Cognizant has won an Outstanding Employer of the Year award from the New York City Employment + Training Coalition (NYCETC).

Nominees for the award were required to exemplify “High Road” employer policies and work toward job quality and best practices in the field of workforce development. Awards were given to those employers who work towards increasing access to specific populations and have illustrated continued outstanding relationships with NYCETC member organizations and programs.

Nominated by Per Scholas, Cognizant was recognized for its investment in time, energy, and resources to develop and hire local talent from overlooked communities in New York City. In June 2017, Cognizant, in partnership with Per Scholas, officially opened the Cognizant Bronx Training Center which is co-located with Per Scholas’ philanthropically-supported training program, an established community-based institution for over 20 years.

Since the launch of the Cognizant Bronx Training Center, hundreds of students have participated in the program with 70% of graduates going on to be employed by Cognizant or other companies in long-term positions with career growth potential..

“It’s an honor to receive the Employer of the Year Award from the NYETC,” said Eric Westphal, Senior Director, Corporate Affairs, Cognizant. “Our work with Per Scholas has given us the opportunity to invest in the workforce in the Bronx in new and innovative ways. It has been a wonderful way to invest in and enrich the community while giving the local workforce the skills they need to compete in the digital age.”