, employer partners, and representatives from workforce development convened at Google’s New York City Headquarters to hear from Fortune 500 thought leaders in technology, finance, energy, and social impact.

Damien Howard opened the event and set the tone for the rest of the afternoon with this quote: “To make a real impact on Diversity and Inclusion you need to be focused and courageous.”

Toacca Rutherford, from JPMorgan Chase & Co. followed after and kept the audience engaged with tales of her career. She says “How did I get to this point in my career? Someone embraced diversity.” Toacca was also on stage to provide Per Scholas with a $1,175,000 check from our signature partner JPMorgan Chase to support our efforts across the nation.

Guests were treated to the first of two ignite presentations with Randall Pinkett of BCT Partners joining the stage. His riveting presentation touched upon the global impact that diversity can have. According to Randall,”Once you have individuals who care about personal diversity,  organizational diversity becomes easy.”

The first panel was introduced by Errika Mallett of ITSMF and focused on Innovation. Moderated by Brennon Marcano, executive director of the Council of Urban Professionals, Amy Chapman, Thomas H. Graham, Brian H. Johnson, Ali Marano, and Karen Sumberg discussed different ways their organizations are tackling the issue of diversity within their industries and the understanding that in order for their companies to continue to succeed, they need to embrace diversity. As Ali Marano stated, “Innovation comes from diverse thinking. Diversity is more than just race or gender. Diverse thinking is shifting how we do business.”

During a keynote conversation between Linda Clement-Holmes of Proctor and Gamble, and Carla Ogunrinde of ITSMF, Linda shared with the audience how she was able to get this far in her career. She focused on being honest with herself and ensuring that she stopped trying to be someone she was not. Linda left the audience with key advice such as “You should learn something new every day of your life.”

Before the second panel launched, Per Scholas’ Kenneth Walker shared his experience making a difference in the industry through his work with young African American men. He encouraged the audience to take small steps in their own lives to make a difference.

Gene Waddy of Diversant rounded out our second Ignite Presentation. He spoke of his youth, of his father’s way of inspiring him to become a black engineer and how that not only helped to shape his life, but his son’s life to this day. When it comes to diversity within the industry, Gene reminded us that we must take action if we plan on seeing results. He says “The parachute won’t open unless you jump.”

Our second panel of the evening focused on Solutions and was moderated by Harvey Butler of Barclays. With Andi Azzonlina, JetBlue; Nedra Dickson, Accenture; Claudia Lee Healy, Verizon; Wayne Kunow, Barclays; and Sarah Ayres Steinberg, JPMorgan Chase as panelists, audience members were provided with real action-oriented solutions to the diversity issues that has plagued their respectived organizations and the industry as a whole. Some choice quotes from the panel include:

• “Let’s demystify IT. There are so many roles, we need to take the time to open students’ eyes to the opportunities.” – Andi Azzolina, JetBlue
• “You have to communicate your successes. You have to make sure people know what’s going on.” – Nedra Dickson, Accenture
• “Approaching the skills gap and diversity gap in a holistic way creates opportunities for incredible success.” – Sarah Ayres Steinberg, JPMorgan Chase
• “Talent is ubiquitous, opportunity is not.” – Harvey Butler, Barclays

Closing remarks between Viola Maxwell-Thompson of ITSMF and Plinio Ayala of Per Scholas brought attention to the fact that action is the next step. To that effort, Plinio officially announced the Diverse by Design National Working Group, a group that have influence and oversight on the direction of the next Diverse by Design conversation, and will be focused on uncovering, distilling, and promoting best solutions that attract more diverse and inclusive talent to all ranks of the tech sector. “They will ensure this important conversation continues,” said Plinio.

Thank you to all who attended. As Plinio stated, “We can’t achieve a greater level of diversity in the workplace alone, by working in silos, as we’ve done for so many years. If we work collectively to spark relationships, build partnerships like we have done today, I am hopeful that our tech sector will begin to reflect and celebrate the beautiful diversity that makes up our country.”

To learn more about our panelists and speakers, visit our speakers page here.

Per Scholas was featured on the PBS series “Faces of Philanthropy” in the Technology episode that originally aired in the Tri-State area on January 31.

Per Scholas is featured as one of several tech companies with a social mission. The others represented are Omaze, an innovative online auction fundraising site, Charity Miles, where runners can earn donations for their charity of choice for every mile they run, Keen / Direct Relief / Standard Bank, who speak to a collaborative response to disaster relief, and B-Tech, a tech-career-pathway high school in Queens, New York. 

The segment features President and CEO Plinio Ayala, Executive Director of Social Ventures Angie Kamath, and the New York classrooms in full action. Our signature partner Barclays also participated in the segment with a focus on graduate Michelle Harper-vanRabenswaay, the first graduate hired by Barclays, along with her supervisor.

Thank you to the ACE Foundation who provided additional footage to help us tell our story.

The full segment is available online to view. 

Ever had an interest in technology? Driver technicians are in high demand in the IT industry. In addition to a driver’s license, Net+ certification is required to get started. That’s where we come in.

Per Scholas is now offering a 10-week course for those interested in a career as Network Technicians.  In 2016, graduates of this course will be immediately recruited for nearly 100 open positions with our major telecomm employer partners.

We’ll train you for the job and get you certified. And we’ll do it for free. If you have your driver’s license and are ready to pursue this career, we’ll cover the rest.

Network Technician Specific Program Requirements

• You must have a valid Driver’s License with no more than 2 points.
• Able to work with heights and tight working conditions (i.e. closet sized spaces).
• Able to lift heavy equipment upwards of 50 pounds.
• You are interested in a career in cabling and telecommunications.

Per Scholas Admission Requirements 

• You have an interest in technology.
• You live in New York City.
• You have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
• You are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• You can read, write and speak in English.
• You can pass a basic academic assessment test.
• You can attend classes full-time for the entire duration of the course.

To learn more and apply:  Attend an information session in person held every Monday through Friday at 9 AM at our Bronx location (804 E. 138th St – 6 local train to Cypress Avenue). If you wish to speak with someone in advance, you may email admissions@perscholas.org or call 718-772-0644. 

On January 4, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) visited Per Scholas Cincinnati to show his support of Per Scholas’ work with the long-term unemployed and to discuss his priorities as Co-Chair of the Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus.

The Senator met with Per Scholas staff as well as students of the current IT Support cohort. Portman shared, “I was glad to see the important work being done at Per Scholas Cincinnati to ensure Ohioans have the skills needed to fill the jobs that are available.”

During the visit, he also toured the CityLink Center and was impressed with the integrated social services that people can find there.

As Co-Chair of the Career and Technical Education Caucus and a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Portman wrote and passed an amendment that makes long-term unemployed Americans eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which encourages businesses to hire hire long-term unemployed Ohioans, helping them get back on their feet. He says, “Six years after the recession was declared over, more than 2 million Americans have been unemployed 27 weeks or longer – and even that excludes the approximately 6 million Americans who say they want a job but are not counted as unemployed because they have given up searching.  This provision creates an incentive for employers to hire those folks, the very people who have the most trouble finding work.”

To view the coverage of the Senator’s visit on WLWT news, click here.

The PIMCO Foundation, the charitable arm of global investment management firm PIMCO, presented Per Scholas with the 2015 Leadership Circle Award on December 3. Recipients of this award are organizations adept at growing their impact and demonstrating ingenuity, while maintaining their quality and increasing their results.

“For 20 years, Per Scholas has been an innovator and leader in New York City. Our work shows that we will stop at nothing to create better opportunities for our students and their families. We are extremely honored to be chosen out of PIMCO’s 57 grantee partners for this award, and grateful to PIMCO for their continued support of our mission and programs,” shares Executive Director of Social Venture and Innovations, Angie Kamath.

PIMCO is a Major Partner of Per Scholas, representing multiple levels of engagement with our organization over the past four years, including funding, volunteerism and leadership. In addition to hosting two volunteer events, PIMCO has given more than $150,000 in support of Per Scholas’ commitment to diversifying the tech-talent pipeline by training 1,000 women technologists by 2018. PIMCO has supported numerous Per Scholas events, including our first annual Women in Technology event in 2014. And in 2015, Mr. Sagar Bhatt, Vice President Portfolio Manager at PIMCO, joined the New York City Advisory Board, bringing his leadership to help further the work of Per Scholas in NYC.

Douglas Hodge, Chief Executive Officer of PIMCO and President of the PIMCO Foundation, shared in the presentation of the award, “Since inception, the PIMCO Foundation has awarded nearly $22 million to our nonprofit partners that are focused on solving some of the world’s most pressing issues. And this year is no different, as we continue to invest in organizations that are engaging in our local and global communities and empowering others to better their lives.”

Thank you to the PIMCO Foundation for this honor. To learn more about how your company can support Per Scholas in many different ways, go to perscholas.org/partner.

In 2012, the New York City Workforce Funders Group convened a group of workforce development stakeholders to encourage new ideas for the field of workforce development. Shortly after that the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) contemplated a skills-training model that partnered a local community college and workforce development nonprofit. SBS convened the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) and Per Scholas to provide a multi-week training in advanced computer networking. Providing anchor investment in this two-year pilot was New York Workforce Funders Group.

Recruitment for the class targeted individuals out of the workforce or who were working in low-wage jobs but had prior IT experience and/or education and needed assistance to get back into the workforce. Participants were prepared for both the CompTIA Network+ and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications. It was Per Scholas’ first attempt at training individuals for middle-skill jobs.

As the pilot began, Per Scholas engaged evaluation firm Economic Mobility Inc., led by an evaluator of workforce development programming, Mark Elliott, to record the findings of the program. I am pleased to say that the program did incredibly well in every category. This report could have significant influence on future Community College/Non-Profit workforce development partnership models across the nation.

Mobility’s evaluation found that:

• 87% of graduates were employed post training.
• Nearly all (97%) who found jobs were working full-time.
• Program participants were earning an average of $22.33 an hour, or the equivalent of a $46,000 annual salary.

We encourage you to read the full report and its findings. Per Scholas will utilize these findings to continue what we set out to do:  scale this program. The course is now a formal offering at Per Scholas, named Networking Engineering, and we will increase our annual enrollment from 60 to 100 students. We will also engage new partners in addition to BMCC such as Lehman College and are beginning exploring expansion to markets across the country.

Thank you to each of our funders who invested in this project and believed in our ability to innovate. Your trust in us is humbling:  New York City Workforce Funders, ACE Group, New York Community Trust, and SBS. Others behind the success of this project are the Rockefeller Foundation, Robin Hood Foundation, and the Eleanor Schwartz Foundation.

It is worth attempting to put in words the impact this work has on the lives it exists to serve. Tyrell is one of those individuals. He landed a job at Bloomberg after graduating Project Scale and shared, “I love my job. My story is a true testament of how Per Scholas is changing lives.” Even with a bachelor’s degree, Tyrell struggled to secure a permanent IT position and was faced with unemployment on and off over several years. “I am so excited and happy to be working at the Bloomberg. It is a dream come true.” To learn more about Tyrell’s full journey into the tech field, go to perscholas.org/news/tyrell.

Click here for full report

Damien Howard, Per Scholas Vice President of Business Development, has been recognized for his leadership by the New York City Employment and Training Coalition. Damien will receive the Bonnie Potter Workforce Staff award at the 2015 NYCETC Opportunity Awards on November 17.

“I am truly humbled by this award. I have been fortunate enough to work with super talented individuals and mentors over the years. I truly believe that I am accepting this award on their behalf. Without their dedication to our mission and the passion that they bring to the table each day this would not have been possible,” says Damien, who has been with Per Scholas for over 13 years.

As the Vice President of Business Development, Damien oversees the teams that work with our corporate partners to place our graduates in IT jobs, engage through multi-touch volunteering opportunities, and build strategic partnerships to strengthen our curriculum and reach in New York City. Under his leadership, his team of five has placed grads in 438 jobs and worked with 227 corporate volunteer partners in 2014 alone — a 72% increase in corporate engagement in two years.

Per Scholas Executive Director of Social Ventures & Innovation Angie Kamath shared, “Per Scholas is so honored to have Damien Howard recognized. Damien leads by example and all of us, especially his direct team is thrilled to have his hard work and leadership celebrated by the community.”

From all of us at Per Scholas, congratulations, Damien!