Winter 2026
Technical Support and Office Assistant Intern
Posted on 9/9/2026
Per Scholas
1,001-5,000 employees
Nonprofit tech training and job placement
No salary listed
Seattle, WA, USA
In Person
The role is based at the Seattle campus.
 IT Operations (1) |
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- Practical understanding of Salesforce or other customer relationship management systems and proficiency with Google Workspace, including Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, and Slides.
- Solid verbal and written communication skills and comfort speaking with business executives and diverse audiences.
- Genuine enthusiasm for technology and hands-on hardware and software troubleshooting.
- Strong project management, follow-up, and detail-oriented time management skills.
- Adaptability and willingness to help and encourage others.
- High interest in learning nonprofit operations, talent development, and cross-functional leadership.
- Preferred prior customer service or client-facing experience.
- Troubleshoot, configure, secure, and maintain campus hardware, including workstations, laptops, and break-and-fix units, for staff and learners.
- Serve as a backup for classroom management, assist with taking attendance, check in with absent learners, and provide direct technical support.
- Offer technical guidance and support to learners navigating the IT Support curriculum.
- Support community outreach and represent Per Scholas at offsite recruitment events as needed.
- Assist with data cleanup and maintenance within the Salesforce database.
- Provide dedicated technical support for loaned learner laptops.
- Organize resume templates, interview guides, networking materials, job-search tools, LinkedIn resources, and artificial intelligence prompt libraries, and review and flag outdated materials.
- Build and maintain an updated list of Seattle-area technology events, networking opportunities, and career programming.
- Track learner participation and assist with Professional Development sessions.
- Help prepare presentation decks, gather learner graduation statements, and assist with campus graduation ceremony setup.
- Conduct outreach by phone and email to introduce potential employer partners to Per Scholas and gauge hiring interest.
- Assist in coordinating mock interviews, employer panels, and networking events.
- Monitor inventory for kitchen and food supplies, manage daily kitchenette cleanup including dishwasher operation and dish storage, and keep shared areas organized.
- Assist with campus event logistics, including ordering and setting up catering for office events and strategic meetings.
- Graduation from a Per Scholas training program is preferred but not required.
Per Scholas is a nonprofit that provides tuition-free technology training and career development services to people from underserved communities. It partners with businesses to address tech talent gaps by delivering customized upskilling and reskilling programs for new entrants and existing employees, across IT, cybersecurity, software development, analytics, and more. The training typically includes interviews prep, resume coaching, and mock interviews to prepare graduates for the job market, and the organization assists with job placement by leveraging corporate partnerships. Unlike for-profit training providers, Per Scholas funds its programs through corporate sponsorships, grants, and donations, and adds value for employers by delivering job-ready graduates and tailored training. Its goal is to expand access to tech careers for diverse candidates while helping companies fill technical skills gaps with qualified hires.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$5.4M
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
1994
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- 2026 revenue reached $81.65 million while expenses stayed near breakeven at $79.10 million.
- Chicago South Side, Orlando, and North Carolina expansions broaden learner reach in 2026.
- Microsoft and Equinix-backed critical infrastructure programs align training directly with AI data center demand.
What critics are saying
- Revenue depends on foundations and corporations; 2025 mix was 44.95% and 21.84%.
- Active job postings fell 49.8% in 2026, signaling slower internal hiring momentum.
- Scaling to 25,000 annual learners by 2030 requires relentless fundraising and employer absorption.
What makes Per Scholas unique
- 1995-founded nonprofit; 2026 annual report shows 25 campuses and remote programs nationwide.
- Per Scholas co-designs employer-aligned training with Microsoft, Equinix Foundation, and Cognizant.
- 2026 expansion into data centers, critical facilities, and satellite campuses targets specialized labor shortages.
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Benefits
Hybrid Work Options
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 10%1 year growth
↑ 10%2 year growth
↑ 10%Per Scholas appoints Lowell Robinson and Fredric Cibelli to Board of Directors. July 28, 2026 Per Scholas has appointed veteran corporate executive Lowell Robinson and EY Principal Fredric Cibelli to its board of directors, adding expertise in financial governance, artificial intelligence and enterprise technology as the nonprofit workforce development organization pursues an ambitious expansion of its technology training programs. The appointments support Per Scholas' goal of training and upskilling 25,000 technology professionals annually by 2030, as employers increasingly seek workers with skills in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity and digital transformation. "We are thrilled to welcome Lowell and Fredric to our Board of Directors," CEO Plinio Ayala said. "Their combined expertise in technology, governance, and organizational transformation comes at a critical moment as we work toward our goal of training and upskilling 25,000 professionals annually by 2030. Their leadership will help strengthen our ability to prepare learners for the evolving demands of the workforce and expand economic mobility nationwide." The board additions come as workforce development organizations adapt to rapid technological change, with artificial intelligence and cloud technologies reshaping hiring needs across industries. Per Scholas partners with employers to help address technology talent shortages while creating pathways into high-growth careers through no-cost training programs. Robinson brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience across public companies and high-growth businesses in financial services, technology, media, retail and healthcare. During his career, he has served as chief financial officer and chief operating officer for multiple public companies and held leadership positions at Kraft/General Foods, Citigroup, Valassis/Advo and HotJobs. He has also served on more than eight public company boards, chairing audit, compensation and special committees, with experience in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and financial oversight. Robinson currently serves on the board of PhenixFIN Corporation and is active with organizations including the New York Academy of Sciences and the University of Wisconsin Economics Advisory Board. "Per Scholas stands out because it delivers measurable results for both individuals and employers," Robinson said. "As technology continues to reshape every industry, organizations like Per Scholas play a vital role in ensuring that talented individuals have access to the skills and opportunities needed to thrive." Cibelli joins the board as a principal at EY, where he leads the Enterprise Architecture and Platforms practice for Financial Services. He advises global organizations on technology modernization, cloud adoption, AI implementation and platform-based operating models designed to improve operational performance. During nearly two decades at EY, Cibelli has led large-scale technology transformation initiatives for multinational financial services organizations and previously served as the firm's global client technology officer for financial services. Before joining EY, he served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force, leading cybersecurity and information warfare organizations supporting mission-critical operations. "What excites me about Per Scholas is its ability to connect technology, talent, and opportunity at scale," Cibelli said. "As AI and emerging technologies transform the workforce, preparing people with the skills needed to succeed has never been more important. Per Scholas has built a proven model that helps individuals launch meaningful careers while addressing employers' critical talent needs." Per Scholas President Caitlyn Brazill said the organization's newest directors bring experience that aligns with the evolving needs of employers and workers. "From corporate governance and financial stewardship to emerging technologies and AI-driven transformation, their experience aligns directly with the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of work," Brazill said. Founded in 1995, Per Scholas provides no-cost technology training designed to prepare learners for careers in fields including cloud computing, cybersecurity, data engineering, IT support and software engineering. The nonprofit has trained more than 30,000 technologists through its network of 25 campuses and remote programs, partnering with employers ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups to develop technology talent pipelines. According to the organization, graduates earn an average of three times their pre-training wages in their first post-program technology role, supporting its mission to expand economic mobility through workforce development.
Per Scholas welcomes Lowell Robinson and Fredric Cibelli to its Board of Directors. Jul 28, 2026, 08:36 ET NEW YORK, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Per Scholas, a national workforce accelerator dedicated to advancing economic mobility through no-cost training, today announced the appointment of Lowell Robinson and Fredric Cibelli to its Board of Directors. Robinson, a veteran public company executive and board leader, and Cibelli, a Principal at EY and leader in enterprise architecture and technology, bring extensive experience in AI, financial strategy, product management, and digital innovation to the organization. "We are thrilled to welcome Lowell and Fredric to our Board of Directors," said Plinio Ayala, CEO of Per Scholas. "Their combined expertise in technology, governance, and organizational transformation comes at a critical moment as we work toward our goal of training and upskilling 25,000 professionals annually by 2030. Their leadership will help strengthen our ability to prepare learners for the evolving demands of the workforce and expand economic mobility nationwide." "Lowell and Fred each bring a unique perspective that will help guide Per Scholas through our next phase of growth," said Caitlyn Brazill, President of Per Scholas. "From corporate governance and financial stewardship to emerging technologies and AI-driven transformation, their experience aligns directly with the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of work. We are excited to benefit from their insights as we continue scaling our impact." Robinson is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning Fortune 100 companies and high-growth organizations across financial services, technology, media, retail, and healthcare. Throughout his career, he has served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for multiple public companies and has held leadership positions at organizations including Kraft/General Foods, Citigroup, Valassis/Advo, and HotJobs. He has served on more than eight public company boards, chairing audit, compensation, and special committees, and is widely recognized for his expertise in governance, financial oversight, mergers and acquisitions, and shareholder value creation. Robinson currently serves on the board of PhenixFIN Corporation and is active in several nonprofit and educational organizations, including the New York Academy of Sciences and the University of Wisconsin Economics Advisory Board. He earned a BA in Economics from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA in Finance from Harvard Business School. "Per Scholas stands out because it delivers measurable results for both individuals and employers," said Robinson. "As technology continues to reshape every industry, organizations like Per Scholas play a vital role in ensuring that talented individuals have access to the skills and opportunities needed to thrive. I'm honored to join the board and contribute to its mission of expanding economic mobility through technology training." Cibelli is a Principal at EY, where he leads the Enterprise Architecture and Platforms practice for Financial Services. He works with global organizations to modernize technology infrastructure, accelerate cloud and AI adoption, and implement platform-based operating models that drive innovation and productivity. During his nearly two decades at EY, he has led large-scale technology transformation initiatives for multinational financial services organizations and previously served as EY's Global Client Technology Officer for Financial Services. Prior to joining EY, Cibelli served as a Captain in the United States Air Force, leading cybersecurity and information warfare organizations supporting mission-critical operations. He holds certifications including PMP, CISSP, and CIPP, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Boston University. "What excites me about Per Scholas is its ability to connect technology, talent, and opportunity at scale," said Cibelli. "As AI and emerging technologies transform the workforce, preparing people with the skills needed to succeed has never been more important. Per Scholas has built a proven model that helps individuals launch meaningful careers while addressing employers' critical talent needs. I'm honored to support that mission and help shape its future impact." About Per Scholas As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward - aiming to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we've offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $35 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 25 campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers - from Fortune 500 companies to startups - to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide. SOURCE Per Scholas
Per Scholas has partnered with Xchange Chicago to launch a satellite campus on Chicago's South Side, bringing no-cost technology training to the Greater Grand Crossing community. The programme, housed at the Gary Comer Youth Center, welcomed its first cohort of approximately 20 learners for cybersecurity training this summer, with a second cohort planned for later this year. The partnership combines Per Scholas' training curriculum with Xchange Chicago's community infrastructure and employer connections, including SDI Presence. Comcast provided additional support for the expansion. The satellite campus aims to remove barriers such as long commutes and costs that prevent access to tech careers. Per Scholas Chicago has trained nearly 800 learners to date, with approximately 80% securing full-time employment after completing their training.
Per Scholas and Equinix Foundation launch Critical Facilities Training Program to build the next generation of data center talent. July 13, 2026 BRONX, NY - July 13, 2026 - Per Scholas, a national workforce accelerator leading in no-cost technology training, has secured a multi-year grant commitment from the Equinix Foundation to launch and expand training for high-demand Critical Facilities and data center careers. The investment will support the expansion of Per Scholas' new Critical Facilities Training Program, currently running in Atlanta and planning to scale across four other key U.S. markets where hiring demand is outpacing supply, including Dallas, TX, Northern Virginia, and Columbus, OH, and one additional market to be announced. This expansion reinforces Per Scholas' role as a premier workforce accelerator preparing individuals from underrepresented backgrounds for high-wage careers in the digital economy. As AI accelerates across industries, the constraint on growth is shifting from software development to the talent needed to build and operate the physical infrastructure that powers it. Data centers, cloud networks, and advanced energy systems now form the backbone of the AI economy, and demand for skilled Critical Facilities technicians has surged accordingly. The Uptime Institute estimates the data center industry is currently facing a shortage of more than 2 million workers globally. "AI is fundamentally reshaping the labor market, and the infrastructure behind it has become one of the most essential and fastest-growing career pathways in the country," said Caitlyn Brazill, Per Scholas President. "This partnership ensures that local residents are not only included in the AI economy, but are trained and positioned to power it." The Per Scholas and Equinix Foundation collaboration directly addresses the workforce gap by aligning training with real-world employer needs. The new Critical Facilities curriculum is designed in close partnership with industry employers and prepares learners for careers maintaining the power, cooling, and building systems that keep data centers running - including roles such as Critical Facilities Engineer, Facilities Engineer and Building Systems Technician. "The growth of the digital economy is creating enormous economic opportunity, but too often the communities closest to that growth are not sharing fully in its benefits," said Paige Rodgers, Director, Equinix Foundation and Equinix Community Impact. "Our collaboration with Per Scholas is about changing that by creating pathways into high-demand careers in digital infrastructure and helping more people have access to the life changing opportunities this industry creates. We invite other employers to join us in building a stronger, more inclusive talent pipeline so that the benefits of digital growth are shared more broadly across the communities we serve." The Critical Facilities Program moves beyond traditional IT training to focus on the physical systems that ensure continuous uptime for mission-critical environments. Learners develop hands-on expertise in power, cooling, and monitoring systems, preparing them for industry-recognized certifications. Training is delivered through a highly immersive, lab-based model that integrates AR/VR learning tools and specialized equipment, mirroring real-world data center environments. In total, the program is expected to train more than 300 learners in a 2-year period, with an anticipated 85%+ graduation rate and 80% job attainment within one year of completion. Designed with significant employer input, including the Equinix Global Operations Academy team, the program emphasizes operational resilience, troubleshooting under pressure, and execution in high-stakes technical environments. The Equinix Foundation's investment serves as a catalytic funding anchor, enabling Per Scholas to expand specialized training infrastructure and secure advanced laboratory equipment required for the Critical Facilities curriculum. About Per Scholas As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, Per Scholas, Inc is charting an ambitious path forward - aiming to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, Per Scholas, Inc has offered no-cost tech training to more than 35,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills. On average, its learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 25 campuses and remote programs, Per Scholas, Inc partner with employers - from Fortune 500 companies to startups - to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of its learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. Per Scholas, Inc is building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide. About the Equinix Foundation The Equinix Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Equinix, Inc., is dedicated to enabling a more accessible, sustainable, and interconnected digital future for everyone, everywhere. In collaboration with partners and fueled by the passion of employees, the Foundation drives digital inclusion through three key impact areas: access to digital infrastructure and connectivity, digital literacy and skill building, and technical career development for data center operations.
Per Scholas North Carolina "Unlocking Potential" Fundraiser, highlighting workforce partnerships and expanding pathways to tech careers. May 19, 2026 Charlotte, NC - May 19, 2026 - Per Scholas North Carolina convened employers, philanthropic partners, alumni, and community leaders on Friday evening for its annual fundraiser, Unlocking Potential: A Celebration of People and Possibility, held at The Terrace at Cedar Hill in Charlotte. The event highlighted the organization's continued statewide growth and expanding network of partners investing in no-cost, industry-aligned technology training. The evening underscored a shared message: when access meets opportunity, talent can be unlocked at scale. Expanding access across North Carolina. Per Scholas North Carolina leaders shared that the program has now trained more than 1,200 learners statewide, contributing an estimated $26 million in new annual wages to the North Carolina economy. The organization continues to expand across urban and rural communities, preparing learners for careers in IT support, cybersecurity, software engineering, and cloud computing. Recognizing partners driving workforce impact. The evening honored several outstanding partners whose investments are expanding access to technology careers and strengthening economic mobility across North Carolina. The BlackRock Foundation received the Opportunity Builder Award for its sustained commitment to workforce development. With their most recent investment into Per Scholas North Carolina, more than 300 North Carolinians have launched careers in cybersecurity, software engineering, and data analytics - earning on average 2.6 times their previous income. The award was accepted by Marc Balizer on behalf of The BlackRock Foundation. TEKsystems and Leaton Harris were recognized with the Workforce Champion Award for their leadership in connecting Per Scholas graduates to meaningful employment opportunities and advancing inclusive hiring practices. Through its partnership with TEKsystems, the organization has played a critical role in translating training into real careers for learners across the region. The Leon Levine Foundation was also honored with its North Star Award for its transformative investment in scaling Per Scholas North Carolina statewide. Through a $7 million commitment, the Foundation is helping expand access to no-cost, employer-aligned training across urban and rural communities, supporting the organization's goal of reaching 1,000 learners annually by 2030. Looking ahead. Per Scholas North Carolina reiterated its vision to train 1,000 learners annually by 2030 and expand into emerging infrastructure roles tied to data centers, AI systems, and advanced manufacturing. Per Scholas North Carolina expressed gratitude to its sponsors, including The BlackRock Foundation, TD Bank, Morgan Stanley, Corvid Technologies, Vaco by Highspring, The Patel Family, Match Sanderson, Querri, Josh Lieberman, and Raj and Namisha Srivastava, supporting continued expansion across the state. As workforce demand accelerates, Per Scholas remains focused on building scalable pathways into technology careers and ensuring learners across North Carolina have access to opportunity.