BIG NEWS — Extension approved! In January 2022, we announced we had expanded the list of career opportunities available to applicants from Hays and Bastrop counties. This expansion was set to expire at the end of September 2022, but has now been extended a full year! The new expiration is September 30, 2023. Residents who apply in the next year can still choose from the same full list of careers available to Travis and Williamson County residents. Your college degree is FREE to you — just pick your new career and receive all of the benefits of our Career Expressway program:

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Which Careers Are New?

Previously, Hays and Bastrop residents had a short list of nine or fewer healthcare careers to choose from. On our expanded list, the number of careers has more than doubled! Choose from three additional Healthcare careers, three Technology (IT) careers, and nine Trades & Other careers. See below. These added careers include several exciting options. Advanced Manufacturing was added to our list less than a year ago. Automotive Technician includes a professional toolset purchased for each student. And LAN Systems Network Administrator is our most popular IT degree. Each career on our list offers great pay and growth opportunities, which means the hard work you put in now will pay off for the rest of your working life. Follow the links in the list below for information on the career you want to learn more about, or visit our Career Directory »

Once you’ve found your future career, 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, sign up!

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Careers Open to Hays & Bastrop

*Newly added for Hays and Bastrop

Field	Career Options
	Registered Nurse (RN, ADN) Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) * Biotechnology Dental Hygienist Diagnostic Medical Imaging — Radiology Emergency Medical Services (EMS) * Health Information Technology (Medical Coder) Medical Laboratory Technician Occupational Therapy Assistant Physical Therapy Assistant * Respiratory Therapist Surgical Technician
	* LAN Systems Network Administrator * IT User & Computer Support Specialist * Computer Programming: Web Development
	* Advanced Manufacturing Technician * Automotive Technician * CAD – Computer Aided Design * Electronics Technician * Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) * Land Surveying Technology & Geomatics * Power Technology * Renewable Energy Technician * Utility Lineworker

For a full list of qualifications, please visit: Qualifications »
To get started, sign up for a CareerUp information session: Sign up »

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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»