College Degree Programs

Earn certifications, up to an Associates Degree, at Houston Community College.

Short-Term Training Programs

Looking to fast-track your future career? Develop skills in a new trade and earn certifications quickly.

Career My Way (Ages 18-24)

Discover your future career goals through assessments, mentorship, guidance, and planning sessions that lead to training and/or employment.

Career My Way Program

What does the process look like?

We are here to support you every step of the way. As a participant in one of
our programs, the process steps are as follows:

Step 1

Eligibility and Onboarding

Step 2

Guidance and Planning

Step 3

Education & Training

(or Direct Employment for some Career My Way participants)

Step 4

Graduation

Employment

As a participant, what will I receive?

Sponsorship Includes:

Tuition and Fees

Books & Supplies

Uniforms

Certifications and Licensees

All other educational expenses

Participants Receive:

Training

Education

Tutoring

Guidance

Career Navigation

Case Management (1-on-1)

Job Placement

Additional Support:

Childcare

Housing Assistance

Transportation Assistance

Food Insecurity

And More

Discover how to meet the requirements.

If you meet our minimum qualifications, you are eligible to apply for our programs. Successful applicants demonstrate a commitment to complete the program, getting employed and willingness to give back to the community.

Minimum Qualifications

Resident of the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area
18 years or older (no maximum age restriction)
U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Have a high school diploma or GED
Minimum requirement of an eighth-grade reading and math level – this will be determined by a test administered as part of the application process
At or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see Income Guidelines below)

Additional Criteria

It is important to us that applicants be able to demonstrate:

A commitment to completing a degree or certificate in one of Capital IDEA Houston’s Sponsored Career fields
A commitment to getting employed after completing training
A commitment to finish the entire program, and
A commitment to give back to the community after graduating.

Income Guidelines

Family Size	Monthly Salary	Annual Salary
1	$2,660	$31,920
2	$3,606.67	$43,280
3	$4,553.33	$54,640
4	$5,500	$66,000
5	$6,446.67	$77,360
6	$7,393.33	$88,720
7	$8,340	$100,080
8	$9,286.67	$111,440

Federal Poverty Guidelines (200%). Updated: 2.27.2026. Family units of more than 8 members add $10,280 for each additional person. Family size refers to all adults and children living in the household who are related to the applicant by blood or marriage.

Missed the deadline? Join the waitlist!

Our application period is now closed, but don’t worry—we’ve got another opportunity on the way.

Fill out our interest form to get on the waitlist and be the first to know when we reopen.

Join the Waitlist

Select the Program that Best Fits You

Participating in our programs requires NO financial cost from you! Capital IDEA Houston sponsors your education and training, so you can secure one of the many promising careers available in the Houston area. The accompanying wages, benefits, and experience will make your hard work truly rewarding.