HBS Managing the Future of Work Redrawing the map to tech careers: Per Scholas CEO Plinio Ayala on skills, mobility, and AI
Apr 9, 2025
Plinio Ayala, CEO of Per Scholas, leads a nonprofit transforming tech training for underserved communities. He shares how AI is reshaping career pathways and emphasizes the need for both hard and soft skills to thrive in the evolving job market. The conversation covers the importance of addressing 'hidden workers,' advocating for skills-based hiring, and strategic partnerships that enhance curriculum and job placements. Ayala's vision for the future includes expanding access to tech careers, ensuring economic mobility for all.
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Subway Success Story
- Plinio Ayala recounted meeting a Per Scholas graduate on the subway.
- The graduate shared how the program tripled her salary, enabling her to pay her daughter's tuition.
Placement Approach
- Per Scholas partners with employers to sponsor specific roles.
- They also recruit and train individuals, achieving an 80% placement rate for graduates.
Long-Term Impact
- Per Scholas graduates see continued wage growth, exceeding initial gains within two years post-program.
- Upskilling opportunities through Career Accelerator further amplify earnings.