HOUSTON, TX; April 8, 2021 – Capital IDEA Houston announced their new donation initiative to help their clients “spring ahead” to improved quality of life and careers.
Capital IDEA Houston is the only comprehensive workforce development program of its kind in the Houston area. We sponsor select, high-demand careers that pay a living wage of $17/hour or more with benefits and the opportunity for advancement. Capital IDEA Houston funds the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies toward an associate degree or technical training for targeted careers. Funds also provide access to essential needs like tutoring assistance, tools, and childcare to program participants.
In just ten short years (since 2010), Capital IDEA Houston has employed over 257 Houston area graduates; whose average wage at enrollment with Capital IDEA Houston is minimum wage, $7.25. The average hourly wage of Capital IDEA Houston graduates more than triples, to an astonishing $25. The organization’s efforts are led by Executive Director, Michelle Paul, who was recently selected as an honoree of the 2021 Greater Houston Chapter of American Society of Public Administration’s Leadership Award. The award recognizes Public Service leaders in Houston who demonstrate a commitment to ethics and ethical decision making, allow the public meaningful participation in decision-making and who protect public service values. In addition, Paul was recognized for Capital IDEA’s Houston's project endeavors as well as the organization’s extent of sustainability of change or innovation. "The impact this collaboration has," says Paul, "is providing the services required to remove barriers and help students matriculate through their programs and stay engaged. The ultimate goal is persistence, graduation, and placement."
This Spring, Capital IDEA Houston plans to raise funds to help program participants spring ahead. 100% of all contributions will go towards their mission to afford participants accessibility and equity. For them, that is the ability to show up to their classes prepared, confident, and assured that they have the support of their Houston community behind them. Those who are interested in joining Capital IDEA Houston’s Spring Forward initiative can visit www.capitalideahouston.org/donate.
About Capital IDEA Houston
Capital IDEA Houston is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to lift individuals and families out of poverty and into the middle class by providing educational and social support. This program was developed by The Metropolitan Organization (TMO) in response to a House Meeting Campaign in member institutions and is modeled after Project QUEST in San Antonio.