Per Scholas Future of Tech Survey Reveals Top Tech Industry Concerns 

New research uncovers key insights from tech executives and workers amid evolving workforce innovations and challenges

BRONX, NY – June 24, 2025 – Nearly two-thirds (64%) of C-Suite technology executives rank cybersecurity threats as the top challenge U.S. businesses will face over the next decade, according to new research from Per Scholas, a national tech training nonprofit. The research reveals that this concern is amplified by the critical need for robust data center infrastructure to handle burgeoning sensitive data.

Conducted by Talker Research among 1,000 cybersecurity and data center executives, the survey found an actively threatened cyber environment as 56% of companies reported defending against hacking attempts, 43% experienced data breaches, and 14% suffering from successful hacks.

“Heightened cyber risks directly translate to significant talent demands, especially given the nearly 500,000 open cybersecurity roles nationwide,” said Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President, Talent Solutions at Per Scholas. “Our data revealed that cybersecurity (53%), adaptability and problem-solving (52%), AI proficiency (42%), and digital/technical skills (38%) are the most in-demand for future hiring, highlighting a critical need for accessible training in these areas.”       

With nearly half (43%) of executives saying that they regularly hire entry-level talent, skills training continues to be an effective solution to quickly meet the rising demand for talent. Per Scholas programs, which are provided at no cost to learners, offer industry-recognized Cybersecurity, Cloud, and Data Engineering training, equipping learners with job-ready technical and professional skills. 

A companion survey of 1,000 U.S. tech employees encouragingly revealed that nearly 9 in 10 (88%) expressed willingness to undergo additional cybersecurity training, averaging 7.1 hours per month, as they also feel a preparedness gap: less than half (48%) believe their company is “very prepared” for cyberattacks. Top employee concerns include phishing (52%), external threats (42%), and lack of encryption (41%). 

The cybersecurity concerns can be attributed to the rise in AI and the data center resources needed to power it. Ninety-five percent of executives and 89% of employees viewed data centers as integral to managing the vast amounts of customer and client data, with AI (66%) as the key growth driver. Beyond its role as a growth engine, integrating AI and emerging technologies (48%) and navigating related regulations (35%) also ranked among executives’ top future challenges. Leaders overwhelmingly recognize AI’s transformative impact, with 95% stating increased AI use affects data storage strategies, and 87% believing AI fundamentally reshapes business challenges.

“The exponential growth of the data center underscores its critical role in our economy,” said Murrey. “Yet, our research reveals a significant confidence gap in meeting future demands (57% C-Suite, 37% employees). To meet these demands executives shared that cybersecurity (82%), problem-solving (79%), and communication (61%) skills are considered essential, while recruiting, retention, and upskilling remain significant challenges.”

To learn more about the survey findings, visit Per Scholas’s website.

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About Per Scholas

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward— expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 20+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

Per Scholas is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with SAP, a global leader in enterprise application software and business AI, to launch a new Career Accelerator course focused on SAP technologies.  The new course will provide learners with immersive technical training tailored to the skills and roles most in demand across SAP’s partner and customer networks.

As part of this exciting collaboration, SAP will work with Per Scholas to design a new 10-week course for aspiring learners looking to advance their skills in building modern cloud-based business applications. The course offers business and technical skills to prepare learners for careers in the SAP ecosystem.

The program is part of SAP’s Educate to Employ – a global program offering tools, education and expertise to excel in the digital economy. Per Scholas was selected as an Educate to Employ partner following a rigorous process led by the Global Business Coalition for Education. After considering several skills-focused organizations, Per Scholas was chosen for its commitment to providing employable skills, its collaborative approach to corporate partnerships and strong alignment with SAP’s focus on employable skills.

“We are thrilled to partner with SAP to expand opportunities for our learners and deepen our impact in the tech workforce,” said Per Scholas CEO Plinio Ayala. “This investment is more than just financial—it’s a shared commitment to economic advancement and a recognition of the incredible potential our technologists bring to the industry.”

Per Scholas will welcome an inaugural cohort of roughly 30 learners, empowering them with the practical skills and industry-recognized credentials needed to step into fast-growing tech careers. Tailored for aspiring SAP developers, particularly Per Scholas alumni with prior programming experience, the program delivers immersive, hands-on learning in building data-driven applications, extending SAP cloud solutions, and preparing for SAP Backend Developer Associate certification. Graduates will emerge ready for roles such as SAP Backend Developer, meeting the rising demand for cloud-savvy talent across manufacturing, retail, healthcare, banking, and engineering organizations that rely on SAP technology

“We’re excited to collaborate with Per Scholas to create new connections and opportunities with SAP careers,” said Katie Booth, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, SAP Americas. “Through this partnership, we’re not only investing in skills development—we’re investing in a future-ready workforce.”

This partnership reflects Per Scholas’ continued commitment to offering a responsive, employer-driven curriculum, opening doors to tech careers for individuals across the country. With support from SAP, this new Career Accelerator course will help bridge the skills gap and create pathways to success for talented individuals ready to launch careers in enterprise technology.

Chicago, IL, May 22, 2025 — Per Scholas is excited to announce Kate Doyle as Managing Director of Per Scholas Chicago. Kate officially assumed her role earlier this year, bringing with her a dynamic background spanning education, technology, and community development.

As Managing Director, Kate will lead the strategic growth of Per Scholas Chicago, building strong partnerships with staff, community-based organizations, corporations, and both private and public foundations to advance the organization’s mission of opening pathways to thriving tech careers for individuals across the Chicago region.

Prior to joining Per Scholas, Kate served as the CEO and co-founder of KindWork, a nonprofit focused on preparing young adults for careers in the tech sector. She has held senior roles in corporate communications, social impact, and strategy at leading technology companies, where she successfully leveraged her expertise to drive organizational growth and innovation.

Kate’s professional journey began in education as a public school special education teacher, where she cultivated her passion for empowering individuals through learning. Her commitment to community engagement continues today; she currently serves as Secretary of the Board for the 40th Ward Democratic Organization and as Urban Development Chair for the Greater Rockwell Organization in Chicago. Kate holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, a Master’s of Education from Long Island University, and a certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown University. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Kate Doyle to lead Per Scholas Chicago,” said Plinio Ayala, Chief Executive Officer of Per Scholas. “Kate’s deep expertise across education, technology, and community development aligns perfectly with our mission to advance economic mobility through rigorous tech training. Under her leadership, we are confident that Per Scholas Chicago will continue to grow its impact and empower even more learners across the city.”

As Managing Director, Kate will lead Per Scholas Chicago’s strategic growth, deepen relationships with local and national partners, and help unlock opportunities for Chicagoans to build thriving careers in technology.

For more information about Per Scholas Chicago, visit perscholas.org/chicago.

About Per Scholas

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward—aiming to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 20+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

Pittsburgh, PA, May 22, 2025 — Per Scholas is excited to announce Gene Walker as the new Managing Director of Per Scholas Pittsburgh. Gene officially joined the organization earlier this year, bringing a deep commitment to education, community leadership, and workforce development to his new role.

As Managing Director, Gene will lead the strategic growth of Per Scholas Pittsburgh, building strong partnerships with staff, community-based organizations, corporations, and both private and public foundations to advance the organization’s mission of opening pathways to thriving tech careers for individuals across the Pittsburgh region.

A proud Pittsburgh native, Gene is a graduate of Peabody High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Deeply rooted in his community, Gene has served as an Elder at Mosaic Community Church and as Co-chair of the Pittsburgh Presbytery’s New Worshipping Communities Commission. He currently serves as a School Board Director for Pittsburgh Public Schools and holds the role of School Board President.

“We are thrilled to welcome Gene Walker to the Per Scholas leadership team,” said Plinio Ayala, Chief Executive Officer of Per Scholas. “Gene’s dedication to education, his strong community ties, and his leadership experience make him the ideal person to grow Per Scholas Pittsburgh’s impact and help transform lives through technology careers.”

Per Scholas Pittsburgh is poised for an exciting new chapter under Gene’s leadership, expanding its reach and continuing its commitment to providing no-cost, high-quality tech training to diverse talent across the region.

For more information about Per Scholas Pittsburgh, visit perscholas.org/pittsburgh.

About Per Scholas

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward—aiming to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 20+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

Per Scholas Announces New President Role, Promotes Chief Revenue Officer Caitlyn Brazill 

Newly created role will propel the organization into its 30th year of training and upskilling 

BRONX, NY, April 8, 2025 – Per Scholas, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing no-cost technology training to advance economic mobility, today announced that Caitlyn Brazill has been promoted from Chief Revenue Officer to the newly established role of President, effective immediately. The move reflects Per Scholas’ commitment to accelerating its growing impact in technology workforce training across the nation.

As President, Brazill will focus on driving the execution of Per Scholas’ strategic growth plans and managing key partnerships that support learners and employers.  During her eight years at Per Scholas, Brazill has been instrumental in the organization’s success, demonstrating deep expertise in workforce development, nonprofit management, and strategic partnerships. Brazill will be a driving force in reaching the 2030 goal to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually.

“I am honored to step into this new position as we celebrate our rich history while also turning the page to a new chapter,” Brazill said. “As technology continues to advance, Per Scholas is scaling impact and innovation to meet the growing demand for talent in the new AI-driven economy.”

As Per Scholas rapidly expands its footprint in workforce development, the organization is focused on launching and accelerating careers, powering businesses with ready-now tech talent, and sustaining an agile, future-ready organization.  This leadership will be instrumental in driving these priorities forward—ensuring Per Scholas delivers industry-leading training, career advancement opportunities, and innovative, sustainable solutions that foster economic mobility at scale.

“It took us 30 years to launch the first 30,000 careers – now we expect to launch the next 30,000 in just five,” said Plinio Ayala, Per Scholas Chief Executive Officer. “Caitlyn has been a driving force behind Per Scholas’ growth, and her innovative and visionary thinking will continue to empower the success of our organization, our partners, and our learners as we expand our impact across the nation.” 

Brazill’s promotion recognizes the leading role she’s played in Per Scholas’ transformation during her tenure, overseeing a seven-fold increase in revenue, the addition of 18 new markets, and the development of innovative solutions—such as the Zero Percent Loan initiative—to better serve learners. Brazill and Ayala will partner with Per Scholas’ experienced and dedicated leadership team to advance the organization’s bold vision of promoting economic mobility across the nation. Their goal is to help more Americans achieve the promise of the American Dream by creating more pathways to thriving-wage tech careers and fueling business growth through skilled talent and innovative workforce solutions.

To learn more about Per Scholas, visit www.perscholas.org.

About Per Scholas:

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward—aiming to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 20+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

Covington, K.Y., April. 4, 2025 — Since launching in July 2015, the Per Scholas Greater Cincinnati campus has trained more than 850 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as IT Support, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, learners, and friends, Per Scholas Greater Cincinnati hosted its Satellite Campus Launch at the Kentucky Career Center in Covington with remarks from Covington Mayor Ron Washington, Susan Culp of Archer Daniels Midland, Brent Cooper of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Correy Eimer of the Northern Kentucky Area Development District, and Per Scholas Greater Cincinnati alumnus Michael Stovall. A formal ribbon-cutting dedication and reception followed. 

“We are thrilled that Northern Kentucky residents can begin preparing for their IT careers here in Covington. This satellite campus also means that local employers will have access to an amazing pool of high-quality tech talent right here in NKY,” said Dr. Roger Burns, Per Scholas Greater Cincinnati Managing Director.

“Per Scholas is a game-changer for our community, bringing opportunities for Covington residents to attain highly sought after tech industry jobs following the development of specialized skills,” said Covington Mayor Ron Washington. “Covington is increasingly focused on how we can help develop the talents of our residents who may be unemployed or underemployed but lack the resources to pay for the training they need. Through its rigorous, free training programs, Per Scholas provides solutions. I welcome the Per Scholas satellite campus to Covington, and I look forward to the life-changing impact they will have on our residents and our community.”

Per Scholas Greater Cincinnati acknowledges the generous support of Archer Daniels Midland, Duke Energy, The R.C. Furr Foundation, City of Covington Economic Development Corporation, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and Northern Kentucky Area Development District.

With a proven tech training model including both in-person and remote learning hubs, Per Scholas continues to unlock opportunities for individuals, strengthen communities, and drive business success across the state. Notably, every dollar invested in Per Scholas yields an $8 net economic return. Per Scholas Greater Cincinnati is transforming lives and will now be shaping Covington’s future as a thriving technology hub by equipping Per Scholas Technologists with in-demand tech skills at no cost.

To learn more about Per Scholas Greater Cincinnati, follow them on LinkedIn or visit their page.

About Per Scholas

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward—aiming to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 20+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

Los Angeles, C.A., March 13, 2025 — Since launching in March 2023, the Per Scholas Los Angeles campus has trained over 300 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as IT Support, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering.

Today, alongside community and employer partners, colleagues, learners, and friends, Per Scholas Los Angeles hosted a grand opening celebration featuring the graduation ceremony of its first in-person cohort, followed by a ribbon-cutting dedication with remarks from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department, and an open house reception.

“Technology is ever-evolving, and so too must we. This grand opening isn’t just about a new space; it’s about opening doors to new possibilities, new skills, and new futures for those who seek to thrive in the digital age,” said Patrice Madu, Per Scholas Los Angeles Managing Director.

Per Scholas Los Angeles acknowledges the generous support of Focusing Philanthropy, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, The James Irvine Foundation, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Comcast NBCUniversal, Joseph Drown Foundation, Michael J. Connell Foundation, Microsoft, Amazon, the City of Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department, and Match Group.

With a proven model that includes both in-person and remote learning hubs, Per Scholas continues to unlock opportunities for individuals, strengthen communities, and drive business success across the state. Notably, every dollar invested in Per Scholas yields an $8 net economic return. Per Scholas Los Angeles is transforming lives and shaping Los Angeles’s future as a thriving technology hub by equipping Per Scholas Technologists with in-demand tech skills at no cost.

To learn more about Per Scholas Los Angeles, follow them on LinkedIn or visit their page.

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is proud to celebrate 30 years of fostering economic mobility by giving individuals from diverse backgrounds access to high-growth tech careers. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. By 2030, we aim to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually—building on three decades of impact. With 20+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. 85%+ of our learners are people of color, 40% are women, and more than half hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone, driving transformative economic change.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

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Per Scholas Appoints New Chief Operating Officer to

Accelerate Mission-Driven Initiatives

BRONX, N.Y. (January, 31, 2025) — National nonprofit Per Scholas has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer to their National Leadership Team. Tamara Johnson, previously Per Scholas Chief of Staff, continues her career with the nonprofit in this new role with a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership and operational management, ready to further the organization’s mission of building a more equitable workforce.

In this role, Tamara is responsible for the successful execution of our strategic plan, working in close partnership and collaboration with Per Scholas’ multiple funding and employer partners.

Tamara has built a career in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Before Per Scholas, Tamara spent the past 15 years in the workforce development field, including nearly 12 years as a senior leader at leading nonprofits such as Year Up and Genesys Works. Before Year Up, she built collaborative client relationships in relationship management and business development roles in for-profit organizations.

“I am honored to move into this role at Per Scholas as Chief Operating Officer,” said Tamara Johnson. “This organization is at the forefront of creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to thrive in the tech workforce. I look forward to working with the incredible team at Per Scholas to expand our reach and deepen our impact across the nation.”

Per Scholas has a longstanding reputation for delivering industry-recognized training and connecting talented individuals to high-growth careers. Appointing Tamara Johnson as Chief Operating Officer underscores Per Scholas’ dedication to scaling its efforts and ensuring that technology career opportunities are accessible to all.

“Tamara’s extensive experience and passion for workforce equity make her an ideal leader for this critical role,” said Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala. “As we continue to scale our programs and serve even more learners, her vision and expertise will be instrumental in driving operational excellence and advancing our mission.”

For more information about Per Scholas and its programs, please visit www.perscholas.org.

About Per Scholas: 

Per Scholas is proud to celebrate 30 years of fostering economic mobility by giving individuals from diverse backgrounds access to high-growth tech careers. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. By 2030, we aim to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually—building on three decades of impact. With 20+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. 85%+ of our learners are people of color, 40% are women, and more than half hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone, driving transformative economic change.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

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Per Scholas Buffalo Celebrates Inaugural Graduating Cohort

Ushering in the next generation of skilled tech talent, Per Scholas is driving Economic Mobility in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y., Jan. 24, 2025 — After opening its doors to the city of Buffalo, NY, in August 2024, Per Scholas, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic mobility through rigorous and no-cost technology training, today proudly celebrates the graduation of its first Buffalo-based cohort of aspiring tech professionals.

Per Scholas Buffalo’s inaugural class completed 13 weeks of intensive training in IT Support, earning the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and the CompTIA A+ certification. These industry-recognized credentials equip graduates with in-demand skills to secure high-paying, sustainable careers in Buffalo’s rapidly growing technology sector.

“The hard work and determination of this graduating class is a testament to the caliber of untapped talent skills-trained professionals have to offer,” Jeremy Besch, Per Scholas Buffalo Managing Director said. “Buffalo is a burgeoning tech hub and is in need of these candidates.”

In addition to Per Scholas President & CEO Plinio Ayala, the graduating class is honored by esteemed ceremony speakers including Bonnie Kane Lockwood who is representing the Office of Kathy C. Hochul the 57th Governor of the State of New York, Empire State Development and New York Power Authority; Morgan Foss, Buffalo Bills Foundation Program Manager at the NFL Buffalo Bills Foundation; and Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes, Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly.

Thanks to generous support from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, Empire State Development, New York Power Authority, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Fund, Amazon, Citizens, Larkin Development, and National Football League—via an Inspire Change grant, Per Scholas has established its third New York campus and expanded its national footprint of more than 20+ campuses. With a proven model that includes in-person and remote learning hubs, Per Scholas continues to unlock opportunities for individuals, strengthen communities, and drive business success across the state. Notably, every dollar invested in Per Scholas yields an $8 net economic return.

Per Scholas Buffalo learners also benefit from financial support options, such as the Zero Percent Loan, designed to ease personal expenses during training. This innovative program charges no interest, late fees, or origination fees. Repayment begins only after graduation and once learners secure a job earning a minimum of $40,000 annually.

By equipping graduates with in-demand tech skills, Per Scholas Buffalo is transforming lives and helping to shape Buffalo’s future as a thriving technology hub. To learn more about Per Scholas Buffalo, follow them on LinkedIn and Facebook, or visit their page.

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About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is proud to celebrate 30 years of fostering economic mobility by giving individuals from diverse backgrounds access to high-growth tech careers. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. By 2030, we aim to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually—building on three decades of impact. With 20+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. 85%+ of our learners are people of color, 40% are women, and more than half hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone, driving transformative economic change.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rafael Gerena

communications@perscholas.org | 689-239-3127

Social Finance Partners with Per Scholas to Offer Living Expense Loans to Learners

The Zero Percent Loan program helps participants to cover living expenses with support from Social Finance, a grantee of the Google Career Certificates Fund

Boston, MA and New York, NY (December 16, 2024)—Social Finance, a leader in innovative workforce investments, has partnered with Per Scholas on a pilot program that offers living expense loans to participants in Per Scholas’ three-month, no-cost IT Support training program. The Zero Percent Loan (ZPL) program helps participants to cover living expenses while they complete the Google IT Support Certificate—training for in-demand, well-paying jobs with pathways to economic mobility—allowing them to focus on gaining the skills needed for these careers.

There are many good jobs that need to be filled, but they often require a degree or credential. These training programs are out of reach for many prospective participants who must decide between pursuing training and working so that they can cover their living expenses.

The Per Scholas ZPL is managed by Social Finance, a grant recipient of the $100 million Google Career Certificates Fund. The program supported by the Google Career Certificates Fund aims to drive $1 billion in aggregate wage gains for more than 20,000 people while providing wraparound support services such as professional coaching, interview prep, and job placement assistance. With the ZPL, learners receive $3,000 over the course of the three-month long Per Scholas program. The loans are flexible, allowing learners to use them according to their needs for expenses such as rent, groceries, transportation, or childcare. Learners only repay the ZPL via no-interest, low monthly payments if they secure jobs making above a minimum salary. Repayments received are reinvested back into the program to allow more learners to benefit.

Per Scholas piloted the loan across 21 IT support cohorts at eight campuses—Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, North Carolina, and Philadelphia—and aims to expand the program with support from additional partners.

“The Zero Percent Loan program is a game-changer in Per Scholas’ mission to drive economic mobility and build a diverse, inclusive tech workforce,” said Plinio Ayala, president and CEO of Per Scholas. “By tackling the often-overlooked challenge of living expenses during training, this initiative reduces financial barriers that have long kept talented individuals from reaching their full potential. With the support of Social Finance, Google.org, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the Charles Koch Foundation, we are not just empowering learners to gain critical skills for in-demand careers—we are creating a model for lasting economic equity and reshaping the future of opportunity in the tech industry.”

Early results from the pilot demonstrate the impact of the ZPL, with participants achieving an 83% graduation rate compared to 70% for non-participants, a statistically significant improvement. Detailed in a newly released report by Per Scholas, the pilot ran from June 2023 to March 2024, with nearly 60% of all eligible learners applying for the ZPL.

“We designed this program, made possible through the Google Career Certificates Fund, to support learners as they prepare for jobs that lead to economic mobility. We are encouraged by the early results of the Zero Percent Loan pilot with Per Scholas, which show greater persistence among learners using the loan,” said Jake Edwards, VP of Impact Investments at Social Finance. “We are excited to apply learnings from the partnership, and other training providers supported by the Fund, to build the knowledge base of what works to help more learners upskill at scale.”

The program is already helping learners improve their job prospects and earning potential. Wanting to switch careers, Tori Haynes—who had been working as a security guard and DJ—was encouraged by a Per Scholas alum to consider Per Scholas training to pursue her interest in a career in tech. Tori enrolled in Per Scholas’ IT Support course in Baltimore. The ZPL provided Tori with the financial stability to focus on the program, helping her gain technical and professional skills. Tori now works as an IT Support Specialist at a real estate company and is exploring opportunities in emerging technologies, including AI.

“When I found out I got the loan, it was such a relief—it was one less thing to worry about. It allowed me to concentrate fully on my studies and gave me a cushion so I didn’t have to work constantly to make ends meet,” Tori said. “Some people literally can’t pursue education because they can’t afford it. Doing this program for free and with the extra financial help? That’s a miracle for some people.”

The Google Career Certificates were developed by Google employees to support skilling in high-demand fields within 3-6 months—with no degree or experience required. The Google Career Certificates Fund began supporting learners with training providers including inaugural training providers Merit America and Year Up in 2022. In addition to training and wraparound support, learners are also connected to an employer consortium of over 150 companies that consider Google Career Certificates graduates.

To learn more about Per Scholas’ IT Support training program and how you can enroll, visit perscholas.org.

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About Social Finance

Social Finance (SF Advisors, LLC) is a national nonprofit and registered investment advisor. We work with the public, private, and social sectors to create partnerships and investments that measurably improve lives. Since our founding in 2011, we have mobilized more than $400 million in new investments designed to help people and communities realize improved outcomes in workforce and economic mobility, health, and housing. Learn more at socialfinance.org.

About Per Scholas

For nearly 30 years, Per Scholas has been on a mission to drive equity and opportunity in the ever-advancing technology landscape by unlocking the untapped potential of individuals, uplifting communities, and meeting the needs of employers through rigorous tech training. By teaming up with dynamic employer partners, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we’re forging inclusive tech talent pipelines, fulfilling an ever-increasing need for skilled talent. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and counting, Per Scholas offers no-cost training programs in the most sought-after tech skills, spanning Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more. To date, 25,000+ individuals have been trained through Per Scholas, propelling their professional trajectories into high-growth tech careers with salaries three times higher than their pre-training earnings. At Per Scholas, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging aren’t just buzzwords—they’re in our DNA. 85+ percent of our learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.