Virtusa hires two graduates of newly-created software testing education programWESTBOROUGH, Mass., – (January 31, 2014) – Virtusa Corporation (NASDAQ: VRTU), a global business consulting and IT outsourcing company that combines innovation, technology leadership and industry solutions to transform the customer experience, today announced an ongoing partnership with Per Scholas, a non-profit organization that provides technology education and job placement to underserved communities. Virtusa is an early supporter of the organization’s software testing education program (STEP) and to date, has hired two STEP graduates as full-time employees.

“We are so proud to support Per Scholas and its mission of educating underserved individuals and helping them succeed in technology,” said Brian Bernknopf, vice president, Software Quality Assurance at Virtusa. “There is currently a huge demand for software testers, and by partnering with Per Scholas, we are not only giving back to the community, but also helping to access and cultivate talent that otherwise may have gone unnoticed.”

Virtusa is an early supporter of Per Scholas’ STEP program, a free, six week, intensive lab-based, instructor-led training supported by exercises, field studies, industry experts and exposure to leading edge software testing tools. Not only has Virtusa hired two STEP graduates, Bernknopf currently mentors students and helped with the development of the STEP curriculum, which was written in partnership with Barclays and other industry professionals.

“We are proud to be partnering with Virtusa. They have engaged with us on so many levels -- guest speaking to our STEP students, providing job opportunities to graduates, sponsoring events, and providing generous donations and thought leadership as we continue to grow our training program for the software testing industry,” said Angie Kamath, executive director of Per Scholas. “We spent several hours with the Virtusa team during our visit to Albany and were so impressed with their facility and most importantly, the thoughtful approach to developing and supporting their staff. We are thrilled that two of our students have landed a life-changing opportunity by working at Virtusa.”

Virtusa is currently assisting Per Scholas with its expansion in the Bronx by leveraging its success with the creation of the Albany Technology Center. Virtusa will continue to support the program, helping to develop ongoing curriculum, mentoring students, participating in classes and offering job opportunities for qualified graduates.

About Per ScholasPer Scholas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering free, high quality technology education, job training, placement and career development opportunities to people in underserved communities. Since 1998, more than 4,500 un- and underemployed adults (18+ years old) have enrolled in its IT-Ready job training and placement programs in New York City, Cincinnati and Columbus, OH. Its fourth operation will open in the Washington DC region in early 2014. The Social Impact Exchange named Per Scholas one of the top 100 nonprofits creating proven social impact in the U.S.