TEKsystems and Per Scholas Announce Partnership.

Partnership will help unemployed and underemployed men and women launch careers through high quality technology training and career development services.

TEKsystems®, a leading provider of IT staffing solutions, IT talent management expertise and IT services, and Per Scholas, a nationally recognized IT job training nonprofit, today announced the launch of a national partnership that aims to provide unemployed and underemployed individuals with access to high quality technology and certification training, job placement and career development services.

Per Scholas and the Creating IT Futures Foundation, the philanthropic arm of IT industry association CompTIA, founded IT-Ready to teach underemployed and unemployed individuals the necessary technical and professional skills required to secure a job in IT. IT-Ready locations are individually operated by Per Scholas and the Creating IT Futures Foundation.

IT-Ready is a free eight-week course that prepares hard-working students to obtain industry-recognized CompTIA A+ certification and begin careers in IT as desktop support specialists, IT support analysts and network field technicians. Nationally, 5,000 Per Scholas and IT-Ready students have been trained to date, with 85 percent or more participants graduating and obtaining industry certification, and nearly 80 percent of graduates securing jobs.

The goal of the partnership between TEKsystems and Per Scholas is to advance the IT-Ready training and augmenting the nation’s IT workforce. The companies will focus on the entire IT-Ready network which currently spans six sites: Cincinnati; Columbus, Ohio; Dallas; Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota; New York City and Silver Spring, Maryland, while also working to add new locations in the future.

In addition to financial support, TEKsystems will be providing “sweat equity” in each city where Per Scholas builds a facility and offers training. TEKsystems employees specializing in various areas of IT from information security to end-user support will provide resume-coaching and advice about career opportunities, perform mock interview training and offer other types of career guidance. Additionally, as part of the partnership, TEKsystems will help Per Scholas graduates find career opportunities upon graduation. Across the cities where the partnership exists, TEKsystems has placed several dozen Per Scholas and IT-Ready graduates in IT jobs to date.

“As an employer-driven, sector-focused nonprofit, we would not be successful without the support of our industry partners like TEKsystems,” said Plinio Ayala, President and CEO of Per Scholas. “Thousands of adults have enrolled in our courses across the U.S., with graduates earning more than $150,000,000 collectively. The commitment from TEKsystems to create opportunity for these individuals through offering funding, employment opportunities and volunteer support in all of our markets will be a key contributor to this life-changing work. We are excited to expand the impact of this relationship.”

“Expanding our partnership with Per Scholas is very exciting. Per Scholas’ skill in developing a pipeline of IT talent aligns with our ability to provide organizations with highly qualified IT professionals. We’ve been placing Per Scholas graduates for several years now, and we’re confident we’ll have a bigger impact on the communities where we live and work with the larger investment from both organizations,” says Faith Johnson, TEKsystems vice president of human resources.

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit offering free, high quality technology education, job training, and placement and career development opportunities to unemployed and underemployed individuals. Since 1998, nearly 5,000 have enrolled in its job training programs. The Per Scholas model has been twice recognized by the White House for its effectiveness serving the unemployed and proven successful through independent studies. For more information, visit perscholas.org, on Twitter@PerScholas and Facebook.

About TEKsystems®

People are at the heart of every successful business initiative. At TEKsystems, we understand people. Every year we deploy over 80,000 IT professionals at 6,000 client sites across North America, Europe and Asia. Our deep insights into IT human capital management enable us to help our clients achieve their business goals – while optimizing their IT workforce strategies. We provide IT staffing solutions, IT talent management expertise and IT services to help our clients plan, build and run their critical business initiatives. Through our range of quality-focused delivery models, we meet our clients where they are, and take them where they want to go, the way they want to get there.

TEKsystems. Our people make IT possible.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dallas, Texas – November 24, 2014 – Nationally recognized IT job training nonprofit Per Scholasannounces its fifth location in Dallas, bringing local residents the opportunity to obtain the education and skills to land jobs in the growing technology industry. The site will open early 2015 inCitySquare’s South Dallas Opportunity Center at 1610 S. Malcolm X Boulevard. The move comes with anchor support from Capital One, TEKsystems, and the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ GroundFloor Initiative.

“The opening of the new Per Scholas location in Dallas will provide much-needed free job training to citizens who otherwise might not have this kind of opportunity,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. “This is an important step forward in strengthening our community and helping people develop the skills they’ll need to find jobs and sustain successful careers.”

The selection of Dallas comes after an extensive feasibility study conducted by Per Scholas. Similar to other regions in which Per Scholas operates, technology positions, for which professional training and credentials are essential, are plentiful and growing. Dallas-Fort Worth ranks near the top for high-tech growth with an estimated 142,000 high-tech jobs in the area, a 3% increase from last year, and third highest in the nation. At the same time, 36% of households live in asset poverty and 66% of adults lack post-secondary credentials in Dallas (CFED, Opportunity Index).

Per Scholas brings nearly two decades of proven impact to bridge this gap through its free 8-week job training course (IT-Ready) providing high quality, hands-on technical skills training and professional soft skills development to unemployed and underemployed adults. The course teaches to the CompTIA A+ certification, which prepares candidates for entry-level help desk and technical support roles. The Per Scholas model has been twice recognized by the White House for its effectiveness serving the unemployed and proven successful through independent studies, launching its growth into new regions. In its first year, Per Scholas Dallas will train 80 students from the Metroplex. Nationally, 85 percent of Per Scholas participants graduate and obtain industry certification and 75 percent of graduates land jobs.

“Information about the work and potential expansion of Per Scholas crossed my desk earlier this year. I was immediately captured by their vision and their work product,” shared Larry James, President and CEO of CitySquare. “A visit to their home base in the Bronx convinced me that Dallas needed what they offered. CitySquare and Per Scholas hit it off immediately, and we feel very fortunate to have them as close, great partners in our work of preparing men and women for productive careers in living wage jobs!”

“Capital One Bank is pleased that Per Scholas is expanding its program to North Texas,” said Kent Eastman, Texas State President, Capital One Bank. “As a bank that is laser-focused on the evolution of digital products and services and committed to advancing workforce development across the region, we are thrilled to be a partner in this initiative.”

“We’re happy to work with Per Scholas to bring IT job training skills to the Dallas area,” said Jill Scigliano, Chief Impact Officer of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “Through the Per Scholas program, hardworking students are equipped with the tools, resources and training to empower them to leave poverty and succeed in life.”

“Education and training have to be in place to match the business and tech growth here in Dallas,” said Council Member Adam Medrano. “Per Scholas is a proven solution that will prepare our hard working community members for these exciting opportunities. A lot of individuals and families will benefit, as will the city and the whole region.”

“Time Warner Cable welcomes Per Scholas to Dallas. We’re thrilled that this partnership will bring local residents the opportunity to obtain the education and skills needed to ignite careers in the ever evolving technology industry,” said Steve Dvoskin, Time Warner Cable’s Area Vice President of Operations for North Texas. “We’ve hired almost 100 Per Scholas graduates in NYC and look forward to a similarly productive partnership in Dallas.”

Local nonprofit leader Billy Lane has been appointed as Managing Director of the Dallas site. Lane has served the Dallas community for nearly two decades beginning at CitySquare and most recently as the Associate Vice President for Project Access Dallas, a countywide health care program operated by the Dallas County Medical Society. Prior to his work in the nonprofit community, Lane had a robust career in technology.

“People in South Dallas want to work. The benefit of tuition-free job training is that an individual does not risk going into debt in order to obtain marketable skills. Moreover, marketable skills allow people to earn a family supporting wage and build a career. I’m excited to be joining Per Scholas to bring this effective work to the community,” says Lane.

Per Scholas Dallas is the newest addition to the IT-Ready network operating in Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio, the National Capital Region and New York City, and Minneapolis / St. Paul, MN through Per Scholas partner Creating IT Futures. More than 900 individuals will be trained this year across all sites.

“Creating social mobility for all Americans is critical to the ongoing success of our country,” says Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala. “Through effective IT training that leads to well paying careers, Per Scholas continues to forge the way for many individuals to realize this opportunity. I am thrilled to be working alongside Dallas leaders to bring our IT training to the Opportunity Center. Together we will be able to change the lives of many residents of this city.”

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

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit organization offering free, high quality technology education, job training, placement and career development opportunities to people in underserved communities. Since 1998, more than 5,000 unemployed and underemployed adults (18+ years old) have enrolled in its job training programs. For more information, visit perscholas.org, Twitter @PerScholas andFacebook.

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Contact: Jessicah White

Tel: (718) 772-0623

Email: jwhite@perscholas.org

Scripps Howard Foundation awards nonprofit Per Scholas $10K for free IT job training to unemployed

Grant will serve to train up to 80 men and women from the Avondale community for careers in technology

Cincinnati, Ohio – November 3, 2014: The Scripps Howard Foundation,the corporate foundation ofThe E. W. Scripps Company, announced a grant of $10,000 to Per Scholas, a non-profit organization that provides technology education and job placement to people in underserved communities. This is a first time grant from the foundation to Per Scholas.

The grant will serve Per Scholas to train up to 80 men and women from the Cincinnati community in the coming year for careers in technology through its free, 8-week IT-Ready training. The course teaches to the CompTIA A+ certification and prepares candidates for entry-level help-desk and technical support roles. Historically, 90 percent of Per Scholas participants graduate and obtain industry certification and more than 75 percent of graduates land jobs. Per Scholas opened its Cincinnati operation in 2013 and has trained over 60 men and women to date.

Bob Carson, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at the E.W. Scripps Company, is a member of the Per Scholas Cincinnati advisory board.

“When I approached the Foundation and shared the story and mission of Per Scholas, they felt it was a good fit with the Foundation’s mission and enthusiastically donated $10,000 to this worthwhile organization. I am very grateful to them for this donation which will be put to good use to help train deserving individuals for good-paying IT careers,” said Bob Carson.

“Bob Carson is an enthusiastic supporter of Per Scholas and our IT-Ready training. We are grateful for the financial support from Scripps, which allows us to continue to provide technology-focused training to people in Cincinnati who are in need,” says Andrea Applegate, Managing Director of Per Scholas Cincinnati and Columbus, recognizing support from the community as integral to the success of the mission at Per Scholas.

In its fifty-second year, the Scripps Howard Foundation mission is to advance the cause of a free press through support of excellence in journalism, quality journalism education and professional development. The Foundation helps build healthy communities and improve the quality of life through support of sound educational programs, strong families, vital social services, enriching arts and culture, and inclusive civic affairs, with a special commitment to the communities in which Scripps does business.

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Per Scholas is a national nonprofit organization offering free, high quality technology education, job training, placement and career development opportunities to people in underserved communities. Since 1998, more than 4,500 un- and underemployed adults (18+ years old) have enrolled in its job training programs. For more information, visit perscholas.org, Twitter @PerScholas and Facebook atfacebook.com/PerScholas.

MEDIA CONTACT

Jessicah White
National Director of Communications
(718) 772-0623 // jwhite@perscholas.org

National IT workforce development expert convenes cyber security task force to build pipeline for cyber security need in the National Capital Region.

Experts from private industry, higher education, and government join Per Scholas to begin initial planning.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – SILVER SPRING, Md. — Per Scholas, National IT workforce development expert, brings together cyber security specialists in a conversation on the regional skills gap for entry-level cyber security positions. The panel convened October 8 at the Silver Spring Civic Center with leaders from private industry, higher education, and government working in partnership to develop pathways into the cyber workforce.

“Cyber is so dynamic. You cannot teach it from a textbook,” said panelist Renee Forney, Executive Director of CyberSkills Management Support Initiative at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. “The key is true information sharing. If all interested parties can work together, then we can create a workforce that is agile enough to combat these threats.”

The recent security breach at JPMorgan Chase has caused cyber security issues to rise to the top of headlines and the priority list of policy experts, educators and business owners. The issue of cyber security is by no means new to the industry with 1.5 million cyber attacks monitored in the U.S. in 2013. Nor is the problem exclusive to our biggest companies: 75 percent of breaches occur in companies with fewer than 100 employees.

The Washington metro area had more than 23,000 job postings for cyber security positions in 2013, the largest concentration in the nation. Growing demand is only part of the challenge faced by employers. A pipeline of abundant talent is also scarce given specific qualifications required for cyber security–like security clearance and minimum years of industry experience.

Substantial investments in preparing a skilled workforce are being made in the region to address this imminent growth. Montgomery Community College, as the lead college of a consortium of Maryland community colleges, has been awarded a $15 million TAACCCT grant to support cyber-technology workforce development. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance 2-Year Education (CAE2Y) by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The panel evaluated and discussed the current cyber security landscape, the restrictions that cause the talent gap, alternatives for building a stronger pipeline, and considerations in creating a diverse pipeline of local talent to fill immediate and future need. The conversation included a strong emphasis on the importance of all leaders working together as a team towards the creation of an evolved workforce.

“I am heartened by the diversity of the people in this room. We need to recognize that we all have a very important role to play,” said Jason Green, Per Scholas advisory board member and co-founder of SkillSmart, a technology venture designed to match job seekers to employment opportunities based on skills. “It’s not an opportunity, it’s a requirement. We can’t address the significant challenge ahead unless we work together.”

Panelists included moderator Mark Shaw from ManTech International, the region’s largest cyber security employer; Mike Knapp, Skillsmart; Charles Britt, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA); Richard Hill, Accenture; Renee Forney, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Kelley Bray, Symantec; Steve Silverman, Department of Economic Development, Montgomery County; and Bridgette Gray, Per Scholas. Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Navarro made opening remarks. Representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski and U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen were in attendance.

“Today was a breath of fresh air,” says Bridgette Gray, Managing Director for Per Scholas National Capital Region. “Often, we’re trying to resolve regional challenges in our own silos. Today, we began the process of breaking down these silos. To address regional issues, we must erase jurisdictional lines by bringing all players across the region to the table; there’s a place for everyone. In all of our markets, Per Scholas strives to meet the specific demands of regional employers through our IT training. It takes strong partnerships to make that happen. We are happy to take the lead in building out this task force with all of our partners.”

Per Scholas recently established partnerships with private company Doran Jones to build a talent pipeline of software testers, and a middle-skill training with the City of New York community college system. A similar approach will be taken toward cyber security opportunities in the National Capital Region.

The Per Scholas rapid re-employment training approach provides immediate relief for IT workforce demand. Its core entry-level training IT-Ready is only 8 weeks, allowing graduates to quickly fill available positions. And Per Scholas has the employer partners to bridge job seekers to jobs. IT-Ready training is an onramp to entry-level jobs, then the potential for continued education and skill advancement through established cyber programs at postsecondary institutions. Per Scholas opened in the National Capital Region in early 2014. The Per Scholas approach has been recognized as additive to existing efforts by leaders in business, government and education.

“I partnered with Per Scholas because building an experienced pool of cyber security professionals is a regional challenge that requires a regional solution. As a national leader in developing collaborative partnerships to address workforce development needs, Northern Virginia Community College stands ready to lend its experience in this partnership to creating a sustainable pipeline of cyber security talent in the Greater Washington region.” Charles Britt, STEM Coordinator, Northern Virginia Community College.

Following today’s panel, Per Scholas will convene the task force to begin building a blueprint for the cyber security workforce. Those interested in contributing ideas, jobs, data, funding and leadership may contact Bridgette Gray at bgray@perscholas.org.

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For the past two decades, Per Scholas has trained thousands of individuals to meet the needs of leading employers and fill entry-level positions with the best in IT talent. Established in New York City, Per Scholas now offers free training in Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio; Silver Spring, Maryland; and will soon open its doors in Dallas, Texas.

MEDIA CONTACT

Jessicah White
National Director of Communications
(718) 772-0623 // jwhite@perscholas.org

Charity golf event presented by Nationwide Insurance to benefit Per Scholas, local nonprofit training unemployed back to work in tech careers

Tickets open to the public. Tee time is 1:00 PM on September 11 at Oakhaven Golf Club.

Media Contact: Jessicah White, (785) 691-6987 / jwhite@perscholas.org

COLUMBUS, OH — Nationwide Insurance is presenting sponsor of charity golf event September 11 at Oakhaven Golf Club to benefit nonprofit partner Per Scholas, a local nonprofit that provides free IT job training and job placement to unemployed adults. Tickets are $95 per person and open to the public. Tee time is 1:00 PM followed by reception at the clubhouse. RSVP by emailinggolfcolumbus@perscholas.org.

Golfers will enjoy four-team best ball scramble and cart, burger and brats reception, and swag bags. Raffles and challenges will be offered for additional chances to win. All proceeds will go to support Per Scholas.

The Golf Scramble is the inaugural fundraiser for Per Scholas Columbus, and because of strong support for the organization in the region, Executive Director Andrea Applegate knows it will be a smash hit.

“The enthusiasm from the local business community for the work we are doing has been overwhelming. And the financial support we will generate as a result of this fun event will help us train more IT-Ready graduates for technology jobs with great employers across the Columbus region.”

Nationwide Insurance, one of many companies hiring Per Scholas graduates, is the presenting sponsor of the event.

“These students are hard workers who, for one reason or another, whether it be the economy or life circumstance, are now in a position where they need a second chance. Per Scholas is that second chance–and they do an expert job at preparing these eager professionals for the careers of the 21st Century,” says Trenton Manning, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources at Nationwide Insurance. “Nationwide is proud to partner with Per Scholas and honored to be part of this first event. This work helps the entire community.”

Per Scholas offers a free 8-week job training course (IT-Ready). The course teaches to the CompTIA A+ certification, which prepares candidates for entry-level help-desk and technical support roles. 80 students drawn from the Columbus region are trained annually. Historically, 90 percent of Per Scholas participants graduate and obtain industry certification and more than 75 percent of graduates land jobs.

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit organization offering free, high quality technology education, job training, placement and career development opportunities to people in underserved communities. Since 1998, more than 4,500 un- and underemployed adults (18+ years old) have enrolled in its job training programs and more than 3,500 graduates have found jobs. Per Scholas Columbus opened in 2012 and trains 80 individuals a year. The quality of work has been recognized by the White House, nominated by the Ohio Excellence in Nonprofit Awards, showcased by the Clinton Global Initiative, and included in the Social Impact Exchange’s list of the top 100 nonprofits in the U.S. with proven impact. For more information, view our fact sheet, Facebook, Twitter or visit perscholas.org.

Columbus residents obtain IT job skills through free training provided by Per Scholas. Nationwide and other local employer partners commit to hire.

August 4, 2014 – COLUMBUS, OH — On Friday, July 25, sixteen formerly unemployed or underemployed Columbus residents graduated from the Per Scholas IT-Ready job training and job search assistance program. The 8-week course provides training for the CompTIA A+ certification and prepares students for entry-level positions in the IT field. Employers hiring Per Scholas graduates include JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide Insurance, Time Warner Cable, TEKsystems, Applied Technologies, Collabera, and ViaQuest. The program is free to its participants – the vast majority of whom are formerly unemployed. This is the 7th class to graduate from Per Scholas since its inception into the community in 2012.

Per Scholas IT-Ready provides high quality hands-on technical skills learning and professional soft skills development to unemployed and underemployed individuals. The course teaches to the CompTIA A+ certification, which prepares candidates for entry-level helpdesk and technical support roles. In class, students learn the maintenance of PCs, mobile devices, operating systems, and printers. Mentorship from area technology professionals provides students with support as they transition from classroom to career.

“After speaking with local employers like Nationwide, they are ready for highly qualified, entry-level IT candidates to fill their open positions,” says Andrea Applegate, Managing Director for both Per Scholas Columbus and Cincinnati. “The training offered by Per Scholas satisfies that need by quickly and effectively training job seekers for jobs with our great local businesses.”
Per Scholas Columbus has graduated 150 students since it opened in 2012. More than 4,500 have been trained across Per Scholas sites nationally. Of those students, 85% have graduated and nearly 75% have become employed following training with starting salaries around $30,000.

About Per Scholas – Per Scholas is a national nonprofit organization offering free, high quality technology education, job training, placement and career development opportunities to people in underserved communities. Since 1998, more than 4,500 un- and underemployed adults (18+ years old) have enrolled in its job training programs. Per Scholas is expanding the IT-Ready network in partnership with the Creating IT Futures Foundation to bring free IT training opportunities to several other U.S. cities. IT-Ready sites operate in New York City, Cincinnati and Columbus, OH; Minneapolis, MN and the National Capital region. Recognition from the Social Impact Exchange named Per Scholas one of the top 100 nonprofits creating proven social impact in the U.S. and the White House 2014 report recognized Per Scholas for being particularly impactful serving the long-term unemployed. For more information, visit perscholas.org, review the fact sheet, Twitter @PerScholas and Facebook at facebook.com/PerScholas.

Media contact: Jessicah White, Director of Communications // 718-772-0623 // jwhite@perscholas.org

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Leadership from business, education, non-profit, labor, employers to help reshape workforce training

Task force to bolster administration’s efforts to provide quality employment opportunities for more New Yorkers to develop a stronger, resilient economy

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the 30 members of ‘Jobs for New Yorkers’ that will develop real-time strategies to strengthen the city’s workforce and help workers develop the skills needed to secure good paying jobs in fast-growing careers. The task force will help shift the City’s approach to focus on employment for New Yorkers in skill-building, higher-wage jobs that offer opportunities for advancement, as opposed to job placement in low-paying sectors.

“‘Jobs for New Yorkers’ will play a key role in furthering the administration’s efforts to create more opportunity and fundamentally shift our workforce and education system to focus on quality, well-paying jobs that support families,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “With this task force, we are going to harness the experience, knowledge and expertise from this diverse group of business, education and community leaders to expand opportunity for more hardworking New Yorkers.”

The 30 members represent a balance of ‘supply’ and ‘demand’ and represent millions of employees, union members, students and low-income New Yorkers that are a part of creating the new goals. The task force’s 11-member leadership team is comprised of: Vincent Alvarez, President, NYCCLC; Jennifer Jones Austin, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies; Carlo Frappolli, Head of Talent, JPMorgan Chase; Leo Hindery Jr., Managing Partner, InterMedia Partners; Patricia Jenny, Vice President for Grants, New York Community Trust; Tim Johnson, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Finance and Graduate Medical Education, Greater New York Hospital Association; Angie Kamath, Executive Director of the New York site, Per Scholas; Kyle Kimball, President, NYC Economic Development Corporation; John Mogulescu, Senior University Dean for Academic Affairs, CUNY; Maria Torres-Springer, Commissioner, Small Business Services; and Fred Wilson, Managing Partner, Union Square Ventures.

Led by these dynamic figures from the innovation economy, financial services, community development and higher education, the task force has been charged with delivering recommendations on how the City can:

• Better integrate the $500 million investment in workforce programs and education resources to serve the unemployed and under-employed;
• Combine economic development strategies with workforce development initiatives to allow more New Yorkers access to quality employment in industries where the City makes investments;
• Address the skill gaps for low-wage workers by creating training programs that teach skills specifically geared to what today’s companies need. This will create a pipeline of homegrown workers who can fill the new opportunities being created by the City’s growing businesses; and
• Ensure our local employers seek, find and hire talent from the five boroughs.

This fall, the task force will deliver a report to Mayor de Blasio with concrete recommendations on how the City can achieve the goals outlined above.

“The work to change the way the City approaches workforce development and build a high-quality talent pipeline that is equipped with today’s most in-demand skills starts today,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen. “I look forward to working with ‘Jobs for New Yorkers’ to develop new, innovative ways to ensure that we’re providing the city’s businesses with the top-notch, homegrown talent to support the local economy and sharpen the city’s competitive edge.”

“Workforce development is a bridge to connect the chasm of inequality that has held millions of New Yorkers back from reaching the American Dream and their full potential. Putting together some of our City’s smartest minds to tackle this challenge is the right approach. Connecting existing public and private resources in a strategic manner with the men and women that need the skills and opportunities is how Brooklyn and all of New York City can grow a stronger, more sustainable economic future for all,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

“The labor movement will continue to help provide working men and women with the training and support necessary to secure good jobs paying family-sustaining wages,” said Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “I applaud the de Blasio administration for initiating this task force, and I look forward to working with other city stakeholders to help reduce the crippling income disparities that have plagued hard working New Yorkers for far too long.”

“To become a city of equal opportunity, New York City must advance opportunities for upward mobility through job training and supports that lead to family-sustaining wages,” said Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO and Executive Director of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies. “We applaud Mayor de Blasio’s efforts to move the city’s workforce system to one that is focused on higher wages and growing sectors, and support his aim to ensure that less-skilled workers have access to comprehensive training, apprenticeship and job placement programs.”

“As one of the largest private employers in New York City, JPMorgan Chase knows from experience that this is a tough problem to tackle. We look forward to working with other task force members on solutions that better connect businesses with education and workforce training providers,” said Carlo Frappolli, Head of Talent at JPMorgan Chase. “We know these workforce partnerships are an effective way to create more career pathways for New York City job seekers and to improve economic opportunity for all.”

“I am very honored to serve as a member of the leadership committee of ‘Jobs for New Yorkers.’ Mayor de Blasio’s commitment to better balancing the employment base of our city is of paramount importance, and the entire task force shares his vision of growing city businesses of all sorts, enhancing the skills of our labor force, and finding meaningful and rewarding employment for our unemployed and under-employed neighbors,” said Leo Hindery Jr., Managing Partner at InterMedia Partners.

“I’m happy to serve on Mayor de Blasio’s task force. The New York Community Trust and the NYC Workforce Funders are pleased to have a productive relationship with the City as we work together on this pressing issue. We applaud the Mayor for seeking advice from experts about the most effective ways the City can help low-skilled New Yorkers succeed in jobs and careers while growing our economy. The Trust, like other foundations, is eager to work closely with the City to improve jobs and to increase access of disadvantaged New Yorkers to employment,” said Patricia Jenny, Vice President for Grants at New York Community Trust.

“Greater New York Hospital Association applauds the Mayor’s focus on the workforce needs of New York City and we look forward to working with him to ensure a great health care system for the city’s residents,” said Tim Johnson, Senior Vice President of the Greater New York Hospital Association.

“Per Scholas is honored to play a role in helping revolutionize workforce development in New York City while also leading the way to transform the South Bronx—once considered the epitome of neighborhood disinvestment and abandonment—into New York’s newest tech industry hub,” said Angie Kamath, Executive Director of Per Scholas in New York City. “Our high outcomes have only been achieved by collaborating with multiple partners from the community, city government, nonprofit and corporate sectors. ‘Jobs for New Yorkers’ is leveraging the vast experience of its members to think about how we both build on successes but also challenge ourselves to take risks and try promising new approaches.”

“The ‘Jobs for New Yorkers’ task force will engage in critically important work on two levels at once,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Kyle Kimball. “In developing strategies to help New Yorkers secure quality employment, we are also working to increase the city’s economic resiliency—ensuring that millions of talented city residents keep multiple sectors of the economy thriving, strengthening and diversifying the five borough economic engine.”

“I am delighted to serve on the Mayor’s jobs task force. As a lifelong New Yorker, I recognize that nothing is more important to the city’s future than ensuring employment opportunities for its people,” said John Mogulescu, Senior University Dean for Academic Affairs at CUNY.

“The biggest growth sector in the coming years in NYC and around the world is technology and we must make certain our children are educated properly so they can work in high quality well-paying tech sector jobs. I am pleased that NYC and its public school system is making strides to provide this kind of education to the children of NYC,” said Fred Wilson, Managing Partner at Union Square Ventures.

“Workforce Development is a crucial component for a growing economy. Helping people find the skills to secure a decent wage and benefits is vital. I am honored to serve on Mayor de Blasio’s Task Force and look forward to working with the team he has assembled,” said Cesar J. Claro, Executive Director of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation.

“It’s an honor to participate and contribute to Mayor de Blasio’s ‘Jobs for New Yorkers’ task force, and I’m thankful that the Mayor is taking leadership on this important issue. Within these past few years, we have seen a dramatic shift in the burgeoning Queens tech community and the opportunities that it provides. As New York City continues to grow in the new digital economy, we must ensure that New Yorkers in every neighborhood—particularly in our low-income and diverse communities—have access to the skills training and entrepreneurship opportunities that will increase economic mobility, and enable our businesses to thrive,” said Jukay Hsu, Founder of Coalition for Queens (C4Q).

“There is no more important issue facing the city than the skills gap. The ‘Jobs for New Yorkers’ task force can help guide City policy and action and achieve real economic benefit for all New Yorkers,” said Stanley Litow, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs and President of the IBM International Foundation for IBM.

“A world class city like New York City needs a world class workforce development system that achieves the right balance between the needs of job seekers and businesses, integrates the resources of government, employers, providers and private funders effectively to impact workforce strategy and programs, and leverages the exponential advances in technology to prepare New Yorkers for work in a changing world and changing economy,” said Ira Machowsky, Executive Vice President of FEGS.

“Shifting the City’s workforce development model to ensure that we tap into the talent right here in the five boroughs will not only meet employer needs but also connect New Yorkers to jobs with family-supporting wages and real career paths,” said Maria Torres-Springer, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “I look forward to working with the Mayor and my colleagues on the Mayor’s jobs task force to help connect businesses with the talent they need, and create a city with shared opportunities for economic security.”

The task force’s membership is comprised of: Nisha Agarwal, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs; John Banks, Con Edison; Steven Banks, NYC’s Human Resources Administration; Bill Chong, NYC’s Department of Youth and Community Development; Cesar Claro, Staten Island Economic Development Corporation; Steven Dawson, Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute; Fred Dixon, NYC & Company; Leecia Eve, Verizon; Carmen Fariña, Department of Education; Greg Hambric, Modells Sporting Goods; Daniel P. Huttenlocher, Cornell NYC TECH; Jukay Hsu, Coalition for Queens; David Jones, Community Service Society; Steve Kempf, Lee Spring; Deborah King, 1199 Health Care Fund; Chauncy Lennon, JP Morgan; Stanley S. Litow, IBM; Cynthia Lopez, Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment; Ira Machosky, FEGS; Cheryl McKissack, McKissack & McKissack; Danny Meyer, Union Square Hospitality Group; Shola Olatoye, New York City Housing Authority; Andrea Phillips, Goldman Sachs Foundation; Feliz Matos Rodriguez, Hostos Community College; Jessamyn W. Rodriguez, Hot Bread Kitchen; Jake Schwartz, General Assembly; Mindy Tarlow, Mayor’s Office of Operations; Gilbert Taylor, Department of Homeless Services; Josh Wallack, NYC’s Department of Education; Denise Warren, New York Times Media and Sondra Youdelman, Community Voices Heard.

Background on ‘Jobs for New Yorkers’ Leadership:

Vincent Alvarez
Vincent Alvarez is the first full-time president of the NYCCLC, and the organization’s first Latino President. Alvarez is the board chairman for the Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives at New York University, as well as a board member for the Greater New York Councils, Boy Scouts of America; the AFL-CIO State Federation CLC Advisory Board; and the Murphy Institute for Worker Education and Labor Studies at City University of New York. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Oneonta, where he majored in business economics.

Jennifer Jones Austin
Jennifer Jones Austin is the Chief Executive Officer and executive director of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies. Prior to joining FPWA, Jones Austin served as senior vice president of United Way of New York City. In 2006, Jennifer Jones Austin was appointed New York City’s first Family Services Coordinator by Mayor Bloomberg. Jones Austin earned her law degree from Fordham University School of Law, a Master’s degree in Management and Policy from New York University Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and a Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University.

Carlo Frapolli
Carlo Frappolli is Head of Talent at JPMorgan Chase. In this capacity, he is responsible for talent management, leadership development, succession planning and talent acquisition. Frappolli is a graduate of the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. Frappolli’s civic involvement includes being on the National Board of the American Liver Foundation and the Chancellor’s Advisory Council at TCU.

Leo Hindery, Jr.
Leo Hindery, Jr. is Managing Partner of InterMedia Partners, a series of media industry private equity funds he founded in 1988. Hindery is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and co-chair of the Task Force on Job Creation and Trade. In 2008, he was an economic and trade advisor to presidential candidate Barack Obama. From 2001 until October 2004, he was the founding Chairman and CEO of The YES Network, the regional television home of the New York Yankees. Hindery is a director of Common Cause New York, the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, and the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council.

Patricia Jenny
Patricia Jenny is Vice President for Grants at The New York Community Trust, New York City’s community foundation. Since 2001, she managed a national environment program supporting efforts across the country to address climate change, environmental health, and habitat protection. Jenny also manages a philanthropic collaborative focused on improving the workforce development system for New York City job seekers and employers. Jenny has also served as the director of the Neighborhood Strategies Project.

Tim Johnson
Tim Johnson is Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Finance and Graduate Medical Education at the Greater New York Hospital Association. Johnson is also the executive director of the GNYHA Foundation, which identifies grant-funding opportunities for individual institutional projects as well as collaborative projects that can serve common needs across multiple institutions. He holds a Master of Science degree in Mathematics and Statistics and a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy.

Kyle Kimball
Kyle Kimball serves as President and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, where he leads the organization’s continued efforts to position New York City as the global center for innovation and to increase economic empowerment and mobility for all New Yorkers. Since joining NYCEDC in 2008, Kimball has helped to develop and implement NYCEDC’s strategy to bolster the City’s economy, including expanding entrepreneurship and developing new career paths that expand and strengthen New York’s middle class. Kimball previously worked at Goldman, Sachs & Co. as a vice president and at J.P. Morgan, also as a Vice President.

Angie Kamath
Angie Kamath is currently the Executive Director of the New York site of Per Scholas, a national nonprofit that breaks cycles of poverty by training and placing unemployed and underemployed adults into entry and mid-level IT positions. She has also served as Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development at the NYC Department of Small Business Services. Before working in City government, Kamath was the Executive Director of StreetWise Partners, a job training organization, and she began her career in corporate finance at Citigroup. Kamath holds a B.S. in Business Management from Cornell University and a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University.

John Mogulescu
John Mogulescu is the Senior University Dean for Academic Affairs and the Dean of the CUNY School of Professional Studies, where he is responsible for the oversight of collaborative programs between CUNY and the New York City Public Schools, CUNY Prep Transitional High School, the CUNY Language Immersion Program, CUNY Start, the Adult Literacy and GED Preparation Programs, and the University’s Workforce Development Initiative. Mogulescu received a B.A. from Brown University and an M.S.W. from New York University.

Maria Torres-Springer
Maria Torres-Springer serves as Commissioner of Small Business Services. Prior to joining the de Blasio administration, Torres-Springer served as the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, where she oversaw the development and implementation of more than 100 initiatives designed to support innovation and entrepreneurship across all industries. Torres-Springer has also served at the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development & Rebuilding as a senior policy advisor and as the Chief Operating Officer of Friends of the Highline.

Fred Wilson
Fred Wilson has been a venture capitalist since 1987. He currently is a managing partner at Union Square Ventures and also founded Flatiron Partners. Fred has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and an MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Fred is married with three kids and lives in New York City.

From the Mayor’s Office
pressoffice@cityhall.nyc.gov
(212) 788-2958

IT job training nonprofit Per Scholas attends Clinton Global Initiative America with commitment to reshore up to 500 software testing jobs with corporate partner Doran Jones.

Media Contact: Jessicah White, (785) 691-6987 / jwhite@perscholas.org

WHAT: Per Scholas, a New York-based national nonprofit that provides free IT job training and job placement to unemployed adults, makes a CGI Commitment to Action in partnership with New York-based IT consulting firm Doran Jones to immediately reshore 150 software testing jobs to the South Bronx and replicate model to additional cities across U.S. resulting in up to 200 jobs reshored in each city.

Per Scholas Executive Director Angie Kamath will attend CGI America June 23-25 with other national leaders to discuss its solution and others toward economic recovery in the United States. CGI Commitments to Action are new, specific, and measurable initiatives undertaken by CGI America commitment makers, leaders from the business, foundation, NGO, and government sectors, to make a positive impact.

At CGI America on June 24, Per Scholas graduate Tiffany Lewin, 22, will speak on a panel moderated by Chelsea Clinton to share her experience as a young adult who bridged the opportunity gap through the job training provided by Per Scholas. Ms. Lewin will be joined on the panel by PTECH Founding Principal Rashid Davis, Siemens Corporation President and CEO Eric Spiegel, and Miami Dade College President Eduardo Padron to discuss youth employment solutions in America.

WHO: Angie Kamath, Per Scholas Executive Director; Keith Klain, Doran Jones CEO of Testing; Tiffany Lewin, Per Scholas graduate and New York-Presbyterian Systems and Hardware Analyst.

WHEN: Monday, June 23 through Wednesday, June 25, 2014

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit organization offering free, high quality technology education, job training, placement and career development opportunities to people in underserved communities. Since 1998, more than 4,500 un- and underemployed adults (18+ years old) have enrolled in its job training programs and more than 3,500 graduates have found jobs. Per Scholas is expanding the IT-Ready Network in partnership with the Creating IT Futures Foundation to bring free IT training opportunities to several other U.S. cities. IT-Ready sites operate in New York City, Cincinnati and Columbus, OH; Minneapolis, MN and the National Capital region. The Social Impact Exchange named Per Scholas one of the top 100 nonprofits creating proven social impact in the U.S. The White House in its 2014 report recognized Per Scholas for being particularly impactful serving the long-term unemployed. For more information, visit perscholas.org, review the fact sheet, Twitter@PerScholas and Facebook at facebook.com/PerScholas.

About Doran Jones

Founded in 2010 and based in New York, Doran Jones is a technology services firm that specializes in software engineering and testing consulting and outsourcing. Its clients include Fortune 100 banking and financial services firms across the continental United States. Managed by a world class executive team with extensive experience in all aspects of software development and testing, they are backed by a board with a strong track record in financial services and community investment.

Website: www.doranjones.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/doranjonesjobs

About the Clinton Global Initiative America The Clinton Global Initiative America (CGI America), a program of the Clinton Global Initiative, addresses economic recovery in the United States. Established in June 2011 by President Bill Clinton, CGI America brings together leaders in business, government, and civil society to generate and implement commitments to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, foster innovation, and support workforce development in the United States. Since its first meeting, CGI America participants have made over 300 commitments valued at more than $15 billion when fully funded and implemented. To learn more, visit cgiamerica.org.

Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), an initiative of the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation, convenes global leaders year-round and at its Annual Meeting to create and implement solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. CGI also convenes CGI University, which brings together undergraduate and graduate students to address pressing challenges in their communities and around the world. To date, members of the CGI community have made more than 2,800 Commitments to Action, which are already improving the lives of more than 430 million people in over 180 countries. When fully funded and implemented, these commitments will be valued at $103 billion. For more information, visit clintonglobalinitiative.org and follow us on Twitter @ClintonGlobal and Facebook at facebook.com/clintonglobalinitiative.

The National Capital Region gains free IT job training through nationally recognized workforce development organization Per Scholas

Acting Assistant Secretary Eric Seleznow, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, and other leaders will speak at grand opening hosted by Per Scholas Tuesday, April 22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. – April 14, 2014 – Per Scholas, a New York-based national non-profit organization that provides free IT-Ready technology education and job placement to unemployed and underemployed adults opens its newest location in Silver Spring, MD, bringing local residents the opportunity to obtain the education and skills to land jobs in the growing technology industry. The first class is now in session with students at its permanent location at 700 Roeder Road in Silver Spring. An open house will be held April 22, 2014 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM for press and the public to tour the new training facility. This will be followed by a reception where Acting Assistant Secretary Eric Seleznow, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, and other leaders will speak.

The move comes in partnership with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, who is helping host the location and will work as a partner agency for referrals to and from the IT training to meet the needs of students outside of the classroom. President and CEO Msgr. Rev. John Enzler will speak at the event.

Per Scholas offers a free 8-week job training course (IT-Ready) providing high quality hands-on technical skills learning and professional soft skills development to unemployed and underemployed individuals. The course teaches to the CompTIA A+ certification, which prepares candidates for entry-level help-desk and technical support roles. The Per Scholas model has been proven successful through independent studies, triggering its growth into new markets. In its first year, 80 students drawn from the National Capital Region will be trained in Silver Spring. Historically, 85 percent of Per Scholas participants graduate and obtain industry certification and 75 percent of graduates land jobs.

The Silver Spring location is the newest addition to the IT-Ready network operating in Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and New York City. More than 700 individuals will be trained this year across all sites. The Creating IT Futures Foundation (CITFF) is Per Scholas’ lead strategic partner for national replication and in expanding the IT-Ready network.

“This is an exciting step forward for both our organizations,” said Charles Eaton, CEO of the Creating IT Futures Foundation. “We’ve been sharing best practices in workforce training with each other for a long time. Now this partnership is a way for both organizations to test a new model of expansion so we can reach our shared goal of helping more people transform their lives through upwardly mobile IT careers.”

“The National Capital Region is becoming an east coast Silicon Valley. There’s no shortage of IT jobs, but there is a shortage of well-trained individuals to meet companies’ needs,” says Bridgette Gray, Managing Director of Per Scholas National Capital Region. “This is what Per Scholas does best. We tailor our training to meet the demands of local employers, provide this high-quality training to job seekers who otherwise do not have access to the right education or skills, and then connect the employer to this new stream of talent. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national, nonprofit organization offering free, high quality technology education, job training, placement and career development opportunities to people in underserved communities. Since 1998, more than 4,500 un- and underemployed adults (18+ years old) have enrolled in its job training programs and more than 3,500 graduates have found jobs. Per Scholas is expanding the IT-Ready Network in partnership with the Creating IT Futures Foundation to bring free IT training opportunities to several other U.S. cities. IT-Ready sites operate in New York City, Cincinnati and Columbus, OH; Minneapolis, MN and the National Capital region. The Social Impact Exchange named Per Scholas one of the top 100 nonprofits creating proven social impact in the U.S.

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Contact: Jessicah White

Tel: (718) 772-0623

Email: jwhite@perscholas.org

150 software testing jobs brought to one of nation’s poorest congressional districts bringing millions in economic revenue

BRONX, N.Y., – April 24, 2014 – A new software testing center will immediately bring 150 high-technology jobs to the Port Morris neighborhood of the Bronx — equating to $5 million in wages in its first year alone. Doran Jones, a software consulting company, is partnering on the software testing job creation initiative with Per Scholas, a non-profit organization headquartered in the South Bronx that provides free technology education and job placement to unemployed and underemployed adults.

Doran Jones, a software consulting company, is partnering on the software testing job creation initiative with Per Scholas, a non-profit organization headquartered in the South Bronx that provides free technology education and job placement to unemployed and underemployed adults. Per Scholas will train the testers through its 8-week software testing education program (STEP), and the majority of its graduates will go directly to work in the UDC occupied and operated by Doran Jones in the same building. Construction begins this summer.

Industry trends in software testing have created an opportunity to meet growing labor demands, improve quality, reduce overseas costs, and reshore jobs to the U.S. The UDC model establishes and concentrates high-technology infrastructure, resources, and jobs in low-income urban neighborhoods as a conscious economic development strategy.

“I am incredibly excited about this opportunity to work with Per Scholas, and I believe we are about to embark on a genuinely transformative project for both the software testing industry and our local community,” said Keith Klain, COO of Doran Jones. “There is a huge quality gap in the software testing market. This solution provides a talent pipeline to that problem and makes meaningful contributions to our local community, our clients, Per Scholas and, most significantly, the graduates of the training program. This is a blueprint for true Corporate Social Responsibility programs and further emphasizes Doran Jones’s core value of investment in our people.”

“This is an example of how job trainers and employers can partner in ways that don’t just help put people to work, but also foster stronger businesses along with more vibrant neighborhoods and communities” said Angie Kamath, executive director of Per Scholas in New York City. “We are thrilled to play a role in helping transform the South Bronx — once considered the epitome of neighborhood disinvestment and abandonment — into New York’s newest tech industry hub.”

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national, nonprofit organization offering free, high quality technology education, job training, placement, and career development opportunities to unemployed and underemployed individuals. Since 1998, more than 5,000 adults (18+ years old) have enrolled in its job training programs and 3 out of every 4 graduates found jobs.

About Doran Jones

Founded in 2010 and based in New York, Doran Jones is a technology services firm that specializes in software engineering and testing consulting and outsourcing. Its clients include Fortune 100 banking and financial services firms across the continental United States. Managed by a world class executive team with extensive experience in all aspects of software development and testing, they are backed by a board with a strong track record in financial services and community investment.

Website: www.doranjones.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/doranjonesjobs

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For more information or to schedule an interview with representatives from Per Scholas or Doran Jones, please contact Jessicah White from Per Scholas at (718) 772-0623 or email at jwhite@perscholas.org.

Doran Jones Per Scholas