NPower and Per Scholas Each Receive $1M Grants from Truist Foundation to Support Tech Training Across North Carolina  

Grants will help expand access to careers in technology, boost
economic mobility for underserved adult learners

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 10, 2023 – In an era where technology and digital prowess have become essential for many job opportunities, Truist Foundation today announced $2 million in commitments to support a singular focus: forging pathways to economic mobility through technology-oriented training initiatives in communities across North Carolina. A $1 million grant will go to national tech training nonprofit NPower and a separate $1 million grant will go to Per Scholas, a national nonprofit that aims to advance economic equity through training for tech careers. 

“North Carolina has long been a thriving tech hub, but not everyone has access to the opportunities it offers,” said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. “Truist Foundation wants to make careers in tech accessible to everyone across the state, and by offering coursework and career opportunities in more communities, NPower and Per Scholas are helping to break down those barriers to entry.” 

Per Scholas will use its funding to double the size of its technology skills training program offering in the Tarheel state. Through dynamic partnerships, Per Scholas North Carolina will offer remote training programs to more than 250 learners in rural areas of the state in an effort to increase access and opportunity for high-growth careers in technology. 

As it expands, the organization will grow its powerful partnership with Wilkes Community College to provide tech skills, professional development and coaching to learners in Western North Carolina, outside of Charlotte city limits. With a robust roster of employer partners, from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, some previous Per Scholas North Carolina graduates were able to double their pretraining wages in their first tech job, which can result in sustainable economic mobility.

“Per Scholas is grateful for this tremendous investment into Per Scholas North Carolina from Charlotte-based Truist Foundation, helping to increase pathways to economic mobility for North Carolinians. We know the transformative impact a career in technology can have on individuals, and increasing access and opportunity is key. Per Scholas North Carolina has seen the impact of our rural training model already, injecting more than $1.9 million back into local communities,” said Mike Terrell, managing director of Per Scholas North Carolina. “We’re very humbled by Truist Foundation’s grant, which will help us unlock potential for even more aspiring rural technologists, in turn building stronger communities, companies and economies.”  

Using the grant funds, NPower will expand its free flagship Tech Fundamentals training program into North Carolina for the first time with a location in Raleigh—a vibrant city within the Research Triangle community. The 16-week training program addresses barriers that exist among young adults ages 18 to 26, military-connected individuals and women of color eager to enter the field of technology.

The ambitious expansion seeks to attract, educate and empower at least 150 new learners over the course of the grant, and aims to hone their skills to master the art of information technology (IT) with the expectation of acquiring expertise equivalent to professionals with one to two years of experience. One of the goals of this initiative is for the impact to extend beyond the boundaries of learning, enabling these graduates to confidently embrace the digital economy and its myriad possibilities.

“Real innovation begins when the problem statement is clear and there is a sincere commitment to address it. That’s why we’re thrilled to be partnering with Truist Foundation for our expansion into North Carolina,” said Bertina Ceccarelli, CEO of NPower. “Empowering underserved communities through innovation in tech and embracing diversity isn’t just a vision; it’s the driving force behind NPower’s mission, where every challenge becomes an opportunity to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.”

During an event at Truist Center in Charlotte, Truist Financial Chairman and CEO Bill Rogers joined Bell, Ceccarelli and Caitlyn Brazill, chief development officer of Per Scholas, to formally announce the grants and discuss their impact across North Carolina. Terrell and NPower Executive Director Ray Trapp also participated in a panel moderated by Bell to discuss the importance of progressing economic mobility in North Carolina.

North Carolina is known as a tech hub in the U.S. In 2021, commercial real estate leader CBRE ranked Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte among the top tech talent markets in the U.S. and Canada. According to their findings, Charlotte proved to have one of the most diverse tech talent workforces in the U.S. and ranks among the top 10 states in the nation for total employment in this sector. 

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About NPower

NPower is a national nonprofit on a mission to move people from poverty to the middle class by training youth from underserved communities and military-connected individuals in a range of tech skills and placing them in quality jobs. Students who enter their free, six-month program, earn industry-recognized certifications and graduate with the competencies of an IT professional with one to two years of experience. NPower also places students in paid internships with corporate and nonprofit organizations. Eighty percent of NPower graduates get a full-time job or continue their education. Not only is NPower changing life trajectories for individuals from vulnerable communities, but they are also strengthening the overall competitiveness of U.S. businesses hamstrung by today’s limited pool of IT talent. To learn more about NPower, visit www.npower.org.

About Per Scholas

For more than 25 years, Per Scholas has been advancing equity and increasing opportunity across America. Per Scholas unlocks potential for individuals, communities, and employers through rigorous training for careers in tech. Partnering with dynamic employer partners, from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we are building sustainable and diverse talent pipelines, together changing the face of tech. With national remote training and campuses in 20 cities and growing, Per Scholas offers tuition-free training in the most in-demand tech skills, including Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more. To date, more than 20,000 individuals have gained the skills to launch high-growth tech careers, earning three times their pre-training wage. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is our DNA, with 85 percent of learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half have a high school diploma as their highest education credential. Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For local updates, follow Per Scholas North Carolina on LinkedIn and Facebook. 

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. Truist Foundation grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

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Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE: TFC) and Truist Foundation today announced $17 million in commitments to support affordable housing in Charlotte and career development and economic mobility programs across North Carolina.

The Truist commitment consists of three initiatives:

• $15 million equity investment from Truist Community Capital in the Housing Impact Fund II to combat displacement, secure affordable housing and facilitate critical services for low-to-moderate income families across Mecklenburg County. It is the second such fund formed by Erskine Bowles, former head of the U.S. Small Business Administration and White House Chief of Staff under President Clinton, and Nelson Schwab, a founding partner of Carousel Capital.
• $1 million Truist Foundation grant to Per Scholas North Carolina to expand technology skills training in rural North Carolina.
• $1 million Truist Foundation grant to NPower to provide technology skills and employment opportunities for military-connected individuals and underserved young adults in the Raleigh community.

Read the Truist press release here.

Per Scholas Expands Tech Training to Houston

 Ion Welcomes Per Scholas As Part of Community Investment to Build Inclusive Technology Workforce; Now Accepting Applications

HOUSTON (July 17, 2023) – National tech training nonprofit Per Scholas today announced its expansion to Houston, joining Ion District, Houston’s 16-acre innovation district developed by Rice University. Through an innovative relationship with Ion, Per Scholas Houston will offer its tuition-free technology skills training from its newest campus located at 4201 Main Street. In addition to Ion selecting and investing in Per Scholas as the District’s workforce development partner, Per Scholas Houston has received generous support from BlackRock and Comcast NBCUniversal. 

“We are excited for Per Scholas to join the Ion as a workforce development partner, as well as recognize a CBA milestone by investing in developing a tech workforce of Houstonians,” said Jan Odegard, Executive Director of the Ion. “This investment will expand non-traditional learning opportunities for local Houstonians looking to develop new skills in our dynamic economy.”

Training by Per Scholas Houston will get underway in October, beginning with its best-in-class IT Support course. Applications are now open, and interested individuals can learn more and apply here. Learners will have the opportunity to earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and the CompTIA A+ certification, equipping aspiring technologists with the knowledge and skills to fill a wide range of entry-level tech careers. 

Per Scholas unlocks potential for individuals, communities, and companies by offering rigorous, 12- to 15-week tech skills training and connecting Per Scholas graduates to high growth careers in technology. Per Scholas Houston marks the nonprofit’s second campus in Texas, joining Per Scholas Dallas, which has been training technologists in a variety of tech skills since 2014. 

“The BlackRock Foundation’s longstanding partnership with Per Scholas is a natural extension of our mission to create more paths to financial security for more people,” said Claire Chamberlain, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director, Corporate Sustainability and Social Impact at BlackRock. “Through skill-building and mastery, the program expands access to careers in technology and is critical for unlocking the potential of a new generation of technical leaders. We are so proud to be a part of bringing Per Scholas to Houston.”

“A future of unlimited possibilities starts by providing ambitious, driven, and talented individuals with opportunities. That’s precisely why our partnership with Per Scholas is a perfect fit,” said Misha McClure, Comcast Texas’ Director of External Affairs. “Our investment will help build a diverse and thriving workforce here in Greater Houston by providing skills training for highly sought tech careers. We’re grateful to Per Scholars for its ongoing work to educate and connect our future business leaders with leading businesses. We look forward to what we can achieve together.”

Aligned with its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, 85 percent of Per Scholas learners are people of color, more than 40 percent identify as women, and more than half have a high school diploma as their highest education credential. Per Scholas graduates are hired into tech roles by more than 850 employer partners nationwide, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. The Per Scholas model is proven and evidence-based. Per Scholas trained technologists go on to earn three times their pre-training wage in their first job following graduation. Plus, every dollar invested in Per Scholas results in an $8 net economic return. 

“Per Scholas commends the vision and commitment of the City of Houston, Ion, Rice University, and so many others, to catalyze change, grow ideas and innovation, and drive impact. We are thrilled that Per Scholas Houston is now part of the effort,” said Plinio Ayala, President and CEO, Per Scholas. “With tremendous investment from Ion, BlackRock, Comcast, our proven skills training will develop technologists to power Houston’s workforce today – and tomorrow – creating a more inclusive and equitable economy. We can’t wait to get started.”

To learn more about the Ion, please visit iondistrict.com. To learn more about Per Scholas Houston, click here, and follow Per Scholas Houston on LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Ion

Located in Ion District, the namesake building is the transformative centerpiece of Houston’s innovation corridor. Designed to bring our city’s entrepreneurial, corporate, and academic communities into collaborative spaces and programs, the sunlit structure of steel and glass is a home for advancing diverse knowledge, teams, technologies, and products that propel our world forward.

From Fortune 500s seeking flexible office space to first-time startups looking for the funding to design a prototype, the Ion provides wide-reaching space and support to connect every What if with What now?—welcoming individuals and teams of all kinds to a place to build a better way. 

About Per Scholas

For more than 25 years, Per Scholas has been advancing equity and increasing opportunity across America. Per Scholas unlocks potential for individuals, communities, and employers through rigorous training for careers in tech. Partnering with dynamic employer partners, from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we are building sustainable and diverse talent pipelines, together changing the face of tech. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and growing, Per Scholas offers tuition-free training in the most in-demand tech skills, including Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more. To date, more than 20,000 individuals have gained the skills to launch high-growth tech careers, earning three times their pre-training wage. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is our DNA: 85 percent of learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half have a high school diploma as their highest education credential. Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

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Bridging The Tech Talent Gap In Upper Manhattan Per Scholas and UMEZ Launch a Tech Initiative Creating Pathways to In-Demand Skills and Thriving-Wage Careers

New York, N.Y. (March 27, 2023) – The Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation (UMEZ) has awarded Per Scholas a $200,000 grant to launch the Technology Sector Employment Initiative in Upper Manhattan collaboratively. This initiative aims to increase economic mobility by bridging the technology skills gap for Upper Manhattan residents and strengthening the capacity of community partnerships to support the development of a local tech talent pipeline.

“With the launch of our Technology Sector Employment Initiative, we are creating an opportunity to advance tech inclusion and bridge tech talent gaps in Upper Manhattan,” said Blair M. Duncan, President & CEO of UMEZ.  “We are proud to partner with Per Scholas and our community partners to connect Upper Manhattan residents to thriving-wage careers in tech.”

Per Scholas will work with community partners through the UMEZ-sponsored Community Partner Tech Fund to identify and enroll at least 65 residents from all neighborhoods of the UMEZ catchment area, covering the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Community Districts of Upper Manhattan, this year. Interested learners can apply for any course Per Scholas New York offers at its Bronx or Brooklyn campuses and its Satellite partner locations, including the Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center at First Avenue and 93rd Streets. 2023 courses offered by Per Scholas New York include IT Support, AWS re/Start, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Java Developer. 

“We are so proud to team up with UMEZ and incredible community partners in Upper Manhattan to continue to expand Per Scholas’ reach in our hometown,” said Debbie Roman, Per Scholas New York Managing Director. “Through our innovative Satellite Model, we were able to train New Yorkers from all 51 Districts last year, and now through this intentional partnership with UMEZ, our presence and impact will only continue to grow in Upper Manhattan.”

Interested Upper Manhattan learners can contact our collaborative network of community partners including Community Impact, Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC), and Urban Upbound to begin the screening and admissions process. If you are a community partner based in Upper Manhattan and interested in participating in the Technology Sector Employment Initiative, please contact Christina Xenos, Per Scholas Director of Strategic Partnerships, at [email protected]. 

Olger Twyner, Executive Director of Community Impact at Columbia University stated, “Community Impact is excited to join this important initiative, which will allow us to partner with UMEZ and Per Scholas to provide life enhancing opportunities to our adult education program participants, as well as other community residents who are upskilling and seeking employment.  The skills and training necessary to join the technology job force are critical. The Technology Sector Employment Initiative will provide those skills and open new opportunities to those who need them most.” 

Maria Lizardo, Executive Director of NMIC shared, “All individuals deserve equitable access to education, and that’s why we are so thrilled about our upcoming collaboration with Per Scholas, made possible by UMEZ. Through this partnership, NMIC will help recruit those who aspire to work in the technology workforce who otherwise might not have had access to the skills training and employer networks required for long-term employment. We know that through this partnership, future leaders of our community will be taught the skills to build fruitful careers in tech and secure prosperous futures.”

“As a leader in the fight to lift New Yorkers out of poverty, Urban Upbound is proud to partner with Per Scholas and UMEZ in creating new paths for Upper Manhattan residents to access the technology job market, a key sector with high-earning entry level jobs. We are committed to advancing our common goal of introducing more women and people of color to tech and bridge the skills gap,” said Bishop Mitchell Taylor, CEO and Co-Founder of Urban Upbound.

To learn more about Per Scholas New York and to view upcoming tech training opportunities, visit www.PerScholas.org/NewYork. 

About Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation

UMEZ is an independent not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to sustain the economic revitalization of all communities of Upper Manhattan through job creation, corporate alliances, strategic investments, and small business assistance.

UMEZ is part of a national Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) network that promotes economic growth by financing businesses, creating jobs, and rebuilding neighborhoods.

UMEZ facilitates economic development in Central, West, and East Harlem; Washington Heights; and Inwood neighborhoods.

About Per Scholas

For more than 25 years, Per Scholas has been advancing equity and increasing opportunity across America. Per Scholas unlocks potential for individuals, communities, and employers through rigorous training for careers in tech. Partnering with dynamic employer partners, from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we are building sustainable and diverse talent pipelines, together changing the face of tech. With national remote training and campuses in 20 cities and growing, Per Scholas offers tuition-free training in the most in-demand tech skills, including Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more. To date, more than 20,000 individuals have gained the skills to launch high-growth tech careers, earning three times their pre-training wage. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is our DNA, with 85 percent of learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half have a high school diploma as their highest education credential. Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and following us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

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Leaders from Technology, Government, Private Equity, Nonprofit Contribute to Transform America’s Tech Workforce in the Southwest

PHOENIX (February 28, 2023) – Per Scholas Phoenix today announces the establishment of its inaugural Advisory Board. Leaders from technology, government, private equity, and the nonprofit sector will contribute their time and talent to supporting Per Scholas Phoenix and its mission to transform America’s technology workforce through rigorous tech skills training.

Inaugural Per Scholas Phoenix Advisory Board Members include:

• Anebi Agbo, Product Builder & Entrepreneur, Eikon Labs
• Rich Asay, Senior Operations Analyst, Global Services, Keyfactor
• Amber Braaten, IS Service Desk Controller, Master Electronics
• Shereka Jackson, Founder/CEO, Future Stars Inc
• Aaron Jones, Software Developer, City of Chandler
• Phillip Pipkins, Founding Partner, Prospeq, LP

“We are thrilled to have inspired leadership from our inaugural Per Scholas Phoenix Board members. Their creative vision will help us connect rigorously trained tech talent with quality job employers, changing the face of tech here in Arizona,” said Jaclyn Boyes, Per Scholas Phoenix Managing Director. 

Since opening in 2021, more than 100 learners have graduated from Per Scholas Phoenix and have gone onto employment in tech roles at a variety of companies across the city – from large financial service institutions to small startups. 

Per Scholas Phoenix is grateful for Founder’s Circle partners TEKsystems as well as generous support from Boeing, New World Foundation Quality Jobs Fund, Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, and Wells Fargo.

 Currently, Per Scholas Phoenix offers a variety of tech training courses including Java Developer, IT Support, and more. To learn more, please visit www.PerScholas.org/Phoenix.

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national organization that has been advancing economic mobility for more than 25 years. Through rigorous training, professional development, and robust employer connections, we prepare individuals traditionally underrepresented in technology for high-growth careers in the industry. We partner with leading employers to build more diverse talent pools, directly connecting our graduates to new career opportunities at businesses ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. With campuses in 20 cities, Per Scholas has trained more than 20,000 individuals in tech skills, building bridges to careers in technology. To learn more, visit PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Per Scholas Welcomes Two National Board Members

Bronx, N.Y. (February 23, 2023) – Per Scholas, one of the leading national organizations that focuses on advancing economic mobility in technology, today announces the appointment of two dynamic leaders to its National Board. 

New National Per Scholas Board Members include:

• Dirk Manelski, Chief Technology Officer, PIMCO

With more than 24 years of technology experience, Dirk currently serves as PIMCO’s Chief Technology Officer, responsible for overseeing technology and developing the firm’s IT strategy. 

“Having participated in the PIMCO Foundation and Per Scholas partnership over the past couple of years I have seen the incredible impact Per Scholas can have on individuals’ careers and lives,” said Dirk Manelski, Chief Technology Officer at PIMCO. “I am excited to be joining the board and looking forward to being a bigger part of the Per Scholas mission.”

• Indy Reddy, Chief Technology and Operations Officer, PGIM Investments

Indy currently serves as Chief Technology and Operations Officer for PGIM Investments, where he is responsible for all aspects of technology strategy and delivery and operations functions. More than 150 Prudential employees have participated in a variety of corporate engagement events with Per Scholas Newark including mock interviews, fireside chats, networking, and resume reviews.

“I am honored and excited to join the board of Per Scholas to help deliver on their mission to advance economic equity through rigorous training for tech careers and to connect skilled talent to leading businesses. This organization truly embodies the changing face of technology and I look forward to contributing to their growth and continued success,” said Indy Reddy.

“We are humbled to welcome two dynamic chief technology officers and know that Dirk and Indy will bring tremendous insight and knowledge to Per Scholas’ work,” said Plinio Ayala, President & CEO of Per Scholas. “Our National Board Members are tireless in their commitment and effort to advance economic opportunity and close America’s opportunity gap by unlocking potential and changing the face of tech.”

To learn more about Per Scholas’s work and our National Board, visit PerScholas.org. 

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national organization that has been advancing economic mobility for more than 25 years. Through rigorous training, professional development, and robust employer connections, we prepare individuals traditionally underrepresented in technology for high-growth careers in the industry. We partner with leading employers to build more diverse talent pools, directly connecting our graduates to new career opportunities at businesses ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. With campuses in 20 cities, Per Scholas has trained more than 20,000 individuals in tech skills, building bridges to careers in technology. To learn more, visit PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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$2.8M Lilly Endowment Inc Grant Supports Goodwill’s Collaboration with Per Scholas

Grant funds will support the Digital Skills Initiative

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (January 23, 2023) — Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana announced today that it is the grateful recipient of a generous $2.8M grant from Lilly Endowment Inc, which will support Goodwill’s collaboration with Per Scholas, a national organization that advances economic mobility by connecting graduates to high-growth careers in technology. Together with Per Scholas, the partnership will bring training and employment opportunities to hundreds of Indianapolis residents in an effort to increase the equity and diversity within Indianapolis’ technology sector.

“These funds from Lilly Endowment will help support the ambitious goals of this partnership, and we’re thankful to have their support in bringing technology training and employment opportunities to our community,” said Kent A. Kramer, president and CEO of Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. “We hope our work will inspire additional partnerships that connect individuals with equitable opportunities to access the education and training needed to secure in-demand career opportunities, like those available in the technology sector.”

Through an innovative relationship, Per Scholas will become a community partner with Goodwill and the Per Scholas Indianapolis office will operate and offer its tuition-free technical training from Goodwill’s headquarters at 1635 W. Michigan St. in Indianapolis. Local resident Theron Wilson has been appointed to serve as Per Scholas Indianapolis Managing Director.

“I am so honored and humbled to serve as the managing director of Per Scholas Indianapolis. Our Per Scholas approach is very intentional, as we aim to bridge the gap between a constantly growing tech sector and the next generation of tech workers. I am a long-time advocate for connecting adult learners to accessible education so individuals have an equal opportunity to change their lives,” said Theron Wilson, Per Scholas Indianapolis managing director. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to team up with Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, to help improve access and opportunity, and I know we’ll accomplish great things together.”

Per Scholas has advanced economic equity for more than 25 years by offering evidence-based, tuition-free technology training and connecting Per Scholas graduates to high-growth careers in technology. Aligned with its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, 85 percent of Per Scholas learners are people of color, and more than a third identify as women. Graduates are hired into tech roles by more than 850 employer partners nationwide, ranging from Fortune 500 to innovative startups.

“We are so grateful to Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana for the warm welcome to Indianapolis, as well as the incredible support of both Lilly Endowment and Salesforce,” said Plinio Ayala, president and CEO of Per Scholas. “Indianapolis is a growing tech hub in America’s heartland, and we’re looking forward to bringing our best-in-class technology skills training to the city. With Theron at the helm and together with Goodwill, I’m confident we’ll grow equity and diversity in Indianapolis’ tech sector.”

The five-year grant will support Per Scholas’ expansion to Indianapolis, the national tech training nonprofit’s 20th city. 

“We have seen first-hand the positive multi-generational impact of increasing access to education and employment opportunities in our communities,” said Betsy Delgado, senior vice president of education and mission initiatives at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. “Partnering with Per Scholas Indianapolis aligns perfectly with Goodwill’s mission and we are excited to be able to offer these opportunities to our community.”

The first course Per Scholas Indianapolis will offer is IT Support beginning in March 2023. Applications are due February 27, 2023.

To learn more about Per Scholas Indianapolis, click here. To learn more about Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, please visit goodwillindy.org.

 

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About Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana changes lives every day by empowering people to increase their independence and reach their potential through education, health and employment. Goodwill serves 39 Indiana counties and operates more than 70 retail locations, as well as charter schools for adults and youth, a maternal-child health program, a child care center and more.

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national organization that has been advancing economic mobility for more than 25 years. Through rigorous training, professional development, and robust employer connections, we prepare individuals traditionally underrepresented in technology for high-growth careers in the industry. We partner with leading employers to build more diverse talent pools, directly connecting our graduates to new career opportunities at businesses ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. With campuses in 20 cities, Per Scholas has trained more than 17,000 individuals in tech skills, building bridges to careers in technology. To learn more, visit PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

 

 

TEKsystems 2022 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in IT Report Reveals Breakthroughs and Barriers

Report details discrepancy between perception and reality of the effectiveness of DEI initiatives for the IT workforce

 

(HANOVER, Md., December 8, 2022) – TEKsystems, a global provider of technology, business and talent solutions for more than 80% of the Fortune 500, today released its first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in IT report. The report examines the perspectives of IT and HR leaders, IT employees and IT job seekers on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts and their impact in the workplace. 

“It’s encouraging to see that many organizations have implemented initiatives to foster more inclusive workplaces across the IT industry and create opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds,” said Faith Johnson, vice president of human resources at TEKsystems. “At TEKsystems, we believe workplaces should reflect the society in which they exist and operate. While we see signs of progress within the technology workforce, this report demonstrates there remains critical work to be done to enact and sustain lasting change.” 

DEI efforts have made positive impacts on organizations, but there are major diversity gaps among IT talent. TEKsystems’ report demonstrates a clear disconnect between perceptions and the reality of programs meant to cultivate a diverse, inclusive culture. While many organizations have demonstrated their commitment to DEI initiatives and seem to understand the importance, they appear to be failing to make systematic changes that garner results.  

“Our findings reveal that more needs to be done to move the needle and impact real change in the IT industry—an industry already facing a shortage of talent,” said Franklin Reed, executive director of global inclusion, diversity and equity at TEKsystems. “We believe more strategy, more intention and more mindset shifts need to occur. We’ve seen organizations enable sustainable change through strategies and networks that advance diverse, equitable and inclusive hiring and retention practices, work culture and values. We must work together to share best practices and drive actual outcomes.” 

The report revealed the good and the bad of the state of DEI in the IT workforce, notably the impacts of DEI programs and the challenges that IT leaders, employees and job seekers continue to face.

Positive Impacts of DEI Programs

• Overall, DEI programs have made company cultures more inclusive and workplaces more diverse.
• Diverse workforces improve employee retention and company performance.
• IT decision-makers typically spend over 10 hours per week implementing DEI policies.

DEI Challenges Faced in the IT Workforce

• Companies tend to have difficulty or the inability to measure impacts of DEI strategies.
• Less than half of decision-makers have advanced or mature DEI policies in place.
• Over half of women working in IT still say they still struggle to fit in.

“Tackling systematic change in the IT industry involves purposeful, innovative approaches powered by partnerships across enterprises. We believe these approaches, however, are not independent from an organization’s business goals—they align and help power business,” said Damien Howard, chief enterprise solutions officer at Per Scholas. “Studies have shown inclusive teams make better decisions, and diverse teams produce more revenue. In partnership with TEKsystems, we’re working to build talent pipelines to help accelerate business, and we’re increasing access to opportunity through rigorous technical training across the U.S., equipping thousands of diverse technologists with the in-demand skills to succeed.”

The full report, complete with additional findings, expert recommendations, and advice for creating an inclusive culture to overcome challenges, is available in an interactive, online experience on TEKsystems.com.

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Per Scholas Research Finds Stipends Drive Better Outcomes in Skills Training

Industry leader event explores opportunities to leverage flexible funding to further democratize access to tech training and employment

 

New York, N.Y. (December 6, 2022) – Today, Per Scholas and SkillUp Coalition brought together nonprofit and business industry leaders to share new research about the value flexible stipends play in participant success when it comes to training programs and their newly-launched careers.

This new report from Per Scholas shows that stipends can help drive better graduation, certification, and employment rates from tech skills training programs. Although sector-specific accelerated training programs, like those offered by Per Scholas, are a proven economic mobility solution for millions of Americans who struggle in low-wage jobs, even free training can be out of reach for breadwinners who can’t afford to stop working for three to four months of training.

“At Per Scholas, we believe that a thriving workforce starts with equitable access to education,” said Caitlyn Brazill, Chief Development Officer, Per Scholas. “Our latest research is helping us uncover new barriers to equity – such as a lack of financial support to replace lost wages during training – so we can better design and fund programs that help close equity gaps. Simply put, stipends work, and we’re calling on policymakers and investors to support flexible funding for proven programs that work.”

In 2021, Per Scholas partnered with SkillUp, a national collaboration of nonprofits, training providers, and employers, to test the impact of providing stipends for lower-income learners in the U.S. to help defray lost wages associated with time-off for training. The research shows that providing $1,000 stipends to cover living expenses while enrolled in full-time career training conferred better outcomes with an 18% increase in the likelihood to complete its skills course, an 11% higher likelihood of earning certification and 10% increase in job attainment among those in the study. Read the full Stipends & Skills Training: A Winning Combination Policy Brief here.

Today, more than 400 members of workforce development, philanthropic and economic mobility organizations, as well as nonprofits and government agencies attended Per Scholas’ Stipends and Skills Training: A Winning Combination webinar to discuss the research and the opportunities it presents to help struggling Americans gain access to training. Panelists included representatives from SkillUp and Per Scholas, as well as Google, Oracle, and the Charles Koch Foundation.

“SkillUp – as a learning lab to test the best and brightest ideas to upskill Americans into good jobs – partnered with the Charles Koch Foundation and Per Scholas, among others, to test whether $1,000 cash grants to cover training costs and/or life supports improved graduation and employment outcomes. We’re pleased to share, in a first-of-its-kind study, that small cash grants do have statistically significant impact on graduation and employment outcomes for training students. These are significant impacts for job seekers who have historically been shut out of the labor marketplace,” said Steve Lee, Executive Director, SkillUp.

“We all know that sometimes life gets in the way, and childcare, rent, and transportation costs can make it hard to stay the course with education and training,” says Tracy Palandjian, CEO and Co-Founder of Social Finance, a nonprofit that creates investments designed to minimize risk for learners. “As a manager of the SkillUp Together Fund, these findings are consistent with our experience prioritizing students’ needs. We are encouraged by the significance of this research for policymakers, funders, training providers, and other players in the ecosystem.”

Per Scholas is a growing national organization that offers proven technology career training for a general adult audience in low-to-moderate income communities. Though Per Scholas offers tuition-free technology career training that includes supplies, certification exam fees, access to support services, and connections to employment, many individuals who might benefit from the training do not enroll, because they cannot find ways to make ends meet during the full-time course, which is where stipends can play an important role.

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About the SkillUp Coalition

Founded in July 2020, SkillUp Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects workers with the right tools, resources, and support to make confident career shifts, find quality living-wage jobs, and position themselves for promising career growth. The SkillUp ecosystem provides career exploration, training & employer connections, career coaching, and resources to support workers at any stage of their career journey. Since its founding, SkillUp has connected 1.2 million workers to career and training support throughout the country.

The coalition brings together over 90 leading organizations including training and education providers, technology developers, policymakers, employers, and philanthropies. In addition to its national reach, SkillUp operates local partnerships in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Florida, Louisiana, Northern Nevada, Philadelphia, New York City, Ohio, Eastern Kentucky, and Dallas.

SkillUp proudly advocates for an affordable, equitable, upskilling ecosystem that ensures every worker has high opportunity employment. For more information, please visit www.skillup.org or follow on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a national organization that has been advancing economic mobility for more than 25 years. Through rigorous training, professional development, and robust employer connections, we prepare individuals traditionally underrepresented in technology for high-growth careers in the industry. We partner with leading employers to build more diverse talent pools, directly connecting our graduates to new career opportunities with leading employers, from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups.

With campuses in 19 cities, Per Scholas has trained more than 17,000 individuals in tech skills, building bridges to careers in technology. Per Scholas has campuses in Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Greater Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Greater Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; the National Capital Region; Newark, NJ; New York, NY; North Carolina; Orlando, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Phoenix, AZ; Seattle, WA; and St. Louis, MO. For more information, visit: https://perscholas.org/.

Per Scholas St. Louis Hosts Inaugural Graduation

Eleven technologists trained in cybersecurity skills ready to enter the local job market

ST. LOUIS (November 16, 2022) – Earlier this month, 11 learners successfully graduated from Per Scholas’ inaugural Cybersecurity course in St. Louis. For more than 27 years, the national nonprofit has advanced economic equity through its tuition-free technology skills training, professional development, and employer connections. Per Scholas announced its expansion to St. Louis as part of the Cortex Innovation Community earlier this year. The launch of Per Scholas St. Louis would not have been possible without the generous contributions of The Bellwether Foundation, the William T. Kemper Foundation, and Bank of America.

“We are so proud of our Cybersecurity graduates. The commitment, dedication, and determination of our learners to succeed is nothing short of inspiring,” said Dr. Charlie Mackey, Jr., Per Scholas St. Louis Managing Director. “Our graduates are ready to enter the St. Louis workforce with the cyber skills they need to succeed day one on the job.”

Per Scholas St. Louis graduates have mastered Linux, network administration, behavioral analytics, security monitoring including how to detect and combat cyber threats, threat management, cyber incident response, and more. Learners participated in live, instructor-led training that featured hands-on activities using real world servers, tools, and technologies.

Aligned with its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, three in four Per Scholas St. Louis learners are people of color, more than a quarter identify as women, and more than half have a high school diploma as their highest education credential.

“Partnerships like the one we have with Per Scholas are critical to meeting our mission to accelerate inclusive economic growth in the region,” said Sam Fiorello, CEO of Cortex Innovation Community, the home of Per Scholas St. Louis. “These first Per Scholas St. Louis graduates, and the many more that will graduate in the coming years, represent what Cortex can really do to make our region better.”

In early December, Per Scholas St. Louis will offer its popular IT Support training as its second course offering. Learners have the opportunity to earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate as well as the CompTIA A+ certification and gain knowledge to fill a variety of entry-level tech roles. Applications are due November 21 and can be accessed by visiting PerScholas.org/StLouis.

About Cortex Innovation Community: Cortex is a vibrant space serving as an inclusive economic engine for St. Louis. Cortex creates equitable economic impacts by leveraging high-quality facilities, developing programs that build knowledge and networks, and convening strategic partnerships that attract and support emerging and established companies. Founded in 2002 through a collaboration of Washington University in St. Louis, BJC HealthCare, the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Cortex Innovation Community (CortexSTL.org) is an internationally recognized hub of innovation and entrepreneurship that is focused on accelerating inclusive economic growth in St. Louis.

About Per Scholas: Per Scholas is a national organization that has been advancing economic mobility for more than 25 years. Through rigorous training, professional development, and robust employer connections, we prepare individuals traditionally underrepresented in technology for high-growth careers in the industry. We partner with leading employers to build more diverse talent pools, directly connecting our graduates to new career opportunities at businesses ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. With campuses in 19 cities, Per Scholas has trained more than 17,000 individuals in tech skills, building bridges to careers in technology. To learn more, visit PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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