Per Scholas Gives Free Education and a Career, Changes 30,000 Lives

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Per Scholas is one of the best quietly kept secrets for free education and job placement in Chicago. Unlike traditional schools, Per Scholas gives you only the skills you need. Within four months, you earn an IT certificate and job placement. But if you have questions, here are the most important answers. Also, there are income requirements that work well for those who need it the most.

What is Per Scholas?

Founded in 1995, Per Scholas expanded into Chicago in 2020. During the height of the pandemic, it was instrumental in helping employees gain the skills needed to change careers successfully. Over 30,000 learners have earned certificates from the organization.

Founded by John Hoyt Stookey and Lewis E. Cullman, it was originally established to bridge the “digital divide” by refurbishing personal computers for schools and families in what was then the nation’s poorest congressional district. Since then, its mission has expanded to include arming job seekers with the necessary skills to move into IT, even with no experience. Now, you’re probably saying, “That’s great, but how can it benefit me exactly?” Here’s how Per Scholas can change your life.

The Four Offerings

1. IT Support: Focuses on hardware, software and troubleshooting. Graduates typically earn the CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support Professional certifications.

2. Cybersecurity: Covers threat detection and network security. Graduates aim for the CompTIA Security+ and Splunk Core Certified User credentials.

3. Full Stack Development: Focuses on web development (MERN stack) and incorporates AI-assisted coding tools like GitHub Copilot.

4. Data Center Technician: Specializes in physical infrastructure, server deployment, and safety certifications including OSHA 10-Hour and CompTIA A+

Time to Completion

The program is designed as a “full-immersion” model. Even though the tuition is free, the commitment required is real. This is the full-time schedule.

Duration: 12 to 15 weeks (depending on the specific track).

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Live, instructor-led sessions).

Weekly Time Dedication:

In-Class: 35–40 hours.

Self-Study: 15–20 hours (Evenings and weekends for labs and exam prep).

Total Commitment: Approximately 55–60 hours per week.

This is the part-time schedule. It is designed specifically for people who are currently working or have caregiving duties.

The “Flexible”/Part-Time Model (3 Hours/Day)

Daily Schedule: Usually 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (or similar 3-hour blocks).

Format: Primarily Online/Remote.

Structure: These programs sometimes mix live instruction with “asynchronous” work. These are the tasks you do on your own time.

Program Requirements

These are the requirements to get into Per Scholas tuition-free.

1. Be 18 years or older

2. High school diploma or equivalent

3. Have income that falls below 80 percent of the Median Family Income for your city as determined by HUD.

Job Placement

Per Scholas partners with over 850 corporate partners, including companies like Google, AWS, TEKsystems and Fortune 500 banks. Because these companies sometimes help design the curriculum, they trust graduates before they’ve proven themselves in the workplace. In many cases, the partners have first-look agreements, so they interview Per Scholas graduates before posting the jobs to the general public.

After graduation, you’re also assigned a Business Solutions Liaison. Their entire job is finding open roles you qualify for, vouching for you and coordinating interviews. It’s really a powerhouse.

The Takeaway

Per Scholas is offering free IT training education for beginners and experts. Although the program is free, it requires time and dedication. However, within the span of four months, you earn a certificate and get job placement. Take advantage of this rate opportunity. Share this article to spread this information. Your son, daughter or nephews and nieces will thank you. And when you decide to do it for yourself, you’ll thank yourself.

Jermaine Reed, MFA is an educator and the Editor-in-Chief of TheReedersBlock. Take time to Subscribe. It helps promote independent journalism and the site. Follow him on TikTok, where he has over 9 million views and nearly 1 million likes. Help him get there.