Per Scholas Welcomes Two National Board Members

Per Scholas Welcomes Two National Board Members

Leaders from Telecommunications and Technology Contribute to Transform America’s Tech Workforce

 

BRONX, N.Y. (March 28, 2024) – Today, leading national tech training nonprofit advancing economic equity Per Scholas welcomed two National Board Members. 

New National Per Scholas Board Members include:

Kristen Chard, Head of Commerce, Google. Kristen joined Google in 2007 and now serves as a Head of Commerce in Google’s Mid Market sales division, GCS. Outside of work, Kristen focuses her energy on partnering with organizations to help underserved populations.

Rick Rioboli, Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, Comcast Cable. Rick serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Comcast Cable. Rick is an advocate for ongoing education and career development both at Comcast and across the Philadelphia tech community

“We are honored to welcome Kristen and Rick to Per Scholas’ National Board, where their dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm will greatly contribute to our mission of unlocking potential,” stated Plinio Ayala, President & 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

# # #

 

Per Scholas Selected by Stand Together Foundation to Become Catalyst Impact Partner

Per Scholas Selected by Stand Together Foundation to Become Catalyst Impact Partner 

Per Scholas joins the second cohort of Catalyst Impact Partners, receiving management training, access to new customer-first impact measurement approach, and up to $300,000 in grants over the next three years.

Bronx, NY, March 25, 2024 – Per Scholas is proud to announce it has been selected to participate in Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Impact Grant Program, an initiative cultivating a group of the country’s most transformative nonprofits that demonstrate a better way to transform individual lives and create lasting change.

The Catalyst Impact Grant Program awards each incoming Impact Partner with Principle Based Management™ coaching and consulting, access to a new customer-first measurement approach created by Stand Together Foundation to understand and differentiate their impact, and grants up to $300,000 over three years. By 2025, Stand Together Foundation’s goal is to invest in up to 100 Catalyst partners who have successfully completed the Catalyst Program, committing up to $30 million to accelerate nonprofit impact and transform how society thinks about addressing poverty and social barriers.

Per Scholas is one of 25 Catalysts selected to join the Catalyst Impact Grant Program’s second cohort, which officially kicked off in January 2023. Nonprofits selected have the key ingredients to break the cycle of poverty. They put people at the forefront, see the unique potential in every individual, and are changing the way the country thinks about, talks about, and tackles poverty. The grant program is designed to provide resources for increased effectiveness, including management training and customer feedback tools to help nonprofits grow, scale, and replicate their success. Click here to view a full list of the 2023 Catalyst Impact Partners.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Stand Together Foundation and the Catalyst Impact Grant Program to further empower our learners and alumni to unlock potential in their tech careers,” reflected Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala. “Stand Together Foundation’s support resonates with our mission as we continue to change the face of technology and uplift individuals and communities, meeting the needs of employers through our innovative tech training.” 

Stand Together Foundation partners with the highest impact nonprofits around the nation, all committed to empowering the individuals they serve through a principled approach. This means that instead of treating people as problems to be managed with sweeping, top-down plans, these organizations help people realize their full potential through bottom-up empowerment and solutions that help individuals transform themselves and the world around them. Today, Stand Together Foundation partners with over 300 nonprofits across all 50 states.

Per Scholas was selected through an extensive vetting process and accepted into the program after a rigorous evaluation focused on impact, customer surveying, reach, and principle alignment. Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Impact Partner Initiative represents an investment in the diversity of nonprofits, audiences, and solutions as the way to end poverty. 

The 25 Impact Partners have diverse program models across the nation and are uniquely suited for rapid iteration and experimentation based on data collection and customer feedback. Each of these organizations focuses on relationships with their customers and prioritizes individual transformation rather than transactional services.

“Our Catalyst partners take a unique approach to helping people overcome barriers that is anchored in a strong belief in people,” said Evan Feinberg, executive director at Stand Together Foundation. “This initiative is about deepening our partnership so that Catalysts can scale their reach, better understand their impact, and ultimately transform the way society thinks about addressing social barriers. If these organizations continue to grow in their effectiveness, and everyone in the country hears about what they are doing, we can transform the entire social sector in America.”

Catalyst Impact Partners will be encouraged and supported to:

  • Model a “customer-first” impact vision. Catalyst Impact Partners will participate in Stand Together Foundation’s pioneering measurement approach to understand impact through customer feedback.
  • Advance a management culture that empowers employees. Catalyst Impact Partners will focus on leveraging Principle Based Management to empower their employees to empower the people they serve.
  • Build the movement toward empowerment. Identify with and advocate for a culture of openness, dignity, mutual benefit, and empowerment among philanthropists, nonprofits, and the broader social sector.

Click here to learn more about Catalyst Impact Partners.

###

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, Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

About Stand Together Foundation

Stand Together Foundation is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in America by driving change from within communities. We are building a community of social entrepreneurs who believe in people, work from the bottom up, and unite with anyone to do right. Since 2016, we have committed over $120 million and counting to fuel the innovation of nonprofits throughout the country to build stronger, safer communities where all people can learn, contribute, and realize their full potential. Our goal is to help nonprofit leaders maximize their impact to transform more lives out of poverty. Learn more at www.StandTogetherFoundation.org.

Per Scholas Receives Donation from Amazon as Part of TNF For Good, in Partnership with NFL Inspire Change

Per Scholas Receives Donation from Amazon as Part of TNF For Good, in Partnership with NFL Inspire Change

Per Scholas New York’s Brooklyn Campus Receives Support for Local Technologists from Amazon and NFL Inspire Change

 

BROOKLYN, New York (November 27, 2023) –  Per Scholas New York’s Brooklyn campus was visited last week by representatives from our partners at NFL Inspire Change and Amazon. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, former Jets player and NFL Hall of Famer Curtis Martin, Head of Global Sports on Prime Video, Jay Marine, Thursday Night Football Host Taylor Rooks, and Amazon volunteers were in attendance and participated in a panel discussion with Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala, Per Scholas Chief Revenue Officer Caitlyn Brazill, Per Scholas New York Managing Director Debbie Roman, and 11 Per Scholas New York learners.

During the panel, attendees discussed Per Scholas, Amazon, and the NFL’s unified recognition that talent is found in every community, but opportunity is not. Per Scholas’ mission is to provide access to that opportunity, opening on-ramps for individuals to break into the tech world, unlocking their potential, and ultimately building more sustainable and diverse tech talent pipelines.

Per Scholas is thrilled to announce we received a $100,000 grant from Amazon, which will allow us to continue offering our no-cost training to learners across the country, unlocking their potential and equipping them to launch high-growth careers in tech. This grant will also help support our Brooklyn campus, which sustained damage from a recent hurricane. “We’re grateful for Amazon and the NFL’s continued support in changing the face of tech,” Plinio said. “With their commitment, we’re able to continue providing no-cost tech training to future technologists, unlocking their potential, and advancing economic equity in communities across the country.”

Learners in attendance were thrilled to meet our esteemed guests and provided a brief demonstration of some of the IT skills they have mastered so far in the course. They all received NFL Inspire Change footballs, Microsoft Surface tablets, and tickets to the Black Friday New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins game. This visit was part of the final feature of the TNF For Good program shown during the Black Friday football game

About Per Scholas
For more than 25 years, Per Scholas has been advancing equity and increasing opportunity across America. Per Scholas unlocks potential for individuals, communities, and employers through rigorous training for careers in tech. Partnering with dynamic employer partners, from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we are building sustainable and diverse talent pipelines, together changing the face of tech. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and growing, Per Scholas offers tuition-free training in the most in-demand tech skills, including Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more.

To date, more than 20,000 individuals have gained the skills to launch high-growth tech careers, earning three times their pre-training wage. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is in our DNA: 85 percent of Per Scholas learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half have a high school diploma as their highest education credential. Visit PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

About the NFL

Inspire Change is a year-round initiative that highlights the impactful social justice work done by NFL players, clubs, the league office, and grant partners to break down barriers to opportunity and end systemic racism. Since 2017, the NFL Family has provided $300 million to more than 40 national grant partners and more than 600 grassroots organizations to advance social justice causes in the areas of education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform. To date, the NFL Foundation has provided more than 1,800 Inspire Change matching grants to current NFL players and Legends for nonprofits of their choice to help reduce barriers to opportunity. To learn more about the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative and to view the 2023 Social Justice Impact Report, visit www.nfl.com/inspirechange. Follow @InspireChange on Twitter and Instagram. On Facebook, follow www.facebook.com/inspirechange.

# # # 

Holiday Impact Prize Announces Per Scholas as a 2023 Winner

Holiday Impact Prize Announces Per Scholas as a 2023 Winner

Annual award presented by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Nicholas Kristof raises millions for featured organizations.

Campaign for donations and volunteer recruitment open through January 31, 2024.

 

NEW YORK, November 20, 2023: This year’s annual Holiday Impact Prize has announced Per Scholas as a 2023 winner for our work advancing economic equity through rigorous training, professional development, and employer connections in IT careers for individuals who don’t otherwise have access to such opportunities. 

The Holiday Impact Prize is presented by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof and supported by Focusing Philanthropy. It connects Kristof’s readers to exciting opportunities to donate and volunteer each holiday season. Since 2019, the Holiday Impact Prize and the special edition C-19 Impact Initiative have together raised over $34 million and recruited over 4,600 volunteers for the organizations featured. 

This year’s Prize honors three previous winners as part of a special readers’ favorites edition: Per Scholas, CAMFED, and OneGoal. Each organization will receive $50,000 in addition to donations raised from readers. The campaign also recognizes one volunteer opportunity, Welcome.US, for its work facilitating the private sponsorship of refugees seeking safety in the United States.

For the first time, Kristof’s three Holiday Impact Prize winners will also become beneficiaries of the New York Times Communities Fund. Formerly known as the Neediest Cases Fund, the annual initiative has encouraged readers to donate to charitable causes since 1911. Now in its 112th year, the campaign has raised over $330 million for nonprofit organizations that have helped countless people improve their circumstances.  

“I’m humbled by the generosity of the Communities Fund in adding this year’s Holiday Impact Prize winners to its list of beneficiary organizations. It is exciting to have the opportunity to introduce the broader New York Times audience to these deserving organizations, augmenting the reach of The Holiday Impact Prize and ultimately providing more people with life-changing support,” said Nicholas Kristof.

Since 2009, Kristof has written an annual “holiday gift guide” column to bridge a philanthropic gap: readers who wanted to help but didn’t know how and heroic individuals and organizations who desperately needed resources but were off donors’ radar. These columns have helped raise the profiles of nonprofits that work on the very issues he covers in his journalism—health, education, climate, human rights, and women’s rights, both domestically and abroad. In 2019, Kristof introduced his Holiday Impact Prize as a way to increase donations and create a more ambitious campaign.

“The holidays are a time when we can come together and try to help others. I’m grateful to supporters who have made it possible for the Holiday Impact Prize to continue into this fifth year. Your contributions have aided remarkable organizations working to make the world a better place,” said Kristof. “I’m delighted to welcome back a few organizations that readers particularly loved so we can help the most people possible this holiday season.”

“For Per Scholas to be among 2023’s Holiday Impact Prize honorees is pivotal. We’ll grow our Career Access Fund, which removes barriers and closes the equity gap for thousands of diverse future technologists across America. The value of an opportunity like the Holiday Impact Prize is far greater than the sum of the dollars we will raise and will empower donors to help break down those barriers and grow opportunities for diverse tech talent,” said Plinio Ayala, President and CEO of Per Scholas.

Anyone looking to join in and make a difference can donate or sign-up to volunteer through January 31, 2024 by visiting KristofImpact.org. For more information, read Kristof’s holiday giving column in The New York Times.

Focusing Philanthropy, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that finds and funds high-impact, scalable programs around the world, provides the platform for this initiative by processing readers’ contributions, monitoring and reporting on results, and replenishing credit card transaction costs of donations made on KristofImpact.org so that 100 cents on the dollar will support the winning organizations.

About the Honorees 

  • CAMFED: Across rural Africa – where 95% of girls from the lowest-income communities never complete high school – CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education) addresses the complex barriers to their success. CAMFED provides school fees, supplies, menstrual products, bicycles or boarding, and builds a community support network around each girl: trained teachers, CAMFED graduates, and parent groups look after her psychosocial and learning needs. Girls supported by CAMFED achieve up to five times the learning gains and are three times more likely to stay in school than their peers. Graduates join the CAMFED Association, a sisterhood of leaders already 250,000 strong. As teachers, health workers, and climate-smart entrepreneurs, each member financially supports (on average) three more girls in school. This Multiplier Effect drives scale and sustainability. It takes just $150 to fund a girl’s education for a year. In turn, she’ll triple your investment, helping to build an equitable future for all.


  • OneGoal: Throughout the country, only 22% of students from low-income communities earn a postsecondary degree compared to 67% of their peers from high-income areas. OneGoal’s three-year program helps students from low-income backgrounds identify paths to success, navigate the system, and enroll in their choice of postsecondary institution. The model leverages the talents of existing high school teachers to deliver OneGoal as a daily, credit-bearing class in 11th and 12th grade and continues with remote support through the critical first year of a student’s postsecondary education. 81% of OneGoal high school graduates enroll in a postsecondary institution, and 73% persist one year later–rates that even outpace students from high-income communities. An independent study by the University of Chicago found that OneGoal students are 40% more likely to earn their postsecondary degrees than students from similar backgrounds. Your investment can help OneGoal close the opportunity gap for thousands more young people annually. $1,500 provides a student with a full year of OneGoal instruction, advising, and support.

 

  • Per Scholas: In 30 of the largest metropolitan regions in the U.S. today, 10 million people have at least a high school diploma but earn less than $25,000 a year. The same regions are home to 1.4 million well-paying tech jobs that don’t require a college degree. Per Scholas is a national organization that prepares individuals traditionally underrepresented in technology for high-growth careers in the industry. In 15 weeks or less, Per Scholas learners (85% people of color, 40% women) gain knowledge and skills, earn industry recognized credentials, and graduate as highly attractive candidates for technology roles at companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 85% of learners graduate and 80% of graduates are hired within one year at an average of three times their pre-training wage. Every $700 donated covers the cost of supplies and resources for a learner to participate in Per Scholas’s tuition-free training and join the diverse talent pipeline that is changing the face of tech.

 

  • Welcome.US: Welcome.US partners with the U.S. government to allow everyday Americans to sponsor and provide critical support for a refugee family in their community. Americans signed up to sponsor more refugees in the first 18 months of the launch of private sponsorship programs than the U.S. government has admitted in the last 20 years combined. Following the success of private sponsorship for Ukranians and Latin Americans, American citizens and permanent residents can now sponsor refugees worldwide. Support can take many forms: helping with furnishing a home, job applications, enrolling children in school, grocery shopping, doctor visits, the process for getting a driver’s license—daily routines in the U.S. that can be daunting to a newcomer. Sign up on Welcome.US to join the two million+ Americans who have raised their hands to be a bridge to safety for people seeking refuge. Becoming a sponsor uplifts entire communities and is an opportunity to change lives—including your own. 

# # #

 

Per Scholas Named to The New York Times Communities Fund

Per Scholas Named to The New York Times Communities Fund

  

The New York Times Communities Fund continues the legacy of “The Neediest Cases Fund” by supporting local, national and global nonprofits that provide direct support to under-resourced and over-burdened people

 

NEW YORK, N.Y., Nov. 14, 2023 — Today, The New York Times Communities Fund announced that Per Scholas will be featured in this year’s annual campaign. Per Scholas joins CAMFED, Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of New York, Children’s Aid, Feeding America, First Book, Hispanic Federation, International Rescue Committee, OneGoal, and UJA-Federation of New York in this recognition.

For 112 years, The New York Times Communities Fund – formerly known as The Neediest Cases Fund – has encouraged readers to help people who are under-resourced and over-burdened and has coordinated a holiday season giving campaign as a direct way to do just that. To date, The Fund has raised over $330 million for nonprofit organizations that have helped countless individuals improve their circumstances and lead more enriching lives.

“The dollars we raise will help us expand economic prosperity because training at Per Scholas uplifts not only individuals but families and communities as well. This value cannot be overstated,” reflected Per Scholas President & CEO Plinio Ayala. “I am grateful for The New York Times Communities Fund amplifying our message and impact. With this fund, more than 5,000 Americans next year will have an opportunity to launch a thriving career in tech they wouldn’t otherwise have.”

For more than 25 years, Per Scholas has been advancing equity and increasing opportunity across America. Per Scholas unlocks potential for individuals, communities, and employers through rigorous training for careers in tech. The exposure and impact that The New York Times Communities Fund provides for Per Scholas’ mission and work can transform our ability to change the face of tech. Lack of access is a barrier to entry in the tech industry, and Per Scholas can empower readers to help break down that barrier and grow opportunities for diverse tech talent. Learn more about Per Scholas’ mission and work at PerScholas.org.

To donate to The New York Times Communities Fund or for more information, click here!

About The New York Times Communities Fund

The New York Times Communities Fund is a 501(c)3 organization and The New York Times Company pays all administrative costs of the program, ensuring that 100 percent of the donations go to the organizations that The Fund supports. The campaign works in close collaboration with nonprofit Focusing Philanthropy to maximize impact.

About Per Scholas 

For more than 25 years, Per Scholas has been advancing equity and increasing opportunity across America. Per Scholas unlocks potential for individuals, communities, and employers through rigorous training for careers in tech. Partnering with dynamic employer partners, from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we are building sustainable and diverse talent pipelines, together changing the face of tech. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and growing, Per Scholas offers tuition-free training in the most in-demand tech skills, including Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more.

To date, more than 20,000 individuals have gained the skills to launch high-growth tech careers, earning three times their pre-training wage. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is in our DNA: 85 percent of Per Scholas learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half have a high school diploma as their highest education credential. Visit PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

 

CISA Awards Per Scholas $1.5 Million for Cyber Workforce Development and Training for Underserved Communities Program

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) awarded Per Scholas $1.5 million in funding through the Cyber Workforce Development and Training for Underserved Communities program. This funding opportunity seeks to increase the number of skilled cybersecurity individuals within underserved communities. It will build on Per Scholas’ capacity to deliver quality training and apprenticeship programs and connect learners with employment opportunities, creating a more diverse cybersecurity workforce across America.

Read more here.

Per Scholas Phoenix Hosts Open House Event and Introduces New Managing Director

Phoenix, AZ (November 1, 2023): Per Scholas, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic mobility for underserved communities through IT training and job placement, welcomes you to an open house event at its new Phoenix campus on Friday, November 3. 

Community members in attendance will learn more about Per Scholas and their transformative work in providing training, certification, and job placement services for individuals looking to break into the technology industry. 

“We are excited to welcome the Phoenix community to our open house and showcase the incredible impact that Per Scholas has in empowering individuals with IT skills and career opportunities,” said Jaclyn Boyes, Regional Senior Vice President. “We are dedicated to providing a pathway to economic mobility for underrepresented communities, and this event is an excellent opportunity for the community to meet our team, understand our programs, and connect with our mission.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with the newest Per Scholas Phoenix team member, Managing Director Jerry J. McPherson, who joined in June 2023.

An economic activist, community leader, and dedicated change agent for unrepresented communities, McPherson brings a wealth of experience to his role, having previously served as the Director of Economic Empowerment at the Greater Phoenix Urban League, serving as a CPA in both public and private practice and is a proud veteran of the United States Military. 

“Throughout my career, my primary focus has been on creating economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for others,” shares McPherson. “The technology industry offers a unique platform for career growth and financial stability that many from underserved communities have not benefited from. At Per Scholas, we are unlocking potential and harnessing the power of the evolving tech sector to make transformational change. I am honored to lead this team dedicated to changing the face of tech right here in Arizona.”

McPherson is an accomplished leader with recognitions that include “40 Under 40” by both the Phoenix Business Journal and CPA Practice Advisor. 

Come meet the Per Scholas staff, alumni, and community partners and discover how you can be a part of Phoenix’s vibrant tech ecosystem.

When: Friday, November 3

Time: 1:30 p.m. — 5 p.m. 

Where: Per Scholas Phoenix, 3003 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 85012

The event will feature a networking mixer, door prizes, refreshments and appetizers, and campus tours. Individuals are encouraged to register their attendance

About Per Scholas:

Per Scholas is a national organization that has been advancing economic mobility for 25 years. Through rigorous training, professional development, and robust employer connections, we prepare individuals traditionally underrepresented in technology for high-growth careers in the industry. We partner with leading employers to build more diverse talent pools, directly connecting our graduates to new career opportunities at businesses ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. With campuses in 22 cities, Per Scholas has trained more than 20,000 individuals in tech skills, building bridges to careers in technology. To learn more, visit PerScholas.org.

 

Per Scholas Announces Three Senior Leadership Promotions

Per Scholas Announces Three Senior Leadership Promotions

Poised to Advance Key Initiatives in Enterprise Solutions, Culture Advancement, & Professional Development for Learners 

 

BRONX, NY (October 31, 2023): Per Scholas, a national nonprofit committed to advancing economic mobility and unlocking potential through technology career training, today announced the exciting promotions of three invaluable leaders: Caitlyn Brazill to Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Montreece Smith to Chief People Officer (CPO), and Noah Mitchell to Deputy Chief Training Officer (DCTO). 

Caitlyn Brazil is promoted to Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) after successfully holding the position of Chief Development Officer (CDO) at Per Scholas for more than six years. In her new role, Caitlyn will drive a cohesive revenue strategy with consistent messaging aimed at our key stakeholders: employers, philanthropic partners, and learners. She will also oversee three closely interconnected departments: Marketing and Communications, Enterprise Solutions, and Development. Per Scholas recognizes Caitlyn for spearheading the strategic planning and implementation of the organization’s sustainability and growth model, which had a significant impact across all Per Scholas locations. During her tenure as CDO, Caitlyn was instrumental in  providing the necessary resources to quadruple the organization’s annual impact. 

“It is an honor to be elevated to the role of Chief Revenue Officer at Per Scholas,” said Caitlyn Brazill. “It’s of utmost importance for me to use my new position to connect more enterprises with diverse, often overlooked skills-trained talent. Bridging the tech talent gap is more than just filling roles, it’s about fueling economic growth and ensuring a diverse, inclusive workforce.”

Per Scholas’ new Chief People Officer (CPO), Montreece Smith formerly held the position of Executive Vice President, People for Per Scholas, where she played a crucial role in the People Strategy and its connection to the goals of our rapidly expanding organization. As CPO, Montreece will carry the responsibility of driving organizational results through a high-performing culture characterized by accountability, professional growth, psychological well-being, and wellness for Per Scholas. 

Finally, Per Scholas’ Noah Mitchell will assume a new role as Deputy Chief Training Officer (DCTO) that will be pivotal in driving our primary initiatives as we expand to meet our training targets for 2024. This will involve setting performance standards for sourcing learner candidates, establishing connections with our talent solutions pathway, and supervising the professional development of our learners. Noah previously served as the Regional Senior Vice President for Per Scholas and is the former Managing Director for Per Scholas Columbus.

“The recognition of these three incredible leaders at Per Scholas is a testament to their dedication to being a driver of economic mobility,” said Plinio Ayala, President & CEO, Per Scholas. “Their passion, perseverance and commitment to our mission and culture pave the way for all future leaders and will play a vital role in helping Per Scholas ultimately change the face of tech.”

About Per Scholas 

For more than 25 years, Per Scholas has been advancing equity and increasing opportunity across America. Per Scholas unlocks potential for individuals, communities, and employers through rigorous training for careers in tech. Partnering with dynamic employer partners, from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we are building sustainable and diverse talent pipelines, together changing the face of tech. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and growing, Per Scholas offers tuition-free training in the most in-demand tech skills, including Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more.

To date, more than 20,000 individuals have gained the skills to launch high-growth tech careers, earning three times their pre-training wage. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is in our DNA: 85 percent of Per Scholas learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half have a high school diploma as their highest education credential. Visit PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

###

 

 

Per Scholas Honors Trailblazers in Equity with Per Scholas Diverse by Design North Star Award

Per Scholas Honors Trailblazers in Equity with Per Scholas Diverse by Design North Star Award

Honorees recognized at Per Scholas Diverse by Design: A Day of Unlocking Potential

 

PURCHASE, NY — On October 2, 2023, Per Scholas, a national nonprofit committed to advancing economic mobility and increasing access to tech careers, hosted its Third Annual Per Scholas Diverse by Design North Star Awards Ceremony that recognized partners whose efforts drive significant Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) impact. The ceremony took place at Per Scholas’ annual “A Day of Unlocking Potential” event at the Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, New York, that gathered tech enthusiasts, equity advocates, business leaders, Per Scholas alumni, and philanthropists all committed to diversifying America’s technology workforce.

This year’s distinguished honorees of the Per Scholas Diverse by Design North Star Award were Dr. Marian Croak, Vice President of Engineering, Responsible AI & Human Centered Technology at Google, Reshenda Daniels, Global Director of Talent, DEI & Accessibility at Visa, Russell Contreras, Senior Race & Justice reporter at Axios, and Black Theatre United, accepted by Founder Vanessa Williams. Together they build on the legacy of past honorees, such as Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin who received the North Star Award last year for his dedication to diversity for the NFL. 

“These individuals are not just honorees – they are torchbearers for an inclusive future,” said Damien Howard, Chief Enterprise Solutions Officer at Per Scholas and Co-Founder of Diverse by Design. “Their relentless dedication is reshaping industries and creating spaces where everyone can thrive.”

Started in 2016 with ITSMF, Per Scholas Diverse by Design aids businesses in crafting a pipeline filled with diverse candidates, ranging from entry to executive levels, all equipped with skills customized to the company’s needs. Since launching 28 years ago, Per Scholas has enrolled more than 20,000 learners across its 20+ campuses to help usher them into thriving careers with their 850+ corporate partners.

“We must strive to create an environment where everyone’s contributions are recognized, and opportunities for career advancement are available,” said Reshenda Daniels, Global Director of Talent, DEI & Accessibility at Visa. “We must ensure that there is a voice for the voiceless in the corporate space.”

This star-studded day of golf and an evening of giving was made possible thanks to our generous supporters: Marquee sponsor TEKsystems; Birdie sponsors Capgemini, Deloitte, and Liquid Technologies; Par sponsors The Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Foundation, Arch Global, CDW, Cooperative Laundry, Delta, Ikon Business Group, Mitchell Martin, Ponce Bank, and Team Spraggins; and of course, Per Scholas Diverse by Design supporters TEKsystems, Capgemini, CGI, Chubb, Comcast NBCUniversal, Google, and NFL Foundation. 

To learn more about Per Scholas and its mission to advance economic equity through rigorous training for tech careers and to connect skilled talent to leading businesses, visit: https://perscholas.org/. To learn more about Per Scholas Diverse by Design visit www.diversebydesign.org.

About Per Scholas Diverse by Design

Per Scholas Diverse by Design launched in 2016 with Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) to make a meaningful impact and increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in technology. Per Scholas Diverse by Design promotes solutions-driven conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion within the tech. We also produce meaningful content that empowers C-suite leaders to make both valuable and socially impactful decisions for their organizations and provide access to sophisticated customized training and talent sourcing solutions to meet companies’ talent demands while transforming the diversity landscape of their organizations.

About Per Scholas 

For more than 25 years, Per Scholas has been advancing equity and increasing opportunity across America. Per Scholas unlocks potential for individuals, communities, and employers through rigorous training for careers in tech. Partnering with dynamic employer partners, from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we are building sustainable and diverse talent pipelines, together changing the face of tech. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and growing, Per Scholas offers tuition-free training in the most in-demand tech skills, including Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more.

To date, more than 20,000 individuals have gained the skills to launch high-growth tech careers, earning three times their pre-training wage. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is in our DNA: 85 percent of Per Scholas learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half have a high school diploma as their highest education credential. Visit PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

###

Per Scholas Celebrates $20 Million Investment from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

Per Scholas Celebrates $20 Million Investment from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

Transformational Investment Propels and Positions Tech Skills Nonprofit for National Future Impact

BRONX, New York (September 28, 2023)Per Scholas, a national nonprofit committed to advancing economic mobility and unlocking potential through technology career training, today announced a $20 million investment from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

Receiving this transformational investment from MacKenzie Scott, one of the most dynamic philanthropists in modern times, is a testament to Per Scholas' impact over our nearly 30 year history. As we've evolved from a computer recycler in the South Bronx to a technical skills trainer in 22 cities and counting across America, we are so grateful for this $20 million gift – the largest, unrestricted funding our organization has ever received. This investment will propel Per Scholas for even greater national impact well into the future, centered on growth and innovation and ensuring our alumni achieve a thriving wage through our Career Accelerator. — Plinio Ayala, President & CEO, Per Scholas

To date, Per Scholas has prepared more than 20,000 individuals across the U.S. for high-growth careers in technology by offering tuition-free, rigorous, 12- to 15-week training in the nation’s most in-demand tech skills. The evidence-based Per Scholas model has been proven in multiple gold-standard research studies, and on average, Per Scholas-trained technologists go on to earn three times their pre-training wage in their first job following graduation. All told, Per Scholas graduates have earned more than $2.4 billion in their post-Per Scholas careers, powering economic advancement in communities across the nation.

Per Scholas connects graduates to high growth careers through our network of 850+ employer partners, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, and supports alumni through the organization’s latest innovation, the Career Accelerator, which provides Per Scholas alumni short-term upskilling opportunities, in turn propelling careers. As a result, every dollar invested in Per Scholas results in at least $8 in net economic return.

I'd like to express my most heartfelt gratitude to Per Scholas staff, funders, employer partners, and supporters, who have believed in our mission to advance economic equity and increase opportunity through America's hottest sector - technology. While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life in ways previously unimagined, it presented the opportunity for Per Scholas to innovate a new delivery model, which proved so successful that we were able to scale our impact four-fold. I echo Plinio's gratitude to Ms. Scott - this $20 million investment will certainly position Per Scholas well into our next decade of unlocking potential. — Lewis Miller, Per Scholas Co-Founder and National Board Chair

Today, Per Scholas operates in 20+ U.S. markets including Atlanta, Baltimore, Greater Boston, Chicago, Greater Cincinnati, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Newark, New York, North Carolina, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, Seattle, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. This investment will enable Per Scholas to continue to expand its training and talent solutions to additional communities across the United States, with the goal of training 10,000 learners per year by 2026.

About Per Scholas
For more than 25 years, Per Scholas has been advancing equity and increasing opportunity across America. Per Scholas unlocks potential for individuals, communities, and employers through rigorous training for careers in tech. Partnering with dynamic employer partners, from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we are building sustainable and diverse talent pipelines, together changing the face of tech. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and growing, Per Scholas offers tuition-free training in the most in-demand tech skills, including Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more.

To date, more than 20,000 individuals have gained the skills to launch high-growth tech careers, earning three times their pre-training wage. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is in our DNA: 85 percent of Per Scholas learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half have a high school diploma as their highest education credential. Visit PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

###

Meet Esther, Per Scholas Dallas Graduate & Technologist 

Esther is just one of Per Scholas’ 20,000+ alumni. She’s a proud Per Scholas Dallas IT Support graduate and successful career switcher, living her dream of working in tech. Click below to hear her story and how she’s benefitting from the Career Accelerator – earning more stackable credentials to propel her tech career! 

Close

Choose a location for
Your Course

This course is only offered at select Per Scholas locations. Choose a location to get the most accurate course information.