Our Mission is to lift working adults out of poverty and into living wage careers through education.

printed on: 05-20-2013

Capital IDEA Serves the Community

We connect committed, yet underemployed adults to higher education and to employers in need of highly skilled workers.

We Sponsor the Most Promising Careers Available

By working closely with local employers, we are able to identify growing fields that pay a living wage.

We are Committed to Helping Adults Succeed in College

Don't let the fear of failure hold you back. Our program can help you build on the skills you have, and succeed at the college level.

If You Qualify,
You can Apply!

Successful applicants will demonstrate a strong commitment to their education, and to giving back to the community.

A High School Diploma is No Longer Enough

Low–income adults can double or even triple their earnings potential by completing a two–year Associate's Degree.

Capital IDEA is the Opportunity of a Lifetime

We are an academic sponsorship program for low–income adults who want a great career but are unable to pay for the necessary training.

Orientation is the First Step

In one hour we'll explain how this opportunity could change your life, and how to get started.

Applying Takes Time, Energy, and Dedication!

Show us you're willing to do the work, and we'll do everything we can to support you on your path to a rewarding career.

Experience Success

Since 1998, Capital IDEA has helped nearly 1,000 Central Texans graduate and gain a new career.

We Invest in You!

We believe that investing in the education of low–income adults positively impacts our entire community.

Your Path to a Brighter Future!

Completing a college level program can mean a better life for your entire family.

Our most recent posts...

Congratulations May 2013 Graduates!

DSC02885We have 35 Capital IDEA graduates completing their programs this May- Congratulations Grads! We are incredibly proud of you. Congrats also to the Career Navigators, the staff and faculty at ACC, Temple Collge, and the families of our newest grads – your support makes these successes possible. We’ve already snapped lots of pictures and posted them on Facebook with more to come. View our May Graduation Album » (no login required).

Statesman.com – Q &A with Steve Jackobs

jackobs-statesman-april-2013Jackobs: Forging a new career path requires training and support by Dan Zehr
Jackobs: “There are roughly 38,000 working poor adults who tried college on their own without success, and tens of thousands more who have the fire in their belly to try but have not yet had the opportunity. If we can build a solid “career expressway” at ACC, we can transform these hard-working adults into the skilled workers that our local employers need.”

Released – Capital IDEA’s 2012 Annual Report!

AR2012_coverDear Friends, I’m excited to share our recently-released 2012 Annual Report. After 14 years, the hard-working adults we serve (like Ana Flores featured on page 8) continue to prove that, with the right support, they can and will overcome significant obstacles to achieve their goals of a college education and a great career, permanently breaking the cycle of poverty for generations to come. Their inspirational journeys would not be possible without the long-term support of our incredible advocates, donors, and stakeholders, like you! Thank you and here’s to another transformative year! – Steve

Statesman.com – Workforce Potential Project

Workforce Potential Project maps out plan to lift 30,000 low-wage workers
UT report suggests the strategy could generate a net benefit of $122 million by 2025
By Dan Zehr, American-Statesman Staff
“On Monday, the organization and the University of Texas’ Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources plan release a new report that maps out a strategy for the Workforce Potential Project. The goal – to help 30,000 of Austin’s existing, lower-wage workers complete certificate or degree programs and land jobs that pay at least $18 an hour.”
“The ultimate goal, Sherman said, is to create “workforce training expressway,” with Austin Community College providing the academics, Capital IDEA providing support services, and the Austin-area business community providing internships and work experience.” Read full article at Statesman.com »

Thanks for Supporting Capital IDEA During Amplify Austin!

amplify-austin-logo

March 4th – 5th, from 7:00pm to 7:00pm we raised $4,882! Thanks everyone for the show of support during Amplify Austin. At the bell we had $3,188 in donations. The St. David’s Foundation contributed matching funds in the amount of $1,694, for a grand total of $4,882. Thanks to everyone who helped us get so close to our $5K goal. We’ll blow it out of the water next year!

Join us in Celebration – February 21st!

Celebration!

EVENT LOCATION HAS CHANGED – Norris Conference Centers’ Red Oak Ballroom. Print map (pdf).

Capital IDEA’s Celebration Luncheon February 21st, from 12-1:00 pm is a truly inspirational event! We will be honoring 2012 ESL completers and Capital IDEA graduates – adults who have transformed their lives through hard work and determination. RSVP deadline: Friday February 8th. Questions? Contact: Angela Barraza.

Happy New Year! Don’t Miss January Orientations

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If your New Year’s resolutions include gaining a new skill and getting into a high paying career, join us Jan 14th to learn how Capital IDEA helps low income adults do just that. Happy, prosperous 2013!

Awards 2012

  • Partner of the Year 2012, SkillPoint Alliance Adult Workforce Council
  • 2012 Neighborhood Builder, Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Program

One Orientation in November!

Orientation - Don't be late!Friday, November 9th is our one and only Orientation in November and our LAST Orientation for 2012. We will be recruiting residents of Travis County. Visit our Orientation and Qualifications pages for additional information. Help us spread the word!:

  1. Download our flyer (pdf) – or – Email the link to our flyer to a friend
  2. Share our Orientation Events on Facebook
  3. Request a Capital IDEA poster, email Liz


Capital IDEA Voter Assembly Today!

Capital IDEA students, Don’t forget the Capital IDEA Voter Assembly today 12:00pm to 1:00pm at ACC Riverside Campus, Lecture Auditorium. On November 6th voters will be asked to make numerous national, state and local decisions (View the Travis ballot »). We encourage everyone to take the time to get informed. A great place to start: Vote411.org »