Menlo Park, CA — JobTrain and Per Scholas proudly celebrated the graduation of their inaugural San Francisco Bay Area IT Support cohort with a pinning ceremony marking a major milestone in the partnership’s shared commitment to workforce equity and economic mobility.

All 15 learners completed the program with a 100% graduation rate, each earning a median final grade of 90% or higher—a powerful testament to the rigor of the training and the dedication of the learners. The ceremony honored graduates as they crossed the threshold from training to technology careers, symbolized by the formal pinning tradition.

The graduation ceremony featured remarks from Barrie Hathaway, President and CEO of JobTrain, who encouraged graduates to pursue their ambitions boldly and without limitation. “This moment is about more than completing a program,” Hathaway shared. “It’s about giving yourself permission to go after big dreams—and knowing you belong in the rooms and roles you’re stepping into next.”

The event was further elevated by the presence of Betsy Nash, Mayor of Menlo Park, whose attendance underscored the importance of local leadership in supporting inclusive workforce development and technology career pathways.

Hosted and executed by JobTrain, the ceremony brought together leadership, instructors, career services professionals, and community partners who played a critical role in supporting learner success. Remarks were delivered by Patrick Amaral, Technical Instructor at Per Scholas, along with JobTrain program and career services leaders who highlighted the perseverance, growth, and readiness of the graduating cohort.

The program’s welcome and recognition of graduates were led by Siosiua “C2” Vega, Communications & Engagement Manager at JobTrain and a JobTrain alumnus (Class of 2004)—a full-circle moment reflecting the long-term impact of JobTrain’s mission.

“This inaugural cohort represents what’s possible when mission-aligned organizations come together with a shared focus on outcomes,” said Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions at Per Scholas, who joined the celebration as a special guest speaker. “These graduates are prepared, confident, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the tech workforce.”

Following the ceremony, graduates, speakers, and guests gathered for a reception and photo call to commemorate the occasion and celebrate the collective achievement.

The JobTrain x Per Scholas IT Support program marks the beginning of an expanded effort to create accessible, employer-aligned technology training in the Bay Area—opening doors to sustainable careers and strengthening the region’s tech talent pipeline.

A recent feature in the Charlotte Business Journal highlighted the surging impact of Per Scholas North Carolina, fueled by a $1 million grant from The BlackRock Foundation. This partnership is successfully bridging the opportunity gap, moving beyond the Charlotte hub to reach rural communities across the state.

The collaboration has delivered significant economic results for North Carolinians in less than one year:

• 339 Technologists: Trained in high-demand IT roles across the state.
• 2.6x Income Growth: Alumni have more than doubled their average pre-program earnings.
• $100M Lifetime Uplift: Estimated total earnings increase for North Carolina’s workforce.

The BlackRock investment enabled Per Scholas to implement a “boots on the ground” strategy in Western North Carolina. By partnering with Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, the program provides a critical pathway to stable, high-paying tech careers for workers displaced by Hurricane Helene and those in the hospitality sector.

With nearly 40% of participants holding only a high school diploma and over 40% being parents, the program focuses on holistic support rather than just technical training. 

Since 2020, Per Scholas has trained over 1,000 learners statewide, proving that with the right investment, the tech workforce can thrive in every corner of North Carolina.

Read the full Charlotte Business Journal article here.

At Per Scholas, the mission has always been to drive economic mobility by providing rigorous, tech training at no cost to learners, unlocking the potential of individuals from communities across the nation. For alumni seeking continued growth, Per Scholas has deepened its commitment through a partnership with Cisco and its Cisco Networking Academy program.

This collaboration focuses on bringing advanced, career-accelerating training tracks that bridge the gap from a tech generalist to a high-demand specialty role.

The Power of Partnership: Per Scholas and Cisco

Cisco is a major force in internet infrastructure, and the skills needed to manage and secure modern networks are consistently in high demand. By integrating Cisco’s industry-leading curriculum and tools from Cisco Networking Academy, Per Scholas is able to offer specialized training that is directly aligned with the needs of top employers. Alumni are trained to be career-ready, with experience working with platforms and programs used throughout training.

Per Scholas New York Alumnus Obosa Ogbeide can attest to the advantage of the collaboration of Per Scholas and Cisco. Initially a Cybersecurity training track learner, Obosa returned for alumni cybersecurity courses such as Endpoint Security, which featured the Cisco Networking Academy tools. “Going through the Per Scholas program and then in conjunction with that, going through the Cisco networking courses, I knew I was going to be able to get a lot out of it,” Obosa reflected. Now, he is excelling in his role as a Telemedia Analyst at PIMCO. 

Thanks to the Per Scholas and Cisco partnership, learners and alumni build confidence and experience through hands-on, industry-recognized programs. Obosa noted, “Confidence was instilled in me during my Per Scholas experience, and then through my role, I’ve tried to build on that experience.”

This partnership ensures the courses leverage Cisco IOS and practical tools like Cisco Packet Tracer, Ansible, Python, PowerShell, and Wireshark to provide essential, hands-on experience for learners and alumni to feel confident in their tech roles. 

Accelerate the Path to Success with Per Scholas and Cisco’s Network Academy

Per Scholas is dedicated to closing the tech skills divide by empowering learners and alumni with access to high-quality, relevant technology education. This mission is central to their partnership with industry leaders like Cisco, ensuring learners and alumni are equipped with the most in-demand, advanced skills to thrive in today’s evolving tech landscape.

A Career-Focused Model

One of the most compelling features of the Per Scholas model is that training is provided a no cost to the learner. While the average college student faces significant debt, Per Scholas empowers aspiring technologists by offering rigorous, boot camp-style training programs at absolutely no cost for low- to moderate-income adults. This removes a major financial barrier, allowing learners to focus entirely on their training and begin earning money sooner in a high-growth career field.

Per Scholas Pittsburgh Alumna Petyon Brooks was researching tech training programs that were less costly than a college degree when she came across Per Scholas. Eager to start a career in tech without the debt, she knew Per Scholas’ Cybersecurity cohort was the right path for her. “The idea of going to a boot camp and paying ten to twenty thousand dollars was just unfeasible for me at the time. Then I came across Per Scholas and was surprised it was free training,” she said. “I highly recommend [Per Scholas’ training], a hundred percent. As long as you have the internal drive and natural interest, there’s no way you can’t be successful.” After graduating, she continued her learning journey, completing an alumni course through Per Scholas’ Career Accelerator in Ethical Hacking, a course that leverages Cisco Networking Academy curriculum and tools. 

Peyton’s story is one example of how Per Scholas training is designed for a direct path to long-term careers:

• Intensive, Hands-On Curriculum: Courses typically last between 10 to 15 weeks and require a full-time, Monday-through-Friday commitment. This intensive, immersive approach—which includes a mix of in-person, remote, or hybrid options—ensures learners gain a deep technical proficiency in a condensed timeline.
• Industry-Recognized Certifications: A key component of the training is preparation for essential, industry-recognized certification exams. Per Scholas often covers the cost of these exams, providing learners with a valuable, employer-validated credential upon graduation, with experience using practical tools and learning experiences from Cisco Networking Academy.
• Employer-Driven Design: Per Scholas works directly with employers, large and small, to design curricula that match real-world job demands, resulting in an 85% graduation rate and an 80% job attainment rate within one year of graduation, earning 2.6X a graduate’s pre-training income. 

Per Scholas Baltimore alum Victor Aviles is another example of how the Per Scholas partnership with Cisco Networking Academy supports alumni to continue their learning journey. Victor completed the AWS re/Start training at Per Scholas in 2023, launching him into a career in tech. His commitment to continuous learning didn’t stop after securing his first role as a Help Desk Administrator, with dreams of going into cloud technology. He leveraged Cisco Networking Academy for an alumni course in Ethical Hacking. He praised the learning platform’s ability to introduce him to new, complex skills.

When asked about the alumni course, Victor emphasized its quality and hands-on rigor: “That was a completely new world for me. I had never touched any of that technology or done any of the labs that [Per Scholas and Cisco] provided, which were great.” He later added, “It’s very hands-on, and that was something that I liked.”

The collaboration between Per Scholas and Cisco Networking Academy marks a pivotal step in developing the nation’s next generation of network and cybersecurity specialists. As the stories of Obosa Ogbeide, Peyton Brooks, and Victor Aviles illustrate, this partnership provides rigorous pathways at no cost to the learner that combine the foundational strength of Per Scholas’ model with Cisco’s industry-leading tools like Cisco Packet Tracer and practical curricula. By equipping both current learners and alumni with advanced, hands-on experience in high-demand specialties, this initiative not only empowers individuals to build confidence and advance in their careers but also ensures that employers have a robust pipeline of highly skilled, job-ready talent. This is more than just training; it’s a shared commitment to accelerating economic mobility and closing the tech skills gap, one specialized, career-defining opportunity at a time.

Per Scholas and Salesforce have partnered together for more than a decade to expand access and opportunity for thousands of Americans to launch careers in the technology sector.

Since the launch of our partnership in 2014, Salesforce has supported Per Scholas by amplifying our mission through speaking engagements, encouraging employee volunteerism, offering pro bono engagements, hiring Per Scholas technologists, and awarding grants to further our impact. As a result, Per Scholas has grown from training approximately 650 learners across 5 cities to training 7,500 learners and alumni annually across 25 markets today. 

Salesforce’s support has been instrumental in several key initiatives, including:

• Developing ResumeBoost, a new tool that uses AI to help learners create technical resumes, powered by Agentforce — the agentic layer of the Salesforce Platform
• Scaling Software Engineering cohorts to enroll more aspiring engineers;
• Pivoting program delivery to remote instruction during the pandemic;
• Launching Per Scholas Boston; and
• Establishing Codebridge training in Atlanta.

Most recently, Salesforce’s partnership has enabled Per Scholas to incorporate AI skills training into all immersive and instructor-led upskilling courses. These enhancements will ensure that learners and alumni gain the cutting-edge skills to launch and advance in technology careers and continue Salesforce’s legacy of forging innovative and meaningful partnerships.

Per Scholas is deeply grateful for our enduring partnership with Salesforce. Together, we are expanding opportunities for aspiring technologists to launch careers with personal meaning, opportunities for advancement, and the wages needed to invest in their futures. We look forward to continuing this journey, driving meaningful change, and empowering the next generation of tech professionals.

Per Scholas is thrilled to be featured in The New York Times, celebrating our continued impact fostering economic mobility, preparing skilled individuals across the country for thriving tech careers. The New York Times Communities Fund supports local, national and global nonprofits that help people improve their circumstances and lead more enriching lives through the power of education, and as one of this year’s recipients, we’re honored to uplift our shared mission of the power of education.

The New York Times Communities Fund is helping to shape the lives of thousands of learners across the country – learners including Ismal Fofana. After a life-altering accident in 2019 left him unable to continue his career in restaurant management, Ismail faced the daunting task of starting over while supporting his young daughter. Though he had a lifelong interest in technology, he lacked a formal degree and feared a tech career was out of reach.

Everything changed when he discovered Per Scholas, a nonprofit providing rigorous technical training, all at no cost to learners. Through their 15-week coding program, Ismail received not only the technical instruction needed to master software engineering from scratch but also the professional mentorship to navigate the industry. Today, Ismail is thriving as a full-time Software Engineer at Accenture, a role that has empowered him to achieve financial stability and build a long-term career. As Ismail puts it, “Talent is everywhere in this world, but opportunity is not,” and Per Scholas provided the bridge to that career opportunity.

For 30 years, Per Scholas has offered no-cost, comprehensive tech training that has transformed lives and careers across the nation. Founded in the South Bronx in 1995, Per Scholas has expanded to 25 cities, with remote and satellite options, and trained more than 30,000 technologists. Our organization works closely with tech employers to ensure that alumni possess in-demand skills upon graduation, and offers professional development training and job attainment support for learners, as well as continued career growth opportunities through our Career Accelerator upskilling program. 

“Receiving support from The New York Times Communities Fund for the third consecutive year is a profound honor that directly affirms the impact of our work,” said Per Scholas CEO Plinio Ayala. “This vital partnership allows us to maintain our no-cost model, ensuring that skilled technologists from communities across the country can access the tech training they need to launch life-changing careers, and our feature in The New York Times further amplifies our combined impact.”

Per Scholas’ commitment to providing high-quality training at no cost to our learners is made possible through dedicated donor support. We are especially honored to announce that 2025 marks our third consecutive year being awarded a grant from The New York Times Communities Fund! This vital and sustained partnership is a testament to our shared mission, ensuring access remains available for all our learners and alumni – learners with stories like Ismail’s. We are immensely grateful to partner with and be featured in The New York Times, advancing our work to build skilled tech talent pipelines.

Read the full New York Times feature here.

Houston, TX – [December 19, 2025] – Per Scholas Houston announced today that it has received a grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation to support expanded access to no-cost technology training and career pathways for individuals across the Houston region.

Through this grant, Per Scholas Houston will continue removing barriers to education and employment by equipping learners with the skills, support, and resources needed to pursue in-demand careers in the technology sector. This investment strengthens Per Scholas’ ability to serve individuals who have historically been excluded from high-growth career opportunities and reinforces a shared commitment to economic mobility in the community.

“At Per Scholas Houston, our mission is to unlock potential and create pathways to economic opportunity through skills-based training,” said Per Scholas Houston Managing Director Tondalayo Hall. “Support from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation helps ensure more Houstonians can access the tools, training, and confidence needed to launch meaningful careers in tech.”

The grant will support Per Scholas Houston’s ongoing workforce development efforts, which connect learners to industry-aligned training, professional development, and employer networks, helping build a stronger local tech talent pipeline.

About CenterPoint Energy Foundation:

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst in the communities it serves by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to improve stakeholders’ lives today and build a strong foundation for tomorrow. Grants are awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations with programs that support community vitality and education in CenterPoint Energy’s footprint.

About Per Scholas:

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward— 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. 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.

The BlackRock Foundation’s Investment in Per Scholas Is Expanding Economic Mobility Across North Carolina
New data shows 339 learners trained statewide through the grant, earning an average of 2.6X their pre-program income
Graduation ceremony held today in Uptown Charlotte celebrated graduates on pathways to tech careers

Charlotte, NC — December 18, 2025 — Today, free tech-training program Per Scholas North Carolina and The BlackRock Foundation celebrated a major milestone: 339 North Carolinians trained in less than one year through their IT workforce training initiative. New data shows graduates are earning, on average, 2.6 times their pre-program income, representing an estimated $100 million in lifetime earnings uplift.

Earlier this year, The BlackRock Foundation committed $1 million to Per Scholas North Carolina to expand access to high-quality tech training and prepare more North Carolinians for in-demand jobs. Less than a year into the partnership, the initiative is well on track to meet its two-year goal of training 530 learners, with graduates earning industry-recognized credentials and already securing in-demand jobs across the technology sector including Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Data Analytics.

The program is reaching those who stand to benefit most: 38% of graduates hold only a high school diploma, and 42% are parents with children under 18. The resulting estimated income gains are helping families build long-term financial stability.

“As a proud North Carolina resident, I’m thrilled to see The BlackRock Foundation partnering with Per Scholas to expand opportunity in the community,” said Carrie Schroen, a BlackRock Managing Director. “Helping more people experience financial well-being – including building the foundation for a secure retirement – is central to BlackRock’s purpose. We’re honored to invest in the region’s future. These students are not only building careers, they’re paving the way toward lasting financial security and I’m excited to see the impact they will make in our communities.”

One of today’s graduates, Tim Kinsey, enrolled in Per Scholas Western North Carolina’s IT Support course in June 2025 while he was juggling a series of hourly service jobs and earning below the region’s basic living-wage thresholds. Today, he graduated and has already secured a full-time Computer Support Technician I role with Henderson County, earning an annual salary nearly double his previous income and beginning a stable career track rarely accessible in rural counties without formal tech training.

“Before Per Scholas, I was piecing together several jobs just to get by,” said Tim Kinsey, Per Scholas North Carolina Graduate. “Now I’m stepping into a career with real growth, benefits, and the chance to build a future for my family — all while staying in the community I love.”

The program’s impact is especially significant in Western NC, where typical entry-level wages are $15–$17 per hour. Launched in partnership with Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College after Hurricane Helene, Per Scholas Western NC is creating pathways into resilient, higher-wage tech careers and is on track to train 100 rural learners by 2026.

“We’re just getting started in rural North Carolina, and the results already speak for themselves. When learners double or even triple their income, that’s not only life-changing for their families — it strengthens entire communities,” stated Per Scholas North Carolina Senior Managing Director Mike Terrell. “These are dollars that stay local, support small businesses, and help rural economies grow. Thanks to The BlackRock Foundation’s grant we’re proving what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.”

In North Carolina—where BlackRock has invested over $100 billion in NC-based public companies on behalf of clients—the BlackRock Foundation is partnering with Per Scholas to fuel greater economic opportunity. Through the firm’s investments on behalf of clients and The Foundation’s philanthropic support, BlackRock is supporting North Carolina families in taking steps to secure their financial futures.

“Tim’s story exemplifies the mission of The BlackRock Foundation,” said Claire Chamberlain, President of The BlackRock Foundation. “By ensuring people have the skills for in-demand jobs, Per Scholas is helping more North Carolinians get on the path to thriving wage careers in their own communities so they can support their families and build financial security.”

Today’s ceremony in Uptown Charlotte celebrated graduates’ achievements and featured remarks from Per Scholas alumni living in Charlotte and Western North Carolina, and from BlackRock Managing Director, Carrie Schroen.

Per Scholas also announced the launch of its third cohort in January, continuing its momentum and opening doors for even more North Carolinians in 2026. To register for the next cohort, check out the Per Scholas North Carolina registration page: https://perscholas.org/locations/northcarolina/.

Since launching in 2020, Per Scholas North Carolina has trained more than 1,000 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as Cybersecurity, End User Support and Salesforce Administrator. Alumni have earned jobs at employers including Capgemini, Humana, and Wells Fargo.

About The BlackRock Foundation

Guided by BlackRock’s purpose to help more and more people experience financial well-being, The BlackRock Foundation focuses on increasing economic security for low- to moderate- income households by helping them earn, save and invest – earlier, more often and for their futures. With our partners, we aim to support the building of a financial safety net to protect against shocks that widen disparities and make it easier to build wealth and support upward mobility.

About Per Scholas

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward— 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 $2 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 Pittsburgh is proud to announce that we are the recipients of a significant grant from The Heinz Endowments to support the expansion of our no-cost technology skills training programs and fuel career pathways for hundreds of individuals across the region.

This crucial funding will enable Per Scholas Pittsburgh to enroll at least 460 learners by October 2027, significantly broadening access to high-growth tech careers. The enrollment strategy focuses on two key locations: the downtown hub campus, which serves the large majority of Per Scholas learners, and the new Glassport Satellite Campus, which is dedicated to providing accessible training in the Mon Valley region, reflecting a commitment to bringing opportunity closer to underserved communities.

This expansion is projected to empower a large group of learners, including an estimated 100 young adults ages 18-24, ensuring that the next generation is prepared for the digital economy.

An integral cornerstone of this effort’s success is strengthening strategic alliances that connect learners directly to employment and support. Per Scholas will focus on building and deepening three types of partnerships:

• Growing a recently launched initiative with the South Allegheny School District and Glassport Borough to operate the new Mon Valley satellite campus.
• Developing collaborations in critical fields like cybersecurity with several top employer partners.
• Expanding existing and establishing new community partnerships to focus on the recruitment and wraparound support necessary for young adults to succeed.

This support from The Heinz Endowments reinforces Per Scholas’s mission to drive economic mobility in the Pittsburgh region by creating a skilled tech workforce. “This investment is about more than just expanding a program. It represents a commitment to people and creating new opportunities in Pittsburgh and the Mon Valley regions,” reflected Per Scholas Pittsburgh Managing Director Gene Walker. “The impact of this work has the potential to revitalize communities and create generational change that will accelerate the area’s growth and influence in the tech sector.”

About The Heinz Endowments:

The Heinz Endowments works to grow an exemplary, sustainable Pittsburgh region where everyone prospers and belongs. Our work in Arts & Culture; Civic Participation; Climate, Environment & Health; Community & Economic Development; Food Systems; Veterans; and Workforce is supported by reliable data based on results-focused goals. The Endowments is among the 60 largest philanthropic organizations in the United States, distributing approximately $90 million in grants annually. 

About Per Scholas:

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward— 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. 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.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Per Scholas, a national leader in no-cost technology training, proudly announces it has received its first-ever multi-year grant from the William Penn Foundation to reduce barriers to accessing quality jobs in Philadelphia. This landmark commitment will provide essential, sustained support for Per Scholas Philadelphia’s mission to open doors to technology careers for individuals in Philadelphia communities, strengthening its position as a critical workforce development engine in the city.

This significant investment made by the William Penn Foundation is part of a collaborative effort from a coalition of funders to support access to workforce training and follows closely on the heels of the formal launch of Per Scholas Philadelphia’s satellite location on November 17th. The grant not only recognizes the immediate impact of Per Scholas’ no-cost, demand-driven training model but also builds critical momentum as Per Scholas Philadelphia scales its efforts across the region to reduce barriers to tech workforce training.

In addition, this grant will allow Per Scholas to:

• Sustain and grow our core workforce development programs.
• Deepen employer partnerships to increase job placement rates.
• Build credibility within the philanthropic and corporate community as a proven solution for economic mobility.

“With this generous investment from William Penn Foundation and its funding partners, the future technologists in our classrooms will continue to thrive with help from our Learner Support Team made up of MSWs and Financial Coaches who provide support from acceptance through post-graduation,” said Per Scholas Philadelphia Managing Director Joshua Park. “They’ll get to take advantage of our Zero-Percent Loan program, and they’ll benefit from the expanded community partnerships we’re building to multiply barrier-reduction supports across local organizations like OIC Philadelphia, where we’ve launched our IT Support satellite classroom.”

Since establishing its presence in the region, Per Scholas Philadelphia has been committed to providing rigorous training in fields including IT Support, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering. The organization partners with leading employers to ensure graduates possess the skills needed for immediate and long-term success.

Per Scholas Philadelphia is excited to embark on this work with support from the William Penn Foundation, furthering its commitment to advancing economic mobility and transforming the tech landscape in the region.

About Per Scholas

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward— 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. 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 William Penn Foundation

The William Penn Foundation, founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, is committed to expanding access to resources and opportunities that promote a more vital and just city and region for all. We do this through funding programs in the Philadelphia region in arts and culture, children and families, democracy and civic initiatives, environment and public space, and workforce training and services. Learn more at www.williampennfoundation.org.

We are thrilled to announce that Per Scholas was featured in a recent opinion article in The New York Times, “Sound investments in education yield big returns.”

The article highlights seven evidence-based charities partnered with The New York Times Communities Fund to invest in education across various life stages. Per Scholas was recognized for its crucial work in adult education and workforce development, and this marks our third year selected as a beneficiary.

The New York Times specifically highlighted Per Scholas’ commitment to offering robust, no-cost training programs for tech careers, including IT and cybersecurity. 

We are honored to be included among these impactful organizations working to make quality educational opportunities accessible to all.

Read the full opinion article and learn more about the campaign here!