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512-457-8610
OUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION:
A. As a nonprofit with a mission to get our Central Texas neighbors into great careers, we raise money for your education. Each year Capital IDEA raises enough money to fund our Career Expressway program and pay for the tuition and textbooks for over 800 adults, like you. And then we send you to college to get a degree in a high-demand career field. If you're eligible for our program, your tuition and textbooks are already paid for by the generous support of our funders. If you're serious about a career with a future, Apply Today or attend a CareerUp to learn more.
Did you know it costs about $5 million a year to make this program available in our community? The money for your education comes from donors, foundations, local employers, and government agencies, including our four largest investors: the City of Austin, Travis County, St. David's Foundation, and Hays County. Central Texas is one of the few regions across the nation to have a locally funded program that can invest in the education of our neighbors. As a resident of Central Texas, you have a unique opportunity for a free college education. It may sound too good to be true but here's the catch— you'll have to do a lot of hard work to earn your degree. We'll also ask you to go to work right away, as soon as you graduate.
Apply Today | CareerUp
What if I’m not a Permanent Resident yet? To qualify for Capital IDEA programs you must be able to prove you have Permanent Resident status. If you are in the process of applying for Permanent Residency, you may begin the Capital IDEA application process but we will not be able to accept you until your Permanent Resident status is confirmed.
What if I already have a degree? (USA or other country) Capital IDEA does not accept individuals who have already earned a college degree in the United States. We can make exceptions for individuals who can prove their degree is not valid for employment. Contact us before applying to find out if you might qualify for an exception.
If your degree is from a foreign country, you will need to have your credits reviewed by Austin Community College (ACC) to determine your credit equivalency. If ACC evaluates your credits to be less than an associate degree, Capital IDEA can help you get the remaining credits you need.
Transcript evaluation services are available at ACC Highland Business Center located at 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, Texas 78702, 3rd floor. If you need to get a foreign degree translated to English, visit www.aatia.org.
Can I still apply if I’m a high school senior but not 18? High school seniors who are in their last semester of school can start applying to Capital IDEA and complete all steps of the process before they turn 18 years of age. However, Capital IDEA will have to wait to accept applicants until they turn 18 years old.
What if I have student loans in default? To be accepted by Capital IDEA, you must be in good standing with your student loans. To do that, you will need to set up a payment plan for your defaulted loans. Visit MyEDDebt.ed.gov to get started.
Can two people from the same family apply? We do not sponsor two people at the same time who rely on each other for income like spouses or domestic partners. This can create financial hardship for the household. However, if you are not financially dependent on one another, like siblings or a parent/child with separate incomes, then yes, two or more people from the same family may apply at the same time.
What if I am unsure about my career choice? We want you to finish your degree and move on to a rewarding career. Part of our application process includes going over your interests with a Career Guidance Specialist. This step may help determine the right career field for you, but ultimately it is up to you to make the best choice for yourself. Take the time to research your options and be ready for your commitment interview. You will be asked about your reasons for choosing your career field. Visit our Programs page to explore your career options:
– Healthcare
– Tech & Trades
– Career Expressway
What if I am already an ACC student? Current ACC students are eligible to apply to Capital IDEA! If accepted, we will sponsor the remainder of your degree or certification. However, we do not retroactively pay for classes you’ve already taken.
Does Capital IDEA help with English/ESOL classes? Capital IDEA’s Career Expressway program covers tuition for English Level 3 and 4 at Austin Community College. If you’re ready for Level 3 or above, you can start now: Apply Now
If you need Basic English, Level 1, or Level 2 English, complete those classes at Austin Community College and apply to Capital IDEA when you’re ready for Level 3. ESOL Academic Program at ACC
How do I know what level I’m at?
Take the ESOL assessment and keep your receipt. Capital IDEA will reimburse you for the testing fee at Step 4 of the applicaiton process. ESOL Assessment Steps at ACC
Am I considered single or married? Here is how we define single and married when talking about your household size and income eligibility.
You are considered single if you meet all of these:
– you are not legally married
– and you are not living with someone with whom you have children
– and you do not file taxes jointly with someone else
You are considered married or living with a partner if you meet any one of these:
– You are legally married
– or you meet the definition of common law married
– or you file taxes as married
– or you live with someone with whom you have children
Quick Links: FAQs » | Ask Us » | Qualifications » | CareerUp »
What if I’m on probation at Austin Community College? If you are on academic or financial probation at Austin Community College, you will need to get in good standing again before you can apply to Capital IDEA. Talk to an ACC advisor as soon as possible. They’ll let you know what steps you need to take and help you get on track. Once you’re eligible to start taking classes again, start your Capital IDEA application.
ACC Financial Aid Appeals: Submit a Ticket »
or email advising@austincc.edu.
Quick Links: FAQs » | Ask Us » | Qualifications » | CareerUp »
Do I have to attend an info session to apply? Yes. Capital IDEA hosts many public info sessions throughout Central Texas and online. You can find the dates on our website and Facebook page. We also host private info sessions when we’re invited into classrooms, businesses, housing sites, and partner organizations. If you see a posting for a Capital IDEA presentation at an organization you belong to, show up! That will also count as your CareerUp.
CareerUp – Sign up»
Invite us to present to your clients! Email us outreach@capitalidea.org.
Do I have to attend another CareerUp? If you attended a CareerUp in the last six months, you do not have to attend a new CareerUp. Move on to Step 2 of the Application Process.
If you attended a CareerUp more than six months ago (and didn’t move on to the next step) you’ll need to attend another CareerUp. Sign up for a CareerUp »
If you’ve already submitted an application, you’ll need to call or email us to update your information. Contact us! We’ll help you move on to your next step: 512-457-8610 outreach@capitalidea.org
What does a Career Navigator do? 
Every student accepted into the Career Expressway has a unique set of challenges that they must overcome to get their degree and enter the professional workforce. For all, there is a financial barrier. For others, they may be juggling the responsibilities of being a parent, or they may have a language barrier, or they may have been out of school a long time and will need extra academic support. To help students face their challenges, each works with an assigned Career Navigator.
Similar to school counselors and college advisors, Career Navigators guide students through their academic program. They meet regularly with students, checking in by appointment, phone, and email. They arrange for the student to get textbooks and other support materials so that they’re ready for class. They provide resources to help with any sort of school issue or academic struggle. Beyond that, our Career Navigators talk with students about outside or personal struggles that can affect a student’s progress towards graduation. That’s why a Career Navigator’s role in the Career Expressway program is so important. When a student lets their Navigator know about a personal issue that could affect their academic goals, the Navigator searches for ways to help that student. By providing extra support that wraps around the entire person, not just the student, they are able to help a student overcome obstacles that could prevent that student from getting their degree.
Career Navigators have helped so many of our students keep up with their classes and push through to graduation. Even when a student must step away from college due to personal reasons, Navigators stay the course and encourage individuals to come back to finish their degree. With this type of support, we’ve had tremendous success in helping individuals achieve their academic dreams.
Quick Links: FAQs » | Ask Us » | Qualifications » | CareerUp »
How long will it take me to graduate? That depends on your starting point and your career choice, but on average our students graduate in 2.5 to 3.5 years.
How many classes will I take a semester? As a Capital IDEA student, you’ll commit to moving through your program as quickly as possible. Typically, you’ll aim to take 2 to 4 classes per semester, or about 8 to 12 college credit hours.
Can I attend class at night? ACC sets the class schedules and may have some evening or weekend classes, but most classes are during the day. It is unlikely you will be able to take the majority of your coursework at night.
How do I get my criminal background check? HOW TO GET A BACKGROUND CHECK
You will request a Texas Personal Review – Full Review (service code 11FT12)
To get started, be sure to use the Texas DPS approved vendor site: IdentoGO »
Or for more information about the process of getting your criminal background check, read the Texas DPS Personal Review PDF »
NOTE: If you do not have a criminal record, you are not required to submit a criminal background to Capital IDEA. You can apply to Capital IDEA even if you have a criminal record as long as you meet our other qualifications. However, you may be ineligible for certain careers that require licensing. If the career you choose requires licensing (healthcare and some trades), you will be asked to submit an application to the Licensing Board for your chosen career. If the board finds you eligible for licensing, Capital IDEA can accept you. If you can’t be licensed, then we will not pay for your education in that career, and you will need to choose a different career to continue with your application.
