April 25, 2025
Dear Friends, Supporters, and Partners,
This March, at our annual Celebration of Achievements, we had the honor of recognizing over one hundred graduates—students who have persevered with dedication, passion, and purpose to achieve their dreams. These extraordinary individuals embarked on paths across 20 career fields, from healthcare and IT to trades and advanced manufacturing. Their determination to balance school, work, family, and finances—while overcoming life’s inevitable challenges—has been nothing short of inspiring.
Among last year’s graduates, two remarkable individuals were honored with an award for their perseverance and leadership as they became registered nurses. Josefina and Victoria’s stories are a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and I encourage you to read about their journeys (see pages 5 and 6) and the profound impact of their achievements.
As we reflect on 2024—Capital IDEA’s 25th year of empowering Central Texans to secure living-wage careers—it’s clear that our mission is as essential today as it was in 1998. With over 2,400 individuals placed into meaningful careers, we remain steadfast in our commitment to making prosperity accessible for all in one of the best places to live. Our work has evolved as our community has evolved, welcoming new collaborations and innovative strategies to meet community needs, such as our new 8-week co-req pilot for TSI completion in partnership with Austin Community College (see page 7). A big thank you to our incredible staff team, some of whom have been with us since the very beginning, for a dedication that inspires me every day.
Our mission serves two critical community needs: providing low-income adults with the training needed to enter high-demand careers and providing Central Texas businesses with access to a skilled and local workforce. Thanks to you—our donors, supporters, and partners—we’re making strides toward meeting these needs and creating a brighter future for all.
Your support fuels every success story we celebrate. As we look ahead, we invite you to continue being an integral part of this journey. Together, we are transforming lives, strengthening our community, and building a legacy of opportunity.
With deepest gratitude,
Alyssia Palacios-Woods
Executive Director
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February 28, 2025
THE WORKFORCE CHAMPION AWARD
For 25 years, Capital IDEA has forged strong partnerships across the public, private, and community sectors, collaborating to expand access to education and opportunities for our neighbors seeking good careers. At this year’s Celebration of Achievements, Capital IDEA bestowed the Workforce Champion Award to honor and celebrate an exceptional ally who has played a pivotal role in enabling student-to-career outcomes that drive positive and lasting impact in our community.
Executive Director, Alyssia Palacios-Woods’ presented the award to ACC along with the following remarks.
IN RECOGNITION OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
With so many wonderful partners, Capital IDEA wanted to find a way to recognize our work together. So, this year, I am proud to present our inaugural Workforce Champion Award. This award honors and celebrates an exceptional ally who has played a pivotal role in enabling college-to-career outcomes that drive positive and lasting impact.
Since Capital IDEA’s inception, Austin Community College has been our most steadfast partner in helping students sponsored by Capital IDEA progress from enrollment to completion to employment. Austin Community College’s commitment to meeting the needs of today’s students both inside and outside the classroom, coupled with Capital IDEA’s intensive career navigation and wrap-around support, offers a holistic approach to ensuring students from all backgrounds can succeed.
The strong partnership between Capital IDEA and Austin Community College can be attributed to our mutual passion to—and I’m borrowing from ACC here— “love students to success.” Today, I want to highlight one of the ways Austin Community College and Capital IDEA collaborated this past year.
Together, we introduced a new strategy to help Capital IDEA sponsored students achieve college readiness by fulfilling the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) and earn early academic achievement at the same time.
Sometimes, students who enroll in our program need extra support to be ready for college-level coursework. Previously, these students were supported through our College Prep Academy to gain academic proficiency and retake the TSIA, which would then allow them to enroll in college-level courses. While our College Prep Academy served us well for over 20 years, we noticed TSIA pass rates were declining after COVID-19 – and we knew we had to do better for our students.
We began researching new models for college readiness, and that research led us to Amarillo College. When we shared our intention to visit with ACC, they were immediately supportive and came with us to learn together. When we came back, we knew this was a model we wanted to use and mold to fit our students.
We set a rigorous schedule. It was January 2024, and our goal was to launch the new pilot in Fall 2024. We spent the next few months co-creating a model, and Capital IDEA began identifying participants beginning May 2024.
The new model is an 8-week co-requisite pilot for TSI Completion. It is comprised of one 8-week session for co-requisite English courses, and one 8-week session for co-requisite math courses. It offers a holistic, intensive support approach that includes embedded tutors, open and mandatory success labs, and the ongoing support of a Capital IDEA Career Navigator. And the best thing is, students who successfully complete the courses become TSIA complete without having to retake the TSIA exam, complete 1st year English and Math courses, AND earn 12 credit hours in their first semester.
We met our goal of launching in Fall 2024, and the initial results were significant: 85% of students enrolled in reading and writing became TSI complete, and 74% of students enrolled in math became TSI complete!
Many individuals made this new project possible, starting with Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart, who embodied ACC’s value of “yes” when we came to him. He said that we were looking at trying something new. So many committed early on to making this project happen in record time—David Fonken, Elizabeth Knight, Ursula Parker, and all the incredible faculty and tutors who brought the program to life alongside our Capital IDEA team—Eva Rios-Lleverino, William Askew, Lori Johnson, and Lia Paschal.
We’re now in the second semester of this pilot with ACC and are excited to see this momentum continue and hopefully grow.
As partners for more than 26 years, Austin Community College and Capital IDEA have worked together on projects like this to meet the needs of today’s students and transform the lives of thousands of Central Texans.
Today, I am honored to present the inaugural Workforce Champion Award to our partners at Austin Community College, accepted by Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart.
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February 28, 2025
THE AURORA ALWORTH SPIRIT AWARD
The Aurora Alworth Spirit Award award recognizes a Capital IDEA graduate who embodies resilience, determination, and the spirit of opportunity—someone who has faced obstacles head-on and emerged stronger, ready to give back to their community.
This year’s recipient, Josefina Rodriguez, is a shining example of that spirit.
As a mother and first-generation college graduate, Josefina’s journey has been marked by perseverance. She overcame challenges that might have stopped others in their tracks, balancing the demands of school, work, and family. She remained focused on her goal, never giving up, and today, she stands before us as a registered nurse—a career she pursued with both passion and purpose.
Josie’s story is one of strength and the power of education to transform lives. But rather than tell you her story myself, I want to invite Josie to share it in her own words.
JOSEFINA RODRIGUEZ’S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
It is an immense honor to stand before you today, sharing not just my story, but a journey that belongs to so many people who have walked beside me. This journey is the result of the love and perseverance of my parents, the strength of my children, and the unwavering support of those who believed in me. I hope that, by sharing my experiences, I can offer a bit of hope and inspiration to anyone who may be walking a similar path.
As a proud first-generation American, born to parents who came to this country from Mexico in search of better opportunities, I’ve always understood the power of hard work, resilience, and love. My parents faced countless challenges coming to a new country, not knowing the language or the customs. Yet, they persisted, driven by their hope for a brighter future for their children. I am living proof of their sacrifices, and I carry their strength with me every single day.
I often reflect on the courage it must have taken for my parents to start over in a new place, away from everything they knew. And even with this challenges they made sure that my brother and I were raised with the love and encouragement we needed to believe in ourselves. They taught us that with hard work, nothing was impossible.
Growing up, things were not always easy. I was blessed with a family full of love, but like many others, I faced my share of challenges—challenges that sometimes felt insurmountable. I remember my first day of kindergarten, full of excitement, only to be struck with fear and confusion when my teacher spoke in English, a language I didn’t know existed let alone understand it. This my first challenge of many. But, little by little, I began to master this new language. It wasn’t easy, but by the time high school came, I was speaking and understanding English, even if I wasn’t the best at spelling—thank goodness for spellcheck.
Education was always valued in my home. My parents believed it was the key to unlocking the future. They made sure we understood that education wasn’t just about books—it was about opportunity. And for me, that opportunity came with its own set of struggles. Like many young people, I didn’t fully appreciate the importance of college and education at first, and as life went on, I found myself in situations that made it harder to pursue my dreams.
I was just 19 when I became a mother, and I know knew the fear of letting my daughter down as well as my dreams of becoming someone important, someone who could make a difference. It all seemed to be out of reach. But my parents reminded me that they didn’t come this far for me to give up. They believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.
After I had my daughter I knew I need to figure things out and fast. I made the decision to become a medical assistant. And for a time I felt like I was making a big difference but by mastering my role I also began to train nurses. This got me thinking that if I could teach nurses, why couldn’t I go back to school and become a nurse? That thought stayed with me, and with the help of Capital IDEA, I was able to turn that dream into a reality. They believed in me when I wasn’t sure how to take the first step. They helped me with tuition, with childcare, and with guidance every step of the way.
I worked tirelessly to pay off debts and save money, and eventually, I took the leap. Juggling school, life, and raising young children wasn’t easy, especially with the challenges brought by the pandemic. But through it all, my mother’s voice echoed in my head: “Tú síguele y échale ganas”—Keep going and give it your best. That encouragement kept me going when I thought I couldn’t anymore.
When my last semester came, it was a struggle. I had some amazing successes, but there were tough times too. Yet, I didn’t let any of that stop me. I pushed through every obstacle because I knew my children were watching, and I had to show them what hard work, persistence, and love could achieve. Just as my parent had done for me.
The day I passed my NCLEX on the first try, I couldn’t believe it. It was surreal. But the real reward came when my parents—especially my dad—told me how proud they were of me. He said he always knew I had it in me, and now I had proven it.
But none of this would have been possible without the support of others. Sister Anne, Ron, Liz, mom, dad and Capital IDEA. To everyone who believed in me, thank you. To those who are facing their own challenges right now, please know this: You are not alone. No matter what obstacles stand in your way, you can overcome them. Keep going, seek support, and don’t ever give up.
You started this journey for a reason, and you are capable of achieving your dreams.
Thank you so much for your time today. And always remember: échale ganas—keep going!
To apply, sign up for an info session: CareerUp »
For questions: 512-457-8610 or Ask Us! »
Quick links: Qualifications | Career Directory | FAQs
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February 28, 2025
THE MARK-MELLIAR SMITH LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Mark Melliar-Smith Leadership Award is given to individuals who exemplify integrity, inspire others, and create positive change in their communities.
This year’s honoree, Victoria Jaimes, embodies these qualities and more. Her journey has been one of resilience, growth, and unwavering dedication. After overcoming personal challenges and setbacks, she recommitted herself to education with a clear vision for her future and her family’s well-being. Throughout her time in the nursing program, she has demonstrated leadership both inside and outside the classroom.
Victoria took a leap of faith 3 years ago when she signed up to join our limited BSN cohort in partnership with the City of Austin and Concordia University. Victoria has not only excelled academically, graduating cum laude from Concordia University and earning a place on the Dean’s List for three semesters, but she has also consistently supported her peers. Whether as Vice President of the Student Nurses Association or as a guest speaker and mentor to fellow students, Victoria has been a source of inspiration and strength.
Her commitment to professional growth is remarkable. She has already made an impact in her field, with specialized training and a new graduate nurse role created specifically for her in the Cardiovascular Operating Room at St. David’s Round Rock. Congratulations, Victoria.
VICTORIA JAIMES’S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
Thank you so much for this incredible honor to receive the Leadership Award in honor of Mark Melliar-Smith. This recognition means a great deal to me. My journey has always been about doing more, being more, and developing as a leader.
For me, leadership is about creating opportunities for others to grow with you. It’s about showing up for those who rely on you, taking responsibility for your own growth, and helping others along the way. This mindset has shaped my entire path—from my decision to return to school to how I’ve supported my family and peers.
Before joining Capital IDEA, I faced many challenges. Balancing family responsibilities with limited resources often made my goals feel unreachable. I enrolled in college several times, but each experience taught me perseverance. As a stay-at-home mother for 11 years, I realized that leadership starts with taking responsibility for your own growth, especially in difficult circumstances. I knew that education was key to breaking through barriers for my family and me.
In 2019, I began taking online courses, and in June 2020, I discovered Capital IDEA. The program was exactly what I had been searching for. It covered tuition, books, childcare, and more, which allowed me to focus fully on my studies. My career navigator, Sara Hernandez, was instrumental in helping me navigate the program and connect with the BSN program at Concordia University Texas.
I want to acknowledge my husband, Feliciano Jaimes. His unwavering support has been essential in making this achievement possible. He is my rock and has always been there for me. Chano is a natural leader who never gives up; his optimism and sincerity have been a constant source of strength for me. He stepped back from his own career to care for our children so I could focus on my studies. He taught me you are who you choose to be. I could not have done this without him. He is Superman.
My family has been my greatest support and my biggest source of inspiration. My children, Feliciano, Benicio, Ambellina, and Aurelio are my ‘why.’ They inspire me every day, and I hope my example encourages them to pursue their own dreams.
I also want to thank my mother, Elizabeth Sames, who instilled in me the value of education and being your own champion. Her high expectations shape who I am today. She taught me that leadership is about setting high standards for yourself and others and always striving for excellence.
While in college, I joined organizations like Sigma Tau Delta and mentored others. Whether by sharing study strategies with fellow nursing students or stepping into roles like Vice President of the Student Nurses Association, these experiences taught me that leadership is about supporting your peers and ensuring their success as much as your own.
Since becoming a nurse extern at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center in 2023, I’ve had the opportunity to grow even further. In 2024, I was accepted into St. David’s ASES program run by the impressive and indomitable Beth Vaughn, where I spent 237 hours in the operating room. A new grad nurse position was created for me in the cardiovascular operating room in a field that didn’t originally have one.
Graduating cum laude with my BSN while raising a family was incredibly challenging, but it was also immensely rewarding. My youngest was six months old when I entered the nursing program, and I learned while toting a cooler and breast pump to class that leadership is not about titles or authority. It’s about being present, patient, and persistent, no matter the obstacles. It’s about inspiring others and lifting up your community.
This award reflects not just my efforts but also the belief and support of a community that saw my potential. As I begin my nursing career, I am excited to give back to that community and inspire others to pursue their own dreams.
Thank you to Capital IDEA, my husband, children, my mother, my mentors, and everyone who has supported me along the way. To my fellow graduates and future leaders, let’s continue to support one another and make a difference in our communities.
To apply, sign up for an info session: CareerUp »
For questions: 512-457-8610 or Ask Us! »
Quick links: Qualifications | Career Directory | FAQs
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Updated: October 22, 2024
BIG NEWS — Residents of Travis County and/or City of Austin have until September 2025 to qualify under our NEW income guidelines and secure their seats in our Career Expressway program. The Career Expressway offers full tuition assistance, textbooks, and more. Residents who apply and get accepted during this temporary extension period will continue to be eligible even after it expires. Once enrolled, you will not need to reapply or reconfirm your eligibility. You will get to choose from a number of degree programs and your entire college education will be completely FREE to you. Capital IDEA will provide career guidance and financial assistance every semester through to your graduation and job placement:
● We will pay your full tuition each semester, purchase your textbooks, and pay for miscellaneous fees including required tools and uniforms.
● We’ll also offer childcare assistance to parents.
● Once you’ve earned your degree, we’ll guide you in your job search and help you land your dream job. It’s our mission is to get you into a new career, and we’ll be with you until you’ve accepted a good job offer!
Previously, the maximum income an applicant could make was based on 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a family of four, monthly income was capped at $5,200 a month. Under our expanded income guidelines, the income cap is 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. A family of four can now earn up to $6,500 a month. Use the chart below to find out what your maximum income is based on your household size. Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, take the next step! Sign up for a CareerUp information session. We’ll cover everything you need to know about how to get your FREE degree through our Career Expressway program!
| Household Size | Monthly Household Income |
|---|---|
| Travis County / City of Austin | Max Income 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines |
| 1 | $3,138 |
| 2 | $4,259 |
| 3 | $5,379 |
| 4 | $6,500 |
| 5 | $7,621 |
| 6 | $8,741 |
| 7 | $9,863 |
| 8 | $10,984 |
For a full list of qualifications, please visit: Qualifications »
To get started, sign up for a CareerUp information session: Sign up »
FAQ: Why is this program FREE?
We’re a nonprofit with a mission to get our Central Texas neighbors into great careers. Each year, Capital IDEA raises enough money to pay for tuition and textbooks for over 800 adults, like you! If you’re eligible for our program, your tuition and textbooks are already paid for by the generous support of our funders, including the City of Austin, Travis County, and St. David’s Foundation. Get started with your FREE education — Sign up now»
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For questions: 512-457-8610 or outreach@capitalidea.org
Quick links: Qualifications | Career Directory | FAQs
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[top] Sarai Anzaldo; Sarai with Career Navigators Lori and Sara. [bottom] Lori and Sarai at her pinning ceremony with her son and guest; Capital IDEA Board Chair Toni Swinton, 2024 Good Neighbor Jesse Navarrete, and Capital IDEA Executive Director Alyssia Palacios-Woods; Sarai with her son and Sara.
August 25, 2024
Capital IDEA’s Whitlow Education Fund Task Force is dedicated to raising funds for Career Expressway students living in Williamson County. Every two years the task force hosts an ice cream social during which we honor an outstanding member of the community who has gone above and beyond in serving Williamson County. On August 25th, 2024, we honored Jesse Navarrete with the Whitlow Good Neighbor Award for his unwavering support of our students and mission along with his numerous other contributions.
2023 graduate Sarai Anzaldo joined us an honored guest and featured graduate speaker. Below is her inspiring speech.
I heard about Capital IDEA in 2016 from my first nurse at Any Baby Can. At the time, I was very overwhelmed with life. I was a single mother and had moved back in with my family after my marriage fell apart. I had been working as a dental assistant for several years, which I enjoyed, but I needed to earn more to take care of myself and my son. Capital IDEA sounded like a good program, but I couldn’t imagine how I would care for my baby and keep up with my financial responsibilities, let alone go to school.
I struggled through school and barely graduated high school. I never imagined myself going to college. Then, another nurse through Any Baby Can mentioned Capital IDEA again. I took it as a sign, so I prayed to God and said, “God, if I get accepted to Capital IDEA, then I know you will help me and open all the doors that need to be opened.”
From the beginning, I had so much support from Capital IDEA staff, such as Mrs. Sara, Ms. Lori, and Damiana. At that time, I didn’t realize how much I needed that accountability in my life. My career navigators held me accountable to my goals and really made a big difference in my life. They guided me and checked in with me, and most of the time, they were like my therapists and my cheerleaders. When I couldn’t face some days emotionally, they were there to listen to me and encourage me. Above all, I really felt that they believed in me and maybe even saw something in me that I couldn’t see myself.
I faced many challenges during my time at ACC from registering for classes to having to drive to different campuses. I also worked part-time while going to school, which was especially challenging being a mother who has ADD with a young son who has ADHD. I had to manage a full schedule of classes, along with taking my son to his therapy appointments and going to counseling appointments myself. Thankfully, I had many people to help me, including my family, friends, and my career navigators.
Capital IDEA helped me in many ways. They provided me with resources on how to apply for childcare and gas cards to help with transportation while I was in the dental hygiene program. Above all, they helped me financially.
In the dental hygiene program, students must pay for instruments, special glasses called loupes, scrubs, leather shoes, etc. All of these supplies can cost thousands of dollars, and because of Capital IDEA, I could have all of them without worrying about how I would afford them. Having financial help made all the difference. If it wasn’t for Capital IDEA, I don’t think I would have given college another chance. Not having to worry and stress every semester about how I would pay for college was an incredible blessing.
Because of the support Capital IDEA provided for me, I am able to have the job I love. I am a Preventive Specialist. In addition to cleaning teeth and educating patients on their oral hygiene, with my training, I learned how to screen for skin cancer from the neck to the head and screen patients for oral cancer.
I can financially provide for my son and spend time with him without having to work multiple jobs. Capital IDEA made a huge impact on my life, not only for my future but also for my son’s future. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and plan to pay it forward to my community.
To apply, sign up for an info session: CareerUp »
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[top left] Abraham is pictured with his wife, Emely, and Dr. Lowery-Hart, Chancellor of Austin Community College. [bottom left] Abraham with Alyssia Palacios-Woods, Executive Director of Capital IDEA. [bottom center] Abraham, Emely, and Dr. Lowery-Hart, pictured with Andy Davis, President and CEO, Ascension Texas; and Geronimo Rodrigues, Chief Advocacy Officer, Ascension Texas.
July 10, 2024
Capital IDEA was thrilled to join a special event hosted by employer partner Ascension Seton on July 10th. The featured speaker, Abraham Esqueda, is a registered nurse and Capital IDEA graduate. Below is his speech.
My name is Abraham Esqueda, and I am a registered nurse at Dell Children’s Medical Center. My parents made the trip from Mexico to Texas when I was two years old. They did it with no money in their pockets, and they were unsure what they wanted to do when they got here, but they knew they wanted to build a better life for me and my two sisters.
They raised us to rely on our faith in God and hold true to our beliefs, to help others and treat others with the utmost respect and love. I continue to live my life with these beliefs, and I continue to look for ways to help those in need. In high school, I enjoyed learning about science and biology, and those interests, combined with my love for helping people, lead me to nursing as my career choice.
I didn’t realize at the time that I would face barriers to reaching my career goal, not until I was older and a few of my friends started planning trips to go to Europe and around the world. Not thinking twice about it, I asked my parents if I could join them. That is when reality struck. I was not from here. My residency status was undocumented, yet all I’ve known was my life in Texas. I had many questions yet so few answers. For me, Austin is home. It is where I grew up, where I went to school, where I made friends and where I wanted to continue to live and contribute to society.
Due to my status, my parents had to check on me all the time making sure I was following all the rules and not getting into any trouble because the smallest thing could have consequences like being sent back to Mexico, a place I didn’t even remember. I learned to live with this added responsibility.
My status was a concern when it came time to go to college, too. At the age of 16, I was able to qualify for DACA. This allowed me to become a contributing member of society by allowing me to work in the US. Even though DACA opened up doors that were previously closed, there was still little support for those like me when it came to financial aid and other support programs. The cost of tuition and books was high, and my family and I did not have the resources to pay for it. That is why I decided to go to ACC – it was affordable, and I was able to receive State aid and ACC grants to pay for classes.
During this time, I needed to help my family with expenses to ensure my college was going to get paid for. I worked in the Call Center at Ascension-Dell Children’s Medical Center. From the beginning, I expressed to my manager an interest in going to college and everyone in my department was very supportive. They provided the flexibility to allow me to go to school and adjusted my schedule many times to allow me to balance work and school.
One day, I was talking to one of my fellow colleagues, Emily, and she shared that Capital IDEA could help pay for my tuition, books, supplies, and other expenses related to nursing school. Reality struck yet again like it had numerous times before when I saw that the Capital IDEA qualifications included being a US Citizen or Permanent Resident. However, Capital IDEA was running a pilot program for DACA students, and I was grateful to be accepted into the pilot. From the very next semester, Capital IDEA covered my school expenses for the remainder of the nursing program.
After graduating with my ADN, I passed my NCLEX and got hired as a Registered Nurse in Oncology and Hematology. I just celebrated my one-year residency with Ascension Dell Children’s Medical Center. But I am not done. I have plans to return to school, get my BSN and continue to grow in my role. Oh, and as far as my colleague Emily, I thanked her the only natural way a man like me possibly could, by marrying her.
Thank you, Ascension Texas for supporting Capital IDEA and Austin Community College as part of our mission which calls us to advocate for a compassionate and just society with our words and our actions.
And thank all of you for believing in me, for supporting me through my journey of becoming a Registered Nurse.
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Quick links: Qualifications | Career Directory | FAQs
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April 30, 2024
Dear Friends,
Capital IDEA is proud to have helped more than 2,200 students complete their training and enter high-demand careers since opening our doors in 1998. Over this 25-year trajectory, we’ve evolved to meet the region’s greatest needs, adjusting to the demands of local employers and the changing needs of our neighbors.
In 2023, we celebrated 121 degree and certificate earners from across our five-county region. This number includes the largest graduating class of dental hygienists to date. After years of study and hard work, these 12 dental hygienists are entering their new career field thanks to the generous funding of the St. David’s Foundation and the dedicated team at ACC who helped secure eight additional seats for Capital IDEA students. All 12 graduates have entered employment and now earn an average starting salary of $50 an hour!
We are so inspired by our students and graduates, many who emerge as inspiring leaders in both the business sector and our community. Ramon Gonzales is one such graduate, and in March, we were thrilled to present him with this year’s Mark Melliar-Smith Leadership Award. Nominated by Central Texas Interfaith, Ramon was recognized for his countless volunteer hours advocating for social justice and other important causes. You can read more about Ramon on page 5.
As we celebrate all the achievements of 2023, we are so thankful to the students, supporters, partners, and staff who come together to make it all possible.
Thank you!
Alyssia Palacios-Woods
Executive Director
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Page 9: In 2023, Capital IDEA collaborated with the Ray Marshall Center for Human Resources at the University of Austin to revisit a 2015 cost-benefit analysis of our program. The results they uncovered exceeded their initial expectations. Read More »
Which is right for you? If you’ve heard the buzz and now you’re ready to learn more about FREE Tuition, then read on! We’ve compiled all the information you need in one place. Whether you’re a graduating high school student, a current college student, or an adult with no college degree, you could be eligible for one of the two tuition-free programs available right here in Central Texas. Explore your options below to find out if you qualify to earn your college degree, debt-free.
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Career Expressway » |
Free Tuition Program » |
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
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 Adults with no degreeCurrent ACC studentsSee below for additional qualifications. |
Class of 2024, 25, 26, 27, and 28 high school graduates Class of 2024, 25, 26, 27, and 28 GED and home school graduates See below for additional qualifications. |
WHAT’S FREE?
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100% Free Tuition and all Student Fees from start to graduation for select associate degrees and certifications.
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100% Free Tuition and General Fees for 3 years, or up to 5 years if you want to pursue your bachelor’s at ACC.
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WHAT ARE MY
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DO I QUALIFY?
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WHERE WILL I GO?
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Capital IDEA sends students to these approved partner education and training providers:
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This Free Tuition Program is exclusively available at:
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DECEMBER 5, 2023
Katherine Flatley, a resilient and empowered individual, proudly holds the title of a two-time graduate of both Capital IDEA and Austin Community College. Her healthcare career began when she completed the Licensed Vocational Nursing program in 2003 and the Registered Nursing program in 2006. Determined to continue her education, Kat went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Kansas.
Her story is one of triumph over a challenging past, which she’s learned to share, not for sympathy, she’s quick to say, but as a way to reach and inspire those with shared experiences. “Education can change the course of someone’s life drastically. It can point someone going down a dark path in the right direction.” It’s something she’s experienced first hand.
Kat’s childhood was marred by difficult circumstances and her parents’ poor choices, which left her feeling lonely and lost. She was often raised by strangers and friends due to her mother’s incapacity to parent; and her father, an addict, was largely absent since her infancy. When he did show up, his actions often put her in harm’s way, adding to the unimaginable hardships Kat endured as a child which included years of physical and emotional abuse.
In the face of adversity, Kat refused to succumb to hopelessness. At 14, she took her first job, an attempt to survive on her own though it also led to bouts of homelessness. She recalls the pivotal moment when she discovered Capital IDEA four years later. She walked into an information session at age 18, a high school dropout with an 11th-grade education. “Capital IDEA gave me hope! The resources and support provided by Capital IDEA were exactly what I needed. I don’t believe I would be alive today if this opportunity hadn’t come my way. It was right on time!”
Capital IDEA offered Kat crucial financial support, covering her tuition, books, and more, which allowed her to work part-time to cover her living expenses. “I didn’t have to worry about how I would make it from week to week, but more important than the financial assistance was the motivation and encouragement I received from my Career Navigator at our weekly meetings,” she says, stressing that her Navigator played a pivotal role in her academic success.
College was a vastly different environment from high school, and as she progressed, things started to change. “I suddenly began seeing things differently. I gained confidence and felt myself advancing. It shocked me to see how well I was doing. In my last semester, I took five classes and crushed it!” She was achieving things she’d never thought possible in high school, and it marked a transformative period that gave Kat a new perspective on her own abilities.
After graduation, Kat embarked on a successful career at Ascension hospitals, dedicating 17 years to serving as an ER and ICU nurse. Leveraging her expertise, she then transitioned to the medical sales industry, working with Interventional Radiologists and delivering Boston Scientific’s flagship product, Y-90 TheraSphere, to treat liver cancer. Today, she continues to rise in her career, breaking barriers in the professional landscape. “I’m currently amongst the top Territory Managers across the country for Boston Scientific, and I’m the only one of my ethnicity across the country for the product.”
Kat’s favorite quote shared with her recently from a highly respected Interventional Radiologist. “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” – Steve Martin. “This quote is something I’ve been doing and living unknowingly. I’ve worked really hard my entire life to be the best at everything I do. Capital Idea’s support was exactly what I needed to give me the opportunity to be seen and heard. As a child I wasn’t heard nor seen and that will never be the case again.”
Without the opportunities afforded by Capital IDEA, she believes her life would have taken a different, uncertain path. “Having the opportunity to become a nurse was a true gift. Capital IDEA believed in me when no one else did and it will always hold a very special place in my heart.” She has this to say to supporters of the program. “Your impact doesn’t stop with the graduate. It can change the course of generations. I have two sons with aspirations to go to college. One wants to be an attorney, and the other wants to pursue graphic design. That’s because of people like you who are supporting Capital IDEA. You matter, and I truly appreciate you.”
Kat’s story exemplifies what’s possible when a resilient individual finds the right support. This season, consider a gift of empowerment for future students of Capital IDEA. Your support is not just a present for the moment; it’s an investment in futures filled with hope and opportunity. Give Today»
This form is for current and potential Health Science Department students at ACC who are interested in being supported by Capital IDEA. Please fill out this form and a Capital IDEA team member will reach out to you soon!
Welcome to Step 3. This step can be a big task for some applicants, depending on your situation. As you’re working on this step, you might have questions — We have answers! Reach out. We can explain which documents you need and why: CALL US or EMAIL US.
1. Create your password using the link that was emailed to you.
2. Gather your documents and take pictures. Go through the list at the bottom of this page to find out which documents you need. Then, collect those documents. Next, use your phone to either take pictures (make sure the text is clear), or use an app like Adobe Scan to turn your documents into digital files ready for upload. See FAQ: How do I use Adobe Scan?
3. Log in to your dashboard. Bookmark this link for future logins: https://a3997.socialsolutionsportal.com/login
4. Find the form labeled: New Applicants – Upload Documents. From your welcome dashboard, use the lefthand menu labeled ‘ALL ASSIGNED FORMS’ and click ‘Capital IDEA-Austin’ to view a full list of forms. Scroll to the form ‘New Applicants – Upload Documents’. You can also scroll through the list of available forms on the dashboard home page by clicking ‘show more’.
5. Upload Documents. Carefully read and answer questions. Your answers will update your form with new ‘Select File’ buttons to guide you. If a section has no buttons and you’ve answered all questions, no document is needed in that section.
6. Save. Hitting the ‘Save’ button at the bottom of the form will submit your documents for review. A staff person will check your submission and be in touch soon.
Q. What if my link expired?
A. Use the ‘Forgot My Password’ link on the login page: https://a3997.socialsolutionsportal.com/login
Q. What if I don’t have all my documents?
A. Upload the documents you do have and come back when you have the rest.
Q. Can I submit more than once?
A. Yes. You can submit as many ‘Upload Documents’ forms as needed. Click the ‘View Form Submissions’ button in your dashboard to see your previous submissions.
Q. What if I need help?
A. Call our helpline: 512-485-9350 or email: info@capitalidea.org.
Household IDs
• For yourself, submit three items: 1. your driver’s license (or other state-issued ID), 2. social security card, and 3. birth certificate (or permanent residency card).
• For your spouse or partner, submit 1 form of ID. These can be: birth certificate, social security card, passport, driver’s license, or state identification card.
• For each child or dependent in your household, submit a birth certificate. If the child is under 12 years old, also submit a social security card.
Education documents
• If you’ve attended college, submit your college transcripts. Unofficial copies are acceptable.
• If you have not attended college, submit your high school diploma or GED.
Income documents
• Pay stubs for one month of income for yourself and/or your partner or spouse.
• Your most recently filed taxes.
• (If applicable) Retirement, SSI, Workman’s Comp, Disability
Housing documents
• Proof of address and residence.
• Provide a lease or mortgage statement
• If you do not have a lease or mortgage because you are living with friends or family, provide these three things: 1. a letter from the head of household confirming that you live there and stating whether or not you will continue living there while in school. 2. A utility bill showing the head of household’s name and address, and 3. a piece of mail with your name at the same address.
Assistance documents (if applicable)
• Food stamps, AFDC/TANF, Medicaid, Medicare, WIC, unemployment, child support, housing or utility assistance, refugee assistance
• If a family member or friend is providing financial support, ask for a letter of support. The letter should include their contact info, how much support they are able to give you, and should say if that support will continue while you’re in school.
Financial aid documents (if applicable)
• Education loans, grants (PELL Grant, or SEOG, TPEG), scholarships
Criminal history (if applicable)
• If you have a criminal record, please submit a copy of your criminal background. You’ll need to get a copy from the DPS.
• If you do not have a criminal record, skip this item.
Selective service and military families (if applicable)
• If you or your spouse served in the military, please submit a copy of the DD214.
• If you are a male U.S. Citizen who did not serve in the military, please submit proof of selective service registration. You can print that here: www.sss.gov.
August 9, 2023
Dear Friends,
I am incredibly honored to have joined the dedicated and passionate team at Capital IDEA on July 1, 2022. And six weeks in, I had the joy of attending my first graduation ceremonies in August 2022. It was wonderful to celebrate with over 30 Capital IDEA students and their families as graduates completed their academic milestones and embarked on their dream careers. The fact that these graduates tripled their income (on average) and are now earning starting salaries close to $60,000 annually is a testament to the transformational nature of Capital IDEA’s Career Expressway program, our extensive community and employer partnerships, and the motivation of each and every student to succeed.
Since then, I have had the privilege of seeing the continued hard work of our students, our team, and our community every single day. There have been more graduations and celebrations, along with challenges and opportunities for growth. Capital IDEA enrollment slowed during the pandemic, much like higher education institution enrollment nationwide. Last September, we saw the first signs of enrollment growth, with indications that this growth will continue as more and more of our neighbors see the life-changing potential that a degree in a high-demand field can bring.
I am exceptionally proud to be the Executive Director of Capital IDEA during such a critical time for our region. My commitment to this work stems from a deep belief in the transformative power of education. Like many, I have been fortunate to experience it firsthand in my own family. Education has the power to generate lifelong and multi-generational rewards. By working together to fill specific, high demand and high-need jobs in our region, we can see exponential rewards for the time, energy, and money we invest. This is the heart of what we do at Capital IDEA. Together, we invest in students today so they can become our much-needed talent for tomorrow– our employees, our leaders, our changemakers. To highlight this impact, I encourage you to read Connie Castillo’s story starting on page five of our 2022 Annual Report*.
Alyssia Palacios-Woods
Executive Director
* Having trouble viewing the PDF?: Try updating Adobe Acrobat Reader »
Page 4: In 2022, Capital IDEA served 1,041 Central Texas adults, graduated 118 students, and placed 108 graduates into new careers with an average starting wage of $27 an hour or approximately $56,000 a year. Read »
Career navigators are a key part of the wraparound support offered to all Capital IDEA students in our Career Expressway program. Their number one priority is to help you succeed in college.
As soon as you’re accepted into the Career Expressway program, you’ll be assigned to one of nine navigators. Which navigator you’re assigned to depends on your career field. While all of our navigators know the ins and outs of how to help you succeed in college, your navigator will have in-depth knowledge of your specific degree plan and will be able to guide you from enrollment to graduation.
Every navigator has one goal: to help their students succeed. To do that, they’ll check in with you regularly. They’ll want to hear updates on your classes, grades, and life outside of school. Whenever struggles or problems arise, talk to your navigator. They are armed with resources and can make referrals for a variety of supports, including tutoring, counseling, financial emergency assistance, and more.
You’ll meet with your navigator before the start of every semester to make sure you have your classes, textbooks, and childcare (if needed) squared away. Then you’ll continue to have check-ins with your navigator throughout the semester. New students will be required to check in more frequently, as much as twice a month.
Navigators’ offices are either at ACC Highland Campus (on Airport Blvd across from the Accelerator Lab) or our main location within LifeWorks East Austin (on Pleasant Valley Rd, third floor). You will meet with your navigator at their office as needed, usually once a semester. Your other check-ins may not need to be in person. Navigators conduct check-ins through Zoom, phone, and email, depending on the student’s needs.
Navigators have been a key program component since our founding in 1998. Since then, they’ve had an incredible impact on student success. Going to college is challenging. You’ll have questions. Things will get difficult. But as a Career Expressway student, you’ll have someone to turn to. Your navigator will be there to guide and encourage you. They’ll hold you accountable and connect you with resources so that no matter what problems arise, you can keep going and reach your ultimate goal — a new career.
To learn more about Capital IDEA’s Career Expressway program, sign up for a Career Up information session.
Support Services: Financial Assistance | Childcare Assistance | Career Navigators | Career Placement
To apply, sign up for an info session: CareerUp »
For questions: Ask Us, call 512-457-8610, or email outreach@capitalidea.org
Quick links: Qualifications | Career Directory | FAQs
As a student in the Career Expressway program at Capital IDEA, your college education is fully funded by our generous supporters. Are you wondering what this means for you? Continue reading for answers to some frequently asked questions about the assistance offered through our program.
The Career Expressway by Capital IDEA was specifically created for students like you who are chasing their dreams. If you’re ready to ramp up your efforts, the Career Expressway can help you reach your destination faster with no debt. To qualify for college assistance, you must be 18 years or older, have a GED or High School diploma, have NOT completed a college degree (associate degree or higher), and meet our other eligibility requirements. Visit our qualifications page for a full checklist.
When it comes to achieving your career aspirations, a little help can go a long way. That’s where Capital IDEA comes in – our college assistance includes not only tuition, textbooks, testing, and student fees, but also any necessary items for your degree program like scrubs or mechanic’s tools. Additionally, through our network of partners, we’ll help cover a significant portion of your childcare costs.
Once you are accepted into the Career Expressway program, your assistance will kick in at the start of the semester. We do not reimburse for courses taken before you were a Career Expressway student, but going forward, we pay your tuition bill directly to the college and cover the cost of your textbooks. You do not have to reapply. Our support renews automatically as long as you continue with your education. If life interrupts, we will look for additional supports to help you stay in your program and make it to graduation, but as a last option, you can withdraw from the program and reapply when you’re ready to return, graduate, and start your new career. We are committed to your success, which means — We’re with you from start to hired!
As part of our Career Expressway Program, you have a choice of three stops: Austin Community College, Temple College, or our Union Partners. We’ve carefully chosen our education partners based on their proven track records of providing career-focused, professional-level training that leads to employment. To see if we provide assistance for your future career, browse through our directory of sponsored programs. Note: If you are currently enrolled in one of these institutions, you may be eligible for assistance through our Career Expressway Program. Review our qualifications to find out.
As a nonprofit, our mission is to connect you with the best opportunities in Central Texas. We partner with local employers who are struggling to find enough skilled professionals to fill essential roles in healthcare, technology, and trades. These careers offer high wages, great benefits, and a career path. Plus, they’re critical to the well-being of our community. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough skilled workers to fill the job openings in Central Texas. That’s where you come in! If you’re ready for a new career and willing to train for one of these essential occupations, we can provide assistance to make college FREE to you. You’ll have a great career with nothing to repay because when you succeed, we all succeed!
To learn more about Capital IDEA’s Career Expressway program, sign up for a Career Up information session.
Support Services: Tuition Assistance | Childcare Assistance | Career Navigators | Career Placement
To apply, sign up for an info session: CareerUp »
For questions: Ask Us, call 512-457-8610, or email outreach@capitalidea.org
Quick links: Qualifications | Career Directory | FAQs
Parents who want to earn a degree and move into a great career need extra help to make that happen. For that reason, Capital IDEA has a dedicated team member to help our Career Expressway students access or set up childcare assistance. Below are answers to questions parents frequently have about the childcare support we provide.
Capital IDEA students with dependent children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old who have obtained social security cards for their children are eligible for childcare assistance. As long as you continue in the Career Expressway program in good standing, you’ll continue to be eligible for childcare assistance all the way through graduation.
Most Capital IDEA students qualify for Child Care Services (CCS) through Workforce Solutions Travis or Rural Counties, and that’s where you’ll start too. As a Career Expressway student, you are a priority applicant, and your application jumps ahead to get approved faster! Once your Career Navigator approves you for childcare, you’ll meet with our in-house Program Specialist, Rosemary Cavazos. From there, Rosemary will help you complete your CCS application. If you don’t qualify, or if there is a waitlist, Rosemary will work with you to find another provider. She’s great at what she does, and her goal is to have you set up with a personalized childcare plan in time for you to start classes.
Your childcare assistance starts the same semester you start college, and it continues through graduation. While you’re a student, you’ll meet with Rosemary to create or update your individual childcare plan as needed. Depending on your provider or situation, you may need to renew your childcare contracts every semester or every year. Stay in touch with Rosemary to make sure you don’t miss your renewal dates!
For students who qualify for CCS, you’ll have many licensed childcare providers to choose from (Texas Availability Portal lists licensed childcare centers in the state of Texas). If you don’t qualify for CCS or if you’re on a waitlist, we’ll explore other options, which may include having a relative or friend provide childcare. Over the years, our students have found the right care for their children in programs like CCS, YMCA’s Extend-a-Care, Boys and Girls Club, Austin ISD Pre-K, Head Start programs, ACC, and more.
More than a third of our students have children under 12 years of age, which makes childcare assistance a vital component of our Career Expressway program. Childcare support helps our parent-students keep up with their classmates and avoid graduation delays because when a parent-student has childcare in place, they are less likely to miss classes and are more likely to graduate on time. And thanks to our extensive partner network, we are confident we can find a solution for every parent ready to pick up a backpack and become a Career Expressway student.
To learn more about Capital IDEA’s Career Expressway program, sign up for a Career Up information session.
Support Services: Financial Assistance | Childcare Assistance | Career Navigators | Career Placement
To apply, sign up for an info session: CareerUp »
For questions: Ask Us, call 512-457-8610, or email outreach@capitalidea.org
Quick links: Qualifications | Career Directory | FAQs
Graduation is an important milestone, but it’s not the finish line for Career Expressway students. We provide career placement services to help you transition from student to professional. We’re with you from start to HIRED!
Our Senior Employer Coordinator, Ron Modesty, provides our job search and career placement services. Ron has been with Capital IDEA for over twenty years, and he single-handedly places IT interns, keeps up employer partnerships, and prepares graduates for professional job searches. With decades of experience, Ron is a pro at connecting graduates to employers and fully equips Capital IDEA students with the job search tools that will serve them for the rest of their working career.
In your first meeting with Ron, you’ll complete a career placement checklist. This will guide your search. Next, you’ll work on your resume. Once that’s ready, Ron will review it to make sure it’s what employers are looking for. He’ll give you tips for interviews and suggestions on how to use your social media accounts (especially LinkedIn) to help and not hurt your job search. Once you start applying, you’ll stay in touch with Ron. He’ll forward you job leads that match your checklist, and when you accept a job offer, he’ll be among the first to congratulate you!
You’ll first meet with Ron in the weeks before you start your last semester of college. Over the course of your final semester, you’ll not only work with Ron to get ready for your job hunt, you’ll also start applying. For some students, especially those in healthcare, job offers can come before graduation. For others, your job search may extend a few weeks to a few months past graduation.
Capital IDEA has long-standing relationships with some of the biggest and best employers in Central Texas, which is a huge benefit when it comes to career placement. Our healthcare employer partners include Ascension Seton, St. David’s HealthCare, CommUnityCare, Baylor Scott & White Health, and more. Graduates from the Career Expressway have gone to work for highly recognizable tech employers with corporate offices right here in Central Texas, including VISA, Indeed, and Spectrum. Others have found great jobs in government or education, like Austin Community College, Austin ISD, Travis County, and the City of Austin. To see more, visit: Employer Partners
At our foundation, Capital IDEA is a workforce development program, which makes career placement the best measurement of success for our program. Our employer partners come to us when they are struggling to fill essential roles in healthcare, technology, and trades. These careers offer high salaries, amazing opportunities, and generous benefits, which is why we think they’re good enough to offer to you. But it’s not until you go to work that our community reaps the benefit. When you get hired to fill an essential role, the work you do has a positive impact on our entire community. Helping you succeed helps our whole community thrive.
To learn more about Capital IDEA’s Career Expressway program, sign up for a Career Up information session.
Support Services: Financial Assistance | Childcare Assistance | Career Navigators | Career Placement
To apply, sign up for an info session: CareerUp »
For questions: Ask Us, call 512-457-8610, or email outreach@capitalidea.org
Quick links: Qualifications | Career Directory | FAQs
By Jeff Sanchez | MARCH 2, 2023
From an early age, Connie Castillo felt the odds stacking against her. She had her first child when she was 15 years old, and the naysayers made their opinions known — the best future she could hope for was finding someone who would take care of her. “I heard a lot of negativities. I was told that I was never going to achieve anything or amount to anything. My life was over, and I might as well get married now.” But Connie didn’t let the negativity take root. Instead, she held on to her belief that, “you play the hand you are given and use it to your advantage,” and imagined the future she would shape for herself.
As a single mom at age 15, Connie knew she had to figure some things out if she was going to provide a stable home for her child. She was resourceful and motivated. As a single mother, she was able to find resources to finish high school earlier, she entered the Alternative Education Program for her local high school and achieved additional credits by testing out of courses, achieving her goal of completing high school in three years vs the traditional four, and in the top 10 of her class. On the day of her graduation, she learned she was pregnant with her second child and faced the bigger challenge of raising two kids. She lined up government resources and found entry-level jobs, which was just enough to secure an apartment and scrape out a living for herself and her kids. But she didn’t want to just scrape by. Her vision for the future included buying her own house and car. If she wanted that, she knew what it would take. “I knew that if I was going to move forward in my life, if I was going to be able to provide for my kids the life that they deserved, then education was the key.”
Once again, the odds were against her, and once again she would not be stopped. She went hunting for resources and managed to find enough help to start at Austin Community College (ACC) pursuing a degree as a Dental Hygienist. “At first, I had FAFSA, food stamps, TANF. I survived off government aid. The bare minimum. I worked part-time every now and then to make a little extra cash.” She had goals. She had the drive. She even had the grades to get into the highly competitive dental hygiene program. Things were going great, but unfortunately, government aid has its limits. “I’d finished all of my prerequisite courses, and just as I was applying for the Dental Hygiene program, I lost all my benefits.”
As her semester (and possibly her entire college journey) came to a close, Connie walked into the cafeteria at the Eastview campus and spotted a table advertising free college. She went over and picked up a flyer for a special event which she attended. “I took my kids because I thought it was going to be an orientation and we were just going to be sitting and listening to someone tell us about the program. The conference room was packed, and then I noticed they were doing interviews on the spot! And I was like, oh my god, had I known I would not have brought my kids because this isn’t how I would present myself in an interview.”
By now she had her third child, and with a toddler on her knee and a five- and three-year-old playing on the floor, she sat down for an initial interview. “I am thankful that as a 20-year-old with three kids, I wasn’t judged. Capital IDEA didn’t hold that against me. They listened to me. They listened to my goals and my plans. They could tell from the start that I was a go-getter, regardless of my situation, or regardless of the cards I had been dealt.”
Connie was accepted into the Career Expressway program. “Capital IDEA came into my life during a difficult time. It helped me finish. They helped me apply for the childcare assistance program, CCMS, and helped me find assistance to pay bills.” Yet, while it was the financial assistance that drew Connie to Capital IDEA, ultimately, it was her Career Navigator that meant the most to her. “I never felt like I was just another person or just a number. I never felt like I was just someone who had to get pushed through the program. I was genuinely treated as a human. As someone with struggles, my Navigator helped me, guided me, counseled me, and talked to me when I had stressors.”
Connie graduated from ACC with an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene in 2009, and accepted a job offer from Texas Smiles in South Austin. With a degree and a new career, she’d already surpassed the naysayers’ expectations. But she wasn’t finished.
Eight years into her dental hygiene career, Connie joined the Army Reserves. In 2020, she was deployed for a year to the Middle East where she served her country proudly. She was given the responsibility of keeping up her unit’s morale. This meant she was responsible for organizing events and activities to keep her unit’s spirits up during their deployment. She did such an outstanding job she was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for Leadership. She’d already learned to envision and shape her own future, now she knew she could also play a role in shaping her surroundings. She wanted to do more of that, and when her deployment was over, that desire and her leadership skills came with her, ready to be applied.
Connie graduated from ACC with an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene in 2009, and accepted a job offer from Texas Smiles in South Austin. With a degree and a new career, she’d already surpassed the naysayers’ expectations. But she wasn’t finished.
Eight years into her dental hygiene career, Connie joined the Army Reserves. In 2020, she was deployed for a year to the Middle East where she served her country proudly. She was given the responsibility of keeping up her unit’s morale. This meant she was responsible for organizing events and activities to keep her unit’s spirits up during their deployment. She did such an outstanding job she was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for Leadership. She’d already learned to envision and shape her own future, now she knew she could also play a role in shaping her surroundings. She wanted to do more of that, and when her deployment was over, that desire and her leadership skills came with her, ready to be applied.
As a dental hygienist, Connie had long been aware of a problem. “There was always a big disconnect between dentists and Spanish-speaking patients or patient’s parents if the dentist only spoke English.” Connie felt that the most direct way she could help fill this gap was to become a dentist herself. Thanks to her G.I. Bill she was able to start right away. She enrolled at Texas State and is now only a few months away from finishing her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences. After that, she’ll tackle dental school and earn the advanced degree required to start her own practice.
Outside of her career field, Connie has adopted several community causes and applied her leadership skills there, too. For years, she’s been a passionate advocate for Capital IDEA by sharing her story with Hays County officials and with City of Kyle officials, to support petitions for funding. She’s also mentored Capital IDEA alumni in Kyle developing leaders who can support each other and their community. Connie also serves as the Sponsorship Director with Ancora Ministries, an organization that provides food to children in need both locally in Kyle and in Guatemala. Whenever Connie sees an opportunity to shape a better future, she’s all in.
Connie’s drive to do more, and her passion to help others shows up in everything she does. Yet, of all her achievements, Connie is most proud of what she has been able to accomplish for her children. She eventually bought a car, and a beautiful home in Kyle where she raised her kids. She continues to emphasize the importance of education in their lives. “Can you believe it? This teenage mom has already gotten two of her four kids to become self-sufficient and two into higher education! And my third oldest is starting at UTSA in the Cybersecurity program in the fall of 2023. I have always told them education is a door opener for bigger things in life.” And her kids are extremely proud of her too. She recalls her son joining her at a City Council meeting where she spoke on behalf of Capital IDEA. “He was so excited he recorded it, and said, ‘Mom, I didn’t know you were going to speak in front of everybody. That was cool!’ To see him light up like that made me feel so happy to know my kids are proud of what I do and the things that I’ve achieved.”
Throughout her life, Connie’s display of leadership is evident. With the odds stacked against her as a single mom at age 15, her resourcefulness and drive helped her shape a better future for herself and her children by achieving things that once seemed out of reach, and now she is using those same qualities to lead others. Her outstanding leadership efforts with the Capital IDEA Alumni Network, the Army Reserves, and Ancora Ministries are fueled by her belief that, as a leader, she has the responsibility to help the people around her reach their full potential. “For me leadership is the ability to build leaders yourself, to help others grow, help expand their minds, and to show people who they are. A leader to me is someone willing to grow the people around them.”
And how does she do that? She starts by sharing the core belief that’s kept her motivated since she was 15 that to achieve your goals, you must choose to work with the cards you were dealt. She reminds single parents that, “You are a role model whether you want to be or not. Don’t allow something like being a single parent to hold you back. There are programs out there to help you, so use what you’ve got.” And she encourages Capital IDEA students too. “See worth in yourself. If someone else is willing to bet on you, and they don’t even know you, then why can’t you? Capital IDEA was willing to bet on me and they only interviewed me for 20 minutes. If someone else could see in me that there was something there and allowed me in this program, why would I not bet on myself that I can do it?” That’s advice that we can all take to heart.
In March of 2023, Capital IDEA proudly awarded Connie the Mark Melliar-Smith Award in recognition of the incredible leadership qualities she continues to display in her community. View photos from the event: Facebook » | Dropbox »
We’re willing to bet on you! Are you? Earn your degree for free through Capital IDEA. You can email our team at outreach@capitalidea.org, or sign up for an information session: LEARN MORE »
To apply, sign up for an info session: CareerUp »
For questions: 512-457-8610 or Ask Us! »
Quick links: Qualifications | Career Directory | FAQs
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By Jeff Sanchez | MARCH 2, 2022
Walking into the Capital IDEA office for the first time in 4 years was a blast from the past for Shahida Ferdous. The memories of sitting on the couch in the reception area, walking down the hall into the testing room where she took her vocational assessment, and finally, the office of Janie Mendoza, where she had her initial interview. These memories were quite vivid to Shahida, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of overwhelming gratitude and accomplishment. Compared to her first visit to Capital IDEA, she was a different person now. She’s graduated college, started a new career, and grown in confidence, both in herself and her abilities. It was a notable and exciting difference.
Shahida was born and raised in Bangladesh, a country where she says women were typically not given many opportunities for career advancement and learning. Still, Shahida’s father noticed how good of a student she was in high school and hoped she would continue her education. “My dad always wished I had higher education, but he died about 17 years ago. Sadly, he didn’t see it.”
Feeling the pressure of cultural expectations, Shahida married shortly after turning 18 and immigrated to the United States with her now ex-husband. She devoted 20 years to running a household and raising a family until a tumultuous marriage led to a divorce and left her on her own with three daughters. With no work experience and limited English, she worked a series of low-paying, entry-level jobs, mostly in hospitality and retail, doing what she could to survive and provide for her children.
After six years of bouncing between entry-level jobs, Shahida needed a change. Two of her daughters had started their own careers, and she wanted that for herself. “I was tired of struggling. I wanted a job with good pay so I could pay my bills, and I wanted a job with health insurance.”
One fateful afternoon, while stopping for food, she saw a flyer for Capital IDEA. At first, she couldn’t believe it. Turning to her daughter, she asked, “is this real?” With her daughter’s encouragement, she looked into it and was excited to learn they really would pay for her college. But other doubts quickly crept in as she wondered if she could juggle college while working enough hours to provide for her family. She applied anyway. “When I was taking the exam, I was praying, ‘God, please let them pick me. I’ll work hard. Just give me one chance, and I promise I’ll do it. I can do it.’ In my country, we don’t have opportunities like this.”
Her vocational assessment matched her to tech, her career field of choice, but even with that confirmation, Shahida still had doubts. Before her divorce, she’d barely touched a computer, and since then, everything she’d learned, her daughters had taught her. “I still wasn’t sure I could do it, but Janie reassured me that I could and that I would end up with a good job.” It was the push she needed. Shahida enrolled in the Network Administration program at ACC, moving one step closer to a degree, a career, and, importantly, health insurance.
Even though Shahida had been a good student in high school, 25 years had passed. She’d forgotten what it was like to be in a classroom, and her English was self-taught. “Could I even do it?” She worried, but her resolve won out. “I just had to try. My daughters would tell me to just try it.”
Shahida worked hard for every grade in every class, opting for extra tutoring between shuttling her youngest daughter to and from school. “I’d drop her off. Then go to class. Then go back to pick her up in the afternoon. I worked Saturdays and Sundays full-time just to get more hours. Sometimes Fridays too, and one of my older daughters had to pick her up from school.”
Along the way, she rediscovered something she had forgotten about herself — she was smart. “When I got an A in Introduction to Network Administration, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh! I’m smart! I can do this!’” After that, she got A’s in all her classes except Python. “It was really hard. It was the only class I got a B in.”
In the summer of 2020, Shahida got word that her mother had passed away. It was a difficult loss made even more difficult by COVID restrictions. Unable to travel to be with her family, she continued with her online classes and found moments to grieve when she could. Then a few months later, in the midst of a pandemic, Shahida was diagnosed with cancer.
She could’ve dropped out of school, and nobody would’ve blamed her. “When I found out I had cancer, I wondered if I should put so much effort into my classes if I might not finish the program. My daughter encouraged me to keep trying because she believed I would get better.” Her daughter was right. While painful and grueling, the radiation treatments were successful. In 2022, she was declared cancer-free, though she’ll remain under medical supervision for the next five years.
During treatment, she managed to keep her grades up while also interning at VISA. “The people at VISA were so great. They said I could take it easy if I needed to. I would go to radiation treatments in the morning and work in the afternoon.” As an intern, she reported to Capital IDEA alum Skyler Coffman. “Skyler was very good as my supervisor and very understanding.”
In December 2022, Shahida graduated with a 3.96 GPA and her associate degree in network administration, delivering on that promise she’d made to God years before during her assessment, “Just give me one chance. I’ll do it.” After graduation, VISA offered her a flexible permanent position working remotely and part-time to allow her to work around ongoing medical appointments with health insurance.
Today, Shahida’s career in tech continues to move upward. While, historically, the tech field has been male dominated, more women, like Shahida, have found tech to be a great fit. “In my perspective, women are very capable of doing this job, and with remote jobs, it provides an opportunity for them to take care of their family and work from home if they need to.” Next, she has her sights set on earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. She plans on enrolling in ACC’s bachelor’s program when it launches, and her accomplishments have given her every confidence that she can reach this next goal too. “In ten years, I made it here!” In 10 years, she learned English, became proficient at computers, got her degree in network administration, landed a job at one of the top companies in the country, raised her daughters as a single mother, and beat cancer. Compared to all of that, earning a bachelor’s degree seems eminently possible.
Shahida overcame so much to get to where she is today, but she doesn’t think it makes her unique. “There are a lot of people like me. They don’t know every opportunity available to them, and sometimes people lose hope. When I got out of my damaging relationship and started my own life with my children, I was just looking for an opportunity because I never had it. I didn’t know how to apply for a job or school. My daughters had to figure it out for themselves, and I was learning from them. So, when I got the opportunity, I valued it.” To anyone doubting they can succeed the way she has, her advice is to “Just try. Trust in yourself and the people around you to help you, and if you don’t believe it’s real, just at least try it. And keep faith and hope that it’s real. Because it is.”
In March of 2023, Capital IDEA proudly awarded Shahida the Aurora Alworth Spirit Award in recognition of the incredible perseverance and dedication she displayed throughout her academic journey. View photos from the event: Facebook » | Dropbox »
If you’re looking for an opportunity like Shahida, we have one for you. Earn your degree for free through Capital IDEA, and start a career path that can change your life. You can email our team at outreach@capitalidea.org, or sign up for an information session: LEARN MORE »
To apply, sign up for an info session: CareerUp »
For questions: 512-457-8610 or Ask Us! »
Quick links: Qualifications | Career Directory | FAQs
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By Jeff Sanchez | JANUARY 11, 2023
Partnerships are crucial to Capital IDEA’s success. From donors to employers to education providers, our success and the success of our students depends on the quality of our partnerships. One key partnership that has been in place since Capital IDEA’s founding is with Central Texas’s largest education and training provider, Austin Community College District (ACC). The majority of our students attend and earn their degrees at Austin Community College. Because of the exceptional educational services Austin Community College offers, our graduates have the cutting-edge training they need to compete in today’s workforce.
As partners for nearly 25 years, Austin Community College and Capital IDEA have worked together to transform the lives of thousands of Central Texas adults, lifting them out of low-income situations and into high-earning careers. Throughout those two and a half decades of partnership, many Austin Community College employees have contributed to the growth of Capital IDEA. Advisors, professors, and administrators have all referred students to our award-winning Career Expressway program. In fact, “ACC referred me,” consistently ranks in the top 5 reasons students find their way to Capital IDEA.
Today, it is our pleasure to feature two Austin Community College administrators. Both share a mission to connect students with the abundant support and resources available to them, whether on campus or through partnerships.
Roxane Royalty is the college’s Executive Dean of Student Affairs for the North Region at Austin Community College. She oversees Student Affairs services within the Campus dean’s areas of responsibilities across six of the college’s 11 campuses. She believes their services are enhanced with partnerships like Capital IDEA, “I see it as a mutual benefit. There’s so much to gain from what organizations can do for each other.” Roxane has been an avid supporter of Capital IDEA throughout her 13-year career at Austin Community College. From her time as a counselor at Northridge Campus to where she is today, Roxane was key in advancing pivotal initiatives for Capital IDEA, like organizing a summer event for re-enrolling Capital IDEA students who had left the program and wanted to come back.
Roman Escamilla, Ed.D., is Dean of Student Affairs at Austin Community College Highland Campus. The Student Affairs office supports students with degree planning and career planning. It also connects students to outside resources like Capital IDEA. “Student Affairs is a support service of the college,” said Roman, “We’re here to help students to be successful.” Roman started his career in Austin Community College’s Continuing Education Division, working alongside Dr. Hector Aguilar, Dean of Continuing Education and long-time collaborator with Capital IDEA. “I remember when I first heard about Capital IDEA. I asked how it worked. At first, I thought they were going to have their own school, but then I was told that the students are sponsored by Capital IDEA, and they’re enrolled in ACC programs and managed all the way through. That sounded awesome! To have an organization that can work in collaboration with the college is incredible.”
– Roman Escamilla, Dean of Student Affairs at ACC Highland Campus
In addition to educational services, Austin Community College also provides office space for Capital IDEA staff at its Highland Campus, making it easier and more convenient for Capital IDEA students to connect with all the supports available to them. They’ve also welcomed Capital IDEA staff into ACC Advisor staff meetings to present on the Career Expressway program and benefits. Roman sees this type of synergy and open communication as beneficial to maintaining a solid partnership, “When Capital IDEA keeps us informed of the latest and greatest things that are going on, that helps me. Part of my role is to be a conduit to the students from every department, and if I hear of someone who needs the kind of help Capital IDEA offers, then I can connect them.”
The strong partnership between Capital IDEA and Austin Community College can be attributed to each organization’s mutual passion for helping students succeed. “It’s like somebody’s helping you do your job and for the same reasons,” says Roxane about Capital IDEA, “That’s a partner and an ally.” Capital IDEA Deputy Executive Director Eva Rios-Lleverino echoes that sentiment, “We work well together because they’re very student oriented and passionate about helping students. It’s what’s front-and-center for all of us. In addition to hosting the summer event to re-enroll students and the opportunities to present to Austin Community College staff, they’ve also helped smooth the way for our students in other ways. One example that comes to mind is helping us find a way to get more of our applicants to complete the college entrance exam. We were struggling with that, and they helped us find a solution that has worked great!”
– Roxane Royalty, Executive Dean of Student Affairs for the North Region at ACC
Roxane’s and Roman’s passion for students is unwavering, and they’re both eager to do even more. Roman would like students to know that “Student Affairs is here to help your learning experience be the best it can be. Whatever you need, whether you’re in trouble, in good graces, need assistance, have a question, or just need directions to the bathroom, we’re here to help.” Similarly, Roxane wants to remind students that “We care. Whatever your goals are, we care about your success — whatever that translates into for you. Let us know how we can serve you better, because we want to.” You can find Roman in the Student Affairs office at Highland Campus, Building 1000, on the second floor just past the social staircase. You can also find Student Services online at: austincc.edu/student-support or email them at student.success@austincc.edu.
– Alyssia Palacios-Woods, Executive Director, Capital IDEA
Capital IDEA is honored to have such a great partnership with Austin Community College. Capital IDEA Executive Director Alyssia Palacios-Woods describes the partnership this way, “Austin Community College is a vital partner in our shared goal of helping students from enrollment to completion to employment. Austin Community College’s commitment to meeting the needs of today’s students both inside and outside the classroom, coupled with Capital IDEA’s intensive career navigator and wrap-around support, offers a holistic approach to ensuring students from all backgrounds can succeed.” We look forward to the months and years ahead as we continue our strategic work together to lift working adults out of poverty and into living-wage careers through education and career advancement.
To learn more about our programs or if you’re interested in becoming an employer partner, you can visit our website at www.capitalidea.org or call us at 512-457-8610.
To apply, sign up for an info session: CareerUp »
For questions: 512-457-8610 or Ask Us! »
Quick links: Qualifications | Career Directory | FAQs
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWS & EVENTS | Don’t miss our next blog post!
Capital IDEA students have been placed in new careers
Most graduates TRIPLE their previous earnings
was the average starting wage for Capital IDEA students placed in 2023
Capital IDEA students received direct support in 2023
has been invested in our students’ tuition and books since Capital IDEA first opened in 1998
April 25, 2025 Letter From Our Executive Director Jump to: 2024 Annual Report (PDF) Dear Friends, Supporters, and Partners, This March, at our annual Celebration of Achievements, we had the honor of recognizing over one hundred graduates—students who have persevered with dedication, passion, and purpose to achieve their dreams. These extraordinary individuals embarked on paths […]
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