We’re proud to recognize Per Scholas as the Community Partner of the Month. Read on to learn more about Per Scholas, and their experience as an MVLS Community Partner.

How long have you been in existence, and what is your organization’s mission?  

Since 1995, Per Scholas has been unlocking potential for individuals, employers, and communities by providing high-quality, tuition-free technology training.

Here in Baltimore, we’ve proudly contributed to that mission since launching our first course in 2018. Our goal is to advance economic mobility by preparing individuals who have traditionally been underrepresented in tech—including women, people of color, and those whose highest level of education is a high school diploma—for thriving careers in the technology sector.

To date, we’ve trained more than 400 individuals in Baltimore. The majority of our learners do not hold a degree beyond high school—yet they’re launching successful careers and transforming their futures through the power of tech.

What/who/how do you serve your community?

• No-Cost Training for Careers in Tech
  Per Scholas Baltimore provides high-quality, tuition-free training that prepares individuals for in-demand careers in technology. By removing the financial barrier to education, we empower learners to unlock their potential and pursue thriving tech careers. Our courses—ranging from 12 to 15 weeks—include IT Support, Cybersecurity, End User Desktop Support, Full Stack Java Development, Software Engineering, and AWS re/Start.
• Career Coaching and Holistic Learner Support
  Our learners are supported every step of the way by dedicated Career Coaches who assist with mock interviews, job search strategies, and one-on-one coaching. In addition, our licensed social workers and financial coaches offer confidential support and guidance, ensuring learners have the tools and resources they need to succeed both during and after training.
• Ongoing Support for Alumni
  Graduates of Per Scholas join a powerful national network of over 30,000 alumni and 850+ employer partners. This continued connection gives alumni access to career-specific learning pathways, mentorship opportunities, and community engagement—supporting long-term success and professional growth.

Why do you think it’s important to work with a legal services program, like MVLS? 

Working with a legal services program like MVLS (Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service) is incredibly important because many of the barriers our learners face extend far beyond the classroom. Legal challenges—such as issues related to housing, expungement, debt, or family law—can significantly hinder a person’s ability to focus on their training, gain employment, or confidently move forward in their career journey.

At Per Scholas Baltimore, we are committed to supporting the whole learner. Our partnership with MVLS allows us to connect students with trusted legal support, helping to remove obstacles that might otherwise derail their progress. This collaboration ensures that learners have access to the comprehensive resources they need not only to complete their training, but to truly thrive long after graduation.

Is there anything upcoming you would like to highlight or promote?

We’ll be highlighting our upcoming course offerings as well as the wraparound services we provide to support learner success. Whether you’re a potential student, employer partner, or simply curious about our impact in Baltimore, we invite you to come see how we’re unlocking potential and creating pathways to thriving careers in tech.  (flyer attached)

We’re excited to announce our upcoming Career Fair on Wednesday, August 13th! This is a fantastic opportunity for employers to connect directly with our skilled, job-ready graduates who have completed intensive, technology training in high-demand tech fields. Our graduates bring not only technical expertise but also professionalism, resilience, and a deep commitment to launching successful careers in tech. Employer registration invitations will be going out shortly—stay tuned! Whether you’re hiring now or building your talent pipeline, this is a perfect chance to engage with diverse and motivated candidates ready to make an immediate impact.