geneva & bunky whitlow education fund
In Honor of
Geneva and Bunky Whitlow
Geneva and Bunky Whitlow invested in our dreams for more than 50 years. They’ve been our friends, raised their family among us, volunteered in our community, and loaned us a dollar or two to make our dreams a reality. They challenged us to join them to create a legacy that will invest in the dreams of generations of working families in Williamson County. They invited Capital IDEA into the community to help lift people who are struggling to make ends meet into high-skill opportunity.
In October 2006, Bunky Whitlow passed away to the deep sadness of Capital IDEA staff, participants and partners. Bunky was a great supporter of the community, contributing both time and money to many worthy causes, including Capital IDEA. His generous spirit lives on with his wife, Geneva and son, Stuart. Bunky will be greatly missed but his legacy will last for generations to come.
Capital IDEA in Williamson County
Capital IDEA began working with Williamson County residents when they opened their doors in 1998 when Governor Bush awarded a seed grant to begin this effort. Although much of their funding since then has been provided by Travis County and the City of Austin, they were able to use some of Governor Bush’s funding to provide training to Williamson County residents. More recently the Governor’s Office has awarded another grant specifically earmarked for Williamson, Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, and Llano Counties.
Williamson County Supporters of Capital IDEA
Services
The Capital IDEA concept originated in conversations in community churches and schools in the late 1990s as the rising cost of living put increasing pressure on ordinary families. Community and business leaders (including Stuart Whitlow) came together to invest long-term counseling, education (primarily at ACC), and support services in participants committed to high-demand careers. Training is focused on careers where Central Texas businesses have demand - such as health care, information technology, and accounting. Much more than "books and tuition,” this program provides whatever support is needed to help get the students through their education so that they can support their families. All participants receive tuition and fees, books, childcare, emergency assistance, weekly peer group meetings, counseling and case management, tutoring, and employment and post-placement support.
Whitlow Task Force Goal: To lift struggling, working families in Williamson County into high-skill opportunity every year, ultimately by creating a $1 million fund.
More Information
The Whitlow Task Force members and Capital IDEA staff are happy to meet with you to give you more information. Capital IDEA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation that was founded in 1998. An independent audit is conducted annually by the organization. All funds related to the Whitlow Education Fund will be used to support Williamson County residents.
>> top