Per Scholas is an employment and training program for low-income workers that focuses on the information technology sector. Per Scholas originated in the Bronx (a borough of New York City) and now has six program sites in the United States. Participants receive 15 weeks of occupational skills training in information technology, career readiness services (e.g., assistance in resume and interview preparation), and job development and placement services. The program maintains strong relationships with local employers that hire workers with information technology skills, and the employers help shape the program’s training curriculum and other services. Program applicants are carefully screened to identify those most likely to be capable of completing training and to succeed in the information technology field, while not being so qualified that they could easily find a job without the program’s training and services. The program’s cost, which was carefully measured in the second RCT, is about $5,800 per participant (in 2013 dollars).

The Per Scholas mission is to not only open doors to technology careers, but to build the foundation for future sustainability and growth for our communities.

As of 2020, 85% of Per Scholas learners graduate and 80% of graduates find jobs within one year. Individuals completing the program can see up to a 300% increase in income, with an average starting wage of $21/hour.