For the first time, Achieve More and Prosper (AMP) service providers across the region came together under one roof for the AMP Forum—a summit designed to foster collaboration, refresh program understanding, and strengthen partnerships. The event marked a significant step in the ongoing revamp of the AMP initiative, moving beyond reactive program administration to proactive engagement.
Why the Forum Was Needed
Lawrence Jackson, Director of Emerging Talent at Aspyr, who spearheaded the effort, explained that the goal was to eliminate assumptions about shared knowledge. “We don’t assume everyone knows everything,” Jackson said. “People change roles, new staff come on board, and they often learn secondhand. We wanted everyone to hear the same message from the same source.”
The forum served as a refresher on AMP and CCMEP guidelines, revisiting commitments made during the RFP process and highlighting critical areas that need attention. It also introduced a new dimension: bringing in industry professionals to provide insights on sectors like advanced manufacturing, ensuring providers have direct access to expertise and resources.
Positive Feedback and Lessons Learned
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees appreciated the clarity, networking opportunities, and the chance to engage with subject matter experts. The ability to kick off the new year with renewed energy, common goals, and a shared vision for success was both refreshing and energizing, said Jackson.
The success of this inaugural forum underscores the value of shared spaces for dialogue, learning, and partnership – key ingredients for advancing workforce programs and delivering better outcomes for communities.
Looking Ahead
The AMP Forum is now set to become an annual event, scheduled around the start of new contracts each October. Jackson hinted at expanding the concept further, possibly adding a summer gathering to keep the momentum going. “It’s about making sure everyone feels part of something bigger,” he said. “When we come together in person, the energy is dynamic.”
