Nyaisha is 21 and works at one of the largest multinational corporations in the world: Xerox. It goes without saying that Nyaisha is smart. But, she is so much more than tech smart; this girl has vision way beyond her years.

Nyaisha grew up in the Bronx with her parents and her younger brother. At age 18, when all of her friends were saying “yes” to expensive four-year colleges and universities, Nyaisha pressed pause. She knew that investing in an expensive education would be fruitless unless she truly knew what she wanted to do first.

“I know a lot of people that rushed into college because that’s what their parents wanted them to do. A lot of them dropped out or got pregnant,” she says. Success, according to Nyaisha, is about experience and skills.

Nyaisha radiates optimism and drive. Her mom and dad were young parents living in the Bronx, but still finished college and pursued careers, showing Nyaisha and her brother that hard work pays off.

In her late teens and early 20s, Nyaisha did some serious self exploration instead of jumping into college. She had always loved technology, but wasn’t sure how to get her foot in the door. “I already knew I wanted to be in the IT industry but I didn’t know how to get in without going to college.”

Instead, after graduating high school, Nyaisha enrolled in two job readiness programs that connected her with internships, but she was concerned that she wasn’t learning the hard skills needed to succeed in the competitive New York tech scene. One day she received an email from Per Scholas community partner NYCHA, the New York City Housing Authority, promoting a free A+/Net+ certification and IT job training course with job placement services. Curious and optimistic, Nyaisha jumped on the opportunity and applied to Per Scholas. Nyaisha enrolled in the Women in Tech class at Per Scholas and her journey to a career in technology was underway. She gravitated to Per Scholas’ all-women’s class because of competitive spirit. “I have always loved technology and actually like that it’s a male-dominated field. I’m competitive. I love being a girl who’s told: ‘You can’t do that’ just so I can prove them wrong.”

At Per Scholas, Nyaisha found the course challenging like most students. “Literally each day is precious. Even if you miss one day, you miss a world of information.” She enjoyed the hands-on learning environment, and recognized that the skills-based training at Per Scholas was the key to honing her tech chops and landing a permanent position in the industry.

After completing the course, Nyaisha was a certified tech — and proud of it. “Now saying that I am A+ and Net+ certified, it really means a lot.”

Upon graduation Nyaisha landed a job with Xerox. Although it was difficult transitioning into the workforce, especially navigating office culture, she now says that life is good. “I have a great rapport with all of my co-workers. I take pride in my job.”

Before Per Scholas, she was making minimum wage. Today she is working in her first-ever tech job earning three times that. Her advice for future Women in Tech grads? “No matter how hard it is, stick with it. At the end of the day, it will pay off.”

“Per Scholas gives me hope that we can tackle our country’s hardest problems.” – Chelsea Clinton

That’s what she said. Reflecting on her impression of meeting Per Scholas graduate Tiffany Lewin at the 2014 CGI America Summit, Chelsea gave her stamp of approval of the model and mission of Per Scholas.

Tiffany, a graduate from 2011 at the age of 19, is now a three-year veteran in the IT department at New York Presbyterian Hospital. She represented Per Scholas on a panel moderated by Chelsea Clinton and shared her experience as a young adult who bridged the opportunity gap through the job training provided by Per Scholas.

Beyond giving a voice to young adults in the U.S., Tiffany acted as another important role model: She was the first woman on the IT team at the hospital in 25 years.

“Through the free training at Per Scholas, Tiffany gained the knowledge, skills, and credentials to prove to an employer she had value. And Tiffany today is a role model, showing other girls and young women that everyone has a place in the tech industry,” Chelsea shared.

Tiffany represents thousands of people living across the U.S. who lack the access to a better opportunity or better education beyond what is made available to them by default of their zip code. The gap is especially alarming in technology where opportunity is endless, but the unequal access to these jobs is reflected in the workforce. Women make up only 26% of the tech workforce–and many argue that estimate is being generous. More unsettling, less than 5% are women of color.

The tech industry confesses: they need more diversity. It makes their products better, user experience better, their companies better.

We are on a mission to help fix this gap. Over the next three years, Per Scholas will inspire, train and support 1000 WOMEN IN TECH across the cities we serve nationally. Building on important gains: more than 700 women have enrolled in our training since 2011, with more than three in four women graduating and obtaining entry-level IT employment. The average starting salaries for our women graduates are equal to, and sometimes higher, than their male counterparts exceeding $30,000 base starting salaries.

Join the movement. You can support our shared commitment to diversify the tech industry and completely change the workforce by investing in someone like Tiffany. Donate and learn more.

As Chelsea Clinton expressed, “Per Scholas proves that we can create more high-performing professionals like Tiffany and that by doing so, a more diverse and competitive workforce that ultimately benefits all of us, and our shared future.”

On July 14, Per Scholas held its annual Women in Tech Networking Event where we celebrated Per Scholas’ women grads who are diversifying the industry. Our friends, colleagues, partners alums and students joined us in our commitment to build a welcoming community for every woman technologist in New York City and beyond.

At the event, guests heard from inspiring women technologists about how they are touching the lives of other women all over New York City and beyond.

Vice President of Program Operations, Kelly Richardson, rocked it on the mic as the emcee. Special shout out to CA Technologies for sponsoring, to Kate Spade & Company Foundation and the New York Women’s Foundation for their generous support of the program, and to our host Thomson Reuters.Thanks to our panelists:Lisa Edwards, Per Scholas grad & Analyst at Barclays; Joyce Shen of Thomson Reuters; and Marianne Cocco of CA Technologies.

Per Scholas has committed to train 1,000 women for careers in technology by 2018. Since the launch of our Women in Tech program in 2013, 425 women have already graduated from Per Scholas, 89% of whom are women of color.

As our Women in Tech grads diversify the tech industry, the support helps provide the welcoming community they and every woman technologist needs as — together — we work to transform NYC’s vibrant tech ecosystem.

Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Make an Investment and donate to our 1,000 WOMEN IN TECH summer campaign. (Or, encourage a friend to donate!). Every dollar supports our shared commitment to diversifying the tech industry.
2. Volunteer to work with students on their path to a career in tech. Contact Sarah for opportunities.
3. Mentor a future woman technologist. Per Scholas is actively recruiting mentors from the technology field to encourage and advise Women in Tech students with the goal of helping them transition into the IT workforce. Contact Sarah for opportunities.
4. Hire a graduate. Pass this email along to your HR department or other key players, or contact Sarah for more information.
5. Spread the word. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to keep up with the feel good news. Forward this message to friends and family to share our inspiring work with more.

National IT Training Program is newest collaborative partner to CityLink’s West End campus

Cincinnati, OH— Nationally-recognized IT job training nonprofit Per Scholas is celebrating the opening of its new location in the CityLink Center with a grand opening event open to the public on July 21 at 800 Bank Street. The event will run from 1:30-3:30 PM EDT. Guests will tour the technology training facility, meet graduates and current students, and learn about Per Scholas’ high-impact technology job training. Remarks will be made by Vice Mayor David Mann, supporting partners CityLink, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, and Pomeroy, and Per Scholas executives.

CityLink Center and Per Scholas joined forces to support their shared mission of helping Greater Cincinnatians break the cycle of poverty. Per Scholas joins as a resident partner at CityLink providing free professional technology training and job placement services for unemployed adults seeking careers in IT. Its model has been recognized by the White House as an effective solution to assisting the unemployed back to work. CityLink integrates 15 different onsite social service partners offering a wide-range of services and supports delivered in a holistic context to magnify impact. By giving people the skills to gain meaningful employment and provide for themselves and their families, Per Scholas and CityLink are building the foundation for stronger, financially stable communities.

Per Scholas made the move from its former site in Avondale and began classes at the CityLink Center in March. The 8-week intensive technical training course is designed to equip individuals who are committed to beginning a career in IT support with CompTIA A+ and other certifications. In addition to extensive hands-on technical training, programming includes career and personal development as well as ongoing individualized support and coaching for job placement matching graduates directly with local employers like Pomeroy and Time Warner Cable. To date, Per Scholas enrolled 130 residents from Greater Cincinnati, and employed graduates are already earning approximately $1.8 million dollars collectively.

As a part of the CityLink collaboration, Per Scholas students now have access to on-site childcare during classes, financial counseling through SmartMoney, private transportation through Changing Gears, counseling with Catholic Charities, and more.

“We needed a place where we can expand and grow in Cincinnati, and provide the many wraparound services that ensures our students are able to fully transform their life. CityLink welcoming us into its network allows for all of that. It is wonderful to be joining this community and the impact we will have on our students and alumni will only be greater,” said Plinio Ayala, President and CEO of Per Scholas.

CityLink Executive Director, Johnmark Oudersluys, is grateful to have a nationally recognized program join the CityLink collaboration, “We are extremely excited about the synergies our partnership with Per Scholas presents our clients and how it will further our respective missions. Together we are able to surround these students with supports and services from our other on-site partners to maximize the impact of their time and training.”

The Cincinnati location of Per Scholas is part of a national network of sites launched by its New York City based headquarters. Founded in 1995 as a neighborhood-based effort to increase access to personal computers, Per Scholas was an early pioneer in bridging the digital divide for families and children in the South Bronx. Today, Per Scholas operates the largest and oldest professional IT workforce development program in New York and began expanding nationally in 2012. Other locations include Columbus, Dallas, Washington, D.C., with additional sites to follow.

Per Scholas and CityLink plan to serve up to 80 individuals through the IT career training during the first year, with a goal of not only graduating, but placing a minimum of 80% of students in gainful field-related employment opportunities.

This year at the annual Robin Hood Foundation Benefit, world-renowned journalist Katie Couric took the stage in front the A-list 4,000 person audience to introduce the story of Per Scholas graduate King Oquendo. As the jumbo screens cued his story, King watched from his seat among the rest at the Benefit. “I couldn’t believe it. Katie Couric said my name!”

His story brought the house down and the spotlight went on him as he stood and waved to the crowd who was now cheering him on.

Cincinnati graduate Rita Knaff took the stage today at the 2015 Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) Symposium, a gathering of African American CIOs to promote more diversity in executive-level IT positions across the country.

Before Per Scholas Rita worked as a flight attendant for 19 years. When she was suddenly laid off, she didn’t know what to do with her life. Through word of mouth she found Per Scholas, and is now a Project Coordinator at IT firm Pomeroy.

Chris is living proof of how determination, hard work, and an open mind can lead to a pretty sweet life. His journey is remarkable.

When Chris was 19, he had held hourly wage jobs at Walmart and NAPA Auto Parts. He attempted to take a few college classes but was intimidated and discouraged, especially by the cost. He felt lost.

One morning he awoke and something was very wrong. He couldn’t move a single muscle in his body. His mom had already left for work for the day and came home hours later to find him in this state. Alarmed, she rushed Chris to the hospital. The diagnosis was a rare disease–Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. It left Chris paralyzed for a year and a half.

Chris loved sports and had been an athlete his entire life. Physically, he towered over his peers. That he now lay helpless was almost too much to bear.

The only hope he could latch onto was that the condition wouldn’t be permanent. As he slowly recovered, Chris was advised to find a routine to help get his body back to a schedule, know the days of the week, re-familiarize itself with the passing of time. He needed to mentally readjust as much as physically.

“My grandma forwarded me this email about classes at Per Scholas. She knew I loved computers.” So, he applied to the IT-Ready course in Columbus. Only two months after gaining his mobility back, he began attending class full-time Monday through Friday. This consistent routine, Chris said, helped save his life.

“It was a big life adjustment going from zero to 60. Per Scholas helped me more than just getting a job. They were people I could talk to, they listened and they helped me. Per Scholas got me back to normal,” Chris said. He started from the beginning learning tech in the classroom and loved it. He says his instructor, James Miao, is the greatest teacher he has ever had.

Soon after graduating and getting A+ certified came the job search. Getting interviews was difficult, he said. “With no tech experience, it was hard to be taken seriously.” He already had strong customer service skills, but bridging the experience gap was a challenge.

Undeterred, he put his resume on CareerBuilder.com and other job sites. Soon after, a company actually reached out to himwith an opportunity with Per Scholas Signature Partner JPMorgan Chase. With everything he learned in class, Chris was ready to nail the interview. “All the questions were word for word what we were taught at Per Scholas. I just pictured my career coach John [Tyus] asking me the questions and it made me less nervous.” He got the callback two days later and started work the following week.

In a matter of months, he went from bedridden to tech professional, a truly transformative experience. “This time a year ago, I had just started my recovery. I can’t believe it,” he says.

In his early 20s, he is now earning more certifications and a salary he never thought would be possible. He works on JPMorgan Chase’s global help desk. He supports workers around the world, troubleshooting tech issues from London to India to China and Australia. Along the way, he has to master many nuances: “Asking someone to type something in ‘lower case’ doesn’t translate in India. You have to say ‘small.’ When I’m on a call in London, they never say goodbye. They tend to repeat the word OK over and over while you try to say goodbye. That took some adjusting to.”

When we spoke with him recently, he was on his way to go pick up his new car and was expecting his first raise–a substantial one.“All my friends are still in school and don’t know what to do with life. I feel like an old man around them.”

Chris works hard to be a role model. He is passionate about community engagement, and volunteers at his old high school to speak to students about career advancement opportunities outside of the traditional college path. “I am really happy to have this job. After everything I went through, I’m humble. I’m grateful.”

“There are a lot of people who helped make this possible,” said current Per Scholas student Brandon Kinney as he looked around in awe at the 70 plus guests at the Per Scholas Dallas grand opening held today, June 18.

Brandon and his fellow classmates greeted guests upon arrival and provided tours of the new Per Scholas space. Everyone who has been invested in Per Scholas Dallas since the beginning joined the celebration – CitySquare, Capital One, TEKSystems, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Workday, the Women of Saint Michael’s, the Boone Family Foundation, Barclays, JPMorgan Chase — the list goes on from many in the philanthropic sector, tech sector, finance, and fellow community nonprofits. The opening of Per Scholas Dallas was a collective effort.

Dallas is the fifth and newest Per Scholas location to open. The first class graduated four weeks ago and the second is currently in session. Among those first graduates, already 50 percent are working following training at an average starting salary of $38,000 — higher than the national $30,000 starting average. In the months ahead, a total of 80 individuals will be trained in Dallas in its first year, 700 through Per Scholas nationwide.

“These are good jobs. Good careers that lift people up and get them on their way to a better life,” said Billy Lane, Managing Director of Per Scholas Dallas. The selection of Dallas was a result of an extensive feasibility study conducted by Per Scholas. Technology positions, for which professional training and credentials are essential, are plentiful and growing. Dallas-Fort Worth ranks near the top for high-tech growth with an estimated 142,000 high-tech jobs in the area, a 3% increase from last year, and third highest in the nation. At the same time, 36% of households live in asset poverty and 66% of adults lack post-secondary credentials in Dallas (CFED, Opportunity Index).

“You do not help the community by acting alone,” Dr. John Siburt, President and Chief Operating Officer of CitySquare, said in his remarks. “We do it together.” CitySquare recruited Per Scholas to open its operation in CitySquare’s South Dallas Opportunity Center where several community service providers reside – a multi-service center to fight poverty and create opportunity for Dallas residents.

“If I was an IT manager, I would leave here hiring every last one of the students I have met today. You can tell immediately upon meeting them — they are ready to work,” Kent Eastman, President of Texas Capital One, said in his speech. Capital One is an anchor funder that aided in the opening of Per Scholas in Dallas.

Councilwoman-Elect Tiffinni Young and Montreece Smith of CA Technologies also spoke, each expressing similar enthusiasm to build community, strengthen the local workforce and economy, and empower every single Per Scholas student toward a path of success. Appropriately following the remarks of these champion supporters was Per Scholas graduate Joe Anderson of the inaugural Dallas class.

“Before I found Per Scholas, my professional life consisted of a bunch of odd jobs. I worked security, drove trucks for a few years. Just jobs. Jobs to make money, jobs to pay the bills. I was just there, but not particularly happy. I am excited to share today that I’ve completed 4 really intensive interviews with the company Alvarez and Marsal and I am waiting to hear final word from them — hopefully with an offer,” Joe shared.

Per Scholas provides Joe and others like him free high quality hands-on technical skills learning and professional soft skills development. The course teaches to the CompTIA A+ certification, which prepares candidates for entry-level help desk and technical support roles. The Per Scholas model has been proven successful through independent studies, triggering growth into new markets like Dallas.

Per Scholas extends its deepest thanks to the guest speakers and the South Dallas community for a very warm welcome. We look forward to engaging with local partners and employers. The takeaway message from Managing Director Billy Lane of Per Scholas Dallas is clear: “Hire our graduates. And if you can’t, then introduce Per Scholas to a person who can.”

Many partners contributed to support the opening of Per Scholas Dallas. Special thanks: AdvanceNet Labs, Aerotek, Allegis Group Foundation, AT&T, Barclays, Boone Family Foundation, Capital One, CA Technologies, Commit!, Communities Foundation of Texas, Council Members Dwaine Caraway, Carolyn Davis, and Adam Medrano, Creating IT Futures Foundation, CRGT, CynergisTek, Dallas Regional Chamber, Dallas Women’s Foundation, D/FW Airport, The Family Place, Habitat for Humanity, Improving Enterprises, Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, Jewish Family Services, JPMorgan Chase, KForce, Matthews Southwest, The Offices of Mayor Mike Rawlings, Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins, The Meadows Foundation, Metroplex Tech Business Council, Neuberger Berman, Nexus, NPower, Open Systems Technologies, Palter Stokley Sims Wright, Reliance Methods, Revitalize South Dallas Coalition, Social Impact Architects, Social Venture Partners Dallas, Staff One HR, TEKsystems, Thomson Family Foundation, Time Warner Cable, TREC Dallas, Twist Solutions, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Urban League of Greater Dallas & N.C. Texas, UT Dallas, Virtusa, Wai-Wize, Women of Saint Michael’s, Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas, Workday, Worksoft, and YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas.

“I was someone who had a lot of things against them. There were a lot of things I had to overcome while I was at Per Scholas but I didn’t let anything stop me. Per Scholas’ message is you can do anything. And it’s true. You can do anything.”

Nsia is smart; she’s tough. She’s a hard worker. She loves electronics. And, she’s taken all these attributes to launch her tech career at University of Maryland University College.

After high school, Nsia attended Grambling State University in Louisiana, pursuing a Bachelors in Engineering Technology. While at college, she became pregnant with a baby boy. Despite all the obstacles of having a newborn at home and her entire family in Maryland while going to school full time, Nsia completed her degree.

After college, however, the road to a career was not a smooth one. The tech field requires hands-on experience through internships. Because she had to work to provide for her son during college, Nsia didn’t have the time or resources to work at an unpaid internship position. She worked in a retail job for a year, but knew that it was not a job that would be able to support her long-term.

Nsia says she draws her strength from her mother, who moved to the States from Trinidad to raise her eight children. She knew no one when she arrived. Nsia says, “Although it was stressful, every time I thought of her I knew I could do it, too.”

After a year of job searching in Louisiana, Nsia moved back to Maryland to be closer with her family and to continue pursuing her career in tech. She says, “I don’t let anything stop me from getting me where I want to be.” Almost immediately after she was back in the National Capital Region, she found Per Scholas.

“I thought Per Scholas would be good. But, I didn’t know it was going to be this good,” she says. “When you hear ‘free,’ you don’t think you are going to get any perks. But, it was so different. It was a good different.”

At Per Scholas, Nsia really appreciated the help that the instructor provides to navigate through the challenging and dense technical material. She credits the career development portion of the training for helping her truly prepare for the workforce. “It really opened my eyes. It helped me become who I am today.”

Her best moment of the whole experience? The day before graduation, Nsia learned that she had passed her A+ certification exam. She was proud because she had passed on the first try and could immediately start looking for a job. “I knew that was the next step in my life.”

Now Nsia is working as a Technical Support Analyst at UMUC and saving up for a life with her boyfriend and son.

“My biggest accomplishment is getting into a great field while also taking care of my son. It’s all a blessing because I see how much I have achieved,” she says. “Anything is possible. Although it sounds cliche, once you put your mind to something, you can do it. No matter what anybody says, do it anyway.”

Scanning the giant cork board at the employment center in Columbus, Ohio, Joetta found the postcard advertising Per Scholas’ CompTIA A+ training. There were hundreds of postings with similar education and job training opportunities, but Joetta decided to give Per Scholas a chance. She grabbed the postcard along with a few others. Skeptical of the “free” statement the Per Scholas course offered, she said to herself, “If it’s no more than $10,000, I can probably pull the funds together to make it work.”

Joetta was determined to launch a career in technology and breakaway from the seasonal tax worker job she relied on for income in the past. With a teenage son, she wanted to provide him a path to college that wasn’t burdened by the financial obstacles. Obstacles that were all too familiar to her. She relied on student loans in her previous attempt at college–from which she never obtained a degree, only some credits due to the extreme expense.

In each step of the application process to Per Scholas, Joetta continued to ask: Is there financial aid? What portions are not free? What will this cost me?

“I still to this day cannot believe everything I received from Per Scholas was offered free of charge to me. The quality of the certifications, the ongoing support from the staff, the instructor was so effective. Other places offering just the certifications charge $10,000 and up.” Joetta graduated in 2014 and within weeks was hired by our Signature Partner, Nationwide as a Help Desk Analyst. Her first job ever in I.T.

The employer-driven job training model at Per Scholas relies heavily on our relationships with the business sector. Through industry leadership, employee volunteers, donating resources and funding, and hiring our graduates Nationwide provides invaluable support Per Scholas students and graduates. Joetta can attest firsthand to the company’s exceptional commitment.

“When I was a few weeks into my training at Per Scholas, we were each assigned to a mentor from Nationwide. I stayed in touch with mine regularly. She was always so responsive. I kept her updated on my application process when I pursued the job. Now that I am there she is still constantly supporting me. We speak every two weeks.”

Both Michelle and a number of staff managers have encouraged Joetta on her journey. She has received positive feedback with regard to her quality of work and her strong work ethic. “Everyone is just so happy here. They work as a team here and I really love that.”

Joetta continuously surprised herself during the first few weeks on the job. For instance, she knew how to reset a password, set-up a ticket in the ticketing system, and set-up a new employee in the system. She told us, “‘I know that! I get that!’ It was great to get to use what I learned in class. Mr. Miao burned this knowledge into my brain,” she shares with pride.

Entering this process with skepticism and now a working graduate able to pay off her college loans, Joetta is now a natural ambassador and tells everyone she knows where she got her training: “Go to Per Scholas!” Her Aunt graduated from the course following her lead.

Joetta still stops by the Per Scholas offices and is always greeted with joy and support, “We never forget about you” they say. Joetta expressed, “It’s unbelievable to me. Other programs say that and fall short. At Per Scholas, they mean it.”

“That is part of why I can’t believe I got all of this for free! It’s too good to be true!”