This month, we’re proud to celebrate a decade-long partnership with TEKsystems! Since 2015, our collaboration has trained 10,000+ learners across 12 cities.

Through this partnership, more than 1,300 Per Scholas graduates have launched careers in roles ranging from network support to full-stack development. Their combined career earnings total nearly $288 million—a testament to the transformative impact of investing in people and their potential.

“Amid our 30th anniversary, we’re honored to recognize TEKsystems as one of our longest-standing and most dedicated partners,” says Plinio Ayala. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration and deepening our resolve to cultivate exceptional talent, connect them with leading organizations, and unlock potential for generations to come.”

This milestone reflects the power of sustained partnership and shared purpose. Per Scholas is not only training talent—we’re changing lives and reshaping futures.

Read the full impact report.

New York, N.Y., May 15, 2025 — Per Scholas is bringing together leading voices in the data center industry for an engaging virtual conversation about the future of tech infrastructure and talent development. The panel, Data Centers in Demand: Workforce Trends & Talent Pipelines, featured expert insights from TEKsystems and Microsoft. 

Moderated by Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions at Per Scholas, this timely panel explored the increasing demand for data center talent and what that means for aspiring technologists and employers alike.

Panelists included:

• Craig Curry, Microsoft, Datacenter Technician Manager
• John Lullen, TEKsystems, Managing Executive, Marketplace Inclusion
• Riley Mahler, TEKsystems Global Services, Regional Director Microsoft Account
• Jasmine Smiley, Microsoft, Regional Program Manager DC Operations Field Management

With data centers continuing to play a critical role in powering global digital infrastructure, this conversation examined the evolving landscape of workforce needs, the essential skills for data center careers, and how inclusive training pipelines can close the talent gap.

“Data centers are the hardware powering every corner of society. They impact critical infrastructure like hospital and medical systems and play a large role in entertainment streaming. As more businesses move to the cloud, the demand for skilled techs who can manage, protect, and fine-tune these systems is skyrocketing,” said Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions, Per Scholas. “At Per Scholas, we’re training people for these high-growth careers, equipping them with the skills to not just join the tech industry, but to help shape its future.”

This event underscored Per Scholas’ commitment to expanding access to high-growth tech careers by preparing individuals with the most in-demand skills—through no-cost training and partnerships with leading employers.

As the conversation around workforce development grows louder, one challenge continues to surface: while many training programs offer no-cost or low-cost courses, far fewer address the full cost of being a learner, including basic living expenses. A recent article from Workshift titled “Want to Close the Skills Gap? Cover Living Expenses, Not Just Tuition” explores this critical gap and highlights how to improve outcomes for learners and employers alike.

Per Scholas, a national nonprofit that provides no-cost technology training to communities across the nation, is doing just that. They’re working to remove financial barriers beyond tuition. In partnership with Social Finance, Per Scholas launched an innovative Zero Percent Loan initiative, offering learners interest-free loans to help cover living costs during their training. This effort reflects a broader understanding that economic stability is foundational to educational success and long-term career growth.

The results of this approach are compelling. As outlined in Per Scholas’ Whitepaper, The Zero Percent Loan: Transforming Workforce Access, the training supports learners with critical resources at a crucial time, helping learners focus on their courses without sacrificing basic needs. This whitepaper details how even modest support for rent, food, and transportation can dramatically increase retention and job placement rates.

One shining example of the impact is Tori Haynes, an alumna of Per Scholas Baltimore. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her work as a security guard and professional DJ, Tori pivoted toward a new future in tech. After being encouraged by a Per Scholas alum during a job interview, she enrolled in the IT Support training. While the no-cost nature of the course was appealing, it was the $3,000 Zero Percent Loan that made it truly viable.

“When I found out I got the loan, it was such a relief,” Tori shared. “It allowed me to concentrate fully on my studies and gave me a cushion so I didn’t have to work constantly to make ends meet.” Tori went on to land a role as an IT Support Specialist at MCB Real Estate, describing the program as “life-changing.”

Per Scholas’ partnership with Social Finance is a forward-thinking model of what workforce development must become—one that acknowledges the financial reality of adult learners and works to eliminate it as a barrier to success.

As we look to close the skills gap in a meaningful, inclusive way, solutions like the Zero Percent Loan serve as proof that it’s not just about no-cost tuition—it’s about full support for the learner.

We are honored to be featured in Cisco’s recent blog post, “Opening Doors to Cybersecurity Careers with Splunk and Per Scholas,” which highlights our collaborative efforts with Splunk to expand access to cybersecurity education and career opportunities.

The article underscores our joint mission to bridge the cybersecurity talent gap by providing rigorous, no-cost technology training to adult learners from low- to moderate-income households across the U.S. Through our partnership, we offer hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like Splunk, enabling learners to earn certifications such as the Splunk Core Certified User. This equips them with the skills needed to pursue careers as cybersecurity analysts, junior desktop technicians, and tech support engineers.

Our collaboration with Splunk began in 2018, focusing on delivering free software, training, and support to overlooked talent pools in New York City. In 2021, Splunk provided unrestricted grant funding to aid in our swift expansion, allowing us to reach more learners nationwide.

This feature by Cisco not only recognizes the impact of our partnership with Splunk but also emphasizes the importance of accessible cybersecurity education in today’s digital landscape. We remain committed to empowering individuals with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the tech industry.

Read the full feature here.

Funding the Future: How Strategic Investment Expands Access to Tech Training

Technology is essential for business operations and growth, but possessing the right tools alone isn’t sufficient. While companies can adopt cloud platforms or AI solutions, finding skilled professionals to manage and innovate with them is the real challenge. As the tech industry evolves, a significant opportunity gap excludes many from life-changing careers.

Access to quality tech training remains limited across the nation. Addressing this issue requires more than just good intentions or temporary programs; it demands long-term investments in training models that emphasize tangible outcomes. At Per Scholas, we believe the future hinges on more than merely teaching technical skills. Our programs focus on economic mobility, assisting learners in launching careers, and helping employers build stronger teams.

Per Scholas CFO Pam Kingpetcharat works closely with business partners and supporters who help fund our mission of providing no-cost tech training. Pam ensures that every dollar invested translates into tangible outcomes for our learners and the communities we have campuses. Per Scholas drives sustainable growth in the talent pipeline while helping to close the tech opportunity gap. This success is largely due to how Pam maximizes the impact of each funding partnership.

The Role of Financial Leadership in Expanding Access

“Every dollar invested is a chance to promote systemic change — if used wisely,” Pam says. Ensuring that partner investments help Per Scholas achieve its goals is no simple task. How Pam and the finance team tackle this challenge exemplifies the critical role of financial leadership in broadening access to tech training.

Pam uses a data-driven approach to decision-making that involves carefully analyzing potential growth areas and assessing the long-term sustainability of new programs. To ensure every investment and expansion initiative is aligned with the Per Scholas mission, Pam and her team focus on delivering measurable impact.

“We prioritize investments that generate financial returns and create lasting social impact,” Pam said. “We are committed to showing that scalable, outcomes-driven training models are a smart investment in the future of our communities.”

Strategic Partnerships That Drive ROI

Building effective corporate partnerships is essential for transforming investments into meaningful impact. As Pam says, “We seek partners who align with our long-term vision for workforce mobility, equity, and innovation.”

Keeping this in mind, the ideal Per Scholas partner meets criteria that extend beyond financial literacy. They share our commitment to broadening Per Scholas’ reach and serving a significant number of learners. We seek organizations dedicated to closing the opportunity gap and developing a resilient tech workforce.

A prime example is Amazon, a Per Scholas partner since 2013. The online retailer and cloud computing giant made more than a financial investment. Amazon has been a partner from the start, when they collaborated on launching one of our foundational programs, AWS re/Start Cloud Fundamentals.

Amazon’s generous support has provided tech training to nearly 700 learners in various fields, including IT Support, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Support. Evidence of their strategic partnership with Per Scholas, driving ROI, is demonstrated by Amazon hiring over 200 alumni from 16 campuses.

Investments in Innovation and Scaling With Impact

While funding our no-cost tuition programs is essential, we also recognize that scaling our impact is critical for closing the opportunity gap. Investments in infrastructure allow Per Scholas campuses to become state-of-the-art learning environments. Upgrading our technology ensures that learners have access to and can practice using the tools and resources they need to succeed.

When evaluating scaling opportunities, Pam considers long-term sustainability and impact. Investments prioritizing our ability to serve more learners while upholding the quality and effectiveness of our programs take precedence. This might involve opening a new facility in Kansas City or celebrating our first in-person cohort in Los Angeles. It could also entail developing new talent pipelines through our apprenticeship programs.

The numbers show the actual impact of innovation investments. According to our 2024 Annual Report, every $1 invested in Per Scholas results in $8 of economic return to the communities we serve.

A Call to Collaborative Investment

At Per Scholas, we believe the opportunity gap in tech presents an immense challenge that calls for a collaborative response. Mission-aligned funding and shared goals are essential for driving systemic change. We invite current and future partners to join us at this crucial moment. It’s a chance to be both an investor and a co-creator of economic mobility.

Together, we can bridge the gap and build a tech workforce that reflects our resilient learners. Per Scholas would be delighted to hear from you if you want to explore scalable, high-impact opportunities that align with your organization’s goals and values. Contact our partnership team today to help fund a future where everyone has equal access to tech training.

We’re proud to be featured in McKinsey & Company’s New at McKinsey blog, which highlights how our organization is leading the way in helping learners not only gain technical skills, but also master essential soft skills for career success. The article showcases the incredible impact of our work and how McKinsey’s support helped us enhance our training programs, making them even more effective and responsive to the needs of employers and learners alike.

Read the full feature here: Tech nonprofit excels at soft skills: How McKinsey helped Per Scholas deliver on its mission

Sage, the global leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) is deepening its commitment to Atlanta, GA, through a multiyear commitment to support four local Atlanta nonprofits, including Per Scholas Atlanta, as part of its expanded community investment strategy. Through a three-year partnership with Sage Foundation, Per Scholas Atlanta will train 18 adult learners annually in high-demand fields like IT support, cybersecurity, and software engineering. This support builds on Sage’s existing engagement with Per Scholas and reflects the company’s dedication to advancing digital inclusion, workforce development, and economic mobility in Atlanta.

Sherri Sims, Managing Director of Per Scholas Atlanta said, “Sage has been a valued partner for many years, supporting our learners through mock interviews and field trips. This financial commitment further amplifies their impact—every dollar invested strengthens the workforce and delivers lasting economic growth for the Atlanta community.”

Read the Press Release.

Per Scholas Houston proudly collaborated with Ion Houston to bring together industry leaders from J.P. Morgan, Microsoft, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and our President & CEO for the event, TECHnique: The Unique Perspectives of Leaders in the Tech Ecosystem.

This event offered a unique opportunity to explore the perspectives shaping today’s tech workforce. Panelists discussed challenges and opportunities in technology development, industry needs, tech training opportunities available within the Houston community, and valuable insights into how these organizations collaborate to strengthen the tech ecosystem.

Panelists included Plinio Ayala, Peter Beard, Rob Schapiro, and Karthigeyan Kuppan. Their expertise and the insights they shared tackled key challenges and opportunities shaping today’s tech workforce.

Per Scholas is thrilled to have graduated our first cohort of the Comcast Grows to Code program this December. The course was created and implemented by Comcast, a long-time partner of Per Scholas, and is now implemented in partnership with Per Scholas. Grows to Code transforms field technicians into software engineers through rigorous tech training by Per Scholas instructors. 

The 15-week, full-time course provides comprehensive technical training tailored to Comcast’s needs, offering employees a direct pathway to Software Engineer 1 positions. The curriculum covers essential programming skills including HTML, CSS, Java, and SQL. Participants receive intensive instruction from experienced Per Scholas teachers, culminating in practical projects like building microservice applications for real-world scenarios 

The program’s success lies in its unique approach to developing internal talent. Participants bring valuable frontline experience to their new roles, creating tools and solutions with deep understanding of customer needs. 

Brittany Walcott, a recent graduate of the Comcast-Per Scholas’s Grows to Code program’s first cohort, exemplifies the program’s transformative impact. After seven years as a Comcast retail sales representative and overcoming significant health challenges, Brittany embraced the opportunity to pursue her tech dreams through Grows to Code. Brittany thrived in the program,  and is now applying her newly acquired skills in a 6-month apprenticeship with Comcast where she is continuing her learning journey in tech. 

“This truly feels like a dream come true,” shares Brittany. “I’m just so grateful and blessed to have this opportunity to work with Comcast and become part of the Per Scholas family with such a great support system.”

Brittany is passionate about the power of education and opportunity, and encourages others to apply to programs like this to change their lives. “Per Scholas is touching communities that would not have these opportunities otherwise,” Brittany reflects. “They are truly life-changing, literally changing lives with just the power of knowledge.” 

Through Grows to Code, Per Scholas continues its mission of increasing diversity in tech while creating pathways to sustainable, high-paying careers.

Per Scholas North Carolina was featured on a news segment on “Positively Charlotte.” Per Scholas North Carolina Managing Director Michael Terrell joined alum Shana Franks on the program to discuss our no-cost training and recent $1 million grant from The BlackRock Foundation.

Watch the full segment here.