The first step to becoming a Capital IDEA participant is to attend a free Orientation Session.
Orientations are held several times a year and are offered at a variety of times and locations.

The application process is five-steps:

1. Orientation Orientation introduces potential participants to Capital IDEA, covering all the information about the application process, how to chose a career that’s right for you, understanding the time commitment needed to complete your education and what information you will need to show Capital IDEA in order to be enrolled.

2. Testing Sign-up This step is designed for applicants to sign up for testing at a time that best suits their schedule. Applicants will also have the opportunity to talk to staff that will help them with their career exploration paperwork.

3. Testing Testing lasts up to four hours and assesses a number of skills and education levels. Educational placement is determined based on test results.

4. ISS This is a critical step in the process. At this point, applicants sit down with a Career Counselor to discuss their test results, their chosen career path and how the applicants will rearrange their lives to include full-time school. Counselors and applicants talk about how they will balance home, work and school life. The counselor determines at that time whether or not to recommend an applicant to move to the final step.

5. PET This is the final step to the application process. This is a meeting between the applicant and one of the Capital IDEA Directors. This interview-type meeting is less than 30 minutes and is a final assessment of the applicant’s commitment to their education. The Director makes the final decision whether or not to accept an applicant. If accepted, they go on to enroll in classes!

From the time you attend an Orientation session to enrollment is between 6 and 12 weeks.
This can vary depending on your circumstances.

All Capital IDEA participants are at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Each situation is assessed on an individual basis, but you can find a general idea of income guidelines here.

Click here to find the next Orientation near you.

Yes. Capital IDEA pays for participants’ child care while they are in class. Click here to learn more.

Capital IDEA pays for books, tuition and child care. In some cases, we can also help with emergencies upon the approval of a counselor.

In certain cases Capital IDEA can help with utility bills for Capital IDEA participants only.
For people not enrolled in Capital IDEA who need help with utility bills, contact Caritas (http://www.caritasofaustin.org/).

That depends on the career path you have chosen and at what level you need to begin your education. For example, if you are in need of a GED, ESL courses and college preperation courses BEFORE you begin training in your career path, it could take five years or more to complete your program. However, if you enter a Fast Track Program, you could be finished in three semesters or less. We encourage you to explore the careers we offer and learn more about how long each educational program may last.