Per Scholas Detroit Transforms Tech Careers With Free IT Training and Job Placement

Per Scholas Detroit gives free instruction, credentials, and work coaching in tech fields. Systems support, cybersecurity, and data engineering are the options. The program accepts anyone from Southeast Michigan with a high school diploma or GED who fits the income limits based on how many people live in their home.

Courses last 12 weeks and two tracks run each year. Students show up for three eight-hour days at the building and work from home two days per week. In 2026, all courses will stretch to 15 weeks because they're adding AI instruction.

"That was something that all employers said that they wanted," said Laura Chavez, managing director of the Detroit location, according to Outlier Media. "We're always trying to assess what is important and what employees are looking for."

Tracy Maricle joined after she moved back to metro Detroit in 2025. She had years working but no credentials that companies wanted. The course ended in July 2025. She walked away with CompTIA A+, Google IT, and ServiceNow credentials.

"In the IT industry, as it has developed, companies are looking for people who are [both] certified and have hands-on experience," she said.

Maricle teaches for the group now as an instructional assistant. She said the program taught ways to rewrite resumes so AI bots screening applications would let them through.

Grads have gotten IT jobs at General Motors, Corewell Health, Henry Ford Hospital, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more. One group this year saw 75% of students land a job before they finished, according to Chavez.

The group tries to place grads in jobs paying at least $24 an hour. Medical benefits, paid time off, and vacation time matter too. Healthcare facilities and banks want cybersecurity officers.

"We are extremely appreciative for the funding we have received from Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation because this is creating legacy and generational wealth in the city of Detroit," Chavez said.