At first glance, they seem too good to be true: free courses—often offered by top universities—that students can complete at their own pace from anywhere with an internet connection? What’s the catch?

CHARLOTTE — A Charlotte nonprofit is offering free IT support courses to help close the tech skills divide among local workers. Mary Smith is a student of the course with Per Scholas North Carolina.

With five years of experience as a writer and editor in the higher education and career development space, Ilana has a passion for creating accessible, relevant content that demystifies the higher-ed ...