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.

ATLANTA, GA (July 23, 2025) — From July 10 through July 14, Per Scholas Atlanta brought together its alumni for HackJam 2025, a high-energy, multi-day coding competition designed to accelerate careers and showcase the power of alumni innovation. 

Held as part of Per Scholas’s Career Accelerator initiative, the event offered hands-on mentorship, high-level networking, and a competitive edge for participants.

This year’s HackJam featured a $1,000 grand prize, awarded to the top team after an intensive weekend of collaboration and problem-solving. Throughout the event, alumni teams received mentorship from executive engineers at CGI, helping them refine their ideas and technical execution while gaining valuable industry insight.

The competition was judged by an esteemed panel of leaders from technology and business sectors:

• Brian Turner, Senior Vice President of Consulting Services, CGI

• John Holm, Vice President of Consulting Services, CGI

• Renee Pearson, Rollins, Inc.

• Bernex Richardson, Thrive Collaborative

• Tyrone Washington, Executive Vice President of Information Technology, Per Scholas National Leadership

• Sherri Sims, Managing Director, Per Scholas Atlanta

Their expert feedback and evaluation added a powerful layer of professional relevance to the competition, with each judge bringing years of leadership and technical expertise to the table.

“HackJam is more than just a competition,” said Sherri Sims, Managing Director of Per Scholas Atlanta. “It’s a career catalyst. Our alumni walk away with new skills, stronger networks, and a deeper sense of what’s possible in tech.”

This year’s HackJam builds on the momentum of the Career Accelerator, Per Scholas’s ongoing effort to ensure graduates stay connected, supported, and equipped for long-term success in the tech industry.

Check out event highlights on LinkedIn: Here and Here.

Since launching in 2020, the Per Scholas Chicago campus has trained more than 700 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills to advance careers in IT Support and Cybersecurity. 

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, alumni, and friends, Per Scholas Chicago hosted Expanding Access to Tech Careers: A Leadership Conversation & Breakfast during Chicago Tech Week. This beautiful convening took place at the historic Willis Tower and featured insights from Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Per Scholas Chief Executive Officer Plinio Ayala. The conversation was moderated by Dorri McWhorter, President & Chief Executive Officer, Executives’ Club of Chicago. Per Scholas Chief Operating Officer, Tamara Johnson, and Regional Senior Vice President Karla Benson Rutten were also in attendance. 

“It was an honor to gather our supporters and key stakeholders to discuss the role of high-quality training programs in building a more inclusive economy,“ said Kate Doyle, Per Scholas Chicago Managing Director.

Per Scholas Chicago acknowledges Comcast, JPMorgan Chase & Co., TEKsystems, CDW, Bank of America Foundation, and Motorola Solutions Foundation for their generous support that made this celebration possible.

With a proven tech training model including both in-person and remote learning, Per Scholas continues to unlock opportunities for individuals, strengthen communities, and drive business success across the greater Chicago area. Per Scholas Chicago is transforming lives and will continue to shape the region’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 Chicago, follow them on LinkedIn or Per Scholas Chicago.

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 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.

For over a decade, Per Scholas and Workday have teamed up to open doors to tech careers for aspiring technologists and build pathways to economic mobility for individuals nationwide. With Workday’s support, Per Scholas has grown from 5 campus locations to 24, equipping over 25,000 learners with the skills and confidence to break into high-growth tech roles.

Beyond the nearly $2M in grants provided by the Workday Foundation, Workday Workmates have volunteered hundreds of hours, offering everything from mock interviews and resume reviews to career mentoring and guidance on navigating the tech world.

This collaboration is creating real job opportunities. Workday has hired Per Scholas alumni into roles in their own IT department, demonstrating the innovation that’s possible when companies invest in skills-based talent pipelines. Together, we’re not just training people for jobs; we’re empowering individuals in communities across the country.

Per Scholas remains grateful for our partnership and Workday’s continued efforts to promote opportunity for untapped talent.

In the latest episode of DisruptED, hosted by Ron J. Stefanski and released June 27, 2025, TEKsystems leaders Faith Johnson (VP, Global HR) and John Lullen (Managing Executive, Marketplace Inclusion) joined the discussion on future-proofing the tech workforce through inclusive, non-traditional hiring avenues.

John Lullen specifically mentioned the Per Scholas partnership with TEKsystems, emphasizing how, together, we’re reshaping talent pipelines by championing training programs beyond four-year degrees and driving responsible AI integration across industries.

John noted that our work “helps individuals without traditional degrees train for in‑demand tech roles through immersive, often short‑term programs,” and praised the positive social impact we’re fostering alongside TEKsystems. This endorsement underscores our shared vision: crafting a more equitable tech landscape and empowering organizations to bridge the talent gap with innovative workforce solutions.

Listen to the podcast.

On June 23, 2025, the Atlanta Hawks, in collaboration with Stand Together, wrapped up an innovative six‑week Virtual Sales Academy designed to empower part‑time team members at State Farm Arena. Thirty‑three participants, ranging in age from 20 to 70 and without traditional sales backgrounds, completed this immersive program. Over the course of six weeks, they engaged in hands‑on training, including crafting sales scripts, managing objections, scheduling strategies, and conducting mock sales calls with Hawks sales leadership, all aimed at preparing individuals for potential careers in sports business. 

Per Scholas played a pivotal role within this model by providing nonprofit training expertise and helping to facilitate access to career‑readiness pathways. After the virtual sessions, graduates were celebrated with a special networking event held at State Farm Arena, allowing participants to connect face‑to‑face with Hawks and arena executives. 

This academy reflects the ongoing multi‑year collaboration between the Hawks, Stand Together, and Per Scholas, which champions skills‑based development and economic mobility by redirecting support toward talent often overlooked in conventional hiring channels. 

Read the full story.

Per Scholas is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with SAP, a global leader in enterprise application software and business AI, to launch a new Career Accelerator course focused on SAP technologies.  The new course will provide learners with immersive technical training tailored to the skills and roles most in demand across SAP’s partner and customer networks.

As part of this exciting collaboration, SAP will work with Per Scholas to design a new 10-week course for aspiring learners looking to advance their skills in building modern cloud-based business applications. The course offers business and technical skills to prepare learners for careers in the SAP ecosystem.

The program is part of SAP’s Educate to Employ – a global program offering tools, education and expertise to excel in the digital economy. Per Scholas was selected as an Educate to Employ partner following a rigorous process led by the Global Business Coalition for Education. After considering several skills-focused organizations, Per Scholas was chosen for its commitment to providing employable skills, its collaborative approach to corporate partnerships and strong alignment with SAP’s focus on employable skills.

“We are thrilled to partner with SAP to expand opportunities for our learners and deepen our impact in the tech workforce,” said Per Scholas CEO Plinio Ayala. “This investment is more than just financial—it’s a shared commitment to economic advancement and a recognition of the incredible potential our technologists bring to the industry.”

Per Scholas will welcome an inaugural cohort of roughly 30 learners, empowering them with the practical skills and industry-recognized credentials needed to step into fast-growing tech careers. Tailored for aspiring SAP developers, particularly Per Scholas alumni with prior programming experience, the program delivers immersive, hands-on learning in building data-driven applications, extending SAP cloud solutions, and preparing for SAP Backend Developer Associate certification. Graduates will emerge ready for roles such as SAP Backend Developer, meeting the rising demand for cloud-savvy talent across manufacturing, retail, healthcare, banking, and engineering organizations that rely on SAP technology

“We’re excited to collaborate with Per Scholas to create new connections and opportunities with SAP careers,” said Katie Booth, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, SAP Americas. “Through this partnership, we’re not only investing in skills development—we’re investing in a future-ready workforce.”

This partnership reflects Per Scholas’ continued commitment to offering a responsive, employer-driven curriculum, opening doors to tech careers for individuals across the country. With support from SAP, this new Career Accelerator course will help bridge the skills gap and create pathways to success for talented individuals ready to launch careers in enterprise technology.

Per Scholas is thrilled to be highlighted in Amazon’s recent article, How AWS has helped more than 20,000 job seekers land cloud computing jobs. 

This recognition underscores our commitment to empowering individuals from underrepresented communities through the AWS re/Start program. 

The article details how AWS re/Start, a no-cost, full-time, 12-week training initiative, has equipped over 20,000 individuals with the skills necessary for entry-level cloud computing roles. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in areas such as:

• Linux
• Python
• Networking
• Security
• Core AWS Cloud services
• And more

The program is complemented by professional development support, including resume writing and interview coaching. Graduates are then connected with potential employers, facilitating their transition into the tech industry.

At Per Scholas, we are proud to collaborate with AWS re/Start to deliver this transformative training. The article features our Atlanta cohort, highlighting the program’s real-world impact on our learners’ careers.

We invite you to read the full article to learn more about how AWS re/Start is changing lives and creating pathways to tech careers.