F ounded in 1995, Per Scholas is the largest and oldest professional IT workforce development program in New York City, providing technology education, access, training, and job placement services for people in underserved communities. Per Scholas believes that one of the most effective ways to end poverty and unemployment is through access to good jobs. The program has provided free IT job training courses to more than 4,500 unemployed and low-income adults. Out of those 4,500 Per Scholas students, an average of 85 percent graduate, and 3 out of 4 graduates find jobs.

The value of a STEM education

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is critical in the future economic well-being of our nation. The technology industry, particularly the software testing market, is growing at a rapid rate. Software testing is projected to expand to a $40 billion global industry by 2020. To meet this high demand and provide their students with life-changing careers, Per Scholas, along with partners QASymphony, Barclays, Doran Jones, DevelopSense, QualiTest, Satisfice, SmartBear, uTest, Virtusa, and Workroom Productions, started the Software Testing Education Program (STEP).

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