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.

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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. 

# # #

New Board Members to Guide Growth as Local Campus Responds to Urgent Workforce Needs

St. Louis, MO — September 4, 2025 – Per Scholas St. Louis is announcing the launch of its inaugural Advisory Board on September 24, 2025, comprised of leading business and community executives dedicated to advancing tech talent and economic mobility across the region. At the same time, the campus is introducing new training tracks in Healthcare IT and Data Center to meet rising employer demand and provide more pathways into high-growth technology careers.

Advisory Board members include:

• Matt Modica, Vice President & CISO, BJC HealthCare
• Ashley Pyle, Chief Experience Officer, GadellNet
• Marc Ashworth, CISO, First Bank
• Branyea Jones, Training & Development, DEI, Clayco Corp
• April Lopinot, Chief People Officer, Keeley Companies
• Kendall Norris, Chief Winning In Life Officer, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation

“Per Scholas is honored to welcome such an accomplished group of leaders to our St. Louis Advisory Board,” said Kiesha Mabry Haymore, Managing Director of Per Scholas St. Louis. “Their expertise and commitment will ensure that our campus not only equips learners with the in-demand skills needed to succeed in tech, but also strengthens pathways for local residents to thrive in industries vital to the region’s future, from healthcare to data infrastructure.”

The announcement comes at a critical moment for the region’s workforce. With recent headlines highlighting the closure of the St. Louis Job Corps Center and the resulting disruption for students, Per Scholas St. Louis offers a no-cost, proven alternative for residents seeking tech career training.

“Our work goes beyond the classroom—it’s about connecting talent to opportunity. By launching this Advisory Board and linking learners with top employers, we’re building stronger bridges to economic mobility,” stated Steve Martak, Per Scholas St. Louis’ Director of Talent Solutions.

Since opening in 2022, Per Scholas St. Louis has enrolled 368 learners in IT Support, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering, preparing them for thriving careers with top regional employers. The new Healthcare IT and Data Center tracks will expand opportunities for learners while strengthening talent pipelines for local companies in critical industries.

About Per Scholas

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward—aiming to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030, 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 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.

As the 2025 NFL season kicks off with the Philadelphia Eagles facing the Dallas Cowboys, Per Scholas is proud to celebrate our ongoing partnership with the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative and the impact they have had on these cities and 22 other communities nationwide! 

Since first partnering in 2021, thanks to the NFL Foundation, the NFL has supported thousands of Per Scholas learners launch careers in technology.

In 2024, the NFL provided catalytic support to expand Per Scholas’ national footprint and bring our life-changing programming to learners in two more proud NFL cities – Kansas City and Buffalo – where the Foundation is recognized as a Founding Partner.

Per Scholas is deeply grateful to the NFL for opening doors to economic mobility for thousands of learners nationwide. As the 2025 NFL season starts and fans in Philadelphia and Dallas cheer on their teams, we’re celebrating the wins happening off the field for our learners and alumni.

Forbes recently featured the powerful impact of Per Scholas’ partnership with TEKsystems, showcasing how together we’ve built a thriving, work-ready talent pipeline over the past decade. What began as a shared commitment to look beyond traditional hiring practices has grown into a national collaboration that prioritizes skills, potential, and continuous learning. 

Since 2015, TEKsystems and Per Scholas have co-designed rigorous, hands-on training programs in 12 U.S. cities, preparing individuals for in-demand technology roles and launching more than 1,500 careers. This partnership not only helps TEKsystems meet customer needs with job-ready talent but also expands access to life-changing tech careers for individuals historically excluded from the industry. As Forbes highlights, the results are clear: when employers invest in human potential, entire communities benefit.

Read the full feature here.

During the last 30 years, we’ve seen technology develop into an unstoppable force that influences how we live, work, and communicate.

In 1995, dial-up internet and floppy disks were gaining popularity, while mobile phones were in their infancy. Fast forward to today, and we manage nearly every aspect of our lives on mobile devices, while cloud computing and AI have become ubiquitous.

Per Scholas has also experienced a remarkable journey in the last three decades, evolving alongside the technology it champions to create a more inclusive and representative industry.

Here are some of the events and people that have shaped the history of technology from 1995 to 2025.

1. 2000 – Dot-Com Bubble Bursts, But Tech Doesn’t Die

In 1995, just 0.7% of the global population used the internet. In 2025, that number stands at 68%. However, that journey hasn’t always been smooth, with the dot-com boom and subsequent bust being a prime example.

In the late 1990s, investment in internet startups created a frenzy on the stock markets, but this was short-lived, with billions of dollars in market value wiped out in the year 2000.

The dot-com crash exposed inequalities in who exactly benefited in the technology economy, with entrepreneurs and investors walking away with vast fortunes at the expense of those with little market knowledge. However, the event also opened the door for people to rethink how technology is built and by whom.

Recognizing skills gaps in technology, Per Scholas doubled down on workforce training in 2020, providing skills and knowledge that help learners thrive in the modern world.

2. 2011 – Kimberly Bryant Founds Black Girls CODE

While Black people make up 13% of the U.S. population, they represent just 7% of the computing workforce.

After her daughter expressed an interest in computer programming, Kimberly Bryant started Black Girls Code in 2011, a nonprofit that empowers girls of color through coding education and technological engagement.

Per Scholas also creates access for those traditionally left out of tech. We offer no-cost training, certifications, and job attainment assistance, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams.  

3. 2018 – Timnit Gebru Co-Authors Groundbreaking Work on AI Bias

In 2018, Timnit Gebru, a leader in AI ethics research, co-authored a paper that showed facial recognition is less reliable when identifying some individuals, which could lead to discrimination.

Also around this time, Per Scholas led efforts to prepare learners for AI and its potential downsides. We started training AI learners to lead, not just follow — a philosophy that also extends into other technologies, such as the cloud and cybersecurity.

4. 2020 – The Pandemic Forces the World Online

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a digital divide between those with reliable internet access and technology skills and those without became remarkably apparent.

Shortly after the start of the pandemic, Per Scholas pivoted to remote training, ensuring continuity for our learners during one of the most significant events in modern history. Former alum Kevin Rappe, now Systems Engineer at Cetrom Information Technology, Inc., says:

“[Per Scholas helped us get] as hands-on as possible over remote learning. They did a really impressive job, and it worked very well.”

5. 2025 – Per Scholas Hits 30 Years, with More Than 30K Trained and Counting

Per Scholas is proud to celebrate 30 years, and we honored this historic milestone by ringing the Nasdaq Closing Bell back in February.

Since 1995, we’ve made a massive effort to diversify tech for everyone, which continues to be our driving force. Former alum Jadah Stone, now an IT Support Specialist at Casper, says:

“Per Scholas provided really amazing resources for people that might not have otherwise been able to have an opportunity like this.”

The Per Scholas Journey: 1995-2025

Here’s a timeline of some of our most important milestones:

• 1995: Per Scholas starts in the South Bronx. Our mission? To bridge the digital divide.
• 2000s: At the dawn of the new millennium, Per Scholas expands into tech training. 
• 2010s: We expand nationally and start partnering with leading tech companies.
• 2020s: We adopt a more responsive, future-focused curriculum that tackles AI, cybersecurity, the cloud, IT workforce development, and other emerging technologies.
• 2025: Our alumni are now working at Microsoft, Google, JPMorgan Chase, TEKsystems, Cognizant, and other leading tech companies.

Per Scholas Alumni Success Stories

Various individuals have shaped the tech landscape — and Per Scholas alumni are part of that story.

Here are some quotes from those who have unlocked their potential through our no-cost technology training and access to careers in tech without a degree:

• “Per Scholas has completely changed my entire life. That little 8-year-old girl who was at one point homeless is now breaking barriers in the tech industry.” – Deja Craft, Computer Systems Engineer
• “It’s amazing to see what Per Scholas does for people. Essentially, bringing them from knowing nothing about tech or hardware or software, and preparing them to be able to enter the industry.” – Steven Reyes, Helpdesk Technician at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
• “Now I have options. I have people calling me about jobs. I have ample opportunity for growth. I am eternally grateful for this experience.” – Nico Castro-Arrien, Business Operations Support Analyst

Building the Next 30 Years

Despite changing the tech landscape, Per Scholas is on the path to successfully training individuals for thriving careers. The obstacles we currently face include access to technology, representation in the workplace, and rapid changes in the sector that might leave some communities behind.

Per Scholas is preparing for these challenges by constantly evolving. Our career accelerators, simulation-based training, and AI skilling are helping to build a more inclusive tech workforce.

Partner with us by becoming a donor and being part of our evolution. You can help build a more equitable tech workforce for the next 30 years!

In our recent, inspiring Q&A Spotlight, we shine a light on Akintunde Akinwande, a Per Scholas graduate and Data Center Valedictorian, whose journey from the music industry to the tech world is a powerful story of reinvention, resilience, and forward-looking ambition.

Once a Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter with Billboard-charting records, Akintunde made a bold and thoughtful transition into technology. He traded studio sessions for server racks in pursuit of stability and growth. 

Today, he’s working with TEKsystems, building real-world experience in network infrastructure and cloud systems as he charts a course toward a future in cloud engineering.

A CAREER REINVENTED 

Before discovering Per Scholas, Akintunde was immersed in the music industry, contributing to major projects that reached audiences around the globe. But amid his success, he began questioning the long-term sustainability of his career.

“I sought a path that offered stability, continuous learning, and future relevance,” he comments. “Technology consistently emerged as the foundation of modern innovation, and I recognized an opportunity to take greater control of my time and professional development.”

That realization set him on a path toward tech — and ultimately to Per Scholas.

Overcoming Barriers with Structure & Support

Breaking into tech without a traditional background wasn’t easy. Akintunde describes it as “standing at the base of a mountain without a map.” But Per Scholas provided direction.

“Per Scholas gave me the roadmap: structure, accountability, hands-on training, and most importantly, belief in my potential,” he reflects. “The environment they create is one where you feel seen, supported, and capable.”

That support extended beyond technical learning. Through coaching, mentorship, and community, Akintunde gained the confidence to not only enter the tech field but to thrive. Per Scholas’s immersive curriculum helped Akintunde build both skill and self-assurance.

“We weren’t just learning theory. We were troubleshooting live environments, configuring networks, racking and stacking servers — real tasks that mirror what happens in the field,” he shares.

A New Chapter at TEKsystems

Now at TEKsystems, Akintunde is leveraging his training in a professional setting, working on network hardware, server maintenance, and data center logistics.

“This role has laid the groundwork for my long-term goal: becoming a cloud engineer. Being part of the systems that power the internet has been fascinating and affirming.”

He’s also building his credentials, actively pursuing certifications to stay on top of this ever-evolving industry.

Future Thinking 

Since completing the program, Akintunde’s understanding of the tech industry has broadened significantly. His family, the Per Scholas community, and mentors at TEKsystems have been constant sources of encouragement and support.

For others considering a similar leap into tech, Akintunde has this to say: “Stay adaptable. Stay curious. The tech landscape is always changing, and that’s a good thing. Embrace the learning process, and don’t be afraid to start from scratch.”

Read more about Akintunde’s journey. 

Original piece by Kaitlyn Begay, Manager of Recruitment & Admissions, Per Scholas Phoenix. 

Atlanta, G.A., August 7, 2025 — Per Scholas Atlanta is proud to announce a generous $100,000 award from the Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF), which will significantly enhance the campus’s ability to provide no-cost, high-impact tech training to women across metro Atlanta. The funding was celebrated alongside the Atlanta Women’s Foundation and special guest Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. The video footage captured at the celebration, including Per Scholas Atlanta’s Managing Director Sherri Sims’ interview, will be featured during AWF’s “Numbers Too Big to Ignore” Luncheon on October 29, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center. The annual event raises awareness and funds to support economic empowerment for women and girls in Atlanta.

Since launching its Atlanta campus in 2016, Per Scholas has trained more than 1,700 local learners in high-demand tech skills, including IT Support, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Software Engineering. This funding from AWF marks the first grant Per Scholas Atlanta has received from the foundation and comes at a pivotal moment in the campus’s growth.

“Support from the Atlanta Women’s Foundation is transformational,” said Sherri Sims, Managing Director of Per Scholas Atlanta. “This investment allows us to deepen our focus on supporting women into thriving tech careers—careers that don’t just offer that first job, but long-term opportunity, growth, and generational change.”

The grant will enable Per Scholas Atlanta to expand its reach to even more women throughout the region—many of whom face compounding barriers such as limited access to technical education, caregiving responsibilities, lack of traditional credentials, or career interruptions. Per Scholas meets these challenges head-on, offering rigorous technical instruction paired with robust professional development and career coaching at no cost to learners.

“AWF’s investment fuels not only our training but also our wraparound supports,” Sims added. “This includes resume coaching, mock interviews, employer exposure, and community-building that empowers learners to not only enter the tech workforce—but thrive within it.”

Mayor Andre Dickens attended the celebration as the keynote speaker and praised the ongoing work of Per Scholas and AWF to build a more inclusive tech ecosystem. “When we invest in women, we invest in families, communities, and the future of our city,” he said.

AWF joins a growing list of funders supporting Per Scholas Atlanta’s efforts, and this City Hall celebration emphasized the power of community partnerships, equity-driven investment, and storytelling. “It was an incredible moment to stand alongside so many mission-aligned organizations and feel the collective impact we’re having,” said Peggy Still Johnson, Per Scholas’ Senior Manager of Development for the Southern Region. “We’re honored to be among this year’s grant recipients.”

Per Scholas Atlanta is grateful to The Atlanta Women’s Foundation for this game-changing investment, and to all donors and community supporters, such as Sage, Stand Together Foundation, and KMS Technology, who continue to believe in economic mobility for Atlantans. Per Scholas Atlanta invites employers and aspiring technologists alike to get involved.

To learn more about Per Scholas Atlanta, follow them on LinkedIn or visit perscholas.org/atlanta.