When Arianna Hernandez left Venezuela six years ago, the country was—and still is— experiencing political unrest and shortages of food, water, and essential services. After being forced to leave and put two careers on hold, she came to the U.S. to start over. “A new country, a new language, a new culture. Everything felt daunting,” Hernandez says.
She found work in operations management and customer service, and before she enrolled in the Per Scholas IT Support program, Hernandez’s most recent role was as a logistics coordinator for a trucking company. She knew she wanted to advance her career, but her questions about acquiring new skills through education were met with discouraging responses claiming it would be too expensive, time-consuming, and not worth the effort. Undeterred, she “found Per Scholas, and everything changed,” she says.
From local resource to national impact
Established in the South Bronx in 1995, Per Scholas initially operated as a computer upcycling company. It refurbished computers no longer used by businesses and distributed them to local families, schools, and nonprofits, working to improve digital access for South Bronx communities. Over time, it evolved from a regional resource to a nationally recognized no-cost technical training program built on the fundamental belief that an inclusive, thriving workforce begins with equal access to education.
With 24 locations across the U.S., the program offers technical training and networking opportunities to learners who are often excluded from pursuing careers in technology because of systemic barriers such as the lack of accessibility and representation, hiring biases, and limited resources. More than 85% of the program participants are people of color, with 30% being women and another 30% comprising young learners.
Per Scholas’ commitment to achieving an equitable workforce and a strong sense of community creates a unique and supportive environment for its students. “Per Scholas provided me with the opportunity to prove them wrong. Despite my limited background and English as a second language, I was able to learn valuable skills and enter the tech field,” Hernandez shares.
Stepping stones to success
Beyond the skills they teach, Per Scholas provides support and resources for their learners growth and development. Per Scholas helped Hernandez learn the nuanced concepts required for a tech career and overcome self-doubt as an English language learner. “Per Scholas doesn’t just teach valuable tech skills; they invest in their students,” Hernandez says. “They provided the tools and knowledge I needed to succeed, from technical fundamentals to interview prep, boosting my confidence and making the whole process less intimidating.”
Per Scholas’ in-person classes and hands-on labs were essential in helping Hernandez solidify her technical understanding and build sought-after skills in the industry. Their professional development programs and extensive employer networks were the stepping stones that equipped Hernandez with the tools to progress through the interview process. “With Per Scholas’ support, I felt confident and prepared during the application and interview process,” she says.
Overcoming challenges, rewarding opportunities
Four months after completing the Per Scholas IT Support program, Hernandez landed a contract-to-hire position as a help desk analyst for Republic Services, providing frontline support to employees. Hernandez credits Per Scholas’ thorough training, highlighting its hands-on approach and focus on technical skills, which helped her pass the CompTIA A+ exams essential for beginning a career in IT support.
Her day-to-day work as a member of the help desk team at Republic Services involves handling a wide range of inquiries, from answering simple questions to solving complex software and hardware problems, maintaining a comprehensive knowledge base, and training her colleagues. Figuring out challenging technical issues and helping frustrated or struggling users is rewarding work, and she finds satisfaction in the direct impact she has on people’s lives by helping them use technology more effectively.
When asked about the most significant achievement in her career journey over the past six years, Hernandez says she is most proud of overcoming the challenges she faced as a young immigrant to pursue a tech career.
For others interested in pursuing training through Per Scholas, Hernandez acknowledges the obstacles and encourages perseverance. “Breaking into the tech industry can be a challenge,” she says, “especially for women who often balance multiple responsibilities like household management, family, and childcare. Even with these demands, it’s important to stay persistent.”
Prioritizing self-care, even small, everyday perks like enjoying a cup of coffee or taking a walk, along with reaching out to support systems for encouragement, is essential for maintaining focus and motivation. “Explain what you’re about to embark on and ask for their support throughout the journey,” she explains. “This will help you dedicate necessary time to your studies during and after class.”
Resources like study groups can provide accountability and different perspectives, while a study schedule balances coursework and other responsibilities. Hernandez advises prospective technologists to leverage their training when applying for jobs by highlighting the technical skills they’ve learned along with the transferable skills acquired outside of tech and through life experiences. “These soft skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, are highly valued in the tech industry and can set you apart from other candidates.”
Lastly, Hernandez offers words of reassurance for others looking to upskill and land work in tech. “Don’t let setbacks discourage you. Keep learning, networking, and applying for jobs. You got this!”