Funding Educational Dreams Since 2010

Our mission is to invest in underemployed adults by funding educational pathways to attain thriving careers and financial self-sufficiency.

Our History

Capital IDEA Houston was born out of the political will and organizing efforts of The Metropolitan Organization (TMO). TMO is a part of a larger network of organizations known as the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), a nationwide network of broad-based organizations building power to revitalize our democracy for constructive social and economic change. In 2008, TMO launched a workforce strategy to create a Labor Market Intermediary organization that would provide education opportunities leading to living wage employment for the Greater Houston residents; this is how Capital IDEA Houston was started.

Since sponsoring our first fully funded cohort in 2010, Capital IDEA Houston has acted as a bridge connecting committed, yet underemployed adults to employers in need of highly skilled workers. Capital IDEA Houston serves lower-income earning individuals ages 18 and up, and are trapped in the secondary labor market.

Capital IDEA Houston became an independent 501(C)(3) non-profit in 2015, and since then, we have been consistently recognized by the Houston community, including former Mayor Anise Parker, whose support helped us launch our short-term vocational training program with City of Houston General Funds.

The pride and joy seen across all of our more than 1000+ graduates and their families is a testament to the power Capital IDEA Houston has to affect change in our local community. Funded by national entities such as the NBA Foundation, ECMC, Bank of America, and city, county, and state governments, we push for innovation in the workforce sector. Our transformative work gives hope to communities who have historically been passed over by large structures of power. We make real change happen right here, right now. That is our vision. That is our justice work.
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Our vision is to serve, support, and guide our participants with integrity and passion to achieve educational success that leads to a future of economic stability.

Timeline

2008

TMO launches its political workforce strategy to bring an organization that provides education and career pathways to underserved communities in Houston.

2010

Capital IDEA Houston receives funding from local government, United Way THRIVE and private foundations; our first sponsored cohorts are enrolled at Houston Community College and Lone Star College.

2012

Capital IDEA Houston is awarded $150,000 in funding from The George Foundation to serve Fort Bend.

2014

HCC recognizes Capital IDEA Houston as an Outstanding Partner.

2015

Capital IDEA Houston becomes an established independent 501(C)(3) Non-Profit.

2016

Houston Community College invests $100k annually in Capital IDEA Houston.

2017

Hurricane Harvey impacts the COH; CIH provided ER support services to participants.

2018

Capital IDEA Houston begins partnership with Houston Food Bank to expand services for participants.

2019

Launch of our Opportunity Youth Program.

2020

CIH is awarded the prestigious Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award. COVID-19 hits. We go 100% virtual and expand our sponsored careers to include IT Careers. Port of Houston awards CIH funding to sponsor careers in Maritime Logistics.

2021

CIH launches Upskilling Investment Services partnerships with Harris Health System and AON. Houston Methodist awards CIH Social Equity Grant $325k to train Black & Latina women training in allied health care.

2022

CIH is awarded COH DR Funds to support Houstonians impacted by Hurricane Harvey; CIH is awarded $469k in CARES Act funding from Harris County Commissioner's Court.

2023

Capital IDEA Houston CIH receives a $400k grant from the NBA Foundation. Secures ECMC grant to expand its Upskilling Mobility program.
Our mission is to invest in underemployed adults by funding educational pathways to attain thriving careers and financial self-sufficiency
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2101 Crawford St #211,
Houston, TX 77002
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