Letter From Our Executive Director

Jump to: Highlight: Ray Marshall Update | 2023 Annual Report PDF
 

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!

2023 Annual Report (PDF)

Alyssia Palacios-Woods
Executive Director