Free training through Westside Works helped Stephanie Ogwo switch from supply chain to software.
A free training program in Atlanta is opening doors to high-demand tech careers and helping people rewrite their futures.
Stephanie Ogwo spent most of her career in supply chain and international shipping. But when the job market shifted, she started thinking about a new path. That’s when she found Westside Works, a job training hub supported by CareerRise and their partnership with Per Scholas, a national nonprofit offering tech training at no cost.
“I came to a realization that I was open to taking a completely different direction with my career,” Ogwo said.
Ogwo enrolled in the 15-week Per Scholas Software Engineering course, which covers full-stack web development, computer science fundamentals and tools like JavaScript and React.
The program is free for qualified applicants and includes daily instruction, peer support, career coaching and job placement connections. It’s built for people without traditional tech backgrounds and designed to help them thrive.
“Some of the things that stood out to me that made it something that I was really interested in doing is that in addition to what you learn you have that aspect of well-rounded support in terms of professional and personal development,” she said.
After graduating, Ogwo landed a job at CGI, a global IT and professional services firm where she now works as a consultant.
“I think the world of tech and coding is expanding every day,” she said. “I enjoy being a forever student and I like that there are endless opportunities to expand my skills.”
The course is offered remotely with live instructors and full-time weekday hours. Ogwo said she was drawn in by the flexibility and the sense of purpose.
“I do think it’s for anyone who is considering the field, for anyone who is thinking about IT but have never really seen themselves in the role,” she said. “You know, be the change that you wanna see, you can do it and it’s a really open community once you give yourself permission to explore it.”
Here’s how to apply
Visit perscholas.org to learn more about the Software Engineering course and other programs. Applications for the next Atlanta cohort are open now.