Per Scholas, Inc.

Overview

Per Scholas, Inc. is a national nonprofit organization based in New York City, founded in 1995 by John Stookey and Lewis Miller. For nearly three decades, the organization has been dedicated to advancing economic mobility and racial equity by providing rigorous technology training to individuals, thereby connecting them with in-demand tech jobs[2][4].

Programs

Per Scholas offers no-cost IT training and workforce development programs, focusing on skills that are most sought after in the current job market. These programs include hands-on technical skills training, job skills instruction, individualized support for job placement, and professional development[2]. The organization's curriculum is designed in collaboration with employer partners, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the specific demands of the tech industry[3].

In addition to traditional IT support training, Per Scholas has expanded its offerings to include tracks in network engineering, software testing/quality assurance, cybersecurity, web development, and data centers, reflecting the evolving needs of the technology sector[2].

Funding and Partnerships

The organization is supported by a diverse array of partners, including corporations, foundations, public agencies, elected officials, and individual donors. This diverse funding base allows Per Scholas to maintain its commitment to providing free training programs[2].

Impact

To date, Per Scholas has trained over 30,000 individuals, significantly enhancing their career prospects and earnings. Many program graduates have secured high-growth tech careers with salaries significantly higher than their pre-training income[2]. This achievement highlights the organization's effectiveness in promoting economic mobility and social change within the communities it serves.

Leadership and Governance

Per Scholas is led by a strong leadership team. The current CEO and President is Plinio Ayala, who previously led program operations at the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (SOBRO). The organization also has an advisory board at each campus, comprising local business leaders[2].

The board of directors ensures diversity in leadership and conducts regular assessments of the CEO and its own performance, promoting transparency and inclusivity in governance practices[4].

Financials

Per Scholas is classified as a 501(c)(3) organization, making donations tax-deductible. The organization's revenue primarily comes from contributions and program services, with a significant portion dedicated to employee salaries and organizational operations[1].

[1] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/43252955 [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Per_Scholas [3] https://perscholas.org [4] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/04-3252955 [5] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/043252955