Per Scholas, a nonprofit organization that provides free professional technical training, is working to bridge the gap between underserved communities and emerging tech careers. With a presence in greater than 22 cities, including recent expansions to Buffalo, New York, and Kansas City, Missouri, Per Scholas is making waves within the tech education landscape.

According to an evaluation by the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility, black households could lose greater than $350 billion in tech wages by 2030which represents one tenth of the overall wealth owned by these households.

Black people make up about 14% of the U.S. private-sector workforce, but only 7.4% of technology staff.

During a candid conversation with BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIPPer Scholas National Capital Region Senior Managing Director Jessica Diaz Council and Facility Director Monique Singleton shared their insights into the organization’s impact and growth.

From humble beginnings to nationwide influence

By Schools began as a tech recycling initiative within the Bronx, New York, refurbishing and redistributing old tech in the neighborhood. That humble starting laid the inspiration for the organization’s broader mission. “We realized that not only could we do this work, but we could train people to work in this space,” Diaz Council explained. “After proving the effectiveness of our curriculum in New York, we expanded to cities like Columbus, and now we’re in over 22 cities, targeting areas with high tech careers but low representation in those communities.”

This strategic expansion was driven by a commitment to providing access to high-quality education and creating pathways to high-paying technology careers, especially in underserved communities. Diaz’s council emphasized, “Per Scholas continues to evolve, incorporating AI and other technologies into our training to keep it relevant.”

Comprehensive support for holistic success

Per Scholas’ approach goes beyond technical training. Recognizing the challenges a lot of its students face, often juggling multiple responsibilities, the organization has developed robust support systems. “Per Scholas students come here not only for the training, but also for the mental health component, financial coaching, and other support services,” Singleton notes. “These are fundamental to helping them succeed in our 15-week program, which is full-time and demanding.”

This holistic approach ensures students gain technical skills and develop the resilience and confidence to achieve their latest careers. “Professional development, along with academic support, has been key in helping our students transition into their first technical roles,” Singleton added.

Expanding Opportunities with Cybersecurity Internships

One of Per Scholas’ latest initiatives is the launch of a cybersecurity internship program to handle the growing need for cybersecurity professionals. The program is already showing results, with the Maryland Higher Education Commission granting the organization a license to supply a proven cybersecurity curriculum. “We are actively working with the Maryland Governor’s Cybersecurity Task Force to help address the cybersecurity gap,” Diaz Council said.

The internship program is an element of Per Scholas’ broader technique to make sure that training paths are aligned with industry needs. “Every decision we make is a conversation with the employer. If it’s not relevant, there’s no need to continue offering it,” Diaz Council said. This close collaboration with employer partners, from Fortune 500 firms like Accenture to smaller consulting firms, ensures that Per Scholas graduates are well-prepared to fulfill the demands of the job market.

Building trust and overcoming challenges

Although Per Scholas has made significant progress, the journey has been difficult. One of the most important obstacles is overcoming skepticism from potential students who fear predatory boot camp programs. “When we tell them tuition is free, they often ask, ‘What’s the catch?’ It takes time to build that trust,” Diaz Council said.

To address this, Per Scholas has implemented rolling admissions, allowing prospective students to affix once they are ready, each mentally and when it comes to their life circumstances. “Keeping students engaged over the 15 weeks is key,” Diaz Council said. “We do this by creating a strong sense of community, encouraging cross-cohort mixing, and inviting former alumni to share their experiences.”

Sustaining the Mission Through Philanthropy

Per Scholas’ ability to supply free programs is made possible by a various pool of funding, including grants and philanthropic support. “This program will remain free as long as I am here,” Rada Diaz promised. “But it is only possible through continued fundraising and the generous support of our community partners.”

As Per Scholas continues to expand its reach and influence, the organization stays steadfast in democratizing access to high-quality education for diverse communities. By providing comprehensive support, aligning training with industry needs, and constructing trust within the communities it serves, Per Scholas isn’t just changing lives; it’s changing the face of the tech industry.