Capital IDEA Houston

Recently, Michelle Paul, CEO of Capital IDEA Houston, and Annica Gorham, Director of Strategic Development, had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Mechanism National Gathering in Philadelphia!

The conference, hosted by Mechanism (formerly the Urban Manufacturing Alliance), brought together changemakers from across the country to discuss the future of local production, workforce development, and community-driven economic growth.

This year’s theme, “Imagining the Future of Local Production,” focused on topics like worker power, shared ownership, climate adaptation, and building stronger local economies — all of which connect closely to the work we do at Capital IDEA Houston as we help individuals access education, career training, and life-changing opportunities.

We’re grateful for opportunities to learn, collaborate, and bring new ideas back to Houston as we continue supporting pathways to economic mobility for our community. 💙

🎭 Information sessions for the Arts & Innovation Apprenticeship Program are officially underway — don’t miss your chance to apply!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at last night’s information session. We’re excited to continue meeting future applicants and sharing more about this opportunity.

Houston Grand Opera and Capital IDEA Houston are offering paid six-month apprenticeships in:

✨ Human Resources (HR)
✨ Finance/Accounting
✨ Business Intelligence (BI)
✨ Information Technology (IT)

Gain hands-on professional experience, industry-recognized certifications, mentorship, and career development support while working inside one of Houston’s leading arts organizations.

📅 Remaining Information Sessions:

📍 Thursday, May 21 | 6:30–7:30 PM
All Saints Catholic Church
215 E 10th St, Houston, TX 77008

💻 Friday, May 22 | 12–1 PM
Virtual Info Session via Teams

⚠️ Information sessions are the first required step to apply. Applications close in mid-June.

🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=NRRcUvKKcEeA7FTKO4U1YJxRV6TwCApJivyR9IXHl-lURFRSTTNDN0xPQjM4MEVQWFRPVUhaQ1RDOS4u

Info sessions are this week! Don't sleep on this opportunity and register for a session today!

Capital IDEA Houston and Houston Grand Opera are proud to introduce the Arts & Innovation Apprenticeship Program — a paid opportunity designed to help participants gain hands-on professional experience in:

✨ Human Resources (HR)
✨ Finance/Accounting
✨ Business Intelligence (BI)
✨ Information Technology (IT)

📅 Information Sessions
(Required first step to apply)

📍 Wednesday, May 20 | 6:30–7:30 PM
New Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
3221 Bain Street, Houston, TX 77026

📍 Thursday, May 21 | 6:30–7:30 PM
All Saints Catholic Church
215 E 10th St, Houston, TX 77008

💻 Friday, May 22 | 12–1 PM
Virtual Information Session via Teams

⚠️ Applications will close in mid-June, and attending an information session is the first step to apply. Don’t delay and register for an info session today!

🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=NRRcUvKKcEeA7FTKO4U1YJxRV6TwCApJivyR9IXHl-lURFRSTTNDN0xPQjM4MEVQWFRPVUhaQ1RDOS4u

📲 Scan the QR code or visit the link in our bio to get started.

🎭 Ready to find the apprenticeship pathway that fits your strengths and goals? From HR to IT, there’s a place for your potential to shine.

Explore the opportunities, discover your path, and take the first step toward your future career with Capital IDEA Houston & Houston Grand Opera! 💼✨

📅 Information Sessions
(Required first step to apply)

📍 Wednesday, May 20 | 6:30–7:30 PM
New Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
3221 Bain Street, Houston, TX 77026

📍 Thursday, May 21 | 6:30–7:30 PM
All Saints Catholic Church
215 E 10th St, Houston, TX 77008

💻 Friday, May 22 | 12–1 PM
Virtual Information Session via Teams

⚠️ Applications will close in mid-June, and attending an information session is the first step to apply. Don’t delay and register for an info session today!

🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=NRRcUvKKcEeA7FTKO4U1YJxRV6TwCApJivyR9IXHl-lURFRSTTNDN0xPQjM4MEVQWFRPVUhaQ1RDOS4u

Director of Operations Melissa Núñez-Winfree and CEO Michelle Paul recently attended the ANDers Summit in Austin, where they reconnected with partners and colleagues Eva Rios-Lleverino of Capital IDEA Austin, Brian Candido of National University and Wayne Thompson of Elevate Texas.

One of Michelle’s biggest takeaways from the event was hearing higher education leaders — including the Chancellor of Houston Community College — emphasize the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of today’s students. The conversations centered on meeting learners where they are, engaging students more intentionally, and creating programs and support systems that reflect the realities of the communities we serve.

As the workforce and education landscape continue to change, the message was clear: it’s time to involve students more directly in shaping solutions and ensure institutions remain responsive, flexible, and student-centered.

🎓✨ Congratulations to Brittany on this incredible achievement! ✨🎓

Brittany has officially graduated and has been accepted into the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing RN-to-BSN Program! 👏🏽🩺

Since January 2025, Brittany has been a proud Capital IDEA Houston sponsored student, and we are excited to continue supporting her as she takes this next step toward earning her BSN through the RN-to-BSN program. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance are inspiring, Brittany — we can’t wait to see all you accomplish! ❤️

When asked what advice she would give to others pursuing their nursing goals, Brittany shared:

💬 “Don’t stop where you are — go the extra mile to better help your future patients.”

🚨 We are STILL recruiting for this program! If you already have your RN and are ready to take your career to the next level, apply today!

🔗 Interest form link: https://web70.neworg.com/MC2_cih/FormQuestions.asp?FormNum=5

Or Link in bio!!

🎭 Launch your career behind the scenes at Houston Grand Opera!

Capital IDEA Houston and Houston Grand Opera are proud to introduce the Arts & Innovation Apprenticeship Program — a paid opportunity designed to help participants gain hands-on professional experience in:

✨ Human Resources (HR)
✨ Finance/Accounting
✨ Business Intelligence (BI)
✨ Information Technology (IT)

📅 Information Sessions
(Required first step to apply)

📍 Wednesday, May 20 | 6:30–7:30 PM
New Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
3221 Bain Street, Houston, TX 77026

📍 Thursday, May 21 | 6:30–7:30 PM
All Saints Catholic Church
215 E 10th St, Houston, TX 77008

💻 Friday, May 22 | 12–1 PM
Virtual Information Session via Teams

⚠️ Applications will close in mid-June, and attending an information session is the first step to apply. Don’t delay and register for an info session today!

🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=NRRcUvKKcEeA7FTKO4U1YJxRV6TwCApJivyR9IXHl-lURFRSTTNDN0xPQjM4MEVQWFRPVUhaQ1RDOS4u

📲 Or scan the QR code to get started.

We had an amazing time at the Gulf Coast Region Apprenticeship Breakfast & Awards presented by Houston City College at their West Loop Campus!

We heard from regional leaders about the future workforce needs and the importance of collaboration across education, employers, and workforce partners to drive opportunity in our city. Excited to be part of the work helping build a stronger, more prosperous Houston.

It was also great catching up with so many friends and colleagues doing impactful work across the region.

Special shoutout to Aon Apprentice Corrin for representing on the apprenticeship panel—she did an amazing job!

🔬 Ever wonder what histology techs actually do?

From preparing tissue samples to helping diagnose disease, these professionals play a critical behind-the-scenes role in healthcare — and it can lead to a growing career path.

🐟For Crystal, Capital IDEA Houston Alum, that started as an associate at a fish store in 2020…

✨ …and grew into a career that took her across states and into the lab.

👉 Want to see how her journey unfolded?

Read the full story: “Chasing the Double Rainbow”
🔗 https://capitalideahouston.org/blog/our-stories/chasing-the-double-rainbow-crystals-histology-career-journey/

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week by welcoming the next generation of healthcare professionals! 👏

We’re proud to introduce our newest cohort of apprentices in the Harris Health (HHS) Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program!

📸 Photo 1: Our incredible new apprentices kicking off their journey
📸 Photo 2: Apprentices engaged as Career Navigator Alexis Gregory shares insights on expectations and success through the Capital IDEA Houston program
📸 Photo 3: A special moment with leadership, including Diana Broome, MEd, CPhT, PhTR, Program Director of Pharmacy Technician Advancement, and Katelan Davis, Staff Development Technician-SPTA, on location at the School of Pharmacy Technician Advancement.

This program is more than training—it’s a pathway to opportunity, growth, and meaningful careers in healthcare. Join us in giving these future pharmacy technicians a warm welcome as they begin this exciting journey! 💜💚💜💚