New York, NY – October 21, 2025 – Per Scholas is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of 50 nonprofit organizations worldwide to receive a grant from the Citi Foundation’s 2025 Global Innovation Challenge, which is distributing a collective $25 million to accelerate youth-employability initiatives. 

Launched by the Citi Foundation, the 2025 Global Innovation Challenge awards each selected organization a grant of $500,000 to pilot or scale innovative employment solutions for low-income youth, building on Citi and the Citi Foundation’s longstanding commitment to young people and their economic futures. The grant supports programs such as digital and AI upskilling, technical & vocational training, work-based learning, career guidance, entrepreneurship resources, and mentorship.

Per Scholas is committed to closing the tech-skills divide and advancing economic mobility through no-cost, rigorous technical training that leads to high-growth tech careers. Over the past three decades, the organization has supported 30,000+ learners across the U.S. in launching tech careers through programs in IT Support, Cybersecurity, Cloud, Software Engineering, and more. 

With the grant support from the Citi Foundation, Per Scholas will further scale its model—expanding its reach, deepening impact, and innovating new tech-training pathways to ensure youth access to meaningful, sustainable careers.

• Youth unemployment remains a global challenge. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates 65 million young people are unemployed worldwide. 
• Employers report a major barrier: mismatch of skills—63% say this blocks hiring of qualified workers.
• With rapid digital transformation underway, demand is growing for new skills in AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and other high-growth tech sectors.

By combining employer-aligned technical instruction, professional-skills development and employer partnerships, Per Scholas addresses these gaps and helps learners move from under-employment to thriving technology careers.

Over the next two years, Per Scholas will deploy this funding to:

• Expand access in the five existing markets: Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Chicago, and the greater Washington, D.C area..
• Develop new or enhance curriculum in emerging tech sectors (e.g., AI, cloud infrastructure).
• Strengthen employer partnerships to boost job attainment outcomes for Per Scholas Technologists.

Through this partnership, Per Scholas and the Citi Foundation are investing in the promise and potential of young adults. By providing access to no-cost, high-quality tech training and career pathways, this collaboration will help young people gain the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in today’s digital economy. With the Citi Foundation’s support, Per Scholas will continue to empower the next generation of technologists—creating pathways to meaningful employment, long-term economic mobility, and a stronger, more inclusive workforce.

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.

Citi Foundation

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant communities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com. 

Media Contact
For Per Scholas:
Mackenzie Loewen, communications@perscholas.org 

For Citi Foundation:
Julia Drabick, julia.drabick@citi.com

Per Scholas’ Career Accelerator Program Drives Wage Increases for Early Career Tech Workers 

New research reveals upskilling leads to a 32% wage increase, proving that targeted, continuous training effectively closes the skills and wage gap 

Bronx, NY – October 20, 2025 – Per Scholas, a national tech training nonprofit, today announced the findings of a new study that highlights the critical role of continuous upskilling in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. The study, detailed in the white paper “Upskilling: A Pathway to Economic Advancement for Early Career Tech Workers,” showcases how the organization’s innovative Career Accelerator program effectively promotes continued economic mobility for tech professionals. 

Per Scholas launched its Career Accelerator program in 2021 to tackle a persistent, industry-wide challenge: ensuring graduates’ career momentum lasts long after their first job. This research underscored the critical need for a sustainable pathway to continued career growth, especially as AI continues to evolve workforce needs. 

Graduates who completed instructor-led upskilling courses saw average earnings grow by 32%—a $14k annual increase for a full-time worker—compared to their first post-graduation job. While this finding is based on unadjusted data, it demonstrates broad gains across learners. After controlling for key demographics, participants still experienced a significant wage premium. This compares to a 17% increase or $7k for alumni who did not complete a Career Accelerator course.

Additionally, after controlling for key demographic, educational, and work experience variables, the researchers found a statistically significant increase in earnings among those who complete an instructor-led upskilling course, compared to those who did not engage — an annual differential of $4,200. The data also suggests that the training format is critical, with instructor-led courses yielding the highest wage gains.

“As technology’s pace accelerates, upskilling is crucial for economic and career growth,” said Caitlyn Brazill, President, Per Scholas. “Our study shows that initiatives like Career Accelerator effectively close skills gaps and boost tech workers’ earning potential and career trajectories. To empower our workforce and build a resilient economy, we urge leaders to invest in working adults, track their progress, design inclusively, and keep skills agile—a roadmap for individual prosperity and economic resilience.”

Per Scholas’ Career Accelerator offers a large variety of short-format, career pathways-aligned upskilling courses designed to fit the busy lives of working professionals, with remote, instructor-led, and asynchronous options available. The program, which currently serves Per Scholas alumni, was designed to accommodate any incumbent workers, addressing a growing need for skills training with the rise of AI.

“Per Scholas didn’t just teach me IT skills; they helped me see a future I never thought possible,” said Per Scholas alumna Kenetra Woods. “From being laid off to becoming a System Administrator–earning 20% more–my experience with Career Accelerator was truly life-changing. I learned not only technical skills, but the importance of showing up every day, staying focused, and believing that I belonged. Now I mentor new alumni, helping them navigate the path I once found so daunting.”

Download now the full white paper, Upskilling: A Pathway to Economic Advancement for Early Career Tech Workers.

# # # 

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.

Per Scholas is proud to announce a transformational $1 million grant from Truist Foundation to expand access to no-cost technology training across multiple markets, fueling economic mobility and opportunities for skilled individuals launching careers in technology.

This grant supports our initiative, Scaling Career Accelerator and Satellite Programs in Truist Markets, which will provide training to nearly 1,000 learners, including both immersive learners and alumni upskillers.

“This grant from Truist Foundation is a powerful endorsement of our model and shared commitment to building a strong tech workforce in the United States,” said Per Scholas CEO Plinio Ayala. “Together, we’re helping learners build in-demand skills and launch life-changing careers in the United States.”

With Truist Foundation’s support, Per Scholas will:

• Scale Career Accelerator courses in fast-growing fields such as AI Prompt Engineering, Ethical Hacking, and Cloud Computing, enrolling 600 Per Scholas alumni across Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, North Carolina, and the National Capital Region.
• Launch four new Satellite training sites in Cincinnati/Kentucky, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, enrolling 335 learners and building strong local employer pipelines.

“At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities and to do this we support a wide variety of initiatives like Per Scholas,” said president of Truist Foundation, Lynette Bell. “I’m excited to see how they’ll be able to expand access to no-cost technology training that unlocks economic mobility and career pathways for learners across our footprint. Together we’re strengthening local talent pipelines and fueling meaningful growth in the technology space one learner, one opportunity and one future at a time.”

By expanding both advanced upskilling and new market entry, this investment will ensure that more individuals gain the skills and networks needed to thrive in the digital economy.

Truist Foundation’s investment reflects a shared vision, creating greater economic mobility through skills-based training and access to opportunity. By partnering together, we are driving impact at scale and helping communities across the country unlock potential and launch thriving careers in technology.

We are grateful to Truist Foundation for its commitment to building stronger communities, companies, and economies.

Per Scholas is proud to announce a new milestone in collaboration with IBM to expand access to the innovative IBM SkillsBuild platform. This partnership will support the training of immersive learners and alumni technologists over the next year, including an opportunity for learners and alumni to access IBM SkillsBuild, to deepen their technical expertise, pursue additional certifications, and unlock potential through new career opportunities.

By integrating IBM SkillsBuild into our training model, Per Scholas learners will have access to an even broader range of resources designed to sharpen their technical skills and prepare them for long-term success in the ever-evolving tech industry.

IBM will also support our mission by connecting with learners and alumni through weekly volunteer engagements for the month of October. This partnership marks a new chapter in our collaboration with IBM, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing economic mobility and preparing individuals for the jobs of the future.

Per Scholas Launches 25th Campus in Partnership with JobTrain: Expanding No-Cost Tech Training in the Bay Area 

Learners will earn a CompTIA A+ certification, laying the foundation for high-growth tech careers

Menlo Park, CA – October 2, 2025 – In an innovative new partnership, Per Scholas has teamed up with JobTrain, a Bay Area-based educational and training institution, to launch its 25th campus in the heart of Silicon Valley. This collaboration aims to address the talent needs of the area’s booming tech industry while creating new pathways to economic mobility for local residents. 

“Establishing Per Scholas’ twenty-fifth campus is a landmark moment, as we bring our tech programs to the pinnacle region of technological innovation,” said Plinio Ayala, CEO at Per Scholas. “A significant training opportunity gap persists in the region. By partnering with JobTrain, an institution with deep roots and unmatched expertise in the Bay Area, we can combine our proven, no-cost technical training with their exceptional professional development. Together, we can unlock the potential of overlooked talent and build a robust tech workforce for the region’s leading companies.”

The Bay Area, a global tech industry hub, has a continuous and robust demand for IT Technicians and System Administrators. To close the talent gap, the campus will offer a 13-week entry-level IT Support course that builds a strong foundation in system administration, with a focus on supporting Windows server infrastructures and managing IT services using platforms like ServiceNow. In line with Per Scholas’ AI vision, learners will build fluency with generative AI tools like ChatGPT and benefit from innovations such as our AI tutoring chatbot. These skills are becoming critical for IT roles in troubleshooting, system management, and career preparation. Upon successful course completion, learners will earn a CompTIA A+ certification and be equipped to pursue a range of roles, such as IT Technician or System Administrator.

“For decades, JobTrain has been dedicated to providing our community with pathways to prosperity. In a region so deeply connected to technological innovation, access to the skills needed for high-growth tech careers is critical,” said Barrie Hathaway, President & CEO at JobTrain. “That’s why our partnership with Per Scholas is a game-changer. We are not just preparing individuals for a job; we are empowering them with the skills, confidence, and network to build lasting careers and thrive.”

“We’re proud to support this partnership between Per Scholas and JobTrain,” says longtime supporter and Bay Area native Charlie Wolfson, Executive Director of Arrow Impact. “By launching a new campus in Silicon Valley, Per Scholas and JobTrain are building on the region’s legacy as a global innovation hub and ensuring that more people from underrepresented backgrounds can share in its future and shape the breakthroughs to come.”

The first cohort will begin on October 6, 2025, at JobTrain’s offices at 1200 O’Brien Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025. The courses will follow a hybrid on-site and virtual model and interested candidates can confirm their eligibility and apply here. 

To learn more about JobTrain, please visit jobtrainworks.org. To learn more about Per Scholas Bay Area, click here.

###

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. 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 JobTrain

JobTrain is a nationally accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational and training institution serving the Bay Area since 1965. With a mission to help those most in need to succeed, JobTrain offers industry-relevant vocational training, academic instruction, and essential skills development, along with rapid-employment services through its Career Centers in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. More than 190,000 individuals have turned to JobTrain for the skills, confidence, and connections to build sustainable careers. In partnership with employers and community organizations, JobTrain transforms lives and strengthens communities. Learn more at www.jobtrainworks.org.

Learn more at jobtrain.org and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Per Scholas was proudly represented at the 2025 Military Influencers Conference (MIC) this fall. As one of the largest convenings in the country focused on empowering the military community through networking, innovation, and cross-movement collaboration, the MIC is a powerful space for connection. 

This year, our presence included George Darby III, CPR, CVR, Director of Veterans Recruitment & Partnerships; Lindsey Fawley, lISW-S, Director of Learner Support and Army Spouse; Marlena Staley, CFP, AFC, MBA, CFSW, Sr. Manager, Financial Coach, Marine Corps Spouse & Air Force Mother; Katherine Tran, Technical Instructor and Navy Spouse; Lauren Blosser, Senior Manager of Development National Accounts; Ryan Spears, Manager, Recruitment & Admissions, Per Scholas Atlanta; and Feleg Abraham, Associate, Recruitment & Admissions, Per Scholas Atlanta. 

Per Scholas is continuing to further the pathway to economic mobility for military service members, veterans, and spouses as they transition to civilian life by offering no-cost, in-demand, technical skills training. 

Learn more about Per Scholas Vets in Tech here.

Charlotte, N.C., September 25, 2025 — Since launching in 2020, the Per Scholas North Carolina campus has trained over 1,000 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as Cybersecurity, End User Support and Salesforce Administrator. Our alumni have earned jobs at employers including Capgemini, Humana, and Wells Fargo.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, alumni, and friends, Per Scholas North Carolina hosted its Five-Year Campus Celebration in Charlotte with remarks from Sherri Jones, Workforce & Career Development Manager, City of Charlotte; Leaton Harris, Vice President, Engagement and Inclusion, TEKsystems; and Kathleen Evans, Regional Director of External Affairs, AT&T. Jasmine Miller, Chief Program Officer, Per Scholas and Robin Nadeau, Regional Senior Vice President South, Per Scholas were also in attendance. A formal check presentation and reception followed. 

“I’m excited to celebrate this milestone not just for our team, but for the hundreds of North Carolinians who turned potential into thriving tech careers through Per Scholas, and I’m grateful to everyone who trusted us to be a part of their career journey. When we launched during the pandemic, our goal was to expand pathways to economic mobility for our neighbors, and five years later, I’m proud to say that we’ve helped generate more than $29 million in new wages in Charlotte and across North Carolina,” said Mike Terrell, Senior Managing Director, Per Scholas North Carolina. None of this would have been possible without our employer and philanthropic partners, and our incredible staff and alumni community—thank you for believing in this work. The next five years are about scaling and deepening our impact: continuing to expand our reach across North Carolina and sharpening our focus on in-demand skills so local companies can hire job-ready talent.” 

In addition to AT&T, Per Scholas North Carolina acknowledges the generous ongoing support of The BlackRock Foundation, Focusing Philanthropy, Truist Foundation, Leon Levine Foundation, Leonard G. Herring Foundation, Bank of America, City of Charlotte, Cloudera, Lenovo, Mecklenburg County, and TD Bank. Without our partners, our work would not be possible. 

“AT&T is proud to support Per Scholas and its mission to empower learners and prepare them to succeed in technology-based careers today and in the future. By providing access to digital skills training, career readiness instruction, and educational resources, we are equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive in a 21st-century world,” said Kathleen Evans, Regional Director of External Affairs, AT&T North Carolina. “Together with Per Scholas, we are connecting more North Carolinians and empowering the next generation of technology leaders.” 

With a proven tech training model including both in-person and remote learning hubs, Per Scholas continues to unlock opportunities for individuals, strengthen communities, and drive business success across the greater North Carolina area. Notably, every dollar invested in Per Scholas yields an $8 net economic return. Per Scholas North Carolina is transforming lives and will now be shaping North Carolina’s future as a thriving technology hub by equipping Per Scholas Technologists with in-demand tech skills at no cost.

To learn more about Per Scholas North Carolina, follow them on LinkedIn or Per Scholas North Carolina.

Contact: Rafael Gerena, Vice President of Communications & Policy, Per Scholas

communications@perscholas.org. 

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 $35 billion in increased personal earnings. With 20+ 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 Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T  

At AT&T, our corporate responsibility work is dedicated to bridging the digital divide across the country. We are committed to providing people of all ages and from every community with the essential resources they need to thrive in the digital era. For generations, we have supported programs that impact millions of individuals nationwide, and since 2021, we have committed $5 billion to initiatives that enhance connectivity, promote digital literacy, and improve access to high-speed internet. Our efforts particularly focus on uplifting underserved communities, including students, older adults, and those on tribal lands, ensuring everyone can participate in the digital world and benefit from its opportunities.

Per Scholas Marks 30 Years of Unlocking Tech Careers, Honors Leaders from Comcast and Ballmer Group at Anniversary Gala

Celebrating three decades of bridging the opportunity gap, the no-cost tech training provider will honor key partners at its New York City anniversary gala

NEW YORK, NY – September 25, 2025 – Per Scholas, a national tech training nonprofit, today announced it will host Empowering The Future: Celebrating 30 Years of Unlocking Potential, its 30th Anniversary celebration on Tuesday, October 21 at Guastavino’s in New York City. This milestone event will celebrate three decades of advancing economic mobility by providing access to high-quality, no-cost tech training to untapped talent. The gala will feature esteemed speakers and honor two key partners for their transformative impact:

• Dalila Wilson-Scott, Executive Vice President and Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer of Comcast Corporation and President of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation, will be recognized for her transformative impact in corporate responsibility and for driving strategic initiatives that create opportunity in communities. This includes her leadership of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion initiative to connect people to the internet, provide digital opportunity, and build a future of Unlimited Possibilities.
• Ballmer Group, co-founded by Connie and Steve Ballmer, will be honored for its commitment to improving economic mobility for children and families. Through their partnership, Ballmer Group has been a catalyst for Per Scholas’ innovation and growth, enabling the development of immersive training models and the integration of cutting-edge AI and data center content into the curriculum. The award will be accepted by Terri Ludwig, Chief Executive Officer of Ballmer Group.

“Since its founding in the South Bronx in 1995, Per Scholas has been driven by a simple belief: that a thriving workforce begins with equitable access to opportunity,” Plinio Ayala, CEO of Per Scholas said. “This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on our impact, highlight the incredible stories of our learners, and honor the invaluable partnerships that shaped our journey, while looking ahead to an even brighter future.” 

The evening will feature a keynote address from Rashaun Williams, founder and CIO of Harbinger Sports Partners, limited partner of the NFL Atlanta Falcons, and guest Shark on ABC’s Shark Tank. Williams will be joined by esteemed guest speakers Ginni Rometty and Charles Phillips. Rometty is the former Chairman, President and CEO of IBM and Co-Chair of OneTen; she also serves on the boards of JPMorgan Chase, Cargill, and Memorial Sloan Kettering. Phillips is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Recognize and previously served as CEO of Infor, President of Oracle, and Managing Director at Morgan Stanley; he also serves on the boards of American Express, the Apollo Theater and more.

Event Details:

• What: Per Scholas 30th Anniversary Celebration
• When: October 21, 2025, 6:00 PM EST
• Where: Guastavino’s, 409 East 59th Street, NYC

Per Scholas’ 30th anniversary gala is presented by Comcast, with generous support from additional sponsors including Allstate, Amazon, EY, Guardian, TEKsystems, Apollo Global Management, Cognizant, Capgemini, CDW, Jean Hill and Larry Schultis, Dirk Manelski, Microsoft, Prudential, Ian Shrank and Alexandra W. Logue, S&P Global, Dana and Josh Lieberman, Lewis E. Miller, and PwC.

For more information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit our website.

###

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. With 20+ 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.

Houston, T.X., September 15, 2025  – Since launching in 2023, the Per Scholas Houston campus has trained more than 250 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and IT Support. Our alumni have earned jobs at employers including AT&T, IRISNDT, Buchanan Technologies, Titan Technologies, and Preferred Technologies.

“As Houston continues to lead the way in energy innovation, our Power Up: Houston event proved how powerful collaboration can be,” said Per Scholas Houston Managing Director Tondalayo Hall. “By bringing together industry leaders, workforce development experts, and community partners at Capgemini during Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week, we highlighted the incredible potential of a well-rounded, tech-skilled energy workforce. This gathering was more than a conversation. It was a catalyst for the relationships, ideas, and opportunities that will drive our city’s energy future.”

Today, top leaders in the energy, utilities, and technology sectors explored the powerful intersection of innovation and workforce development among industry peers at Power Up: Houston, hosted at Capgemini. Caitlyn Brazill, President, Per Scholas, and  Kenneth Walker, Executive Vice President of Inclusion & Culture, Per Scholas, were in attendance. 

Central to the event was an Industry Expert Panel moderated by Janet Pope, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility & Engagement – Americas Region, Capgemini. Panelists included Bhavani Arabandi, Principal Research Associate – Work, Education & Labor Division, Urban Institute; Bryant Black, Founder, Black Arrow Group; Claire Gauthier, Executive Vice President, Global Energy & Utilities Industry, Capgemini; and Tondalayo Hall, Managing Director, Per Scholas Houston. Carla Walker-Miller, CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Solutions, a featured panelist from Power Up: Detroit, also joined as a featured guest in Houston.

Power Up: Houston was held in collaboration with the Urban Institute, IREC, and CareerEquity. This grant-funded partnership delivers worker-centered training tailored to the energy sector’s IT needs. Per Scholas Houston also extends gratitude to partnerships with Rice Management Company, The Ion, The Herzstein Foundation, Comcast, and The Texas Workforce Commission, without whom our work would not be possible. 

Contact: Rafael Gerena, Vice President of Communications & Policy, Per Scholas

communications@perscholas.org

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 $35 billion in increased personal earnings. With 20+ 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.

This event is part of the Power Up Series that was created by Per Scholas and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). DOL makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. The total cost of the Power IT project is $5,815,899. $5,000,000 (86 percent) is funded through the Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program of the U.S. Department of Labor–Employment and Training Administration. The other $815,899 (14 percent) is funded through nonfederal resources.

BRONX, N.Y. (September 11, 2025)—Today, Per Scholas, the leading national tech training nonprofit, welcomes new National Board Member Steve Rullo. 

Steve Rullo, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Guardian. 

Steve leads Guardian’s digital transformation and technology strategy to support long-term growth. He brings over 30 years of experience across digital, technology, and financial services, including senior leadership roles at Great-West Lifeco and GE. Steve also co-founded a consulting firm and held senior roles at Cigna Healthcare and a tech start-up. He holds a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

“It’s a privilege to join an organization that’s making a real difference in communities across the country through tech education and career access,” said Rullo. “I’m inspired by the Per Scholas’ commitment to inclusive innovation and look forward to supporting its efforts to build a more dynamic tech workforce.”

“We are honored to welcome Steve to Per Scholas’ National Board, where his dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm will greatly contribute to our mission of unlocking potential,” stated Plinio Ayala, CEO of Per Scholas. “Our National Board Members exemplify our vision to further change the face of technology to achieve a strong economy for all.”

To learn more about Per Scholas’s work and our National Board, visit PerScholas.org. 

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, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

# # #