Covering workforce, education, or economic mobility in Central Texas? Let us be a resource.
If you're working on a story about workforce gaps, the affordability crisis, job training, or career mobility, we’d love to help you connect the dots.
Tackling Workforce Challenges with Proven Results
Capital IDEA is a workforce development nonprofit powering opportunity across Central Texas. We help low-income adults launch new careers in high-demand fields—transforming lives, building talent pipelines for regional employers, and contributing to a stronger, more sustainable economy.
The region is growing—and so is the workforce gap
Central Texas saw 20% job growth between 2018 and 2023—nearly six times the national average.
Source: EMSI / Workforce Solutions Capital Area Board Plan (2025–2028)
The cost of living is outpacing wages
A single adult now needs to earn $26/hour to get by in Travis County. The average Capital IDEA student enters the program earning just $11/hour.
Source: FY 2024 Community Impact Report, Travis County HHS
Healthcare and trades face critical shortages
Texas is projected to be short 56,370 nurses by 2036. Central Texas needs 10,000 new skilled trade workers each year, but only 6,000 are being trained.
Sources: THECB Workforce Task Force (2024), Workforce Solutions Capital Area Board Plan
Big Results, Real Returns
Capital IDEA is closing the workforce gap—one career at a time
699% ROI
For every $1 invested, nearly $7 is returned through higher earnings, reduced public assistance, and increased tax contributions
Economic Contribution
Each graduate contributes $63,000+ in added value to the economy over 20 years
Pays for Itself
Pays for itself in 3.5 years, then generates lasting impact
Salary Increase
Graduates earn $20,000 more annually than similar individuals who didn’t enroll.
Why This Matters Now
Nursing Shortage
Capital IDEA equips local hospitals and healthcare providers with properly trained and ready to work healthcare professionals
Skilled Trades Gap
Our graduates are helping fill critical roles in HVAC, electrical, and other high-demand fields
Policy Relevance
Capital IDEA is a successful public and privately funded workforce model built on partnerships with a proven return on investment
Cost of Living Crisis
We help workers move from $11/hour to jobs averaging $33/hour
Media Kit & Reports
Request high-resolution photos or schedule
an interview by emailing Amy Silvey,
Director of Development & Communications.
“Capital IDEA founders—Central Texas Interfaith and the local business community—set out to empower our neighbors through training and education to meet critical workforce needs and support families with good wages and benefits. Many of the partnerships they built are still strong today.”
“What truly excites me... is the opportunity to continue and grow the comprehensive impact across our community, ensuring the colleagues who join our Central Texas workforce in the years to come are afforded the best academic preparation and ample opportunities to succeed.”
“Capital IDEA… is leading impactful work to help people enter the workforce and fill much-needed healthcare positions in our communities.”
Awards & Recognition
2024 Neighborhood Builder
Bank of America
2021 Lifetime Impact Award
Dream Come True Foundation
2018 LEADS Award
Austin Community College
2015 Workforce Excellence Award
Texas Economic Development Council (with City of Austin)
2014 Nonprofit Award Finalist
Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
2013 Partner of the Year
Skillpoint Alliance
2012 Neighborhood Builder
Bank of America
Ready to Talk?
For interviews, quotes, photos, or to speak with staff, students, or graduates contact us using the information below.
Amy Silvey
Director of Development & Communications
asilvey@capitalidea.org | 512.485.9353
Liz Ramon
Communications Manager
lramon@capitalidea.org | 512.485.9341