CDBG Funding Helps Launch Tech Careers Through Per Scholas Orlando
This story is part of a series highlighting the impact of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) as Orange County celebrates National Community Development Week, April 6–10.
After earning a four-year degree in political science, Zain Ansari realized he wanted to pursue a different career path — one in information technology. Returning to college was not a practical option due to the time and cost involved, but Ansari soon discovered an alternative through Per Scholas Orlando, a nonprofit offering free IT training that can be completed in as little as 12 to 15 weeks.
Ansari describes the program as a transformational opportunity that allowed him to pivot careers quickly and affordably while staying close to home.
“This gave me newfound hope,” he said. “It allowed me to start a new chapter in life so I can eventually work for a major tech company.”
Orange County is recognizing Community Development Week in April by highlighting the impact of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the nonprofit partners it supports.
During the current fiscal year, Orange County allocated $3.5 million in CDBG funding to 20 nonprofit organizations supporting public services, capital improvement projects, housing rehabilitation programs and homeless services.
Among the recipients is Per Scholas Orlando, which was awarded $50,000 in CDBG funding to enhance marketing and outreach efforts. This marks the first time Per Scholas has received CDBG support.
Per Scholas provides tuition-free technology training for adults experiencing economic hardship, helping them build careers in high-demand fields such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, data engineering, IT support and software engineering. With 25 campuses nationwide, the organization has helped more than 30,000 graduates launch careers in technology.
The Orlando campus graduated 85 students last year and expects to serve 140 graduates in 2026, helping employers across Central Florida fill critical tech positions.
Each time a former student secures their first job in the tech industry, they return to the campus to ring a ceremonial bell. At the sound, classes pause, and staff and students gather to celebrate the milestone.
“We call it our job bell,” explained Jeremy Garren, managing director of the Per Scholas campus in downtown Orlando. “When alumni finish the program and get that first job in tech, we have them come back, share their success story and ring that bell proudly. It’s a testament to their hard work. This changes their lives, and we want to celebrate that.”
With the new CDBG funding, Garren hopes the bell rings more often.
“We are really trying to grow the number of individuals we serve here in Orange County, and we are so grateful for the CDBG grant,” he said. “Those dollars are going to help impact even more individuals in Central Florida.”
According to Per Scholas, approximately 80 percent of graduates secure full-time employment in the IT field within one year of completing the program.
For Ansari, that success feels within reach.
“This program is life-changing,” he said. “It’s helping me learn something new and giving me a real opportunity to move forward. I want to build a better future for myself.”