Per Scholas Company Profile

Background

Per Scholas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic mobility by providing tuition-free technology training and professional development to individuals from underserved communities across the United States. Since its inception in 1995, Per Scholas has trained over 30,000 individuals, equipping them with the skills necessary to launch successful careers in the tech industry. The organization's mission is to create opportunities for individuals to build thriving careers in technology, thereby contributing to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Key Strategic Focus

Per Scholas focuses on delivering rigorous, boot camp-style courses designed in collaboration with employers to meet the demands of the tech industry. These programs combine technical instruction with business professional skills development, boasting an 85% graduation rate. The organization targets individuals who may not have access to traditional educational pathways, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity. Per Scholas operates in over 20 major metropolitan areas, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, and New York, among others.

Financials and Funding

In 2023, Per Scholas reported revenue of $82.71 million, with 80.07% allocated to program expenses. The organization's funding sources include foundations (31.36%), individuals (33.59%), corporations (11.79%), government (9.46%), sales revenue (12.08%), and other sources (1.72%). Notable partners and supporters include the Allstate Foundation, Barclays, BlackRock, Comcast NBCUniversal, Google, and TEKsystems.

Pipeline Development

Per Scholas continually expands its training programs to align with industry needs. In 2023, the organization launched new campuses in Houston, Indianapolis, and Los Angeles, with plans to increase its footprint to 25 cities by 2025. The training programs cover various technical roles, including IT Support, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Data Engineering. The organization also introduced the Career Accelerator initiative, offering upskilling opportunities to alumni, with 1,052 participants enrolled in 2023.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Per Scholas leverages a comprehensive training platform that integrates technical instruction with professional development. The curriculum is developed in partnership with industry leaders to ensure relevance and effectiveness. In 2023, the organization began incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its training programs, launching its first AI-focused course, AI Prompt Engineering, to equip learners with cutting-edge skills. Additionally, Per Scholas is developing AI-powered tools to streamline processes and enhance staff capacity, including a custom resume and cover letter generator in partnership with Salesforce.

Leadership Team

Per Scholas is led by a dedicated Board of Directors comprising professionals from various industries:

Wale Akinwande – S&P Global

Ami Ariel – G-Way Management

Plinio Ayala – Per Scholas

Dwayne Brown – Accenture

Kevin P. Brown – Ernst & Young LLP

Kristen Chard – Google

Blair Greenberg – Bregal Sagemount

Jean Hill – Alvarez & Marsal

Faith Rottmann Johnson – TEKsystems

Wayne Kunow – BNY Mellon

Carolyn P. Landis – Catalyst Partners, LLC

J.C. Lapierre – PwC

Josh Lieberman – KMS Technology

Dirk Manelski – PIMCO

Lewis Miller – ActionPoint Advisors, LLC

Mary Beth Molloy – MBM Elevate LLC

Indy Reddy – PGIM Investments

Rick Rioboli – Comcast

Ian Schaad

Ian Shrank – Nonprofit Lawyer

Gregory Sills – Apollo Global Management LLC

Sanjay Sood – CDW

This diverse leadership team brings extensive experience and expertise, guiding Per Scholas in its mission to transform America's tech workforce.

Leadership Changes

In 2023, Per Scholas appointed new Managing Directors for several campuses:

Houston, TX: Tondalayo Hall joined as Managing Director in July 2023.

Baltimore, MD: Camisha Beverly assumed the role in June 2024.

St. Louis, MO: Keisha Mabry Haymore took over in July 2024.

Philadelphia, PA: Joshua Park joined as Managing Director in May 2024.

These appointments reflect Per Scholas' commitment to strengthening its leadership team to support its expanding operations.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The demand for skilled technology professionals continues to grow, with a significant emphasis on diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. Organizations like Per Scholas play a crucial role in bridging the skills gap and providing underrepresented groups with access to tech careers.