J’Shon Zeigler enrolled at Indianapolis Met High School, Goodwill’s high school for traditional-age students, his sophomore year. 

“I liked Indy Met because of the flexibility,” J’Shon said. “It was school, but it was preparing you for what comes next.”

He especially liked the staff.

“Without teachers like Ms. Dexter (J-Shon’s 10th-grade math teacher), I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” J’Shon said. “The staff are patient, and they care about students.”

J’Shon graduated in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. He went on to work in the retail industry, but he wasn’t satisfied with his job or his pay. He learned about Per Scholas while looking for a new job. The program promised free training in the information technology field, plus it included a stipend. He decided to apply.

“I didn’t have any prior experience in information technology, but it was a field I was interested in learning more about,” J’Shon said. “I didn’t just want a job – I wanted a career.” 

Soon thereafter, J’Shon began the 12-week program. Four days a week, students receive instruction and training, and one day a week, they work on professional development, including skills like creating a resume and interviewing for a job. 

Before graduating with the first Indianapolis Per Scholas cohort in June 2023, J’Shon already had a job offer from Goodwill’s IT department as a Help Desk Support Specialist – he now works on the same campus as Indy Met High School, where he had graduated years prior. 

“I never imagined myself having a career,” J’Shon said. 

Next, J-Shon plans to pursue a certification in Network+ and a role as a system administrator, which would involve setting up the IT networks for Goodwill’s stores and schools.

“The work is complex, but it’s also satisfying, and I’m able to help support my family,” J’Shon said.

To learn more, visit excelcenter.org or perscholas.org.