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CTDO Magazine Article

Giving Back: Capital One

Capital One is recognized as one of the most community-minded U.S. companies.

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Mon Dec 17 2018

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Capital One believes success is amplified when communities are healthy and thriving. In 2017, employees were generous with their time and expertise, volunteering more than 400,000 hours of service to communities and charities across 33 states. Approximately 66 percent of the company's associates volunteered last year, more than twice the U.S. average. And its Future Edge initiative plans to provide $150 million in community grants and initiatives over five years that help individuals build skills for the 21st century. With stats like these, it's no surprise that Capital One was recognized as one of the most community-minded U.S. companies in the Civic 50, an annual initiative from Points of Light that showcases how companies use their time, skills, and other resources to improve their communities.

Capital One collaborates with leading educational and community organizations across the United States to address areas of critical need that affect individuals' current and future ability to grow and prosper. Here are some program examples:

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Capital One Coders.

HEART Empowers.

Women in Tech Demo Days.

"As a site lead for our Capital One Coders program, I've been fortunate to be in a position to empower local middle school children by exposing them to technology through partnering with schools and community leaders to foster an early focus in software engineering. I was moved and impressed to see how many Capital One associates stepped up and volunteered to be mentors to these kids and how excited they are to participate in future activities."

—Shaun W., Master Software Engineer

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Capital One Coders

For 10 weeks, associates work with students after school and encourage them to explore careers in tech by exposing them to the possibilities that exist within the world of digital technology and software development. Where did an idea like this originate? From the people who participate. Since the program began in 2014, more than 2,000 associates have volunteered to work with the estimated 8,000 students. The overwhelmingly positive response has allowed the program to double its reach from five cities to 10, including Chicago, Illinois; New York, New York; and Washington, D.C.

HEART Empowers

Having digital skills has become an imperative for U.S. workers. However, mastery of basic digital literacy skills—like developing spreadsheets and word processing—is lagging behind. Capital One's HR Employment Readiness Training (HEART) Empowers program offers HR leaders and associates the chance to use their skills to help underemployed high school graduates and adults earn a living wage. Associate volunteers conduct mock interviews, review resumes, lead career panel discussions, and arrange professional headshots for participants. HEART IN A BOX focuses on developing skills in Microsoft Word, digital etiquette, LinkedIn, and job search strategies. Since its launch, 366 HR associates have volunteered 1,940 hours, helping more than 25 organizations across the United States.

Women in Tech Demo Days

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Capital One has partnered with AngelHack to create this program of hands-on experiences that bring together hundreds of talented women and male allies—developers, designers, and entrepreneurs—to complete hackathon events across the United States. The challenge presented to participants aims to build a technical solution that empowers girls and women in tech and supports nonprofits that are dedicated to helping them. The winning team receives a $10,000 scholarship to put toward the training of their choice, and the local nonprofit partner is awarded a $15,000 grant in honor of the winning team. To date, Demo Days has taken place in numerous U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C., New York, New York; and Dallas, Texas. Partner nonprofits have included Black Girls CODE, Girls Who Code, and Girls Inc.

Total Giving in 2017

$50.5 million

27,321 associates

403,357 hours

Read more from CTDO magazine: Essential talent development content for C-suite leaders.

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