Per Scholas Pittsburgh Launches with TEKsystems & Partner4Work to Expand Equitable Access to Tech Careers
Pittsburgh – National technology training provider, Per Scholas, in collaboration with employer partner, TEKsystems will launch in Pittsburgh on March 15, 2021, offering a 14-week, tuition-free Full Stack Java Developer training program. Per Scholas Pittsburgh is striving to advance economic equity through technology training and career support services for underserved communities in the region.
“Our ability to partner with like-minded organizations is what has enabled us to create these opportunities in communities across the country. With the generous support of our customized training partner, TEKsystems, we’re now able to expand into the burgeoning tech community of Pittsburgh – offering our tuition-free courses, a full suite of professional services and extensive alumni support network to individuals who have been traditionally underrepresented in the tech field. We look forward to supporting our learners and Pittsburgh’s growing tech economy,” said Per Scholas President & CEO Plinio Ayala.”
The first Pittsburgh cohort of the Per Scholas program builds on their national, no-cost training model to bring underrepresented groups into tech careers. The model provides technology training, career coaching, interviewing and additional wrap-around skills training to prepare graduates for the workforce.
“Technology is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the Pittsburgh region and beyond. Per Scholas connects job seekers and workers to training solutions that lead to meaningful tech careers while also equipping local workers with the skills that businesses need to thrive. As the COVID-19 crisis continues to disproportionately impact low-skill, low-wage workers, including women, we know that innovative solutions are needed to prepare such individuals for the jobs available now and in the future. Considering Per Scholas’ accomplished history of delivering high-quality tech sector training, we are proud to welcome this organization and their corporate partners to the Pittsburgh market and advance economic equity via training that can result in long-term careers,” said Earl Buford, CEO of Partner4Work.
TEKsystems and Per Scholas are building strong, diverse talent pipelines, combining the high demand for skilled IT talent with opportunities for underserved communities. An inclusive tech ecosystem implies multiple training providers coming to Pittsburgh with the goal of increasing opportunity, rather than competition among providers.
“Working alongside Per Scholas, I've been impressed by their consistent and fruitful dedication to creating meaningful pathways into tech for underrepresented groups. Integrating them into the fold of Pittsburgh's tech and innovation ecosystem will propel joint efforts to create opportunity, bridge gaps, and address the need for inclusive innovation,” commented InnovatePGH’s Inclusive Innovation Manager, Kalyani Singh.
Pittsburgh Regional Alliance President, Mark Anthony Thomas stated, “Our efforts to attract leading companies to the region accompanies a proactive strategy to broaden the home-grown talent pool for a next generation economy for all. Per Scholas has served as an essential anchor to the nation’s best tech hubs and a partner for enterprise and growth firms committed to inclusive opportunity. Their expansion is the next building block toward fulfilling the commitments to address equity and opportunity barriers in the region.”
Local technology training providers, AcademyPGH, Tech Elevator and other programs will continue to promote tech talent development across the region. Equitable access to in-demand careers will continue to expand as corporations invest in trainings and hire talent from non-degreed programs.
“We are grateful to Partner4Work for their dedication to bring Per Scholas to Pittsburgh. The unique partnership is an example of the region’s commitment to evolve traditional workforce development programs to create equable access to technology careers for all residents. There is still a lot to do to connect our growing innovation sector to the region’s workforce and community development systems. Dynamic, collaborative leadership like Per Scholas, Partner4Work, and TEKsystems are a marquee example of Pittsburgh’s rise as a global innovation hub powering economic opportunity for all,” said Sean Luther, Executive Director at InnovatePGH.
Per Scholas has limited spaces remaining for the March cohort – with 30 slots to fill – and will be accepting applications through the end of February. A high school diploma or GED equivalent is the only qualification required to apply.
