#United States #New York #Salesforce #Per Scholas #AI Fellowship

Per Scholas Launches Salesforce AI Fellowship Pilot

In a bold move set to transform the educational landscape, Per Scholas has introduced the Salesforce AI Fellowship, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the evolving world of technology. This fellowship program is specifically created for graduates from their Salesforce Administrator course, aiming to provide them with real-world experience in AI-enabled Salesforce administration within nonprofit organizations in New York City.

The eight-month paid fellowship offers participants the opportunity to implement their skills in real-world environments while supporting mission-driven organizations in enhancing their Salesforce systems and improving data governance. Participants will also help these nonprofits responsibly adopt artificial intelligence tools, thereby modernizing their operations.

Caitlyn Brazill, the President of Per Scholas, emphasized the importance of evolving education to meet today’s workforce needs. According to Brazill, “As AI transforms the workplace, technical skills alone are no longer enough—employers need candidates who can apply those skills in real business environments.” This sentiment captures the essence of the Salesforce AI Fellowship, which not only serves to provide graduates with valuable experience but also aids nonprofits in improving their efficiencies.

The fellowship has been uniquely structured to further assist graduates who have completed Per Scholas' no-cost Salesforce Administrator training. This four-month course equips learners with essential skills in Salesforce administration, AI-enabled workflow design, and data quality management. The newly launched fellowship aims to create tangible career advancement opportunities for these graduates, aligning their training with the pressing needs of local nonprofits.

To ensure the success of the program, participating nonprofits engage in an AI Readiness Assessment, identifying key projects that fellows can work on to deliver immediate value. This step ensures that fellows will be contributing meaningfully while gaining critical insights into the operational dynamics of nonprofit organizations. In collaboration with the Workforce Professionals Training Institute (WPTI), Per Scholas is committed to bolstering nonprofit readiness and organizational capacity throughout the fellowship initiative.

Excitement surrounding the fellowship is palpable, as organizations like Barclays and Accenture have pledged support to facilitate its success. Deborah Goldfarb from Barclays noted, “At Barclays, we're proud to support Per Scholas in advancing a fellowship that brings together workforce innovation, AI-ready talent, and nonprofit capacity building.” Similarly, Accenture's Dr. Dwayne Brown remarked on the initiative's dual benefit: “It's a win-win for everyone connecting fellows to learn and earn opportunities that develop critical skills.”

The inaugural pilot of the Salesforce AI Fellowship will connect selected fellows with an impressive array of nonprofit organizations throughout New York City, including WPTI, JobsFirstNYC, COOP Careers, Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow, Phipps Neighborhoods, and New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE). Each fellow will receive extensive support throughout the program, including ongoing coaching from Per Scholas mentors and professional development resources.

Moreover, the initiative not only focuses on individual growth but also redefines the future of tech jobs in New York City, according to Doug Lipari, Executive Director of NYC's Office of Talent and Workforce Development. “Per Scholas is helping to redefine what entry-level tech jobs in NYC look like with this community-focused and innovative program,” he stated. The New York City Council member, Julie Won, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of the fellowship in addressing the increasing demand for skilled professionals while simultaneously investing in community welfare.

Ultimately, the Salesforce AI Fellowship program exemplifies Per Scholas' long-standing commitment to creating pathways for individuals in technology while reinforcing nonprofit organizations' capacity to better serve their communities. Through this initiative, Per Scholas continues to pave the way for innovative workforce solutions that address today’s pressing challenges in both sectors. Interested candidates are encouraged to explore this opportunity further as it heralds a new era for educational initiatives intertwined with community advancement.