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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Per Scholas Philadelphia Establishes Advisory Board 

Leaders from Fortune 100s, Technology, Non-Profit, Finance Contribute to Transform America’s Tech Workforce

PHILADELPHIA (November 3, 2022) – Per Scholas Philadelphia today announces the establishment of its inaugural Advisory Board. Leaders from Fortune 100 companies, technology, finance, media, and the nonprofit sector will contribute their time and talent to supporting Per Scholas Philadelphia and its mission to transform America’s technology workforce through rigorous tech skills training.

Inaugural Per Scholas Philadelphia Advisory Board Members include:

• Carrie Bucci, Vice President of Product, Technically Media

• Brian Harvey, AVP Talent Management, Global Technology, Chubb 

• Danita Jones, Director of Human Resources and Engagement, Family Practice & Counseling Network; Chapter President, NAAAHR Philadelphia

• Claude Lawrence, Vice President Strategy, Consumer & Wealth Management, Goldman Sachs

• Joanne Sibony, Vice President, Technology Lab Environments, Comcast

“We are thrilled to launch this next phase of impact for the growing Per Scholas community in our city. These incredible leaders will help further our mission to increase access to thriving wage careers in tech for all Philadelphians,” said Nikki Pumphrey, Senior Managing Director, Per Scholas Philadelphia.

Since opening in 2019, more than 250 learners have graduated from Per Scholas Philadelphia and have gone on to employment in tech roles at a variety of companies across the city – from large healthcare providers to small startups. 

Per Scholas Philadelphia is grateful for Founder’s Circle partners TEKsystems and Comcast, as well as generous support from The Lenfest Foundation, Connelly Foundation, and William Penn Foundation. 

Currently, Per Scholas Philadelphia offers courses in Cybersecurity and IT Support. To learn more about Per Scholas Philadelphia, please visit www.PerScholas.org/Philadelphia.

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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Per Scholas Chicago Establishes Advisory Board
Leaders from Fortune 100s, Technology, Nonprofit, Professional Services Contribute to Transform America’s Tech Workforce

CHICAGO, IL (October 6, 2022) — Per Scholas Chicago today announced the creation of its inaugural Advisory Board. Leaders from Fortune 100 companies, technology, professional services and the nonprofit sector will contribute their time and talent to supporting Per Scholas and its mission to transform America’s technology workforce through rigorous tech skills training.

Inaugural Per Scholas Chicago Advisory Board Members include:

• Charles Herman, Managing Director, Executive Search & IT Direct Hire Enterprise Delivery, The Judge Group
• Sandee Kastrul, President and Co-Founder, i.c. stars
• Gwendolyn McNutt, Regional External Affairs Manager, Comcast
• Veronica Vergara, Application Development Associate, Accenture and Per Scholas Chicago Graduate
• Anna Witler, Vice President, Sales Integration, CDW

Since launching in Chicago in June of 2020, Per Scholas Chicago has trained nearly 230 learners in in-demand skills including IT Support, End User Desktop Support, AWS re/Start, and Full Stack Java Developer.

“Per Scholas Chicago is delighted to launch our inaugural Advisory Board with visionary leadership from Charlie, Sandee, Gwendolyn, Veronica, and Anna. We’re committed to training best-in-class tech talent and being a contributing member of the powerful tech ecosystem here in Chicago,” said Andi Drileck, Per Scholas Chicago Senior Managing Director.

Aligned with Per Scholas’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, 4 in 5 Chicago learners are people of color and a third identify as women. In 2022, Per Scholas Chicago is on track to train 120 learners in a variety of skills for high-growth tech careers including IT Support, AWS re/Start, and End User Desktop Support.

Locally, Per Scholas Chicago is generously supported by Building Better Futures. To learn more about Per Scholas Chicago, please visit www.PerScholas.org/Chicago.

The Per Scholas Chicago Advisory Board will participate in a celebration of the Chicago campus on October 14, 2022. To learn more and RSVP, click here.

 About Per Scholas: Per Scholas is a national organization that has been advancing economic mobility for 27 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.

Per Scholas Awards Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin for Championing Diversity
Change Maker Honored with Diverse by Design North Star Award For His Contributions to DEIB

New York, N.Y. (September 19, 2022) – Today, Per Scholas, a national nonprofit committed to advancing economic mobility and increasing access to tech careers, awards Mike Tomlin, the head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL), its Diverse by Design North Star Award. This award celebrates change makers who are leading the charge when it comes to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).

The Diverse by Design North Star Award honors leaders who are transforming diversity in the technology sector and beyond. As one of five minority head coaches for the NFL, Coach Tomlin is a passionate advocate for DEIB. Through his role at the NFL, he actively promotes racial equity and intentional progress around challenges attached to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. This year, Per Scholas and Diverse by Design award Coach Tomlin in acknowledgment for all of his work to advance DEIB.

“It is my distinct honor to award this year’s Diverse by Design North Star Award to Coach Mike Tomlin,” said Damien Howard, Chief Enterprise Solutions Officer at Per Scholas and co-founder of Diverse by Design. “We’re working to transform the diversity landscape within tech and are inspired by leaders like Coach Mike – who is literally changing the playing field and driving transformation in major league sports. He embodies all that Diverse by Design and Per Scholas stand for.”

This year alone, Per Scholas will enroll more than 4,000 learners across 19 cities and partner with over 650 companies where Per Scholas graduates launch their tech careers. Powered by Per Scholas and ITSMF, Diverse by Design helps companies establish a pipeline of diverse entry, mid and executive-level candidates with skills tailored to their business needs.

“I am both honored and humbled to receive this award. I am a big believer in results – not just talk – especially when it comes to diversity in hiring,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “It is amazing that Per Scholas has been helping skill diverse professionals and launch careers in technology for more than 25 years. Their results in tech are a model for what’s possible across other industries – and gives me hope for bringing more equity in hiring to the NFL.”

“I am thrilled that Mike is being recognized with the Diverse by Design North Star Award,” said Shaun Alexander, NFL Legend, Community Influencer, and Per Scholas ambassador. “Beyond his team’s winning record, Mike is a powerful diversity champion at the NFL. He is not only vocal about where gaps exist, but also very purposeful and proactive in putting processes in place to give diverse applicants a fair chance in the NFL.”

2022 marks the second annual Diverse by Design North Star Award and Coach Tomlin joins fellow 2022 honorees Michael Buckham-White, Global Managing Director, Deloitte Technology; Stephen DeStefani, SVP, Technology Diverse Segments, Representation & Inclusion, Wells Fargo; and Janet Pope, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Capgemini Global Consulting Group. Inaugural recipients include Jay Alvather, President of TEKsystems; Maurice Jones, CEO of OneTen; and Dalila Wilson-Scott, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast Corporation.

To learn more about Per Scholas and its mission to advance economic equity through rigorous training for tech careers and to connect skilled talent to leading businesses, visit: https://perscholas.org/. To learn more about Diverse by Design please visit www.diversebydesign.org.

Per Scholas Expands Cybersecurity and Tech Training Offerings to St. Louis 

Cortex Innovation Community Welcomes Per Scholas As Part of Strategy To Accelerate Region’s Inclusive Economic Growth

ST. LOUIS (April 4, 2022) — National tech training nonprofit Per Scholas today announced its expansion to St. Louis and the appointment of Dr. Charlie Mackey, Jr. as Per Scholas St. Louis Managing Director. Through an innovative partnership with Cortex Innovation Community, Per Scholas St. Louis will offer its tuition-free, rigorous technical training as the latest addition to Cortex, from its newest campus, located at 20 S. Sarah Street in the District. 

Sam Fiorello, Cortex President & CEO, said, “Cortex is thrilled to welcome Per Scholas and Dr. Charlie Mackey, Jr. to the St. Louis community. The St. Louis region has a large number of unfilled jobs, particularly in growing areas like cybersecurity; adding Per Scholas to the existing infrastructure of local training partners will strengthen the support necessary to employ under-skilled workers and fill these critical job openings in the St. Louis region.” 

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 650 employer partners nationwide, ranging from Fortune 500 to innovative startups. 

“I am honored to join Per Scholas and lead our transformational work here in St. Louis. I believe our training removes two of the largest barriers for members of our local community who aspire to work in technology: access and affordability. By removing these barriers, Per Scholas learners and our future St. Louis graduates can achieve social and economic mobility,” said Dr. Charlie Mackey, Per Scholas St. Louis Managing Director. “Our partnership with Cortex – and being located in this incredible District – will propel our ability to interact with the local tech community and employers in need of tech talent. Per Scholas St. Louis is excited to join CyberUp and NPower in training St. Louis’ future technologists. Together, I’m confident we’ll be able to achieve our shared vision of a more inclusive and diverse tech workforce here in St. Louis.”

In 2022, Per Scholas St. Louis will offer Cybersecurity and IT Support skills training and is currently accepting applications for its Cybersecurity cohort, scheduled to begin on June 17. 

The Cortex Innovation Community is committed to partnering with employers, training providers and academic institutions to grow and attract quality jobs and prepare a diversity of talent to fill those jobs. Partnering with Per Scholas to fill the need for skilled talent in cybersecurity and tech is a critical component of Cortex’s recently released 5-year strategic plan. 

“It takes focused, intentional collaboration to achieve a vision as ambitious as an equitable, inclusive, and diverse workforce, and Per Scholas is grateful to Cortex for their leadership and warm welcome to St. Louis. The opportunity before us is great, and with Charlie at the helm, I know Per Scholas St. Louis will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our learners, their families, and the newest city Per Scholas is proud to call home,” said Plinio Ayala, President and CEO, Per Scholas. 

Per Scholas St. Louis will participate in the Cybersecurity Minicon, hosted by The Global Center for Cybersecurity @ Cortex on April 7. For additional details and to register, click here.  

To learn more about Per Scholas St. Louis, click here. To learn more about Cortex Innovation Community, www.cortexstl.org.  

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 18 cities, Per Scholas has trained more than 16,000 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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Per Scholas Detroit Establishes Advisory Board

Leaders from Fortune 100s, Technology, Education Contribute to Transform America’s Tech Workforce

DETROIT, Mich. (March 31, 2022) — Per Scholas Detroit today announced the creation of its inaugural Advisory Board. Leaders from Fortune 100 companies, technology, and education will contribute their time and talent to supporting Per Scholas and its mission to transform America’s technology workforce through rigorous tech skills training.

Inaugural Per Scholas Detroit Advisory Board Members include:

• Maria Holmes, Director, Community Impact – Heartland Region, Comcast
• Dan Ngoyi, Vice President, Talent Acquisition, Rocket Central
• Denzel Palm, University Recruiter, Diversity, Meta
• Ashok Sivanand, CEO, Integral
• Marlin Viverette, Per Scholas Detroit Graduate
• Jordan Zlotoff, Former CEO, M1 Concourse

Since launching in Detroit in 2019, Per Scholas Detroit has trained nearly 250 learners in in-demand skills including IT Support, End User Desktop Support, and Full Stack Java Developer. In 2021 alone, 78 Per Scholas Detroit grads launched their tech careers. 

“As a life-long Detroiter, I have neither been surprised nor shocked to find answers in the room or just before a group of Detroiters. I am humbled and grateful that this remains true,” said Per Scholas Detroit Managing Director Dr. JR Sledge. “The willingness of the members of Per Scholas Detroit’s Inaugural Advisory Board not only confirms, but also illuminates, that together we can build an inclusive pipeline for economic mobility within the tech ecosystem.”

Aligned with Per Scholas’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, 3 in 4 Detroit learners are people of color and a third identify as women. In 2022, Per Scholas Detroit is on track to train 120 learners in a variety of skills for high-growth tech careers including Cybersecurity and Software Engineer, which are new course offerings this year. 

Locally, Per Scholas Detroit is generously supported by Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Rocket Community Fund, and Samvid Ventures. Comcast NBCUniversal is a Per Scholas Founder’s Circle partner. To learn more about Per Scholas Detroit, please visit www.PerScholas.org/Detroit. 

About Per Scholas: Per Scholas is a national organization that has been advancing economic mobility for 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 17 cities, Per Scholas has trained more than 16,000 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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