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.

Release: For Immediate Release: 05. 11. 2018

Contact: Jake McIntosh, Director, Strategic Communications

jmcintosh@perscholas.org | 978.578.6821

Overview: National Workforce development organization Per Scholas held a documentary screening and panel discussion at both the Salesforce Tower and Amazon’s SoHo based popup loft. Over 100 people attended both events with the audience comprising of Salesforce and Amazon leaders, Representatives from local companies and Per Scholas Board members.

Topics discussed were the value of Mentorship, and how partners like Salesforce and Amazon have invested time in meeting Per Scholas students with the hopes of developing them for the broader NY tech community. These employer partnerships are a huge part of the Per Scholas model as employers are driving the need for skilled tech talent. Beyond providing the context for the Per Scholas curriculum the support employer partners provide to student before hiring them, is invaluable. When students receive coaching and mentorship from working professionals, they get to see a future version of themselves and are embolden with a new sense of confidence when pursuing their career goals.

New York, NY – This month national workforce development organization Per Scholas held documentary screenings and panel discussion at both the Salesforce Tower and Amazon’s SoHo based popup loft. The film Solutions to America’s Workforce Crisis, produced by the What Works Media Project, and directed by award-winning producer Mikaela Beardsley and filmmaker Kristi Jacobson, is a documentary profiling evidence based programs including Per Scholas and follows the lives of three young people, two of them Per Scholas graduates, as they navigate training, placement and career opportunities in an evolving market.

Per Scholas prides itself on developing talent from overlooked communities and prepares them for careers in technology. Not only are these students taught various tech skills they are also offered career coaching and professional development on the interview process and how to best represent yourself to the job market. This was more than evident after the initial event at the Salesforce tower. Salesforce employees got to hear an inspiring story from Helena Hill a current student of the Network Engineering program at  Per Scholas. Helena captured the audience’s attention when she told a motivational story about persevering through difficult times, and deciding to change her career path despite knowing the financial strain it would put her under. Helena fought through those hard times while living in a housing shelter, and still managed to make it to her classes at Per Scholas, ultimately getting her Network+ certification.

The visit to the Amazon loft space showed that the Per Scholas is a huge talent source for organizations. The beautiful Amazon loft was filled with over a hundred people that included partner employers, Per Scholas board members, and the founder of Per Scholas, John Stookey.

The highlight of the night was a Panel discussion hosted by Ken Eisner, the global lead for AWS Educate, with panelists Alba Teta, a Per Scholas graduate and a current Amazon employee, and Per Scholas CEO Plinio Ayala. Annette Brantley from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York represented one of Per Scholas’ many hiring partner during the panel discussion.

Alba Teta offered insight into how immigrants with higher education backgrounds and degrees can struggle when they change markets and move to the United States. Alba also spoke to the training, mentorship, and placement assistance that she got from Per Scholas, and her career launch with Amazon in New York. This was a powerful example of the talent level of Per Scholas graduates Alba’s story demonstrated to the local companies and organizations represented in the room that if such a large organization like Amazon could take on a Per Scholas grad and have them be successful within their company other companies could do the same. Whether that be hiring a recent grad, mentoring current students, or even speaking with the Per Scholas’ business solutions team with the hopes of developing custom training tracks for roles they are looking to fill in the future.

Both screenings were huge successes, as they provided value to the Per Scholas student with networking opportunities as well as demonstrating the value add Per Scholas can bring to organizations here in NY. Per Scholas is becoming a major player in the ever booming NY tech scene and their students are showing that they are more than on par with their traditional contemporaries.

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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For Immediate Release: April 9, 2018

Contact: Jacob McIntosh, Director, Strategic Communications

jmcintosh@perscholas.org | (978) 578-6821

Atlanta, GA — Per Scholas is pleased to announce the recent addition of new members to its Atlanta, GA Advisory Board. Per Scholas is a national workforce nonprofit that provides rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development in careers such as IT in Atlanta, GA; Cincinnati and Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region; and New York.  Per Scholas’ Advisory Boards provide local leadership and guidance for carrying out the organization’s mission of opening doors to technology careers for individuals from often overlooked communities.

Tommy Crouch is a Delivery Manager for TEKsystems.  Tommy grew up in Athens, GA and attended the University of Georgia. After graduating UGA in December, 2006, he joined TEKsystems in January of 2007 and has spent his career working with fortune 500 companies in the Atlanta area to identify, attract, hire, and retain high demand IT talent. Tommy worked as a recruiter for 5 years and as an Account Manager for 2.5 years before taking the role of Delivery Manager. In this role, he works with the 24 account managers and 25 recruiters to connect IT professionals with opportunity that helps them to advance their careers and develop their skill sets while helping customers to solve business problems with technology solutions. Tommy lives in Alpharetta with his wife, Gina, and his Daughter, Charlie Kate. He has volunteered for 9 years with the Atlanta Chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Nancy Cox is the CTO of Greenlight Financial Technology, an Atlanta based startup that has launched the “smart debit card for kids”.  Prior to Greenlight, Nancy has held CIO and CTO roles for last 10+ years with Worldpay and Fiserv. Nancy launched the FinTech program at the ATDC on behalf of Worldpay to drive innovation and support early stage FinTech ventures. Nancy is Board member of Women in Technology, championing the needs of women tech entrepreneurs. Industry range of experience is: Finance (Payments, Banking Solutions), Healthcare (Insurance, State Healthcare), Aerospace (NASA), and Defense (Air Force). Specializes in performance turn-around and transformation for driving fundamental change within the technology function.

Tarsha McCormick is the Head of Diversity and Inclusion for ThoughtWorks North America. Joining the company during its startup phase in 1999, Tarsha was instrumental in helping to build, grow, and lead various aspects of their People organization including recruiting, benefits, HR operations, and talent management.  Since moving into the Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Tarsha has driven the strategic thinking and work related to making ThoughtWorks more diverse and inclusive as well as advocating for change in the I.T. industry. Under her leadership, ThoughtWorks has been recognized as the Top Companies for Women Technologist for 2016 and 2017.  Tarsha regularly speaks at conferences and with journalists on matters related to diversity and inclusion. She believes in “paying it forward,” and is particularly passionate about supporting women of color and other underrepresented communities. After earning a B.A. in Political Science from Illinois State University, Tarsha worked in the social services industry for four years before transitioning into Corporate America and a career in human resources.   This career change married her love of people, law, and education. In addition to her 20 plus years of human resources experience, she holds an MBA with a focus on Human Resources Management.  Born and raised in Chicago, she has called Atlanta home since 2010.

Errika Moore is the Executive Director for TAG-Ed (Technology Association of Georgia Education Collaborative).  Previously she was the Vice President of Member Services and External Affairs for IT Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) the only national organization dedicated to increasing the representation of black professionals at senior levels in technology.  And prior to that she was an Account Executive for IBM, a BMC Software Marketing Director and an HR Strategist for Southwire working with business unit presidents to acquire strategic engineering talent, create sustainable professional development and enhance new hire retention. For the past 25 years Errika has dedicated her time and resources as a strategist, community champion and a change agent.  Currently she serves as the co-lead for the state of Georgia for the National Million Women Mentors initiative, on the American Diabetes Association Regional Leadership Board, the Whitty Technology Solutions Advisory Board, the Leading Women @ Tech (Georgia Tech) Professional Development Advisory Board, the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy Board of Directors and the national board for Furthering the Lives of Youth.  

Paul Falor is North Highland’s Chief Information Officer and Head of Technology Strategic Alliances. Paul Falor is driven by a passion to enable efficiency and innovation through technology. Paul has spent more than two decades leading information technology and information security initiatives for companies in the financial services and consulting industries. With deep experience in IT strategy and governance, security strategy, incident response, and breach containment, he is an expert at translating technology risk into business terms at all levels across an organization. In addition to leading all aspects of North Highland’s technology environment, Paul identifies and deploys the latest in transformative technology to enable the success of North Highland consultants and clients. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in decision and information systems from the University of Florida.

Trusha Pandya is a graduate of Emory University with 15+ years of experience with top consulting firms, leading software providers in supply chain management and retail operations. Trusha is a solution-focused sales and operations expert combining exceptional relationship building skills with a diversified background in all aspects of sales, logistics, product management and operations in domestic and international markets. She intuitively sees the threads of opportunity that wind through an organization, brings them together into a coherent whole, helps others extend their thinking, and drives material business advantage. Trusha currently serves at NCR, where she leads client relationships. Trusha is also a NCR Global Ambassador representing NCR’s commitment to invest in community. Trusha’ s passion is empowering those around her with education and understanding all is achievable.

“I am excited to announce these member additions to our Atlanta Advisory Board,” says Jasmine Miller, Managing Director of Per Scholas Atlanta. “Our board brings a great deal of experience and network to Per Scholas. They are paramount to securing donations, recruitment and employers in the Atlanta region and will continue to be a valuable resource to Per Scholas.”

For more on Per Scholas Atlanta, visit: http://www.perscholas.org/

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 7,100 individuals, helping them build lasting, life changing skills and careers in technology.

For Immediate Release: 03. 28. 2018

Contact:

Jake McIntosh, Director, Strategic Communications

jmcintosh@perscholas.org – 978.578.6821

Dallas, Texas/National Capital Region – Per Scholas has been announced as one of nine National Grant Partners for Best Buy in 2018. Per Scholas is delighted to facilitate a partnership aligned with Best Buy’s initiative to inspire underserved youth to pursue careers in technology. Per Scholas will work closely with staff at Best Buy Teen Tech Centers Washington D.C. and Dallas, TX, to facilitate a series of engagements for local graduating high school seniors and high school juniors interested in careers in IT.

The project’s goal is to help young adults in Washington D.C. and Dallas, TX to identify educational and career pathways, as well as ensure a strong, sustainable pipeline to Per Scholas’ rigorous, hands-on IT training. Per Scholas will work closely with Teen Tech Center operators to understand their student’s unique needs and interests, as well as design a series of activities that fit within the schedules of each Tech Center. Per Scholas is a critical partner in connecting young adults who have become excited and engaged about tech through their time at the Teen Tech Center to the skills and networks they will need to turn that enthusiasm into a career.

“We are grateful to be aligned with a corporate partner like Best Buy, focused on helping young adults bridge the gap between their enthusiasm to fully fledged careers in technology,” says Bridgette Gray, Executive Vice President, Program, Per Scholas. “We are always exploring ways to strengthen accessible pathways and opportunities for youth. Partnerships with corporations invested in similar pathways will result in the future tech workforce and benefit our communities and the industry as a whole.”  

“Best Buy is seeking to prepare 1 million teens from underserved communities for tech-reliant jobs annually by 2020,” says Andrea Riehl, Manager, Community Relations at Best Buy.“ We believe that this work is vital to help solve a skills gap and to put teens on a path to college or careers. However, we can’t accomplish it alone. That’s why we’re partnering with nonprofits focused on tech education who can help us make a greater collective impact.”

For more information about Best Buy’s 2018 National Grant Partners, please visit: https://corporate.bestbuy.com/best-buy-giving-partnerships/.

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, OH; 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 Best Buy Teen Tech Centers

Best Buy Teen Tech Centers are a place where teens can develop critical skills through hands-on activities that explore their interests in programming, film-making, music production and design. Each location works to bridge the digital divide by giving youth access to tech education opportunities, relationships that help to build confidence, and a foundation for school and career success. A partnership with The Clubhouse Network connects members to a global community of over 100 clubhouses in 20 countries.