Nationally recognized IT job training nonprofit, Per Scholas. launched its first Dallas program in Fall of 2014, bringing local residents the opportunity to obtain the education and skills to land jobs the growing technology industry. Per Scholas is a tuition-free, 8-week training program that leads to IT certification and entry-level careers in the tech sector. IT-Ready offers technical training, individualized career development and job placement by continuing to support students for a minimum of two years after graduating from the program.

The first class, consisting of 12 participants, celebrated the completion of the program with a ceremony on Friday, May 15.

The graduation ceremony included a keynote speech by Rick Rodman, Senior Vice President of Capital One Bank, a partner of the program. Capital One Bank partners with Per Scholas as part of the company's South Dallas Place-Based Initiative, a multifaceted community revitalization project created by Capital One Bank to serve as a catalyst for the redevelopment of South Dallas.