Thunderbirds Charities’ $15,000 investment in Per Scholas Phoenix will support Expanding Access to Technology Career Training in Phoenix, helping more Arizonans access rigorous, no-cost training and pathways to high-demand careers.
Since launching in Arizona five years ago, Per Scholas has served more than 600 learners from across the state. The impact extends beyond technical skills to economic mobility: learners have historically entered training earning approximately $20,000 annually, while graduates who secure employment have achieved average post-training earnings of approximately $54,000 annually.
Funds from Thunderbirds Charities will help expand training access, learner support, professional development, career coaching, and connections to employers as Per Scholas responds to Arizona’s growing demand for skilled technical talent.
Current training includes IT Support, Healthcare IT, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and IT Data Center Technician pathways. Beginning in October 2026, Per Scholas Phoenix will expand into Low Voltage Cabling Technician, Semiconductor Technician, and Critical Facilities Engineer training. To accommodate this growth, the Phoenix campus is expanding from more than 3,000 to approximately 10,000 square feet and from one classroom to three, significantly increasing training capacity.
“We are not simply training people for jobs; we are helping change economic trajectories,” said Dr. Sharise L. Erby, Managing Director of Per Scholas Phoenix. “Thunderbirds Charities is investing in Arizona talent and helping ensure our state’s economic growth creates opportunity for the people who live here.”
This grant is part of the Spring 2026 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.