Brian

Brian Hennigton was an experienced IT worker but due to the industry’s downward turn he was laid off five times! As the jobs became less plentiful, Brian knew he would have to get a better education in order to compete. And as a single father of three, this goal was even more important. But how would he go back to school, take care of his family, and pay the bills?

 

That’s when he heard about Capital IDEA. “Capital IDEA paid for my tuition and books, which was great. But what was really helpful was that they helped with childcare,” explains Brian. With this support, he graduated from ACC with an Associate of Science in 2005. But he didn’t stop there. He went back and got his A +/Network + Certifications in March 2006. This exceptional education gave Brian the edge he needed; he now works at Seton Healthcare as an IT Systems Analyst.

 

“I’m now making 50% more than before I started at Capital IDEA,” Brian says. But this isn’t what he’s most proud of. “My kids are proud of me,” he beams .

 

Capital IDEA gave Brian the support he needed to change his life and the lives of his children. He now makes an excellent salary, has good benefits, and has a career he loves. More importantly, he has created a future for his children who will no doubt follow their dad’s lead in pursuing an education.

 

Jacob

Jacob Daniel Garcia , a single father, became interested in the semiconductor career while in High School and took some high school classes to prepare him for the industry. He applied to Austin Community College right after graduation in 1998 and even received a $3,000 scholarship from AMD. However, when he tried he was unable to pass the college entrance exam and spent three semesters and his entire scholarship in remedial classes. He was still not able to pass and had no more money to spend on classes. “I didn’t know what to do or where to go,” he remembers.

 

Soon he discovered Capital IDEA and was accepted into the program. He enrolled in the College Prep Academy and after 11 weeks he passed all three sections of the entrance exam! He began semiconductor classes In January 2000 and graduated with an associate degree in Semiconductor Manufacturing in August 2002.

 

“With the help of Capital IDEA I had already started work at International Sematech as an intern, when I got my degree I moved to full-time,” said Jacob. “Capital IDEA is a life changing experience for my family and me. Without Capital IDEA I would not have graduated college. Now I have a future.” In fact his future is so bright, Jacob is now considering returning to school to get a degree in Engineering.