Workforce Enhancement Partnerships

PRO: Pursuing Real Opportunities – a collaboration of Amarillo EDC, Amarillo ISD and Amarillo College and a community-wide initiative to develop a more skilled local workforce.

Initially, the program will target industries that currently have the greatest workforce needs including:

• Architecture and Construction
• Finance
• Manufacturing
• Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

PRO leverages community partnerships and resources to make high school and community college students, parents and adult career seekers aware of the career options that exist in Amarillo and the surrounding areas. PRO will bridge the gap that exists between employers/businesses and capable employees to help develop a thriving local workforce.

Review the website to learn more www.pro2day.com

In 2010, the Amarillo EDC partnered with the Amarillo Area Foundation and several other community organizations to pursue the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation "Partners for Post-Secondary Success" grant. The Amarillo EDC provided funding and staff support for the partnership's efforts. In 2011, Amarillo was among four US cities to receive a $1.4 million grant to focus on educational attainment and the successful pursuit of a living wage job and a career with the opportunity of advancement.

In 2012, the Partners for Postsecondary Success – Amarillo initiative is making progress toward the goal of doubling the number of low-income young adults aged 16-26 who complete postsecondary credentials leading to living wage jobs. PPS Amarillo Partners selected “No Limits, No Excuses” for the initiative’s logo...meaning there are no limits for individuals in our community to achieve postsecondary success, and there are no excuses for our community – we must all pitch in and help remove the barriers so that all individuals can achieve postsecondary success.