What does a Career Navigator do?

Every student accepted into the Career Expressway has a unique set of challenges that they must overcome to get their degree and enter the professional workforce. For all, there is a financial barrier. For others, they may be juggling the responsibilities of being a parent, or they may have a language barrier, or they may […]

What if I’m on probation at Austin Community College?

If you are on academic or financial probation at Austin Community College, you will need to get in good standing again before you can apply to Capital IDEA. Talk to an ACC advisor as soon as possible. They’ll let you know what steps you need to take and help you get on track. Once you’re […]

Am I considered single or married?

Here is how we define single and married when talking about your household size and income eligibility. You are considered single if you meet all of these: – you are not legally married – and you are not living with someone with whom you have children – and you do not file taxes jointly with […]

How do I get my criminal background check?

HOW TO GET A BACKGROUND CHECK You will request a Texas Personal Review – Full Review (service code 11FT12) To get started, be sure to use the Texas DPS approved vendor site: IdentoGO » Or for more information about the process of getting your criminal background check, read the Texas DPS Personal Review PDF » […]

Do I have to attend another CareerUp?

If you attended a CareerUp in the last six months, you do not have to attend a new CareerUp. Move on to Step 2 of the Application Process. If you attended a CareerUp more than six months ago (and didn’t move on to the next step) you’ll need to attend another CareerUp. Sign up for […]

Does Capital IDEA help with English/ESOL classes?

Capital IDEA’s Career Expressway program covers tuition for English Level 3 and 4 at Austin Community College. If you’re ready for Level 3 or above, you can start now: Apply Now If you need Basic English, Level 1, or Level 2 English, complete those classes at Austin Community College and apply to Capital IDEA when you’re […]

Can I attend class at night?

ACC sets the class schedules and may have some evening or weekend classes, but most classes are during the day. It is unlikely you will be able to take the majority of your coursework at night.

How many classes will I take a semester?

As a Capital IDEA student, you’ll commit to moving through your program as quickly as possible. Typically, you’ll aim to take 2 to 4 classes per semester, or about 8 to 12 college credit hours.

How long will it take me to graduate?

That depends on your starting point and your career choice, but on average our students graduate in 2.5 to 3.5 years.

Do I have to attend an info session to apply?

Yes. Capital IDEA hosts many public info sessions throughout Central Texas and online. You can find the dates on our website and Facebook page. We also host private info sessions when we’re invited into classrooms, businesses, housing sites, and partner organizations. If you see a posting for a Capital IDEA presentation at an organization you […]

What if I am already an ACC student?

Current ACC students are eligible to apply to Capital IDEA! If accepted, we will sponsor the remainder of your degree or certification. However, we do not retroactively pay for classes you’ve already taken.

What if I am unsure about my career choice?

We want you to finish your degree and move on to a rewarding career. Part of our application process includes going over your interests with a Career Guidance Specialist. This step may help determine the right career field for you, but ultimately it is up to you to make the best choice for yourself. Take […]

What if I have a criminal background?

If you have a criminal background, you can still apply for Capital IDEA. However, many of the careers we support require a license. As part of your application process, you will bring a criminal history from DPS. How to get a background check Visit this link If the career you choose requires licensing, you will […]

Can two people from the same family apply?

We do not sponsor two people at the same time who rely on each other for income like spouses or domestic partners. This can create financial hardship for the household. However, if you are not financially dependent on one another, like siblings or a parent/child with separate incomes, then yes, two or more people from […]

What if I have student loans in default?

To be accepted by Capital IDEA, you must be in good standing with your student loans. To do that, you will need to set up a payment plan for your defaulted loans. Visit MyEDDebt.ed.gov to get started.

Can I still apply if I’m a high school senior but not 18?

High school seniors who are in their last semester of school can start applying to Capital IDEA and complete all steps of the process before they turn 18 years of age. However, Capital IDEA will have to wait to accept applicants until they turn 18 years old.

What if I already have a degree? (USA or other country)

Capital IDEA does not accept individuals who have already earned a college degree in the United States. We can make exceptions for individuals who can prove their degree is not valid for employment. Contact us before applying to find out if you might qualify for an exception. If your degree is from a foreign country, […]

What if I’m not a Permanent Resident yet?

To qualify for Capital IDEA programs you must be able to prove you have Permanent Resident status. If you are in the process of applying for Permanent Residency, you may begin the Capital IDEA application process but we will not be able to accept you until your Permanent Resident status is confirmed.