Each year, thousands of talented Chicagoans are overlooked for high-growth careers — not because they lack ability, but because traditional hiring systems still equate potential with pedigree. In a city built on innovation and hard work, it’s important to shift the definition of success to reflect people’s demonstrated abilities and future capacity, moving beyond background and circumstance.
Skills will power the future of work. From artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, the most in-demand jobs require adaptability, creativity, and technical expertise that are not confined to a four-year degree. Research from McKinsey & Company shows that 58 percent of workers globally will need new skills by 2030 to remain competitive, underscoring the urgency for reskilling and upskilling at scale. The study reveals that employers who embrace skills-based hiring strategies expand their talent pools, improve retention, and build greater organizational agility.
The data is clear: credentials alone no longer guarantee capability. A 2024 report from the Burning Glass Institute and Harvard Business School found that while 81 percent of employers say skills-based hiring improves performance and diversity, only 37 percent have fully adopted it. That disconnect represents both a challenge and an opportunity. By investing in people’s abilities instead of relying on outdated filters, companies can strengthen their workforces and communities.
Per Scholas Chicago sees proof of this transformation every day. Their no-cost technology training programs prepare residents for careers in IT Support and Cybersecurity. Learners complete immersive, full-time training in 13 to 15 weeks, earning industry-recognized certifications and developing professional skills that align with real employer demand.
The impact is measurable. Graduates typically enter Per Scholas’ programs earning an average annual income of $17,000. Upon completion, they secure roles that pay more than two and a half times that amount, achieving meaningful economic mobility that changes lives. Nationally, Per Scholas has trained more than 30,000 individuals since its founding in the Bronx in 1995.
Per Scholas’ commitment to graduates doesn’t end with their first role. The organization creates access to continued upskilling opportunities through its Career Accelerator program. Independent research from a 2025 Per Scholas white paper found that participants in the Career Accelerator experienced average wage increases of $6.60 per hour within two years, the equivalent of nearly $14,000 more annually.
These results mirror broader economic findings. A 2023 World Economic Forum analysis reported that investment in upskilling could add $6.5 trillion to global GDP by 2030. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation reached a similar conclusion, noting that closing the national skills gap could generate millions of good-paying jobs while reducing income inequality. The evidence is undeniable: when we invest in people, everyone wins.
Chicago’s employers understand this. More than 100 companies, including Accenture, TEKSystems, AON, Bank of America, CDW, and LaSalle Network, partner with Per Scholas to employ job-ready technologists. Together, Per Scholas and these companies are proving that equitable access to tech careers not only strengthens local businesses but also fuels a resilient economy that reflects the city’s diversity and innovation.
But the work doesn’t end there. Employers, policymakers, and funders all have a role to play in making skills-based hiring the norm rather than the exception. That means prioritizing partnerships with organizations that deliver results, removing unnecessary degree requirements, and creating pathways for lifelong learning. When we value skills over pedigree, we open doors to talent, innovation, and long-term economic growth.
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How to Help
Per Scholas helped launch more than 30,000 careers in technology, allowing individuals to quadruple their incomes post-training. Donations help Per Scholas continue to foster economic mobility for individuals of all backgrounds by delivering no-cost technology and AI training, certifications, professional development, and job attainment assistance.
Kate Doyle is the managing director of Per Scholas Chicago. She has held leadership roles at Uber Technologies and Skona Advertising, and she is the co-founder and former CEO of KindWork.
