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Opportunity Starts Here at Per Scholas Chicago

At Per Scholas Chicago, learners build in-demand skills through rigorous, no-cost training completed in just three to four months, while employers gain access to job-ready talent prepared through curriculum shaped by real-world workforce needs.

Chicago in the Spotlight

From new cohort milestones to employer partnerships making headlines, Per Scholas Chicago is at the center of the region's growing movement toward accessible, high-growth careers and lasting economic opportunity.

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Courses Available in Chicago

Browse no-cost training programs available at our Chicago campus from cybersecurity and cloud to IT support, AI, and data centers. New cohorts open regularly.

Our Impact

Behind every stat is a story. See how Per Scholas drives nationwide impact and how, with your support, we can bring even more access to opportunity to Chicago.

  • 30+

    Years of Proven Success

  • 25+

    Campuses Nationwide

  • 35,000+

    Learners Served

What Your Business Gets Back

Per Scholas Chicago isn't just training talent. It's building your talent pipeline. Employers who hire our graduates see stronger retention, faster time to productivity, and a bench of skilled professionals ready to contribute from day one.

Hire a Graduate
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Keep Growing

Career Accelerator gives Per Scholas graduates and career-driven professionals no-cost and affordable courses, industry certifications, and a network of thousands to keep moving their careers forward.

Learn More
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Volunteer Locally

The Chicago community grows stronger when experienced professionals invest in the next generation. Mentor a learner, speak at an event, or lead a mock interview. Your time makes a real difference right here at home.

Get Involved
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Our Chicago Partners

Per Scholas Chicago works alongside leading local employers, nonprofits, and community organizations to create sustainable career pathways and ensure our alumni connect with the employers who matter most in Chicago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about Per Scholas Chicago, our programs, our impact, or how you can get involved? Browse our FAQs below, or reach out to the Chicago team directly.

What is Per Scholas' no-cost technical training in Chicago?

Per Scholas' no-cost training program is designed to provide instruction in high-growth industries to residents of the Chicago area. This training is open to anyone who wants to accelerate their career and gain skills and knowledge, regardless of their prior experience or financial resources. We're able to provide no-tuition training through grant funding and do not ever ask for payment or income sharing from our graduates.

Which no-cost courses are available in Chicago?

Our no-cost programs in Chicago are always changing as we are constantly building new opportunities and course offerings to serve our learners and the market demand in your community. To stay up to date on the courses offered in your area, please check the location page above.

Are the no-cost courses available online or in-person in Chicago?

Per Scholas offers our no-cost training in-person, remote, and hybrid, depending on the courses in Chicago. Our course schedule constantly changes as we schedule our 3-4 month sessions, including whether courses are online or in-person. Please refer to your location's current course schedule above and individual course page to see if the course you are interested in is remote, in-person, or hybrid.

How can I apply for the no-cost program in Chicago?

To apply for our no-cost programs in Chicago, you can visit our website and fill out our eligibility form. Our admissions team will review your application and reach out to you with more information about the program and the next steps in accelerating your career.

Are there any prerequisites for the no-cost certification programs in Chicago?

Each Per Scholas training program has its own prerequisites, which are listed on our course pages. We encourage you to review any requirements prior to applying to our no-cost programs in Chicago.

Are the no-cost training programs open to everyone in Chicago?

Our no-cost training program in Chicago is open to anyone who meets the income requirements, wants to develop their skills and knowledge in a high-growth sector, and is a resident of the Chicago metro area. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and experience levels to apply and join our community of learners in Chicago.

How long are the no-cost courses in Chicago?

Our courses in Chicago are 12-16 weeks (3-4 months), depending on the course. The time commitment includes full-time (40 hours per week), Monday–Friday.

Is Per Scholas a paid opportunity?

Per Scholas does not pay learners to attend training. This is because we offer up to $15k of no-cost technical skills training to each learner as well as 2 years of additional training opportunities, coaching, and professional development. On a case-by-case basis, our learners may be eligible for direct financial assistance. Each learner has a dedicated Learner Support Manager and Financial Coach to support them throughout the course and determine if they are able to receive additional financial resources when available.

Does Per Scholas help you get a job?

Per Scholas has partnerships with employers across industries in each market in which we operate, where our learners and alumni have the opportunity to connect with our hiring partners. Alternatively, if you're interested in hiring a Per Scholas graduate, click here.

Can I hire a Per Scholas graduate?

If you're interested in hiring Per Scholas talent, click here.

Chicago Stories Worth Telling

Every Per Scholas alum has a story. Every milestone moves the community forward. Here's a look at the latest from Per Scholas Chicago.

Meet Our Team

Chicago

Our local team is committed to your success from your first day of training through your first day on the job and beyond.

Juan Jose Gonzalez

Juan Jose Gonzalez

Managing Director, Chicago

Kalin Crampton

Kalin Crampton

Director, Talent Solutions, Chicago

Allie Drake

Allie Drake

Manager, Recruitment & Admissions, Chicago

Chicago Advisory Board

June Cimino

Senior Vice President, Chicago Market Executive, Bank of America

Lupe Czerwinski

SVP, Sr. Director, SW Engineering, Northern Trust

Jamie Cantrell Edwards

Senior Director of GTM Strategy and Technology, CDW

Charles Herman

VP, Executive Search & Technology Direct Hire, Judge Group

Barry Kalian

Vice President of Strategic Alliances & Partnership Ecosystem, UL Solutions

Eric Steen

Chicago Site Director, The Hidden Genius Project

Anna Witler

Senior Sales Director, Mid America, Slalom

Per Scholas Chicago Location

Ready to Get Started?

Connect With Our Recruitment and Admissions Team.