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.

Charlotte, N.C., June 25, 2025  – Since launching in 2020, the Per Scholas North Carolina campus has trained more than 800 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and IT Support. Our alumni have earned jobs at employers including Capgemini, Humana, and Wells Fargo.

“Charlotte is a regional leader in energy innovation and clean technology, which makes it an ideal place to kick off this series,” says Mike Terrell, Senior Managing Director of Per Scholas North Carolina. “We’re excited to bring industry leaders together to explore how our graduates can drive progress in clean energy, grid modernization, and digital infrastructure, and bring fresh talent to every corner of the energy sector.”

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: Charlotte, hosted at the Per Scholas North Carolina campus. Plinio Ayala, Chief Executive Officer, Per Scholas, Kenneth Walker, Executive Vice President, Inclusion & Culture, Per Scholas, and Omoanaste McCarther, Senior Director, Workforce Initiatives, Per Scholas, were also in attendance.The morning began with an Executive Breakfast, open to Director+ leaders. An industry-expert panel, open to the public, followed. The industry panel was moderated by Zach Boren, Senior Fellow – Work, Education, and Labor Division of the Urban Institute. Panelists included Paul Douglas, President at The JPI Group; Megan Howes, Assistant Director, Workforce Development, Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC); Michael Johnson, Senior Software Engineering Manager at Duke Energy; and Mike Terrell, Senior Managing Director at Per Scholas North Carolina. 

Monty McGee, Director of Cybersecurity Partnerships & Engagement at Edison Electric Institute, and Dr. Kristie Sauls, Program Director of NC Career Launch at the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, shared additional remarks. 

Per Scholas North Carolina hosted Power Up: Charlotte 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.

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

[email protected] 

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.

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.

Kansas City, MO., June 24, 2025 — Since launching in 2024, the Per Scholas Kansas City campus has trained more than 100 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as IT Support and future-forward Data Centers systems training. Our alumni have earned jobs at local Kansas City employers, including Conexon, GovCIO, and NestPay as well as large national employers such as Costco and Panasonic.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, alumni, and friends, Per Scholas Kansas City hosted its One-Year Campus Celebration in Kansas City with remarks from Asher Baker of TEKsystems, Brandon Krekel of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Per Scholas Kansas City alumni Nacima Kachi, and Jasmine Miller, Per Scholas Chief Program Officer. Montreece Smith, Per Scholas Chief People Officer, was also present.

“We are incredibly proud of the impact Per Scholas Kansas City has made in its first year,” said Cedric Deadmon, Per Scholas Kansas City Managing Director.

Per Scholas Kansas City acknowledges TEKsystems for their generous support that made this celebration possible.

“TEKsystems is proud to continue our national partnership with Per Scholas and provide local support for their cohorts!” said Asher Barker, Core Applications Account Manager, TEKsystems.

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 Kansas City area. Per Scholas Kansas City is transforming lives and will continue to shape Kansas City’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 Kansas City, follow them on LinkedIn or Per Scholas Kansas City.

Contact: 

Rafael Gerena, Vice President of Communications and Policy, Per Scholas

[email protected].

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.

June 10, 2025 — Per Scholas is proud to announce that our CEO, Plinio Ayala, has been named to City & State New York’s Bronx Power 100 list. This annual recognition honors influential leaders who are driving positive change and growth in the Bronx.

Born and raised in the South Bronx, Plinio has dedicated his career to creating economic opportunities for individuals across the nation. Under his leadership, Per Scholas has expanded its reach nationally, providing no-cost technology training, boasting an impressive 85% graduation rate, with many alumni securing careers in the technology sector within a year of completing the program.

Plinio’s inclusion in the 2024 Bronx Power 100 underscores the impact of Per Scholas’s work and the organization’s role in shaping the future of workforce development. As we continue to grow and empower individuals through technology training, we remain committed to fostering economic mobility.

Congrats, Plinio, on this incredible honor! 

View the recent Bronx Power 100 edition.

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.

Philadelphia, P.A., May 30, 2025 — Since launching in 2019, the Per Scholas Philadelphia campus has trained more than 600 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as IT Support and Cybersecurity.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, alumni, and friends, Per Scholas Philadelphia hosted its Five-Year Campus Celebration in Philadelphia with remarks from Claire Statchura of Comcast, Sean Sheridan of TEKsystems, Liz Newell of CHUBB, Shana Savage of Urban Technology Project, and Per Scholas Philadelphia alumni who work at those institutions. Per Scholas President Caitlyn Brazill was also in attendance.

“It’s not often that you have the chance to slow down and mark such a huge milestone. I’m grateful for all those whose lives have been touched by Per Scholas Philadelphia, the people who have worked on and off our campus to do the work, the employers who have volunteered to meet and then hire our graduates, the communities who helped spread the word, and the funders who make it all possible. The successes of those first 600 learners keeps our doors open to serve hundreds and thousands more in the years to come,“ said Joshua Park, Per Scholas Philadelphia Managing Director.

The evening’s presentation concluded with a joint announcement of a satellite Per Scholas Philadelphia classroom at OIC Philadelphia to launch in November 2025. Per Scholas’ satellite model, first launched in New York in 2021, has proven effective in expanding access to communities with limited tech training options. By combining dedicated on-site support with connected classroom learning, this model offers equal-quality training experiences, builds capacity for community partners, and creates efficient pathways to employment.

“At OIC, we’ve always believed in the power of partnership to create transformative change, and our collaboration with Per Scholas perfectly embodies this principle. In the legacy of our founder, Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan, we’re committed to connecting our community members to family-sustaining careers with real growth potential. We’re thrilled to welcome Per Scholas as part of OIC’s workforce hub this November, where together we’ll continue breaking down barriers and building pathways to economic opportunity for Philadelphia residents,” stated Sheila Ireland, President & Chief Executive Officer OIC. “This partnership represents the kind of meaningful collaboration that creates lasting change, one life at a time.“

Per Scholas Philadelphia acknowledges Comcast, TEKsystems, and OIC Philadelphia for their generous support that made this celebration possible.

“TEKsystems’ partnership with Per Scholas has been instrumental in transforming the tech landscape of Philadelphia. By providing tuition-free, high-quality technology certification programs, Per Scholas equips learners with the necessary skills to be job-ready for positions with our clients in the Philadelphia market. This collaboration has empowered hundreds of local residents, fostering economic growth and creating a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the vibrant spirit of Philadelphia. We’re thankful to partner with such an impactful organization and are excited to see the continued impact we’ll have supporting the City of Philadelphia,” said Sean Sheridan, Team Lead, Philadelphia Delivery Center, TEKsystems.

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 Philadelphia area. Per Scholas Philadelphia is transforming lives and will continue to shape Philadelphia’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 Philadelphia, follow them on LinkedIn or Per Scholas Philadelphia.

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.

As we commemorated Memorial Day, we paused as a nation to honor the fallen, reflect on the courage of our soldiers, and express gratitude for the freedoms they defended. But our responsibility to those who served extends beyond remembrance. As we pay tribute to their sacrifice, we must also invest in their futures.

Each year, nearly 200,000 service members transition from active duty to civilian life — a journey that can be both hopeful and daunting. From translating military experience into a civilian résumé to navigating unfamiliar workplace cultures, veterans face unique and persistent barriers. Only one in four veterans has a job lined up upon separation, and many report financial insecurity as a top concern.

These challenges have been widely discussed — but now, more than ever, they require action. As our workforce evolves rapidly in the face of technological change, we have a unique opportunity to empower veterans through pathways that lead to meaningful, sustainable careers.

Veterans bring unparalleled strengths to the table — discipline, leadership, resilience, and teamwork. What they often need is access to training that helps them translate these qualities into in-demand skills. That’s where programs like Per Scholas come in.

By offering no-cost, GI Bill-approved training in high-growth sectors like IT support and cybersecurity, Per Scholas equips veterans with industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support. Just as critical, the program provides holistic support — from interview preparation to professional communication skills — helping veterans navigate civilian work environments with confidence.

More than 1,000 military members have already graduated from these programs, successfully transitioning into tech careers that offer competitive pay, flexibility, and growth — a perfect fit for many military families.

This Memorial Day, Debbie Roman, Managing Director of Per Scholas New York, joined forces with New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. to co-author a powerful op-ed in The Hill. Together, they called for greater investment in veteran-focused career pathways, stressing how workforce development must evolve to meet the real needs of returning service members.

With a projected global shortage of IT talent by 2026, tapping into the veteran talent pool isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart, strategic move for our economy.

As we reflect on those who gave everything, let’s recommit to those who’ve returned. Let us champion programs that recognize not just the service of our veterans, but their immense potential. By helping them build sustainable civilian careers, we pay tribute in the most meaningful way: with action.

Learn more.

Debbie Roman is the Managing Director of Per Scholas New York. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., a Democrat, represents the 15th District in the New York State Senate.

At Per Scholas, leadership is more than a title — it’s a calling to advance economic mobility, foster opportunity, and ignite change across our communities. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce six dynamic leaders who have stepped into Managing Director roles across our campuses within the last year. Each brings a wealth of experience, a passion for education and workforce development, and a deep commitment to the cities they call home.

Meet the newest Per Scholas Managing Directors:

Joshua Park – Philadelphia (Joined May 15, 2024)

Philadelphia’s tech talent pipeline just got even stronger. Joshua Park joins Per Scholas Philadelphia after more than eight years at the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, where he fostered career opportunities and built robust employer partnerships. Before his time at WPSI, Joshua led Sylvan Learning’s Philadelphia operations and began his career as a middle and high school math teacher. When he’s not opening doors for Philly’s future technologists, Joshua enjoys writing songs, growing tomatoes, and adventuring around town with his family — and three mischievous cats.

Camisha Beverly – Baltimore (Joined June 5, 2024)

Baltimore’s energy and ambition find a perfect match in Camisha Beverly. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing, training, and entrepreneurship, Camisha brings a unique ability to inspire, connect, and empower. Whether she’s working with brands like Vitamin Water and Volkswagen or leading new initiatives at Per Scholas Baltimore, Camisha is passionate about unlocking potential and expanding access to technical training. For her, the journey is about taking that first courageous step — and she’s ready to help countless Baltimoreans do just that.

Cedric Deadmon – Kansas City (Joined July 24, 2024)

Kansas City’s thriving tech ecosystem gains a champion in Cedric Deadmon. With 25 years of experience across workforce development, higher education, and career services, Cedric is a seasoned advocate for adult learners and credential attainment. A nationally certified College and Career Counselor, Cedric has consulted and presented nationally on strategies to boost economic mobility. Now, he brings his visionary leadership to Per Scholas Kansas City, ensuring that more residents gain access to life-changing tech careers.

Keisha Mabry Haymore – St. Louis (Joined September 4, 2024)

A TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, educator, and all-around powerhouse, Keisha Mabry Haymore now leads the charge at Per Scholas St. Louis. Keisha’s career spans classrooms, startups, and civic boards, and she’s been featured everywhere from NPR to Fast Company. With a background in education, business development, and digital marketing, Keisha embodies innovation and impact. Her mission in St. Louis? To build bridges, break barriers, and ensure that every learner has the opportunity to thrive in tech and beyond.

Kate Doyle – Chicago (Joined February 10, 2025)

With a background spanning special education, tech entrepreneurship, and corporate strategy, Kate Doyle’s leadership at Per Scholas Chicago signals bold new momentum. Before joining Per Scholas, Kate co-founded KindWork, a nonprofit focused on tech career pathways, and held senior positions in the tech industry. A civic leader on Chicago’s North Side, Kate is committed to creating opportunities that transform communities. She shares her home — and her passion for progress — with her spouse, child, and rescue dog.

Gene Walker – Pittsburgh (Joined February 19, 2025)

Per Scholas Pittsburgh welcomes homegrown leadership with the arrival of Gene Walker. A Pittsburgh native and proud Peabody High School graduate, Gene brings rich experience in education leadership and community engagement. As a School Board President for Pittsburgh Public Schools and former Elder at Mosaic Community Church, Gene is no stranger to service. With a house full of pets and a heart full of commitment, Gene is poised to strengthen Per Scholas’s impact in Pittsburgh and uplift learners across the Steel City.

A Bright Future Ahead

Our newest Managing Directors share a common thread: a deep belief in the transformative power of education and access. As they step into their new roles, we are filled with excitement for what’s ahead. Together, they will drive Per Scholas’ mission forward — unlocking potential and expanding economic opportunity, one city at a time.

Welcome, Joshua, Camisha, Keisha, Cedric, Kate, and Gene! We are honored to have you leading the way.

This month, we’re proud to celebrate a decade-long partnership with TEKsystems! Since 2015, our collaboration has trained 10,000+ learners across 12 cities.

Through this partnership, more than 1,300 Per Scholas graduates have launched careers in roles ranging from network support to full-stack development. Their combined career earnings total nearly $288 million—a testament to the transformative impact of investing in people and their potential.

“Amid our 30th anniversary, we’re honored to recognize TEKsystems as one of our longest-standing and most dedicated partners,” says Plinio Ayala. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration and deepening our resolve to cultivate exceptional talent, connect them with leading organizations, and unlock potential for generations to come.”

This milestone reflects the power of sustained partnership and shared purpose. Per Scholas is not only training talent—we’re changing lives and reshaping futures.

Read the full impact report.

New York, N.Y., May 15, 2025 — Per Scholas is bringing together leading voices in the data center industry for an engaging virtual conversation about the future of tech infrastructure and talent development. The panel, Data Centers in Demand: Workforce Trends & Talent Pipelines, featured expert insights from TEKsystems and Microsoft. 

Moderated by Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions at Per Scholas, this timely panel explored the increasing demand for data center talent and what that means for aspiring technologists and employers alike.

Panelists included:

• Craig Curry, Microsoft, Datacenter Technician Manager
• John Lullen, TEKsystems, Managing Executive, Marketplace Inclusion
• Riley Mahler, TEKsystems Global Services, Regional Director Microsoft Account
• Jasmine Smiley, Microsoft, Regional Program Manager DC Operations Field Management

🔑 Top 3 Takeaways from the Discussion:

1. Data Centers Are Booming—But Talent Gaps Remain
   As Brittany Murrey (Per Scholas) noted, there’s a 60% growth in data center jobs since 2016, and companies are urgently seeking skilled professionals. Per Scholas is closing this gap through hands-on, industry-aligned training.
   
2. Expanding Opportunity is a Business Imperative
   Riley Mahler (TEKsystems Global Services) stated about 300,000 or so data center-oriented openings are unfilled right now, and looking ahead to a higher demand for jobs in data centers, there could be upward of 2.3 million active jobs. As Jasmine Smiley (Microsoft) and John Lullen (TEKsystems) shared, intentional hiring and workforce development are key to sustainable innovation in this space with this projected growth.
3. Career Pathways Are Real and Growing
   Per Scholas trained technologist Craig Curry (Microsoft) explained how data center training fast-tracks learners into rewarding tech careers, even those from non-technical backgrounds.

WATCH THE FULL PANEL BELOW.

With data centers continuing to play a critical role in powering global digital infrastructure, this conversation examined the evolving landscape of workforce needs, the essential skills for data center careers, and how inclusive training pipelines can close the talent gap.

“Data centers are the hardware powering every corner of society. They impact critical infrastructure like hospitals and medical systems, and play a large role in entertainment streaming. As more businesses move to the cloud, the demand for skilled techs who can manage, protect, and fine-tune these systems is skyrocketing,” said Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions, Per Scholas. “At Per Scholas, we’re training people for these high-growth careers, equipping them with the skills to not just join the tech industry, but to help shape its future.”

This event underscored Per Scholas’ commitment to expanding access to high-growth tech careers by preparing individuals with the most in-demand skills—through no-cost training and partnerships with leading employers.