Residents of Audrain County now have expanded access to no-cost, industry-aligned technology career training through Per Scholas St. Louis, a nonprofit workforce development organization preparing Missourians for high-growth careers in technology.
Through remote and hybrid training programs, Audrain County learners can participate in rigorous, real-time instruction without relocating to the St. Louis urban core, making new career opportunities accessible while allowing talent to remain rooted in local communities, according to a news release from Per Scholas St. Louis.
Per Scholas is part of a national nonprofit network founded in 1995, with more than 30,000 learners trained across 25 markets. Since launching locally in 2022, Per Scholas St. Louis has quickly become a key workforce partner in Missouri — helping residents gain skills and helping employers meet urgent technology hiring needs.
Meeting workforce needs close to home Missouri employers increasingly require skilled, job-ready technology talent, while many residents — particularly in rural communities — lack access to traditional education or training pathways.
“Opportunity should not depend on a person’s zip code,” said Keisha Mabry Haymore, managing director of Per Scholas St. Louis. “Expanding access to Audrain County ensures that local residents can gain the skills, confidence, and employer connections needed to enter high-growth technology careers — while strengthening the regional workforce.”
Since 2022, Per Scholas St. Louis has trained 400 learners in under four years, achieved an 82% graduation rate, reached an 82% job placement rate and connected graduates to employers including Charter, BJC, AT&T, Schnucks, World Wide Technology, and Barry-Wehmiller.
These results demonstrate the strength of a skills-based, employer-driven model that creates direct pathways to family-sustaining careers. Removing barriers to career advancement
Per Scholas programs are designed for accessibility and real-world success:
- No cost to learners
- No prior experience required
- Industry-aligned curriculum connected to
hiring demand - Real-time instruction, not self-paced coursework
- Career coaching, professional development and emergency support
- In-person, remote, and hybrid learning options
Learners receive laptops and required equipment, and graduates can continue up-skilling for up to two years at no cost after completing their first program. Career training opportunities available now Per Scholas St. Louis delivers full-time, immersive programs — condensing the equivalent of an associate degree into 13–15 weeks of focused learning.
- Training tracks include:
- AI-Enabled IT Support
- AWS Cloud
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics
- Data Center Operations
- Healthcare IT
Participants gain hands-on labs, industry certifications, mock interviews, and direct employer engagement, ensuring they are ready to enter the workforce upon completion. Enrollment for upcoming cohorts is now open to Warren County residents. Learn more or apply at: www.perscholas.org/st-louis.
