Per Scholas President & CEO Plinio Ayala makes his debut into the 'blogosphere' with a great article about overcoming poverty in his hometown of the Bronx with workforce technology training.
Per Scholas is a fantastic I.T focused non-profit organization that provides free technology education, training and job placement services to low income communities throughout New York. They're home to the largest professional I.T workforce development program in NYC, and just recently celebrated the hiring of one of their graduates by no less than Goldman Sachs.
Per Scholas staff work hand in hand with employers to determine what their needs are, then train their students in those skills, creating a job ready workforce without skill gaps. Students of Per Scholas undergo a 15 week I.T training program, tuition free, graduating with certifications like CompTIA A+ and MCTS.
Read Plinio's full article over at Per Scholas' website: http://www.perscholas.org/2012/07/20/meet-plinio/