For Immediate Release: 03. 28. 2018

Contacts:

Jake McIntosh, Director, Strategic Communications, Per Scholas

jmcintosh@perscholas.org –  978.578.6821

New York – Per Scholas is thrilled to announce the addition of Eric Westphal to its National 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, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; Washington, D.C. and New York. Per Scholas’ National Board provides leadership and guidance for carrying out the organization’s mission of opening doors to technology careers for individuals from often overlooked communities.

Westphal serves as Senior Director, Global Legal and Corporate Affairs for Cognizant.   Ranked No. 205 on the Fortune 500, Cognizant is a leading global technology and business services company, and a Champion Partner of Per Scholas since 2017.   Westphal joined the company in 2011 and is responsible for building and supporting Cognizant’s corporate brand and reputation through programs that drive social change and business value. He leads strategic investments in workforce development as well as initiatives related to Cognizant’s corporate social responsibility program in the United States.

Westphal was central to developing and implementing a recently launched custom Cognizant/Per Scholas training partnership designed to provide U.S. workers with access to skills training and hiring opportunities in the digital economy. In June 2017, Per Scholas and Cognizant announced the first scaled training and hiring partnership, opening a training center in The Bronx with the goal of training 650 individuals recruited from five boroughs. Cognizant and Per Scholas more recently launched a program in North Texas with the goal of training 1,000 individuals over the course of 36 months. Cognizant expects to hire the majority of graduates from both programs. Per Scholas and Cognizant teams work closely to ensure that students receive instruction on nuanced technical job specifications and business acumen.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to support Per Scholas in developing new innovative workforce development approaches that will significantly impact the future of work,” says Westphal. “The benefits of these programs will be seen well beyond the individual students. These are programs that can have positive impact in their families, neighborhoods and the business community.”

“Eric’s executive leadership deepens our understanding of sustainability as Per Scholas moves to scale our impact across the country. His passion for creating opportunity in overlooked communities aligns perfectly with our mission,” says Plinio Ayala, President & CEO for Per Scholas. “Eric’s background, building cross-sectoral partnerships, combines the expertise of public, private and nonprofit leaders and will support shared growth for Per Scholas business partners within the communities we serve.”

For more information on Per Scholas, 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 more than 7,000 individuals, helping them build lasting, life changing skills and careers in technology.

For Immediate Release: 02. 20. 2018

Contact:

Jake McIntosh, Director, Strategic Communications

jmcintosh@perscholas.org – 978.578.6821

New York, NY — Per Scholas is pleased to announce the addition of David Hannigan to its National 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; Washington, D.C. and New York, NY. Per Scholas’ National Board provides leadership and guidance for carrying out the organization’s mission of opening doors to technology careers for individuals from often overlooked communities.

Hannigan serves as Chief Cyber Risk Officer for Capital One Financial Corporation, a Signature Partner of Per Scholas since 2011. He is a seasoned information security leader with nearly two decades of experience in data-sensitive industries including financial services, online retail, and pharmaceuticals. Prior to his role at Capital One, David was CISO for Sears Holding; CISO and Leader of Technical Operations at Zappos; and CISO, security engineer, and leader of security operations and compliance with the Ernst and Young national security practice. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Hannigan lives in Arlington, VA with his husband, Daniel.

As a founding board member of the Security Advisor Alliance, Hannigan has demonstrated his commitment to lending his wealth of knowledge and insight to the public good. Per Scholas is fortunate to benefit from his perspective, and grateful to welcome him to the National Board.

“It’s an honor to join the National Board for Per Scholas and advance their mission to help more young people thrive in today’s economy,” Hannigan said. “There is an insatiable demand for talent, and I believe one way we can solve that is to expand the traditional pools of candidates. I admire Per Scholas’ mission, as it addresses this problem with a very human approach and literally changes people’s lives. Capital One supports Per Scholas through our Future Edge initiative focused on helping more people get the skills, tools and resources they need to succeed in the 21st century.”

Hannigan’s addition exemplifies the continuing fruitful partnership between Per Scholas and Capital One. As a Signature Partner, Capital One supports Per Scholas sites in Dallas, TX, the Greater Washington D.C. region, and New York City. Capital One advised on the development of Per Scholas’ curriculum and facilities, including the contribution of a new Education Securities Operations Center (ESOC) in Silver Spring, MD. Additionally, Capital One hosted a Future Edge luncheon where they coached students on networking and provided mock interviews. Through the event HEART Empowers Capital One hosted Per Scholas students in Dallas for mock interviews and professional development training, providing key volunteer support through direct engagement with Per Scholas’ student body.

“As Per Scholas expands course offerings and facilities to cover IT Security, we are grateful to have David Hannigan join our National Board,” says Plinio Ayala, President and CEO of Per Scholas. “David is a leader with extensive experience in cyber risk management and his voice will translate into tangible value for our students.”

For more information on Per Scholas, 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 7,000 individuals, helping them build lasting, life changing skills and careers in technology.

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Bronx, NY, January 16, 2018 – Per Scholas, a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country through tuition-free technology training and professional development, will kick off its partnership with Google and Coursera, a leading online education provider, to help learners acquire the skills they need to start a career in IT. With cutting-edge courses, hands-on labs and more, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is designed to take beginning learners to job readiness in 8 to 12 months.

“Our partnership with Coursera and Grow with Google will provide advanced upskilling opportunities for Per Scholas alums and open even more opportunities in IT for talented, motivated students who are often underrepresented and overlooked,” said Plinio Ayala, President and CEO of Per Scholas.  

Just last year, there were 150,000 job postings for IT Support roles in the United States alone. IT support roles are in high demand, and expected to grow 10% in the United States by 2026. That’s faster than average for all other occupations.

Google.org is providing scholarships and full financial assistance to 10,000 learners over the next year. A portion of those seats are with Per Scholas and others non-profit partners. Those who complete the program will have the option to share their information with top companies across sectors and across the country who are hiring entry-level IT support, including Bank of America, Walmart, Sprint, GE Digital, PNC Bank, Infosys, TEKSystems, UPMC, and Google.

This first-of-its-kind IT certificate will give aspiring professionals a hands-on IT experience. Through Coursera’s platform, learners will be able to learn on the go with short engaging videos interspersed with interactive labs that simulate on-the-job troubleshooting.

The IT Support Professional Certificate Program will be available to alumni who are up to three years out of Per Scholas. The program will launch in New York, with plans to expand nationally.

“Finding qualified IT personnel is a challenge many companies face. With 150,000 open roles in IT support, it is one of the fastest growing occupations in the country,” said Ben Fried, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Google. “We developed this curriculum to address this problem head on. We are looking forward to working with Coursera, our nonprofit grantees and participating corporations to create opportunities for thousands of learners.”

“As technology advances change or replace more jobs, we must create more pathways for people to jump into the new, high paying careers of the future,” said Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of Coursera. “We are excited to work with Google, nonprofits, and top employers to grow a pipeline of skilled workers and give them the resources they need to succeed as IT professionals.”  

To learn more about the scholarship program with Google and the IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera, please contact: info@perscholas.org.

Per Scholas Announced as 2018 News Corp Philanthropy Partner

Plinio Ayala, President & CEO, Per Scholas Honored with The Murdoch Community Hero Award Celebrating Proven and Innovative Leaders in Youth Workforce Development

 For Immediate Release: 01. 11. 2018

Contact:

Jake McIntosh, Director, Strategic Communications

jmcintosh@perscholas.org – 978.578.6821

NEW YORK – Per Scholas has been announced as one of two Philanthropy Partners for News Corp in 2018. The partnership will help support Per Scholas and General Assembly’s CodeBridge course over the next three years, including its national expansion.

CodeBridge trains young adults from overlooked communities in coding and web development, and helps propel them to careers in tech. The course consists of six weeks in Per Scholas classrooms where students are prepared with the necessary tech and career-ready skills before advancing to General Assembly’s twelve week, challenging, full stack web development course.

In addition, News Corp has honored Plinio Ayala, President & CEO, Per Scholas with the Murdoch Community Hero Award, which celebrates leaders of non-profit organizations who have chartered bold new paths and delivered exponential results. Under Plinio’s leadership Per Scholas has expanded from New York to five cities across the United States; Atlanta, GA; Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; and the National Capital Region. During this time, Plinio has invested considerably in “bridge” courses that support youth access to technology careers. Bridge curricula combines technology skills training with youth-focused career coaching to support math, reading and interpersonal skill development for each student. 

“News Corp believes in the extraordinary power of education to enable individuals to rise to their fullest potential” said Keisha Smith-Jeremie, News Corp’s Chief Human Resource Officer and Head of Philanthropy. “In that same spirit, we are proud to work with non-profit partners who are breaking new ground and offering a blueprint to others for driving sustainable progress. Per Scholas embodies the very best of that ethos.”  

“I am honored to be recognized by News Corp’s Murdoch Community Hero Award” says Plinio Ayala, President & CEO, Per Scholas. “I am grateful for their commitment to building a community of learning, sharing and support amongst philanthropic leaders. News Corp’s partnership will enable us to continue expanding opportunities for youth technology careers across the country”.

For more information about News Corp’s 2018 philanthropy partners, please visit: https://newscorp.com/news-corp-philanthropy-partners/.

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 News Corp
News Corp (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) is a global, diversified media and information services company focused on creating and distributing authoritative and engaging content to consumers throughout the world. The company comprises businesses across a range of media, including: news and information services, book publishing, digital real estate services, and cable network programming and pay-TV distribution in Australia. Headquartered in New York, the activities of News Corp are conducted primarily in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. More information: http://www.newscorp.com.

For Immediate Release: January 5, 2018

Contact: Jacob McIntosh, Manager, Marketing and Events

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

Cincinnati, OH — Per Scholas is pleased to announce the recent addition of new members to its Cincinnati, OH 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.

Gar Gunter is a seasoned IT executive with over 30 years of IT and executive level experience.  Since retiring as Senior VP and CIO for Luxottica Group SPA, Gar has been consulting with small and medium sized businesses, helping guide and advise with their strategic IT and Business Process plans. While CIO for Luxottica Retail North America, Gar supported the brands of LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Target Optical and EyeMed Visioncare.  Prior to joining Luxottica, Gar had 15 years IT experience in the healthcare and retail industries.

Wally Lovejoy is an independent health care consultant, with a focus on eye care and optical retailing. Wally was previously the Senior Vice President, Eye Care Development at Luxottica Retail North America.  He was also chair of the Board of Directors of EYEXAM of California, a licensed vision health care service plan, and responsible for the operation of over 300 optometric offices owned and operated by Luxottica Retail companies. Wally is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Smart Vision Labs and a member of the Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry Advisory Board. He is also a volunteer attorney with the Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio, providing free business legal services to Cincinnati and Dayton area nonprofits.

Marylin Seastrom is a veteran executive with 30 years of professional experience, including more than 20 years in the field of insurance. She brings a wide range of corporate and leadership expertise, including sales & account management, IT, business operations, finance, and accounting. She has grown with EyeMed Vision Care since 1996, and currently serves as Vice President of Strategic Relations. The longevity of her service to EyeMed Vision Care is a testament to her institutional loyalty and commitment. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, she is a Licensed Insurance Agent, and holds PMP and CPA accreditations.

“I am delighted to announce these additions to our Advisory Board,” says Paul Cashen, Managing Director of Per Scholas Cincinnati. “I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Gar Gunter, Wally Lovejoy, and Marylin Seastrom for many years. They have already made a significant impact on Per Scholas with their donations of time, talent and treasure, and will continue to be a valuable resource to our organization.”

For more on Per Scholas Cincinnati, visit: http://www.perscholas.org/cinc…

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.

For Immediate Release: January 5, 2018

Contact: Jacob McIntosh, Manager, Marketing and Events

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

Columbus, OH — Per Scholas is pleased to announce its Columbus, OH 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.

Harold Bennett, Head of Operations, Chase Wealth Management Annuity

Alonzo Edmundo, President/CEO, GetCR8V, LLC

Louise A. Elliot, CTO, Huntington Bank

Cassandra Faris, Director of Talent Development, Improving Enterprises

Mika Gatta, Account Manager, End User Support Services, TEKsystems

Theresa Harris, CEO, TMH Solutions

Dr. Andy Igonor, Dean of Ross College of Business, Franklin University

Tina Lyden, Executive IT Management, Triton Technology Solutions, LLC

Doug McCollough, Chief Information Officer, City of Dublin

Jason Skidmore, CEO, Vernovis

Buzz Woeckener, Associate Vice President, Nationwide Mutual Insurance

“I am both excited and encouraged with enthusiasm that our new Advisory Board members bring to our mission,” says Toni Cunningham, Managing Director of Per Scholas Columbus. “Their passion for our students and demonstrated commitment to the organization’s growth and success will ensure that Per Scholas Columbus is an integral part of building the local workforce in our community and serves as a viable talent solution to Central Ohio area employers.”

For more on Per Scholas Columbus, visit: http://www.perscholas.org/colu…

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.

Franklin University and Per Scholas Sign Education Partnership 

For Immediate Release: Dec. 5, 2017

Contact Sherry Mercurio, Director of Public Relations

sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu, 614.947.6581

or

Jacob McIntosh, Manager, Marketing and Events

jmcintosh@perscholas.org, 978 578 6821

Columbus, OH — Franklin University, one of the leading educators of working adults, is pleased to announce its new educational partnership with Per Scholas, a national workforce nonprofit. Through this partnership, the University continues its mission to provide high quality, relevant education to the broadest possible community of learners to achieve their goals and enrich the world.

To mark the new partnership, Franklin and Per Scholas will host an event on Thursday, Dec. 7 during which more than 50 Per Scholas alumni and Per Scholas’ Columbus Advisory Board Members will join Franklin University representatives to celebrate.

Per Scholas is a national 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.

Through today’s announcement, Per Scholas graduates have the opportunity to make the most of their prior learning to position themselves for continued success with a bachelor’s degree from Franklin University. Alum can take advantage of a tuition discount and free books for bachelor’s degrees in one of Franklin University’s computer science and information science majors.

“Per Scholas is thrilled to partner alongside Fralkin University, to provide affordable education opporuntites to our graduates,” says Toni Cunningham, Managing Director, Per Scholas. “Per Scholas alumni will benefit from combined hands-on learning opporuntites, professional development as well as certifications and degrees that will make them competitive for the Ohio tech community.” 

“We are honored to partner with Per Scholas to offer the opportunity for their alumni to continue their education,” said Dr. Andy Igonor, Dean, Ross College of Business, Frankli University and Per Scholas Columbus Advisory Board Member. “Through this new academic partnership, Franklin University can help further develop these motivated adults who are often underemployed to hold successful and meaningful careers in a competitive yet growing industry.”

For more on Franklin University’s educational partnerships, visit: http://www.franklin.edu/partne…

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.

About Franklin University
Founded in 1902, Franklin University is one of the leading and most experienced educators of adult students. The University offers applied, in-demand undergraduate, master’s and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals.  From entrepreneurs to CEOs, more than 45,000 Franklin alumni can be found around the world contributing to the communities in which they live and work. Students can take classes through Franklin through its Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, two central Ohio locations, in Beavercreek, at co-locations across Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and online. In addition, the University’s MBA program is offered internationally through agreements with institutions in Europe and the Middle East. Further information regarding Franklin University can be found at www.franklin.edu.

Franklin University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Governor Abbott Announces Opening Of New Cognizant Regional Technology And Service Delivery Center

November 30, 2017 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today announced Cognizant will open a new regional technology and service delivery center in Irving, Texas, in early 2018. Cognizant is a leading Fortune 500 multinational corporation providing innovative information technology, consulting, and business process services. Cognizant has over 3,600 employees currently located in Texas, and plans to create 1,090 new jobs based out of the new facility with a capital investment of more than $8 million. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant offer of $2,105,880 has been extended to Cognizant.

”Growing technology companies like Cognizant continue to seek talented and qualified individuals to become the next generation of leaders, and that is exactly what Texas provides,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas is the best state for business because we are uniquely capable of meeting the needs of globally successful industry leaders like Cognizant. I am encouraged by Cognizant’s expansion in the state, and I look forward to the continued growth of our partnership.” 

”We are very pleased to be expanding our presence as a major employer in the State of Texas,” said James Lennox, Chief People Officer at Cognizant.  “Like so many other companies, we’ve found Texas to be an outstanding place for business.  Texas is home to many of the Fortune 500 and 1000 clients we serve.  We’re particularly excited to be expanding in Irving, given the area’s access to a strong talent pool, and an excellent system of colleges and universities with whom we hope to partner on jobs programs and training initiatives.  We are already engaged with the Texas Workforce Commission, Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, and Dallas County Community College District on developing training initiatives focused on building skills individuals need to successfully compete for in-demand digital economy jobs. The training programs we envision will help grow overall employment opportunities for Texas residents, and help Cognizant meet our continuing business needs for skilled talent.”

Within the new center, Cognizant has designated 10,000 square feet of training rooms and general workspace to house a pre-employment training program.  The program will be delivered in partnership with Per Scholas, a national non-profit dedicated to collaborating with business to design industry- and job-specific courses based on employers’ tech talent needs. Plans call for training of at least 1,050 individuals over the course of 36 months, with Cognizant hiring as many as 750 of the program’s initial graduates to fill newly-created jobs in the Irving area.  Lennox notes that Cognizant is seeing success with similar pre-employment training initiatives under way in New York, Des Moines, Iowa, and Tampa, Florida.

“The City of Irving is thrilled Cognizant has chosen Irving for its new Regional Service Delivery Center. We are honored to add this Fortune 200 technology corporation to a growing list of business partners,” said Mayor Rick Stopfer. “Workforce is a key initiative we continue to drive and we are certain Cognizant will find a growing talent pool of skilled workers to fill its more than 1,000 new jobs.”

“The Irving Economic Development Partnership is proud to welcome Cognizant home to Irving, Texas,” said Beth Bowman, President and CEO of the Irving Economic Development Partnership and the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce. “Cognizant’s selection of our community is a testament to our community’s assets including an established technology industry and associated workforce, central location and travel and transportation advantages. This Regional Service Delivery Center builds on the momentum our City continues to see as businesses find Irving to be a place where you can have a local address with global access.”

View more information about Cognizant.

National Nonprofits Stand in Support of CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion Pledge

Plinio Ayala, Per Scholas president and CEO, and Viola Maxwell-Thompson, ITSMF president and CEO, join more than 170 business leaders who commit to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace

CORRECTION…by Per Scholas
June 22, 2017 04:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In the About Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF)paragraph of release dated June 21, 2017, the embedded hyperlink at the end of the paragraph should read www.itsmfonline.org (instead of www.itsmfusa.org).

@PerScholas & @itsmfonline join 170+ leaders in signing #CEOAction for Diversity & Inclusion Pledge #DiverseByDesign
Tweet this

The corrected release reads:

NATIONAL NONPROFITS STAND IN SUPPORT OF CEO ACTION FOR DIVERSITY & INCLUSION PLEDGE

Plinio Ayala, Per Scholas president and CEO, and Viola Maxwell-Thompson, ITSMF president and CEO, join more than 170 business leaders who commit to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace

Per Scholas and the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) together with Fortune 500 leaders in the Diverse by Design National Working Group offered the following statement in support of the recently announced CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ business commitment:

“Per Scholas and ITSMF have long believed in the importance of fostering innovation in the workplace, by creating a strong, balanced and highly-skilled workforce comprised of individuals who represent the diversity of America. Achieving such diversity has been a challenge of the technology sector for years, though there’s been no shortage of efforts to address it. As individuals, and on behalf of the corporations we represent, we applaud the commitment made by more than 170 CEOs to act on three initial goals to increase diversity and foster inclusive practices within the workplace. We wholeheartedly agree that addressing diversity and inclusion is not just a competitive issue, but a societal issue. We believe that for businesses across all sectors to thrive now and in years to come, we must embrace, engage and invest in more diverse and inclusive workplaces.”

Together with the Diverse by Design National Working Group, Per Scholas and ITSMF are elevating effective workforce development solutions and policies that companies are implementing to advance diversity, inclusion and retention. The Working Group, which was launched in 2016 following the first Diverse by Design symposium, is also arming corporate leaders across sectors with tools to build more balanced workforces, which truly reflect the nation’s diversity.

The Diverse by Design National Working Group is led by co-chairs Toacca Rutherford, Consumer Business Banking and Auto IT, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Gene Waddy, Chief Executive Officer, DIVERSANT. Members include:

• Daisy Auger-Dominguez, Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Viacom
• Plinio Ayala, President & CEO, Per Scholas
• Harvey Butler, Global Head of Supplier Diversity, Barclays
• Forest Harper, President & CEO, INROADS
• Brian Johnson, Senior Director, Surgical Innovation, Johnson and Johnson
• Viola Maxwell-Thompson, President, ITSMF
• Earl Newsome, Global CIO & Vice President, Praxair
• Marysharon Owens, Senior Vice President Global Marketing, Workspace, Bank of America
• Yvette Wright, VP, Manager, Office of Program Governance, BNY Mellon

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 life-changing 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, Georgia; Greater Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; the National Capital Region, and New York, New York. To date, Per Scholas has trained over 6,000 individuals, helping them build lasting, life-changing careers in technology. To learn more, visit www.perscholas.org.

About Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF)

Since its inception in 1996, ITSMF remains the only national organization dedicated exclusively to cultivating executive-level talent among black technology professionals. ITSMF offers career-advancing, leadership development programs and holds quarterly Symposiums focused on preparing the next generation of diverse technology leaders to impact organizational innovation and growth in the global marketplace. To learn more, visit www.itsmfonline.org.

About Diverse By Design

Diverse by Design is a national conversation series focused on increasing diversity and inclusion in the technology workforce. The series brings together c-suite thought leaders to discuss best practices and collaboratively develop solutions to forge a more direct path for businesses to attract, develop, and retain a more diverse and inclusive workforce. For more information, visit www.diversebydesign.org.

Contacts

on behalf of Per Scholas
Arron Neal, 213-568-3334
arron@mission.partners

TEANECK, N.J., Sept. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) and Per Scholas will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a new state-of-the-art technology training facility in the South Bronx on Mon., Sept. 18, and welcome the first classes of students enrolled in Cognizant’s technology jobs training program designed to help New Yorkers access career opportunities in the growing IT, digital and tech sectors.  New Jersey-based Cognizant is a Fortune 500 company and a global leader in business, digital and technology services, and one of the largest employers of STEM professionals in the United States.

The event will be held at the new Cognizant Bronx Training Center, 804 East 138^th St., 2^nd Flr., in the South Bronx from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., ET.  Scheduled event attendees include Francisco D’Souza, Chief Executive Officer of Cognizant, and Plinio Ayala, President and CEO of Per Scholas.

With a specialized curriculum, the no-cost training program will provide technology skills training and career development resources to as many as 650 New Yorkers within the first 18 months.  Students are being recruited from across the five boroughs. 

National workforce training non-profit Per Scholas is administering the 8-10 week courses, three currently underway, that will include industry- and job-specific courses and networking opportunities designed to connect individuals in overlooked talent pools with job opportunities.  Students enrolled in the initial class are studying quality engineering (QE) and testing, and application support management (ASM). Additional courses will be announced in coming weeks.

Cognizant plans to offer positions to as many as 350 of the training program’s initial graduates to support its projects and clients in the five boroughs, as well as continuing to provide future graduates with career guidance and opportunities. Per Scholas will also work with other employers in the region to help program graduates find jobs.

Read the full press release here.