The BlackRock Foundation has announced a $1 million grant to Per Scholas North Carolina, aiming to bolster workforce training in rural communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. The two-year funding will enhance the nonprofit's reach in Western North Carolina, addressing tech job vacancies through specialized training programs.
Collaborating with Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech), the initiative will provide bootcamp-style IT training to prepare individuals for remote and high-wage tech positions. Claire Chamberlain, President of The BlackRock Foundation, emphasized the program's alignment with their mission of fostering economic growth and security: "By supporting Per Scholas in North Carolina, we’re helping expand access to high-quality training, equipping people in underserved communities with the skills they need to thrive in the rapidly growing tech sector."
This investment arrives as Western North Carolina recovers from Hurricane Helene's impact, which left over 8,000 unemployed. Deborah D. Bailey from A-B Tech highlighted the timely nature of this partnership: “We are fortunate that the pieces of the partnership have come together when our community needs it most.”
Per Scholas aims to train 530 students within two years and extend its reach to 2,000 individuals by 2029. The first IT Support cohort begins on February 24, 2025. Michael Terrell of Per Scholas North Carolina expressed enthusiasm about expanding opportunities for economic mobility: “We're excited to work alongside A-B Tech, with the incredibly generous support of BlackRock.”
The BlackRock Foundation seeks broader economic security across the US by partnering with local organizations for greater impact. Their goal is to equip local leaders with resources necessary for meaningful change.
Per Scholas has been offering no-cost tech training since 1995 and plans significant expansion by 2030. A-B Tech continues serving a large student body with diverse educational offerings.
Interested applicants can find more information at perscholas.org.