By Catie George, Director, Communications & Storytelling
Average reading time: 4 minutes
This Wednesday, Oct. 29, business and community leaders once again stepped into Dallas ISD classrooms for Principal for a Day (PFAD), presented by Capital One. But this year was especially meaningful as it marked 15 years since Capital One became the presenting sponsor of this transformative program, and their commitment to Dallas students has grown into something far beyond a single day of engagement.
From classroom visits to lasting change
When Capital One first became the presenting sponsor of PFAD in 2010, they could have simply participated alongside other corporate partners. Instead, they saw an opportunity to truly understand what Dallas ISD students needed to succeed, and then they acted on it.
“As a partner of 15 years running, we continue to embrace the opportunity to better understand what makes a quality education and do what we can to ensure Dallas students thrive now and into the future,” said Jorge Calderon, Dallas Market President at Capital One.
What began with observing classes and shadowing principals has evolved into a comprehensive partnership that touches nearly every aspect of student success: from financial literacy courses and P-TECH programs to paid internships and workforce development initiatives.
Addressing a critical gap: financial literacy
Through their consistent presence at schools like North Dallas High School, Capital One identified a pressing need that students themselves were reporting: the lack of practical financial knowledge. Many students were completing 13 years of education without understanding how to pay for college, manage employment benefits, or make informed decisions about their financial futures.
That insight led to action. Capital One’s support helped Dallas ISD implement Personal Financial Literacy courses across the district, equipping students with essential skills for life after graduation.
The impact has been profound. LeRoy McNac, a financial literacy teacher at Pinkston High School, shared that his students are now applying what they’ve learned when completing the FAFSA and making more informed decisions about student loans.
One former Dallas ISD student’s story illustrates the lasting power of this education.
“I always wanted to go to TWU to get a degree in dental, but financially, it just wasn’t possible. So, I made the decision to attend community college while working a full-time job… One thing that really helped me navigate all of this was taking a financial class in high school. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it gave me practical knowledge that I’ve actually used in real life… That class didn’t just give me book knowledge; it gave me tools.”
That student went on to join the Army, using military benefits to continue their education, a decision informed by the financial literacy skills gained in high school.
Building tomorrow’s workforce today
Capital One’s partnership with Dallas ISD extends well beyond financial literacy. As a proud P-TECH partner at Moisés E. Molina High School and North Dallas High School, Capital One helps students earn postsecondary credit in business administration and information technology at no cost. They’ve also hosted P-TECH Summits, connecting more than 160 Dallas ISD students with critical job readiness skills and information about careers in technology.
Through the NAF Future Ready Labs program, Capital One has provided hundreds of Dallas ISD students with paid internships since 2017. These aren’t just resume builders but real-world experiences where students tackle meaningful projects for local, small businesses, connect with mentors from Capital One, and develop essential professional skills like design thinking, project management, and personal branding.
“Providing our leaders of tomorrow with the skills, tools, and resources they need for the future has never been more crucial,” said Sanjiv Yajnik, President, Financial Services of Capital One and NAF Board Treasurer. “Through our NAF partnership, we prepare students for college and fulfilling careers. Our associates also give back in a rewarding way, mentoring young minds, telling them no challenge is too big to overcome.”
Students like Sebastian Delgado from Skyline High School and Perla Arredondo from Thomas Jefferson High School have gained invaluable experience through these internships, having developed skills in teamwork, collaboration, time management, and communication that will serve them throughout their careers.
A model for meaningful corporate engagement
Capital One’s approach demonstrates what’s possible when a corporation moves beyond transactional engagement to true partnership. By consistently showing up year-round, they’ve been able to identify genuine student needs and develop innovative solutions that benefit both the students and their own workforce pipeline.
“PFAD is only the beginning for many participants,” Calderon explained. “Capital One has been able to establish a long-term relationship with Dallas ISD through PFAD and ongoing volunteerism. Through this relationship, we’ve discovered innovative strategies to support Dallas ISD while addressing our own priorities, such as strengthening our workforce pipeline through internships and work-based learning initiatives.”
The collaboration has also enriched Dallas ISD’s curriculum more broadly. Through partnerships with organizations like the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank and Next Gen Personal Finance facilitated through these corporate connections, Dallas ISD has been able to host professional development sessions for teachers and integrate high-quality, student-friendly resources into their financial literacy instruction.
This year’s Principal for a Day
This year’s PFAD on Wednesday, Oct. 29, offered participants the same opportunity that sparked Capital One’s transformative partnership 15 years ago: the chance to truly understand Dallas ISD’s strengths and challenges, meet the dedicated educators and inspiring students who make up Dallas’ schools, and discover how an organization can make a lasting impact.
For 25 years, PFAD has connected thousands of business executives, elected officials, and community leaders with Dallas ISD schools, and many, like Capital One, have turned that single day into years of meaningful collaboration.