Live From SXSW EDU 2024 - Creating Equitable Pathways For Diverse Learners

About the Episode: In this episode recorded live in Austin at SXSW EDU 2024, Dustin chats with Eva about the work her and her team at Capital IDEA do to support diverse learners achieve careers in fields like healthcare and tech. She explains the nuances of how to personalize each student’s experience to set them on a path for success.  

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Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive Wraparound Services Are Key to Success: Capital IDEA provides tuition sponsorship, childcare assistance, emergency financial aid, and career navigation to help participants complete education programs and secure high-wage, high-demand careers.
• Diversifying Industries is a Strategic Imperative: Increasing diversity in fields like healthcare and IT not only promotes equity but also enhances service delivery, fosters innovation, and builds trust with clients and patients.
• Collaboration Drives Workforce Development: Capital IDEA’s partnerships with employers, higher education institutions, and community organizations create a holistic support system for learners and address skills gaps in the workforce.
• Tailored Learning Experiences Improve Outcomes: Hybrid education models can meet diverse learner needs, blending in-person and online options to increase accessibility while maintaining quality and hands-on training.
• Proven ROI of Workforce Programs: Research shows Capital IDEA delivers a significant return on investment, with every $1 spent generating $6.99 in taxpayer benefits over 20 years, demonstrating the long-term societal and economic impact of these programs.

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Episode Summary

Capital IDEA’s Vision and Mission

Capital IDEA was founded 25 years ago to address the challenges low-income adults face in accessing education and finding career pathways. Eva highlights the organization's unique role as a workforce intermediary, connecting employer needs with untapped talent through long-term career development programs. Their approach focuses on not just training individuals but supporting them holistically, from enrollment to career placement.

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Wraparound Services That Make a Difference

Eva explains how Capital IDEA’s support extends beyond tuition, including childcare assistance, emergency funding for rent or utilities, and career navigation services. The organization assigns career navigators to each participant, providing guidance and troubleshooting barriers to ensure student success. The focus is not just on graduation but on sustainable employment and self-sufficiency.

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Driving Equity and Diversity in the Workforce

Capital IDEA works closely with employers to address underrepresentation in sectors like healthcare and IT. Eva discusses how diverse teams improve innovation and service quality, especially in fields where trust and cultural understanding are critical. The program also creates intergenerational impact, inspiring participants’ children to pursue higher education.

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Scaling Impact and Ensuring Accessibility

While the organization has a proven track record, scaling to meet more demand is tied to funding constraints. Eva emphasizes the need for ongoing public and private investment to expand services and serve more individuals across Texas and beyond. Additionally, hybrid learning models have increased accessibility, but programs remain tailored to career-specific needs, such as hands-on clinical training for healthcare roles.

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Guest Name/Title/Employer: Eva Rios-Lleverino, Deputy Executive Director at Capital IDEA

About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

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Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!

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