High-Tech Dallas, featuring a technology skills-based curriculum and career services, is the first Per Scholas program designed exclusively for high-school students

DALLAS, Feb. 13, 2019 – Today, national tech training nonprofit Per Scholas announced the launch of a new pilot program for high-school students interested in pursuing a career in technology. The initiative aims to support high school students lacking access to traditional higher education by providing them with the training and career guidance they need to secure meaningful, long-term employment in the tech industry.

As part of the pilot program, which will initially serve 30 students in Dallas, Per Scholas is partnering with the Texans Can Academy – Dallas Oak Cliff campus. Selected students will split their day between Per Scholas IT Support coursework and high school classes, producing an integrated approach that balances academic and on-the-job education. The IT Support courses will be led by instructor and Per Scholas graduate Jake Gordon.

“We’re excited to partner with Texans Can Academy to expand our services to high school students across the Oak Cliff community. Our goal is to ensure that high school students interested in pursuing immediate employment after graduation have the foundation they need to succeed and discover long-term career success. I’ve witnessed first-hand how life-changing this program can be for students at our Downtown Dallas training facility, and we hope to deliver the same impact to the Oak Cliff community,” said Stephanie Valadez, managing director of Per Scholas Dallas.

Texans Can Academy – Dallas Oak Cliff will provide students with laptops and hotspots to help bridge the digital divide that can often exclude them from educational and career opportunities. High-Tech students will have access to internship opportunities through Per Scholas’s employer network, along with career counseling and additional professional certifications, for at least two years upon completing the program. Graduates will have the ability to either seek an internship and immediate employment, matriculate in the fall to a more advanced and specialized Per Scholas training track, or pursue a traditional college education.

“As educators, one of our primary goals is to help students gain the knowledge and skills that will allow them to reach their goals and promote access to sustainable career paths,” said Richard Marquez, president and CEO of Texans Can Academies. “Our goal for our graduating students is to provide the skills and options for a strong career path and higher education. In partnering with Per Scholas, opportunities are available that our students would have never had. Texans Can strives to be a value-added organization through this partnership as well as through our other partnerships.”

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About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. Through rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development, we prepare motivated and curious adults who are unemployed or underemployed for successful careers as technology professionals, and we create onramps to businesses in need of their talents. Today we provide our solutions in eight cities across the country: Atlanta, GA; Greater Boston, MA; Greater Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region; Newark, NJ and New York, NY. To date, Per Scholas has trained 9,000 individuals, helping them build lasting, life-changing skills and careers in technology.

About Texans Can Academies

Celebrating 34 years of providing the highest quality education for all students, Texans Can schools are graduating thinkers. Texans Can Academies are a unique network of 14 charter schools located in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. The schools are tuition-free, open enrollment, public high schools of choice. Texans Can Academies serve students who have struggled in a traditional high school setting by offering students, age 14 to 21, a second chance at earning their high school diploma instead of taking a General Education Development (GED). To date, more than 151,883 youth have been given a second chance at life with the opportunity to pursue their dreams. For more information, please visit www.texanscan.org.

Part of Stand Together’s $3.5 Million Workforce Development Commitment during National Poverty Awareness Month, will fund Per Scholas employment services

New York, NY (January 17, 2019) – Today, national tech training nonprofit Per Scholas announced that it has received a $750,000 grant from Stand Together, a social change organization dedicated to fighting poverty through community-based solutions. The funding will support the continued expansion of Per Scholas’s skills training and career support services for overlooked communities, along with their efforts to meet employers’ increasing demand for locally-based tech hiring pipelines.

The grant is the latest in a series of funding commitments made by Stand Together as part of their National Poverty Awareness Month initiative. Under the initiative, Stand Together is making weekly investment announcements in support of its non-profit partners, and this week pledged a total of $3.5 million to partner organizations across the United States seeking to address socioeconomic inequities and break down barriers to long-term employment.

Per Scholas has helped the lead way in tackling underemployment and unemployment, by providing free technology skills training and career development services to thousands of individuals. Featuring a hands-on, skills-based IT curriculum taught by experienced professionals, Per Scholas specifically serves low-income individuals interested in pursuing a career in technology but lacking access to traditional career pathways.

Through Per Scholas’ tuition-free tech training programs, over 9,000 job-seekers have received the technology skills and career foundation they need to succeed. Approximately 85% of students graduate in 14 weeks, and an estimated 80% of graduates quickly secure employment upon completing the program.

“A meaningful job is the most direct path out of poverty, but it’s so much more than that. It restores dignity, hope and purpose,” said Evan Feinberg, Executive Director of Stand Together. “There are so many barriers facing the chronically jobless — addiction, mental health issues, criminal records and often a lack of needed skills. Thankfully, there are non-profit social entrepreneurs that help individuals tap into their unique gifts and talents, overcome barriers, and realize their full potential.”

“Per Scholas is incredibly excited to partner with Stand Together, as we work together to create new career pathways for overlooked communities and expand access to economic opportunity”, said Plinio Ayala, CEO of Per Scholas. “With the support of Stand Together, Per Scholas will be able to continue its growth, and further serve the needs of communities around the country.”

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About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. Through rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development, we prepare motivated and curious adults who are unemployed or underemployed for successful careers as technology professionals, and we create onramps to businesses in need of their talents. Today we provide our solutions in eight cities across the country: Atlanta, GA; Greater Boston, Ma; Greater Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region; Newark, NJ and New York, NY. To date, Per Scholas has trained 9,000 individuals, helping them build lasting, life changing skills and careers in technology.

About Stand Together
Stand Together is a social change organization committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by supporting the creative solutions of individuals and communities around the country. Founded in 2016, Stand Together strengthens communities by investing in social change-makers that can break barriers for individuals in poverty so that they can realize their full potential. To join the National Poverty Awareness Month conversation, follow @StandTgthr and #PovertyAwareness.

With more than half already committed from Ballmer Group, the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Per Scholas’ goal is to deepen infrastructure, expand program offerings and train 4,000 students annually by 2023.

New York, NY, January 16, 2019 – Per Scholas, a national tech training non-profit, announced today a $31 million-dollar growth capital campaign, with initial support from Ballmer Group, Laura and John Arnold Foundation and The Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation. This campaign will help secure the additional philanthropic investments Per Scholas needs over the next five years to achieve its strategic expansion goals. Specifically, the nonprofit is looking to expand its programming to serve 4,000 new technology career students a year across at least 10 locations.

In its 23-year history, Per Scholas has propelled 9,000 individuals from often overlooked communities into sustainable careers through tuition-free tech training. Fueled by data driven outcomes and two third-party randomized control studies, Per Scholas’ aggressive goals are designed to increase its impact on entire cities and regions, by substantially increasing the number of skilled technology workers to achieve regional economic development goals.

Specifically, these goals include:

• Train 4,000+ new students a year by 2023 (+200% growth), by growing employer-paid, customized training for large-volume employers and adding new training tracks in new markets
• Foster a more equitable and diverse tech sector and open more accessible pathways to tech employment by further demonstrating the quality and impact of Per Scholas training through a third randomized control study and leading original industry and public policy research to highlight best practices for employers to increase diversity
• Build the foundation for future sustainability and growth, through the increase of earned income from employers to 50% of annual revenue, doubling the return on every philanthropic dollar

When paired with growing employer-paid, customized training, scaling employer-informed training, and investing in service quality and innovation, Per Scholas will be able to revolutionize its business model and boost enrollment 200+%. What’s more, in meeting these student growth goals Per Scholas will be able to inject into the economy through new training locations and $468 million in cumulative wages earned by graduates in their first year on the job. Donors who invest in the growth capital campaign will realize a $1.5 billion social return through savings from graduates increased tax revenue, reduced public benefits, increased earning and local economic activity.

With this end goal in mind, Per Scholas has started fundraising, having already reached the halfway point at $15.8 million. Generous donors, including Ballmer Group, Laura and John Arnold Foundation, and The Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation, have been instrumental in making this possible.

“We support high-impact, evidence-based approaches that are ready for scale. Per Scholas’ proven model has been shown to help adults from overlooked communities significantly increase their income, while providing businesses a pipeline of diverse, motivated, and skilled tech talent,” said Connie Ballmer, Co-Founder of Ballmer Group. “Ballmer Group has committed to Per Scholas’ growth because the ability to earn a living wage is an important step toward economic mobility.”

“Per Scholas has demonstrated a level of effectiveness rarely seen in social programs, with two ‘gold standard’ scientific studies showing that it produces large, sustained earnings gains for low-income adults. Based on this evidence, we are pleased to make a major investment to help scale this model nationally, and fund further evaluation to see if the sizable effects can be replicated in new U.S. locations. Successful replication would represent a signal achievement in American workforce policy, and demonstrate the power of evidence to move the needle on important national objectives such as economic mobility”, said Jon Baron, Vice President of Evidence-based policymaking at the Laura and John Arnold Foundation.

“The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation has contributed to Per Scholas for nearly a decade, watching it grow from a small, local nonprofit into a national leader producing strong outcomes for unemployed and underemployed adults. We are proud to invest in its new goals, and encourage others to do the same,” said Marci Hunn, Program Director, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

“This capital campaign is based on a founding truth for Per Scholas: talent is ubiquitous, but opportunity is not. We’ve found success relying on partnerships across sectors and industries to inform our work and support our mission to expand opportunity to communities across the country. With the continued support of partners, both new and old, we look forward to serving thousands of more families and providing a qualified and diverse talent pipeline for corporations supportive of the neighborhoods where we live and work” said Per Scholas CEO and President Plinio Ayala.

“When we opened in our first warehouse in the Bronx in 1995, we knew talent was all around us, but it was our responsibility to find it and provide an opportunity for individuals to succeed. Sustainability has always been the key and sustainability for this nonprofit means a sustainable talent pipeline for corporations and sustainable career options for thousands of technologists of the future. I am proud to see the impact we’ve demonstrated over twenty-four years, and what will be achieved in the next twenty-four to come” said Lewis Miller, Board Chair, Founding Board Member, Per Scholas.

Significant hiring partners, Cognizant and TEKsystems have both invested in Per Scholas training curriculum and expansion.

“At TEKsystems, we deliver full-stack technology services, including talent services, to our clients across the country. That talent includes more than 350 Per Scholas graduates, and we’ve found them to be committed, capable and passionate team members — so much so that we funded a Per Scholas training pilot in our hometown of Baltimore. We look forward to growing our partnership in all the communities where we live and work”, said Faith Johnson, Vice President of Human Resources at TEKsystems.

“Partnerships between businesses and organizations like Per Scholas are vital to ensuring workers have the training and reskilling resources they need to compete for in-demand technology roles, and employers have ready access to a strong talent pipeline. Cognizant is committed to building the digital workforce of the future, and is proud to partner with Per Scholas, which knows how to find, foster and advance talent that might otherwise be overlooked,” says James Lennox, Chief People Officer of Cognizant.

Through the support of private foundations, Per Scholas hopes to reach its growth capital goal, thus increasing its services two fold and building a pathway to earned revenue and sustainability. With more support comes more students taught, more partnerships made, a better talent pipeline solidified for the future, and more lives impacted. With a 4-star accolade from Charity Navigator, Per Scholas promises to work closely with all donors to help them achieve their philanthropic goals.

Read the full campaign document, here.

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About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. Through rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development, we prepare motivated and curious adults who are unemployed or underemployed for successful careers as technology professionals, and we create onramps to businesses in need of their talents. Today we provide our solutions in eight cities across the country: Atlanta, GA; Greater Boston, MA; Greater Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region; Newark, NJ and New York, NY. To date, Per Scholas has trained 9,000 individuals, helping them build lasting, life changing skills and careers in technology.

About Ballmer Group

Ballmer Group works to improve economic mobility for children and families in who are disproportionately likely to remain in poverty. We support the use of data and strong partnerships among public, private, and nonprofit organizations at the community level to more effectively serve families. Ballmer Group was co-founded by philanthropist and civic activist Connie Ballmer and her husband Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft, founder of USAFacts, and chairman of the Los Angeles Clippers. For more information, please visit www.ballmergroup.org or follow us @BallmerGroup

About Laura and John Arnold Foundation

Driven by a desire to improve people’s lives, we harness objective data, along with the brightest scholars and experts, in order to tackle inequities in our social, governmental, and economic systems. We study pressing issues in public safety, criminal justice, health, education, and governance, and develop solutions that lead to systemic change.

About The Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private charitable foundations in the United States, is dedicated to meeting the basic needs of vulnerable people and families experiencing poverty. In 2019, the Foundation will provide approximately $125 million in grants to nonprofits that provide direct services in the areas of Housing, Health, Jobs, Education, and Community Services. The Foundation’s priority communities include Baltimore, Chicago, Hawaii, Israel, New York City, Northeastern Pennsylvania, San Francisco, and Rural Communities (primarily surrounding other priority communities). The Foundation’s trustees include Robert T. Kelly, Jr., Board Chair; Ambassador Fay Hartog-Levin (Ret.); Paula B. Pretlow; and Gordon Berlin. Rachel Garbow Monroe continues to serve as President and CEO. For more information, please visit www.hjweinbergfoundation.org.

Richardson will help lead the coalition’s efforts to guide employers and workers in an increasingly digital economic landscape

New York, NY (January 8, 2019) – Today, the NYC Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC) announced that Kelly Richardson, Managing Director of Newark and New York at Per Scholas and Julie Shapiro, Executive Director at The Door have been elected Co-Chairs of it’s Board of Directors. In this capacity, Julie and Kelly will play a key role in NYCETC’s mission to advance inclusive and skills-based workforce development initiatives across New York City. Julie and Kelly succeed Phil Weinberg, President & CEO of STRIVE, who has concluded his term after three years as NYCETC Board Chair, marking a period of growth and renewal for the Coalition.

Originally established in 1995 with the opening of its Bronx headquarters, Per Scholas has emerged as a citywide and national leader in workforce development. Recently, Per Scholas was named to the Community Advisory Committee formed by the New York City and New York State governments to provide a platform for local concerns tied to the development of Amazon’s new Long Island City headquarters. Additionally, Per Scholas has teamed up with the Information Technology Senior Management Forum to co-sponsor the Diverse by Design conference series, which has convened business and social impact leaders all over the country to discuss strategies centered on building an inclusive and skilled workforce.

Kelly brings over a decade of advocacy, strategy, and relationship management expertise to her role as NYCETC Co-Chair. She has served as a NYCETC Board Member since 2017 and has led Per Scholas’ New York market since 2015. Since joining Per Scholas in 2013, Kelly spearheaded a significant development of Per Scholas’ scale, curriculum innovation, and partnership throughout the region. She led Per Scholas’ expansion to a second New York training location in Brooklyn in 2016, as well as the forthcoming launch of Per Scholas’ Newark location, opening in February, with both new locations driven by increased employer demand.

Julie L. Shapiro is an established and respected nonprofit executive with 20 years of experience improving outcomes in employment, education, health, legal status and housing for low-income adults and youth. Since joining as Executive Director in 2010, The Door has tripled in growth, including: the addition of two supportive housing sites; launching Broome Street Academy, New York City’s only charter high school that prioritizes foster care and homeless youth; and assuming responsibility for the Bronx Youth Center, which offers an extensive portfolio of career and education programs.

Together, Per Scholas and The Door operate a training program called TechBridge for adults aged 18-24. TechBridge is a five-week course designed to provide participants with professional skills, networking opportunities, and technical abilities that lay the foundation for new avenues to long-term career success. The program is offered at no cost to accepted students, and participants have the opportunity to enroll directly in Per Scholas’ 15-week IT training course upon successfully completing its requirements.

“On behalf of our Board of Directors, team and membership of more than 150 workforce and economic development organizations, I thank outgoing Board Chair Phil Weinberg for his years of service and contributions to our mission, and personally thank him for his close partnership and mentorship over the last year since I joined NYCETC”, said Joey Ortiz, Executive Director of NYCETC. “Today marks an important day in NYCETC’s evolution as the leading voice for the New York City’s workforce development community. Julie and Kelly are two of the city’s most accomplished leaders in our field at two of the city’s premier institutions. Under their leadership, NYCETC is better positioned than ever to achieve our shared goal of economic inclusion and equitable futures, regardless of socioeconomic status or cultural background, for every New Yorker.”

“It is a deep honor to serve as Co-Chair of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition. The Coalition is the leading voice for an inclusive and equitable workforce in the city, and its work is incredibly important during this time of industry transformation for New York. I am fortunate to have learned so much from the Coalition’s leadership in the past decade, and look forward to supporting Joey Ortiz and the Coalition team as they drive change in our city. I am also proud to serve alongside Julie Shapiro, whose leadership is responsible for an organizational partnership between Per Scholas and The Door that has significantly expanded access to technology careers for hundreds of young adults. The City of NY must invest more in partnerships that provide equitable access for New Yorkers to growth-sector careers., said Kelly Richardson, Per Scholas Managing Director, Newark & New York, and Co-Chair of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition.

“I’m thrilled to be chairing the New York City Employment and Training Coalition, and to be doing so in partnership with Kelly Richardson of Per Scholas,” said Julie L. Shapiro, Executive Director of The Door and Co-Chair of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition. “Because of my long association with NYCETC, I have a deep appreciation for the critical role it plays in promoting the best policies and programs that connect the city’s jobseekers with sustainable, living wage jobs. The Coalition is at a compelling moment in its history under the new leadership of its supremely talented Executive Director Joey Ortiz. I am so excited to work with Joey and Kelly and the rest of the board and staff to make positive change in New York’s workforce development system. In embracing the co-chair roles, Kelly and I are also hoping to highlight the power of partnership in the field, as The Door/ Per Scholas partnership is a wonderful example of the type of success that is possible when each organization brings its expertise and creativity to bear on finding solutions to expand opportunity.”

“NYCETC is a vital force for New Yorkers and the organizations that support their career success”, said Phil Weinberg, President and CEO of STRIVE. “As my term as NYCETC Board Chair concludes, I’m so proud of this Coalition’s achievements, and with such outstanding new leadership in place, I’ve never been more optimistic about what the Coalition will accomplish for New Yorkers in the years ahead.”

“Barclays is proud to congratulate Kelly Richardson and Julie Shapiro on their roles as Co-Chairs of the New York City Employment Training Coalition,” said Mark Thain, Director of Social Innovation at Barclays. “Our partnership with Per Scholas, beginning in 2012, is driven by a critical business need to develop diverse and qualified talent for our New York City regional operations. We recognize that talent pipelines and equitable career opportunities do not happen without the collaboration of employers, providers and the city, and we are thrilled to have Per Scholas and The Door in leadership roles at the NYC Employment and Training Coalition.”

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. Through rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development, we prepare motivated and curious adults who are unemployed or underemployed for successful careers as technology professionals, and we create onramps to businesses in need of their talents. Today we provide our solutions in eight cities across the country: Atlanta, GA; Greater Boston, MA; Greater Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region; Newark, NJ and New York, NY. To date, Per Scholas has trained 9,000 individuals, helping them build lasting, life changing skills and careers in technology.

TEKsystems, Per Scholas and Living Classrooms Celebrate Graduation of Pilot Network and Help Desk IT Career Course

Partner Organizations Will Come Together to Recognize the Achievement of the First-Time Graduates and New IT Professionals

HANOVER, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–TEKsystems®, provider of IT services that address the pressing strategy, implementation and talent needs for more than 80% of the Fortune 500, in conjunction with partners Per Scholas and Living Classrooms, today announced the successful graduation of the first pilot class for the network and help desk IT career course. The 15-week course taught students to troubleshoot and maintain computers, software, networks and mobile devices. It also provides industry-standard CompTIA’s A+ and NETWORK+ certifications.

TEKsystems, Per Scholas and Living Classrooms Celebrate Graduation of Pilot Network and Help Desk IT Career Course
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“It has been an amazing journey for us and the students as we’ve watched them progress through the course in pursuit of their goals. We sincerely believe a course like this can change the trajectory of someone’s life, and we’re so moved to see them take the next step in that journey,” says Faith Johnson, senior vice president of human resources at TEKsystems.

The graduation is being held at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park in Baltimore on Friday, Nov. 2, and will include remarks from Deputy Secretary of Labor Kelly Schulz.

“It’s inspiring to see this unique partnership come to fruition after harnessing the global network of TEKsystems, industry knowledge of Per Scholas, and our proven track record of delivering hands-on education and job training,” says James Piper Bond, president and CEO of Living Classrooms Foundation. “We are proud of the work these young men and women put in over the past 15 weeks and look forward providing opportunities to even more unemployed and underemployed adults living in Baltimore City.”

“Per Scholas students are motivated and dedicated life-long learners who only need an opportunity to be successful in the IT sector. This innovative partnership has proven yet again that with a cutting-edge curriculum, professional development and cross-sector expertise we are able to support the community and business growth needed in a city like Baltimore,” says Bridgette Gray, executive vice president at Per Scholas.

“At the end of the day this course is about the students and the attitude and aptitude they bring to the table. They’re from diverse and often challenging circumstances, with little to no exposure to IT prior to this course,” says Franklin Reed, director of diversity and inclusion at TEKsystems. “But each of them made the decision to better themselves, and they persevered through a very challenging four months in order to set themselves up for success. I’m humbled to be a part of this and so proud of how our partners have worked together to make this a reality.”

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Nathan Bowen at nabowen@TEKsystems.com.

About TEKsystems®

We’re partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That’s the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. Through rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development, we prepare motivated and curious adults who are un- or underemployed for successful careers as IT professionals, and we create on-ramps to businesses in need of their talents. Today we provide our solutions in six cities across the country: Atlanta; Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; Dallas; the National Capital Region; and New York. To date, Per Scholas has trained 7,500 individuals, helping them build lasting, life-changing skills and careers in technology. To learn more, visit perscholas.org.

About Living Classrooms

Living Classrooms Foundation is a Baltimore/Washington-based nonprofit that disrupts the cycle of poverty and makes our community safer, stronger and healthier by meeting individuals where they are and giving them skills for life. We serve 25,000 children, youth and adults annually and inspire them to achieve their potential through hands-on education, workforce development, and health and wellness programming, using urban, natural and maritime resources as “living classrooms.” Living Classrooms Foundation has been proudly serving the community since 1985. To learn more, visit livingclassrooms.org

Contacts

TEKsystems
Company Contact:
Nathan Bowen, 410-540-3090
nabowen@TEKsystems.com

Wilson Sheehan Foundation Invests in Skills Training Nonprofit Per Scholas Columbus to Help Cultivate Next Generation of Local Tech Leaders

Foundation provides $150K grant to create more pathways of opportunity for low-income Columbusites through no-cost, in-demand tech skills training

Columbus, Ohio – Today, national tech training nonprofit Per Scholas announced a new $150,000 grant from the Wilson Sheehan Foundation to provide more low-income Columbusites free access to IT training and career support. The grant will allow Per Scholas to serve over 100 students this year, providing them with in-demand skills that will enable them to get high-paying tech jobs and move into the middle class.

“Per Scholas Columbus is incredibly grateful to have the support of the Wilson Sheehan Foundation, which will enable further access to life-changing career opportunities for disadvantaged members of our communities. In the months and years ahead, we look forward to bolstering our enrollment capabilities, helping more people break into the innovation economy while also helping local Columbus businesses grow and thrive,” said Per Scholas Columbus Managing Director Toni Cunningham.

The grant from the Wilson Sheehan Foundation will be used to support the program’s IT skills training curriculum. It will also help the nonprofit’s ability to offer career development instruction and job placement services, including establishing direct-hiring opportunities through partnerships with local employers.

“We’re excited to offer our support to Per Scholas Columbus as they continue to build their operations. Over the years, Per Scholas Columbus has delivered practical, meaningful results for the Columbus community and elevated the lives of its graduates while helping local businesses successfully grow. We look forward to seeing Per Scholas develop the next wave of skilled tech workers and keep the Columbus economy moving forward.” said Maureen Sheehan Massaro, Executive Director of the Wilson Sheehan Foundation.

Since launching in 2012, Per Scholas Columbus has provided IT training programs to more than 460 local residents. The program features a hands-on, skills-based IT curriculum taught by experienced professionals. The nonprofit specifically serves low-income individuals interested in pursuing a career in technology but lacking access to traditional career pathways. Per Scholas has an 89% placement rate for graduates and on average, incoming students go from $6,800 per year an annual salary of $36,000. Last year’s students contributed more than $2 million in earned wages to the regional economy.

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. Through rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development, we prepare motivated and curious adults who are unemployed or underemployed for successful careers as technology professionals, and we create onramps to businesses in need of their talents. Platform by Per Scholas works hand in hand with corporations to design customized training tracks for partners seeking to hire diverse and qualified talent. Today, Per Scholas provides solutions in six cities across the country: Atlanta, GA; Greater Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region; and New York, NY. To date, Per Scholas has trained 8,000 individuals, helping them build lasting, life changing skills and careers in technology.

About the Wilson Sheehan Foundation

The Wilson Sheehan Foundation exists to help advance lasting, positive change in the world, starting with the family. With the belief that strong families build strong communities, our goal is to empower people in low income populations to achieve financial stability. We believe that education is the gateway to a better life and stronger communities. We seek to support initiatives that help people develop strong, marketable skills that are transferable to school, work, and life. By developing critical life skills, it is possible for families to create economic self-sufficiency in the hope of breaking stubbornly persistent cycles of poverty. We are also interested in supporting initiatives that develop critical “soft” skills such as personal and emotional development, self-discovery, and personal responsibility, and promote integrity, the capacity for creativity, and commitment to a world that is larger than self.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Visits National Tech Training Nonprofit, Per Scholas

Discussion included opportunities to strengthen and expand successful workforce models and partnerships across New York.

October 29, 2019 Bronx, NY — Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited national tech training nonprofit, Per Scholas, to meet with students and staff and discuss first-hand a successful training model that is preparing motivated adults who are unemployed or underemployed for careers in technology. For over twenty years, Per Scholas has built employer-informed curriculum to ensure that the training students receive is relevant to today’s job market. In the last two years, Per Scholas has developed customized training tracks that are preparing students with in-demand skills for nuanced jobs at corporations. Currently Per Scholas offers nine unique training tracks in New York including: IT Support, Cybersecurity, Systems Administrator, Web Development, Data Engineering and Programmer Analyst.

Senator Gillibrand, a champion for economic mobility and working families, spoke with three students at Per Scholas’ Bronx training location enrolled in the Cybersecurity, Web Development and IT Support training tracks. Students shared details from the intensive 15-week training, the importance of industry recognized certifications, and the professional development opportunities including resume workshops and mock-interviews with employer partners. Students also discussed their backgrounds with the Senator and emphasized their limited experience in technology prior to coming to Per Scholas, however, each student identified strongly as life-long learners, dedicated problem solvers and a strong passion for tech.

“I was delighted to tour Per Scholas and meet with teachers and students learning the technical skills needed to get the in-demand, high-skilled jobs of today and be prepared for the 21st century jobs of tomorrow,” said SenatorGillibrand. “Companies across New York State have many high-tech jobs available, and I have fought for legislation that will help train students with the technical and computing skills they need to fill these jobs. I will continue to do everything I can to make sure that our state has the resources they need to better prepare students for high-quality jobs.”

“We were thrilled to host Senator Gillibrand at our Bronx headquarters, today, and meet Per Scholas students, the future technologists of tomorrow. Each student is an individual with both the intelligence and determination to succeed and all they are lacking is an opportunity — Per Scholas provides that opportunity” says Plinio Ayala, President & CEO, Per Scholas. “We have developed unique partnerships across sectors and industries to leverage our experience identifying and training talent from the community and worked with an extensive employer network to understand the relevant skills – and place students in sustainable careers.”

Per Scholas has been evaluated by two randomized control trials (RCTs) that have proven graduates earn more, are half as likely to rely on public assistance and experience substantial increases in life satisfaction. In addition, the most recent RCT demonstrated that graduates are earning more year over year suggesting that Per Scholas is able to provide students with a career and growth potential and not just a job.

Per Scholas data shows that 85% of students graduate and 80% of graduates are employed. By partnering with over 500+ companies in New York alone, Per Scholas has built a strong and diverse talent pipeline for employers in New York City. In 2017 Per Scholas enrolled over 500 individuals in New York and 1,000 nationally. Just this month Per Scholas announced the enrollment of its 8,000 student with plans to continue expanding training tracks and opportunities in New York and across the country.

About Per Scholas:

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. Through rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development, we prepare motivated and curious adults who are unemployed or underemployed for successful careers as technology professionals, and we create onramps to businesses in need of their talents. Today we provide our solutions in seven cities across the country: Atlanta, GA; Greater Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region; Newark, NJ and New York. To date, Per Scholas has trained 8,000 individuals, helping them build lasting, life changing skills and careers in technology.

Per Scholas and Splunk Collaborate to Offer Tuition-Free Technology Training and Professional Development 

Release:     For Immediate Release: 08.06.2018

Contact:      Jake McIntosh, Director, Strategic Communications, Per Scholas                               jmcintosh@perscholas.org – 978.578.6821        

Overview:   National workforce nonprofit Per Scholas has partnered with Splunk Inc., first in delivering “aha” moments from machine data, to offer free software, training and support for overlooked talent pools in New York City. The infrastructure will increase the breadth and expertise of training curriculum for the nonprofit to further drive social change in communities across the country. Through offering tuition-free technology training and professional development, Per Scholas prepares motivated and curious adults who are unemployed or underemployed for successful careers in technology.

 Splunk’s social impact and corporate responsibility program Splunk4Good and Splunk Pledge support Platform by Per Scholas, which offers employer-customized training tracks, putting students in direct hiring pipelines of major employers. Students use Splunk^® Enterprise as part of the Platform by Per Scholas SOC (Security Operations Center) Analyst training, where they learn advanced networking and security through the hands-on Splunk Fundamentals courses.

“Our partnership with Splunk is providing the next level of tools and support critical to  teaching industry-relevant procedures to protect data and secure networks,” says James Judge, Managing Director, Platform by Per Scholas. “Platform is offering a new model for pre-employment training with curriculum that is customized to fit nuanced job specifications.  Splunk’s support helps us keep pace with today’s tech needs, and  benefit hundreds of our students, their families and the companies where they will work.”

“Splunk is committed to supporting our community partners in their drive for social change through data and technology,” said Corey Marshall, Director, Splunk4Good. “Our partnership with Platform by Per Scholas offers a training opportunity to help build the next generation of security specialists. We are dedicated to helping talented individuals develop the skills to become experts in their field and become a resource to businesses in need of technology talent.” 

About Per Scholas

 Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. Through rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development, we prepare motivated and curious adults who are unemployed or underemployed for successful careers as technology professionals, and we create onramps to businesses in need of their talents. Platform by Per Scholas works hand in hand with corporations to design customized training tracks for partners seeking to hire diverse and qualified talent. 

Today, Per Scholas provides solutions in six cities across the country: Atlanta, GA; Greater Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region; and New York, NY. To date, Per Scholas has trained 7,500 individuals, helping them build lasting, life changing skills and careers in technology.

Release:     For Immediate Release: 06.28.2018

Contact:     Jake McIntosh, Director, Strategic Communications
                  jmcintosh@perscholas.org – 978.578.6821

Overview:   National workforce development nonprofit Per Scholas celebrates the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art training facility in Dallas. The 10,000+ sq ft. space will expand training opporuntites in Dallas to more than 200 Per Scholas students annually. Per Scholas Dallas features five dynamic classrooms, three of which are dedicated to Per Scholas core programs and the flagship course, IT Support, which includes certifications in CompTIA A+ and Net+. Per Scholas prides itself on developing talent from overlooked communities and preparing individuals from these communities for careers in technology. In addition to the rigorous tech training provided,  students are offered career coaching and professional development on the interview process and how to best market themselves for career opportunities with prospective employers.

The two other classrooms offer Platform by Per Scholas courses, including Software Support (Application Support Management) and Quality Engineering.  Platform by Per Scholas’ customized training tracks put students in direct hiring pipelines with major technology employers, as an extension of the Per Scholas workforce development model. The courses are offered in partnership with Cognizant, a Per Scholas Champion partner. Platform students receive tuition-free, hands-on training, career development resources and interview opportunities with technology employers to help take their career to the next level. 

The evening event is hosted at the Per Scholas Dallas site, 211 N Ervay St, Suite #700, Dallas, TX 75201, from 6pm-8pm. There will also be a site tour and tech demos from current Per Scholas students, as well as a keynote speaker, Ty Bledsoe, Vice President, External Affairs  from Per Scholas Champion Partner AT&T, who will be speaking to the evidence-based outcomes that Per Scholas is bringing to the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“We are thrilled to open our doors to even more students in the Dallas Fort-Worth Area” says Stephanie Valadez, Managing Director, Per Scholas. “The opportunity to increase our course offerings, classroom capabilities and career coaching services will deepen our impact for businesses and the community. Partnerships make this possible, and our local and national supporters are driving the future tech workforce right here in Dallas.”

“As a global company that is on the front lines of innovation, AT&T is constantly thinking about what the workforce of the future – and our future employees – will need to succeed. That’s why we are teaming up with Per Scholas to support the opening of the new innovative training facility here in Dallas, which will equip students in our community for jobs in tech.” – Ty Bledsoe, vice president, external affairs, AT&T. 

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. Through rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development, we prepare motivated and curious adults who are unemployed or underemployed for successful careers as IT professionals, and we create onramps to businesses in need of their talents. Today we provide our solutions in six cities across the country: Atlanta, GA; Greater Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region; and New York. To date, Per Scholas has trained 7,000 individuals, helping them build lasting, life changing skills and careers in technology.

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ComSpark Announces Per Sholas as 2018 Nonprofit Tech Talent Partner

For Immediate Release: 06.04.2018

Contact:

Jacob McIntosh, Manager, Marketing and Events

jmcintosh@perscholas.org 978 578 6821

CINCINNATI – ComSpark, the leading news and online hub celebrating the people and innovations driving Cincinnati’s growing technology community, is thrilled to introduce Per Scholas as its 2018 Nonprofit Tech Talent partner.

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that provides rigorous and tuition-free technology training, and professional development for overlooked communities in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio as well as Atlanta, Dallas, the National Capital Region and New York. The organization works closely alongside employer networks to develop informed curriculum designed for jobs that are available today and support graduates to find fulfilling careers. 

ComSpark has built a strong network of technology leaders in Cincinnati. This network celebrates people with a passion for technology and innovation. Per Scholas will provide a direct link to the growing local talent pool that is trained with these employers in-mind.  

Recruiting premier talent has been a significant challenge for IT employers, especially considering the growing skills gap in the job market. By recognizing Per Scholas as the Nonprofit Tech Talent Partner, ComSpark plans to strengthen employer connections to a leading talent provider and support a community resource that provides fulfilling careers to individuals and their families.

“Cincinnati’s growing technology community is looking everywhere for well-trained, local talent” says Paul Cashen, Managing Director of Per Scholas Cincinnati and a member of the ComSpark host committee. “We are excited to solidify a partnership that will allow us to better source well-trained and educated workers into full-time positions in the industry. A good job for our graduates means good business for employers.” 

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. Through rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development, we prepare motivated and curious adults who are unemployed or underemployed for successful careers as IT professionals, and we create onramps to businesses in need of their talents. Today we provide our solutions in six cities across the country: Atlanta, Greater Cincinnati, Columbus, Ohio; Dallas, the National Capital Region and New York. To date, Per Scholas has trained 7,000 individuals, helping them build lasting, life-changing skills and careers in technology. To learn more, visit www.perscholas.org.

About ComSpark 

ComSpark.tech’s mission is to celebrate the people and innovations driving the growing tech community. As the community’s online home and information hub, we strive to: 

• Champion the value of community for people with a passion for technology and innovation, giving them an online stage where they can share ideas and foster inspiration. 
• Serve as the primary daily news source and voice for the tech and innovation sector throughout the business week, offering an online newsletter subscription for additional pertinent information.
• Celebrate success and accomplishment and promote personal growth and development by highlighting thought leaders, employee promotions, product roll outs and positive news about the tech and innovation community.
• Enhance networking and relationships through special ongoing networking events, leadership award programs and other community recognitions, fostering a deeper sense of esprit de corps.
• Provide the primary tool to mobilize tech enthusiasts with continuing updates pertaining to the annual, two-day ComSpark Tech and Innovation Summit, which celebrates the technology revolution and champions the tech and innovation ecosystem.

ComSpark.tech is a media property of LEAD Tribune Media Group, a privately held company based in Cincinnati, Ohio.