Per Scholas

Per Scholas mission is to advance economic equity through rigorous training for tech careers and to connect skilled talent to leading businesses. Through rigorous training, professional development, and robust employer connections, Per Scholas prepares individuals traditionally underrepresented in technology for high-growth careers in the industry.

There is significant demand for cybersecurity workers (currently there are over 755,000 Cybersecurity jobs open in the U.S. and only enough qualified professionals to fill 68% of the roles.) Per Scholas has designed a new cybersecurity apprenticeship program that provides a pathway for employers to fulfill their growing hiring demands with diverse technologists. To ensure a successful launch, Per Scholas reached out to KIN for feedback on its new program design and value proposition for employers.

Per Scholas has trained over 20,000 learners to date and hopes to make a significant impact in filling the 240,000+ open cybersecurity jobs with its new apprenticeship program. KIN facilitated a 90 minute Catalyze Session that brought together three leaders from Per Scholas with four Knowledge Partners with experience and passion for cybersecurity, education being a stepping stone for advancement, and entrepreneurship. The Knowledge Partners provided feedback on the new program and encouraged Per Scholas to create flexibility in the program to decrease the risk for the employer and to focus on mid-tier companies that have the IT infrastructure to support apprentices but don’t have their own department. At the end of the session, Knowledge Partners pledged ongoing involvement ranging from taking on an apprentice to provide proof of concept, providing a list of cybersecurity conferences to attend, offering introductions to people with cybersecurity employerment needs, and attending a follow up 90 minutes Catalyze Sessions.