HANOVER, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TEKsystems®, provider of IT services that address the pressing strategy, implementation and talent needs for more than 80% of the Fortune 500, in conjunction with partners Per Scholas and Living Classrooms, today announced the successful graduation of the first pilot class for the network and help desk IT career course. The 15-week course taught students to troubleshoot and maintain computers, software, networks and mobile devices. It also provides industry-standard CompTIA’s A+ and NETWORK+ certifications.
“It has been an amazing journey for us and the students as we’ve watched them progress through the course in pursuit of their goals. We sincerely believe a course like this can change the trajectory of someone’s life, and we’re so moved to see them take the next step in that journey,” says Faith Johnson, senior vice president of human resources at TEKsystems.
The graduation is being held at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park in Baltimore on Friday, Nov. 2, and will include remarks from Deputy Secretary of Labor Kelly Schulz.
“It's inspiring to see this unique partnership come to fruition after harnessing the global network of TEKsystems, industry knowledge of Per Scholas, and our proven track record of delivering hands-on education and job training,” says James Piper Bond, president and CEO of Living Classrooms Foundation. “We are proud of the work these young men and women put in over the past 15 weeks and look forward providing opportunities to even more unemployed and underemployed adults living in Baltimore City.”
“Per Scholas students are motivated and dedicated life-long learners who only need an opportunity to be successful in the IT sector. This innovative partnership has proven yet again that with a cutting-edge curriculum, professional development and cross-sector expertise we are able to support the community and business growth needed in a city like Baltimore,” says Bridgette Gray, executive vice president at Per Scholas.
“At the end of the day this course is about the students and the attitude and aptitude they bring to the table. They’re from diverse and often challenging circumstances, with little to no exposure to IT prior to this course,” says Franklin Reed, director of diversity and inclusion at TEKsystems. “But each of them made the decision to better themselves, and they persevered through a very challenging four months in order to set themselves up for success. I’m humbled to be a part of this and so proud of how our partners have worked together to make this a reality.”
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Nathan Bowen at nabowen@TEKsystems.com.
About TEKsystems®
We’re partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That’s the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.
About Per Scholas
Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. Through rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development, we prepare motivated and curious adults who are un- or underemployed for successful careers as IT professionals, and we create on-ramps to businesses in need of their talents. Today we provide our solutions in six cities across the country: Atlanta; Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; Dallas; the National Capital Region; and New York. To date, Per Scholas has trained 7,500 individuals, helping them build lasting, life-changing skills and careers in technology. To learn more, visit perscholas.org.
About Living Classrooms
Living Classrooms Foundation is a Baltimore/Washington-based nonprofit that disrupts the cycle of poverty and makes our community safer, stronger and healthier by meeting individuals where they are and giving them skills for life. We serve 25,000 children, youth and adults annually and inspire them to achieve their potential through hands-on education, workforce development, and health and wellness programming, using urban, natural and maritime resources as “living classrooms.” Living Classrooms Foundation has been proudly serving the community since 1985. To learn more, visit livingclassrooms.org
