Per Scholas is excited to share that we were awarded a grant from the Apollo Opportunity Foundation as they work to advance their mission of expanding opportunity and supporting economic inclusion for underrepresented individuals. This grant comes shortly after the Apollo Opportunity Foundation celebrated its two-year anniversary.

“We are proud to partner with Per Scholas because of their remarkable results – thousands of individuals have built a better future for themselves and their families because they have participated in Per Scholas programs,” reflected Greg Sills, Apollo Opportunity Foundation Grants Council Member and Per Scholas Board Member.

The grant will not only help fuel Per Scholas’ growth to train more than 5,000 learners in 2024, but also support the expansion of Per Scholas’ Career Accelerator initiative—additional technical upskilling, coaching, and other career development resources to help alumni advance further and more quickly in their careers. The Career Accelerator will enable at least 80% of employed graduates to achieve a thriving wage within two years of their initial job attainment and to put more Per Scholas alumni in manager seats—so that they can hire the next generation of Per Scholas graduates to fill their old positions.

Support from the Apollo Opportunity Foundation goes far beyond just financial support. Over the past year, Apollo employees across the country (including Los Angeles, New York and Phoenix) have supported Per Scholas learners through mock interviews, resume reviews, workshops and networking; shared advice as keynote speakers at graduations and on virtual panels; provided strategic advisory support to key initiatives; and serve on Per Scholas’ National Board of Directors. The Foundation has also helped to raise awareness of our mission, including featuring Per Scholas learners and staff in Apollo Opportunity Foundation’s video showcasing their impact over the past two years.

“The work and mission of Per Scholas clearly embodies the Apollo Opportunity Foundation’s commitment to workforce development,” stated Lauren Coape Arnold, Executive Director, Apollo Opportunity Foundation. “Our people are eager to continue to scale this partnership through creative projects, events, and mentorship opportunities. We look forward to the continued impact of this partnership.”

Per Scholas is immensely grateful to the Apollo Opportunity Foundation for their deep partnership and support, which will help unlock potential for more than 15,000 learners and alumni over the next two years, changing the face of tech.

In the contemporary landscape of technology, there exists an undeniable gender disparity, with women significantly underrepresented in technical roles. Despite advancements in promoting diversity and inclusion, the tech industry continues to grapple with systemic barriers that hinder the full participation of women. According to research from Zippia, women make up 47% of the U.S. workforce, and as of 2022, they only make up 28% of the tech industry, revealing a stark reality: women remain a minority in tech-related professions, which raises concerns about equality, innovation, and societal progress. There has been much progress from organizations like Per Scholas and TEKsystems, who put diversity and inclusion at the forefront of their decision-making to increase results for companies’ bottom lines.

Persistent Gender Disparity Still Exists Across America

Despite concerted efforts to bridge the gender gap in technology, recent data underscores the persistence of disparity in a sense of belonging percentages between men and women, highlighting a substantial underrepresentation in tech. This data reflects a broader trend observed globally, where women continue to encounter obstacles in pursuing and thriving in technical careers and feel they don’t have the same growth opportunities as their male counterparts.

Barriers to Entry and Advancement

Numerous factors contribute to the underrepresentation of women in technology roles. Discrimination and bias in recruitment and hiring processes present formidable barriers, perpetuating a male-dominated culture within tech companies. Additionally, societal stereotypes and cultural norms often discourage girls and women from pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields from an early age, limiting their exposure to technical education and career opportunities. 

To combat barriers to entry and advancement for women in tech, Per Scholas focuses on training individuals typically underrepresented in tech roles – including women. Currently, two in five learners are women, a statistic that has continued to grow as we provide the necessary skills to break into tech. Our partner TEKsystems has also made it a priority to break barriers to entry and advancement by hiring skilled women into tech roles. 

Ammu Nair joined Per Scholas Seattle’s Full Stack Java Developer cohort in 2022. She had 3+ years of Java Development experience but had a hard time obtaining a career in the field.  Ammu had a large career gap due to personal events and felt that since her experience was not from the US, her skills were overlooked. She was able to prove herself throughout Per Scholas’ training, and with TEKsystems’ job placement, launched her career as an Associate Software Engineer. Ammu has aspirations to continue her career in technology and grow into a senior-level Developer.

Impact on Innovation and Diversity

The underrepresentation of women in technology has significant implications for innovation and diversity within the industry. Research suggests that diverse teams, encompassing a variety of perspectives and experiences, are more adept at problem-solving and driving creativity. However, the homogeneity prevalent in many tech workplaces stifles innovation by limiting the range of ideas and approaches.

Furthermore, the absence of gender diversity perpetuates the development of products and services that may overlook the needs and preferences of diverse user demographics. By neglecting the perspectives of women in the design and development process, tech companies risk creating products that fail to address the concerns and interests of half the population, ultimately undermining their market competitiveness and societal impact.

Addressing the Disparity: Towards Gender Equity in Tech

Efforts to address the gender disparity in technology must encompass multi-faceted strategies aimed at promoting inclusivity, equity, and opportunity for women. Initiatives such as mentorship programs, diversity training, and inclusive recruitment practices can help mitigate biases and create more supportive environments for women in tech. TEKsystems’ recent DEI report maps out how to address the lack of diversity in an organization and provides statistics that show while there is progress happening, there is always room for advancement in DEI. 

TEKsystems Global Services has hired many women through Per Scholas training into their workforce upskilling programs provided for their clients. Their technical practice is a safe space for women and a place that is focused on inclusion and connection. By championing diversity and inclusion as core values, tech companies can foster environments where women feel valued, empowered, and able to thrive professionally.

The underrepresentation of women in technology remains a pressing challenge that demands concerted action and commitment from all stakeholders. As the tech industry continues to drive innovation and shape the future of society, it is imperative to dismantle systemic barriers, challenge stereotypes, and foster inclusive cultures so we can create a more equitable and vibrant tech ecosystem that harnesses the full potential of all individuals, regardless of gender. The bottom line is that diversity of thought generates increased ROI and innovation – and that growth lies in the experience and skills of women in tech. To learn more about hiring women in tech, contact us at [email protected].

 

Per Scholas Selected by Stand Together Foundation to Become Catalyst Impact Partner 

Per Scholas joins the second cohort of Catalyst Impact Partners, receiving management training, access to new customer-first impact measurement approach, and up to $300,000 in grants over the next three years.

Bronx, NY, March 25, 2024 – Per Scholas is proud to announce it has been selected to participate in Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Impact Grant Program, an initiative cultivating a group of the country’s most transformative nonprofits that demonstrate a better way to transform individual lives and create lasting change.

The Catalyst Impact Grant Program awards each incoming Impact Partner with Principle Based Management™ coaching and consulting, access to a new customer-first measurement approach created by Stand Together Foundation to understand and differentiate their impact, and grants up to $300,000 over three years. By 2025, Stand Together Foundation’s goal is to invest in up to 100 Catalyst partners who have successfully completed the Catalyst Program, committing up to $30 million to accelerate nonprofit impact and transform how society thinks about addressing poverty and social barriers.

Per Scholas is one of 25 Catalysts selected to join the Catalyst Impact Grant Program’s second cohort, which officially kicked off in January 2023. Nonprofits selected have the key ingredients to break the cycle of poverty. They put people at the forefront, see the unique potential in every individual, and are changing the way the country thinks about, talks about, and tackles poverty. The grant program is designed to provide resources for increased effectiveness, including management training and customer feedback tools to help nonprofits grow, scale, and replicate their success. Click here to view a full list of the 2023 Catalyst Impact Partners.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Stand Together Foundation and the Catalyst Impact Grant Program to further empower our learners and alumni to unlock potential in their tech careers,” reflected Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala. “Stand Together Foundation’s support resonates with our mission as we continue to change the face of technology and uplift individuals and communities, meeting the needs of employers through our innovative tech training.” 

Stand Together Foundation partners with the highest impact nonprofits around the nation, all committed to empowering the individuals they serve through a principled approach. This means that instead of treating people as problems to be managed with sweeping, top-down plans, these organizations help people realize their full potential through bottom-up empowerment and solutions that help individuals transform themselves and the world around them. Today, Stand Together Foundation partners with over 300 nonprofits across all 50 states.

Per Scholas was selected through an extensive vetting process and accepted into the program after a rigorous evaluation focused on impact, customer surveying, reach, and principle alignment. Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Impact Partner Initiative represents an investment in the diversity of nonprofits, audiences, and solutions as the way to end poverty. 

The 25 Impact Partners have diverse program models across the nation and are uniquely suited for rapid iteration and experimentation based on data collection and customer feedback. Each of these organizations focuses on relationships with their customers and prioritizes individual transformation rather than transactional services.

“Our Catalyst partners take a unique approach to helping people overcome barriers that is anchored in a strong belief in people,” said Evan Feinberg, executive director at Stand Together Foundation. “This initiative is about deepening our partnership so that Catalysts can scale their reach, better understand their impact, and ultimately transform the way society thinks about addressing social barriers. If these organizations continue to grow in their effectiveness, and everyone in the country hears about what they are doing, we can transform the entire social sector in America.”

Catalyst Impact Partners will be encouraged and supported to:

• Model a “customer-first” impact vision. Catalyst Impact Partners will participate in Stand Together Foundation’s pioneering measurement approach to understand impact through customer feedback.

• Advance a management culture that empowers employees. Catalyst Impact Partners will focus on leveraging Principle Based Management to empower their employees to empower the people they serve.
• Build the movement toward empowerment. Identify with and advocate for a culture of openness, dignity, mutual benefit, and empowerment among philanthropists, nonprofits, and the broader social sector.

Click here to learn more about Catalyst Impact Partners.

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About Per Scholas

For nearly 30 years, Per Scholas has been on a mission to drive equity and opportunity in the ever-advancing technology landscape by unlocking the untapped potential of individuals, uplifting communities, and meeting the needs of employers through rigorous tech training. By teaming up with dynamic employer partners, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we’re forging inclusive tech talent pipelines, fulfilling an ever-increasing need for skilled talent. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and counting, Per Scholas offers no-cost training programs in the most sought-after tech skills, spanning Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more. To date, 25,000+ individuals have been trained through Per Scholas, propelling their professional trajectories into high-growth tech careers with salaries three times higher than their pre-training earnings. At Per Scholas, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging aren’t just buzzwords—they’re in our DNA. 85+ percent of our learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

About Stand Together Foundation

Stand Together Foundation is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in America by driving change from within communities. We are building a community of social entrepreneurs who believe in people, work from the bottom up, and unite with anyone to do right. Since 2016, we have committed over $120 million and counting to fuel the innovation of nonprofits throughout the country to build stronger, safer communities where all people can learn, contribute, and realize their full potential. Our goal is to help nonprofit leaders maximize their impact to transform more lives out of poverty. Learn more at www.StandTogetherFoundation.org.

A recent CIO Dive piece, Unlocking tech innovation through DEI: Insights from TEKsystems and Per Scholas, examines insights from a 2024 TEKsystems DEI report, emphasizing the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done. While there has been increasing recognition of DEI’s importance, many IT professionals remain indifferent. This report identifies challenges, particularly in gender diversity and mentorship programs, and acknowledges that 66% of employees recognize that their organization’s DEI policies could be improved. This article further advocates for IT decision-makers to reaffirm the importance of diversity across their organizations and calls for collaboration between company leaders and HR to do so, including investments in diverse talent and establishing robust mentoring programs. 

 

Read the full article here.

 

Per Scholas is proud to announce that we’ve joined Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Impact Partner Grant Program, receiving management training, access to a new Customer First Measurement approach, and up to $300,000 in grants over the next three years. This partnership will directly support the expansion of our Career Accelerator programming, which provides Per Scholas alumni with additional technical upskilling and other professional development opportunities to support their career journey toward a thriving wage.

Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Impact Grant Program is built on the same belief that drives our work: investing in people and communities creates lasting change. We are thrilled to partner with Stand Together Foundation through this grant program that puts people at the forefront.

We kicked off our partnership earlier this month, where Per Scholas SVP of Learner and Alumni Success Jay Dierig, Per Scholas VP of Research and Evaluation Dr. Angelica Thompson, and Per Scholas SVP of Development Evelyn Chen attended Stand Together Foundation’s Impact Partner Summit in Carlsbad, CA. During three meaningful days, we had the opportunity to connect with two dozen other nonprofits to trade ideas and inspiration and to further develop strategies for how we can support at least 80% of Per Scholas alumni to attain a thriving wage within two years of their initial job attainment.

 

Our Catalyst Success Manager, Nick England, also visited us at our Bronx campus, meeting with staff and hearing from current cyber security learners about their individual journeys to Per Scholas and what lies beyond. 

We are so excited to be embarking on this journey together to expand the impact of Per Scholas’ Career Accelerator, unlocking the potential we know exists in every single one of our thousands of alumni.

Innovative Hiring Practices Will Prevail as Tech Roles Soar in 2024

With a quick start to the new year and looking back on 2023, we saw much movement in the tech industry. In a year that was predicted to see a slow in hiring and start of a recession, one industry prevailed: technology. While there were many tech layoffs, there were many more open tech jobs, so much so that the latest CompTIA report highlights the resilience of tech jobs in the labor market. 

By 2033, tech skills will be vital in all job sectors, and 75% of American workers are actively upskilling to meet this demand. While so many tech roles remain unfilled, it’s time for employers to turn to innovative hiring practices and recognize the benefits of creating a diverse, sustainable tech talent pipeline. When recruiting diverse talent, it’s crucial to create a work environment that is equitable and inclusive for everyone. This not only sets your business up for better performance outcomes but also drives increased results. By leveraging Per Scholas’ industry outlook and TEKsystems’ latest DEI in IT data, employers have the opportunity to innovate for the future with alternative hiring practices.

What does the tech industry look like now?

In the face of a potential recession and job loss, the tech industry remains a steadfast source of opportunity. However, the industry is not immune to the winds of change, which bring about new challenges and demands. Leaders must prioritize top projects and deliver results to stay ahead and thrive. In this landscape of digital transformation and tech strategies, diversity is a key element that elevates businesses to new levels of productivity and performance. With more than 350,000 technology job openings available, it is crucial to fill them with skilled and diverse individuals. This quest will bring balance to the workforce and promote economic equity for all.

The urgency to upskill and hire individuals with tech skills is fueled by rapid advancements in AI, compelling companies to adopt new technologies and emphasizing the critical need for upskilling to keep pace. According to this CIO Dive article, in-demand tech jobs such as Cloud/DevOps, digital transformation, security/privacy, AI, automation, and data analytics are on the rise. 

Where is the tech industry heading this year?

Artificial Intelligence integrations will remain a priority across industries, but they shouldn’t come at the cost of effective DEIB programs. Managing the cultural shift and transition to embrace AI is important as we consider the crucial need for diverse voices and representation in evolving technologies. The DEIB “trend” continues to move in the wrong direction as Indeed notes a 44% drop in related job postings.  

Investing in tech talent pipelines that are diverse and purposeful with DEI work and building those with upskilling opportunities and IT certifications, companies have an opportunity to lead in tech with increased innovation and productivity. Diversity is good for business, individuals, and the economy and this year offers another chance to put words into action by hiring skilled, productive, and diverse technologists for the thousands of open tech roles.

Companies that don’t innovate their hiring strategies will fall behind.

With an ever-evolving technology landscape, innovative hiring practices are imperative. Companies need to have sustainable talent pipelines available and ready, meaning upskilling and having a talent pool with specific tech skills has to take precedence. If all jobs will be tech jobs in ten years, leaders need a plan now. 

Together, TEKsystems and Per Scholas have opened up pathways for nontraditional IT talent, deepening diversity and equity in tech. We’ve combined our resources to equip learners with industry skills and connect them with employers who value their training. 

I look to industry experts, such as TEKsystems Executive Director of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Franklin Reed, for insight into what it takes to intentionally recruit and retain an IT workforce with DEIB best practices in mind. “We’re seeing positive results across the board in DEI-focused recruiting strategies in IT.” Reed reflects. “But it takes daily effort and a sustainable approach. At the end of the day, it’s about people. Do your employees feel a sense of belonging? Have you audited your hiring processes to eliminate biases? Are your teams aware of the benefits of diversity and inclusivity at work? DEI in IT has a long way to go, but we are making progress.”  

This year, I anticipate that tech roles, including those focused on AI skills, will become more prevalent than ever as more industries and sectors require tech skills in various roles. Innovative hiring practices will become essential to companies that need to build sustainable talent pipelines and prepare for the increased demand for talent, and Per Scholas is training learners across the nation to be part of that solution.

A Year of Roundtables: Helping Diverse Cultures Succeed in the Future Tech Force

Written by Omoanatse McCarther

In the dynamic landscape of technology, integrating DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives have emerged as a pivotal factor for fostering innovation and advancement. Throughout 2023, Diverse by Design hosted a series of thought-provoking roundtable discussions as part of our “Futures Month” initiatives. These sessions were meticulously designed to dissect success narratives and furnish pragmatic insights tailored for technology leaders. The overarching objective was to empower leaders to seamlessly embed diverse cohorts into their DEI frameworks, thereby fostering a more inclusive trajectory for the future.

These virtual roundtables transcended mere anecdotal accounts, offering actionable guidance. Each session distilled pivotal takeaways, practical strategies, and implementable tips. The intention was to create a roadmap, deciphering invaluable insights that can equip technology leaders to cultivate teams that are more diverse, inclusive, and primed to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.

Black Futures Month Roundtable

Our inaugural roundtable featured esteemed panelists, including Athenia Figgs from EY, Damien Howard from Per Scholas, and Oche Idoko from Barclays. The focus of this dialogue centered on the imperative of cultivating mentorship programs for Black technologists. Emphasizing the reciprocal benefits inherent in participating as both mentors and mentees, the discussion underscored how such engagements foster meaningful connections and facilitate pivotal opportunities crucial for career advancement. Access to these programs was underscored as a transformative gateway for Black individuals navigating the tech landscape. All while acknowledging and celebrating Black Futures Month, highlighting the extraordinary achievements of black technologists.

Women’s Futures Month Roundtable

We celebrated the contributions of women in tech during our Women’s Futures Month roundtable, highlighting Dr. Marian Croak’s groundbreaking work while echoing the revelation that only 15% of engineering jobs are held by women, underscoring the imperative for change. In our Women’s Futures Month Roundtable, we celebrated the achievements of women in the tech industry while casting a forward-looking gaze. Despite women comprising a mere 19% of the tech workforce, the conversation pivoted towards fostering greater opportunities not only for women but also for other underrepresented demographics in the tech domain. Central to the discourse was the imperative of dismantling barriers obstructing women’s progression into tech roles and leadership positions. The emphasis was not solely on recognizing challenges but on catalyzing actionable measures to engender a more open and inclusive tech ecosystem conducive to the flourishing of women professionals. A notable highlight was the commendable increase in women technologists from 33% to 41% in 2022, signaling promising strides forward.

Pride Futures Month Roundtable

During our Pride Month roundtable, the spotlight illuminated avenues for enhancing opportunities for diverse technologists through collaborative efforts with employers and the establishment of supportive environments tailored for underrepresented groups. The dialogue shed light on strategies employed by Per Scholas and other entities to address the underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ individuals in recent diversity initiatives within the tech sector. Key considerations encompassed the use of inclusive language, avoidance of assumptions pertaining to gender identity or sexual orientation, and the provision of dedicated resources for employee groups. These initiatives are geared towards fostering connectivity and advocating for diversity while urging companies to champion LGBTQ+ inclusion in the tech workforce actively.

Hispanic Futures Month Roundtable

We concluded our series for 2023 with a celebration of Hispanic and Latinx voices in the tech community. The remarkable contributions of leaders like Elizabeth Agosto, Laura Gomez, and Karla Monterroso underscored the pivotal role Hispanics play in building the global tech landscape. With Hispanics constituting only approximately 8% of the tech workforce (as per a Pew Research Center report), our speakers imparted invaluable insights on empowering and uplifting Hispanics in the tech realm. The discussion underscored the significance of bilingual resources wherever feasible and underscored the imperative of acknowledging alternative educational pathways, recognizing that not all individuals have equitable access to traditional four-year college education. These insights underscored a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for Hispanics, ensuring equitable opportunities for success irrespective of background. 

Looking Ahead in 2024

The preceding year’s roundtables served as a poignant reminder of the transformative potential of diversity within the tech industry. They underscored the necessity of embracing diverse perspectives and backgrounds as catalysts for innovation and progress. Let us not overlook the fact that diversity is not merely a moral imperative but also a potent driver of business success.

As we express gratitude for your unwavering support throughout 2023, we extend an invitation to join us in shaping a more diverse and inclusive future in technology. Let’s carry the momentum of this year into the next, united in our commitment to fostering change. Join us on February 29 for “Diverse by Design Presents Securing the Future: Embracing Diversity in Cybersecurity,” where we will delve into how diversity in action yields tangible outcomes, particularly within the cybersecurity domain. Register now to be part of this transformative dialogue.

A recent Forbes article written by Per Scholas’ funding partner Stand Together discusses the challenge of finding qualified job applicants. Stand Together suggests  innovative financing models can bridge the gap between workforce needs and individual aspirations. These models tie tuition to employment outcomes, incentivizing education providers to deliver relevant skills and students to invest time in programs that lead to high earning potential. Per Scholas is specifically highlighted as a successful example of an innovative financing model offering free IT training and career support, helping individuals achieve career goals debt-free.

Read about the innovative education finance models here!

 

The Allstate Foundation, a Founder’s Circle partner of Per Scholas, has funded our tuition-free tech training programs since 2021. The Foundation proudly supports Per Scholas through its racial equity pillar and enables Per Scholas to provide rigorous IT job training and connections to employment opportunities for diverse adult learners from low-to-moderate income households across our growing 20+ training campuses.

The Allstate Foundation has taken a hands-on approach as a partner, connecting with Per Scholas learners and alumni as they become technologists. Most recently, Allstate executives in Chicago visited our Per Scholas Chicago campus to share their time, insights, and expertise with our alumni. The discussions were enlightening, and our alumni walked away with advice and inspiration for their career journeys. This interaction fostered meaningful connections between our alumni and industry leaders with invaluable industry knowledge.

Per Scholas Director of Development, Tia Abner, is currently participating in The Allstate Foundation Executive Leadership Program. “Embarking on The Allstate Foundation Executive Leadership Program has been a profound honor,” Tia reflected. “As a member of the Class of 2024, the joy of learning is boundless, and the collective wisdom shared is inspiring. I am delighted to join this dynamic community of nonprofit leaders, united in our commitment to growth, innovation, and making a lasting impact.”

The Allstate Foundation’s commitment to closing the racial opportunity gap has helped promote economic progress for thousands of technologists of color and supports historically underrepresented communities to secure thriving careers in partnership with Per Scholas.

With support from the PwC Charitable Foundation, Per Scholas is excited to be launching a new initiative, Per Scholas Vets in Tech: Unlocking Potential for the Military Community. The initiative will target and engage the Military Community to generate a robust pipeline of learners affiliated with the U.S. Armed Forces. Through the Per Scholas Vets in Tech initiative, Per Scholas will enroll 900 transitioning Military Veterans and Military Spouses over the next three years, with an emphasis on recruiting female and minority learners. As with all our learners, these Military Community learners will receive the technical training, support, and career guidance needed to help enable them to launch successful careers in tech. 

A Closer Look at the Per Scholas Vets in Tech Initiative

Learners enter our courses from an array of backgrounds, seeking the skills and certifications necessary to launch careers in tech, and a consistent portion of our learners are Military Veterans and Spouses looking to start careers in IT as they transition to civilian life. Individuals enrolled in our courses will obtain immersive, cohort-based, and tuition-free training courses conducted full-time over 12-15 weeks in various disciplines, including AWS, Cybersecurity, IT Support, Software Engineering.

These training courses lead directly to industry-recognized credentials and equip learners with in-demand technical and professional skills that prepare them for success in technology careers, with in-house support to connect directly to employment opportunities post-graduation. Veteran alumni will also have access to no-cost alumni upskilling opportunities to foster wage/career advancement for 2+ years post-graduation.

In addition to technical training, Per Scholas Vets in Tech initiative contains several components:

1. Technical and Professional Development Training: Per Scholas training is 80% technical training focused on in-demand tech skills. The training is also hands-on so alumni are ready to dive into their careers with experience. Additionally, 20% of the training focuses on professional development. Our Learner Support Team and Financial Coaches provide individualized resources and services that support the unique barriers that veterans and their families face as well as ongoing peer support with other veterans to encourage retention. This aspect ensures alumni have the soft skills needed to succeed in the workforce. 
2. Access to our Employer Network: Per Scholas partners with 850+ employers to connect our learners and alumni with leading businesses. Our business solutions teams partner closely with each Veteran alumni to prepare them for interviews with our employer networking and beyond to land jobs to jumpstart their high-demand careers.
3. Strategic Partnerships: Per Scholas is cultivating partnerships with US Armed Forces Support Organizations, military bases, and veteran-friendly employers to recruit eligible veterans, provide supportive resources, and provide direct connections for employment.

Our outreach is national for this initiative so we can include all of our Military Community, however there is a focus at nine of our campuses, selected based on factors such as local numbers of veterans in the workforce, staff capacity, and more. These nine markets include: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and St. Louis, and those in the Military Community are encouraged to apply to any of our campuses local to them. 

Why the Per Scholas Vets in Tech Initiative is Important

1. Approximately 200,000 men and women leave U.S. military service each year and return to civilian life. These individuals can face significant challenges during this transitional period, particularly in terms of finding employment. 
2. More than 174,000 additional jobs will be available in technology in 2023. While there may be tech layoffs throughout the world, there are still hundreds of thousands of tech positions in all industries – not just with technology companies. 
3. Per Scholas is passionate about the Veteran and Military Spouse community and connecting them with leading businesses with high-growth tech careers. We are excited to work with Veterans and their families to help them unlock their potential.

Additionally, Veterans may struggle to translate skills earned through service into employment opportunities at civilian companies and face physical and mental health barriers to mobility:

• 20% of post-9/11 veterans have no college degree
• 6.6% of working veterans with a high school-or-lower education level are living in poverty
• 43% of post-9/11 veterans are people of color, and 18% are women, both of whom face poorer economic outcomes than white, male veterans

We look at these statistics and know that Per Scholas can support the Veteran and Military Spouse community that face barriers to career mobility with our training.

Meet Some of Our Veteran Alumni

Through Per Scholas Vet in Tech training, a number of Military Community members have been able to launch new, thriving careers in tech after completing their military service. Let’s meet some of our veteran alumni!

Aaron Webb was an HR Specialist in the Military before applying to Per Scholas. He tried to go to college through his G.I. Bill, but realized that that route was not beneficial to him or his learning style. Aaron joined Per Scholas Pittsburgh’s Desktop Support course and appreciated how Per Scholas’ boot camp-style training was similar to his military boot camp, in which he learned a lot in a short period of time. Aaron felt very supported by his instructors and classmates throughout the course. He graduated with his CompTIA A+ certification and is now pursuing his CCNA certification. Aaron is excited for his future career trajectory and aims to become a full network engineer and explore cloud computing, both of which he is learning more about through his IT Implementation Senior Analyst position at Tenaris. Read more about Aaron here!

Antwan Grant served in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from high school, then took a coding class, which fueled her interest in IT. Pursuing this, Antwan came across Per Scholas Atlanta, and was accepted into the Software Engineering program. Antwan found the coursework difficult and daunting, but she was motivated to continue by her instructors and her family who rooted for her throughout the process. Antwan now works as a Java Automation Test Engineer at Interapt, and helps give back to her Veteran community by serving as a member of American Legion. Learn more about Antwan’s story here

Todd Theobald was unsure what career path he wanted to follow after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. While in the Marines, he had worked a great deal with computers, and recognized in himself a real interest in and affinity for IT, but, without any technical certifications, Todd struggled to land a job in the field. He joined Per Scholas Orlando’s Desktop Support course and enjoyed his time in the program, appreciating its structured approach to the material, including well-defined goals, schedules, and syllabuses. After graduating with his CompTIA A+ certification, Todd landed a Tier 1 Service Desk Analyst job at Advent Health. He enjoys his job and is excited to learn as much as possible and grow his career. Read more about Todd’s journey as a technologist here!

How to Apply

We are excited for the launch of Per Scholas Vets in Tech: Unlocking Potential for the Military Community, which will help equip a significant number of Military Veterans and Military Spouses with the skills and training necessary to land high-growth, well-paying jobs in tech over the next few years. 

Tech is an excellent field for those looking to transition to civilian life due to its flexibility, variability, and the high demand for technical workers. Furthermore, many of the skills learned and utilized in military service are highly applicable to work in many technical jobs. On average, 80% of our veteran graduates obtain jobs within one year of graduation, earning on average at least 3x of their pre-training wage.

For those in the Military Community interested in applying, please visit our Veterans initiative landing page here.