Shaping the future of the Texas Panhandle.
38 people at a time.

Forward is the region’s premier leadership development program. We built a robust and diverse civic leadership succession strategy through experiential learning, professional development, and exclusive networking opportunities.

The Forward Experience

Unprecedented Access

Forward attracts passionate and purpose-driven professionals that believe in change. We dive deep into social and civic challenges, spark meaningful dialogue, and develop the relationships needed to drive actual change in our communities.

Authentic Connections

Being a part of the Forward network gets you in front of today’s most impactful civic leaders and surrounded by the next generation of change-makers from across the region.

Unforgettable Experience

In just 6 weeks, you’ll get a “behind the scenes” look into how cities grow, communities change, and people get big things done. After that, you’re in the network – joining us for exclusive alumni events with an ever-growing group of incredible people.

Utilizing the best practices for engaging virtual learning, Forward 48 provides

Live Instruction

Direct virtual engagement with the city’s top business and community leaders

Curated Networking

Private events, networking opportunities, and unlocked Forward 48 content exclusively for alumni

Skill development

Advanced skill development and toolkits to spur economic growth and civic impact

Forward faculty

Announcing

Spring 2023 Faculty

Associate Director of Academic Advising at Amarillo College
Dean and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at WTAMU West Texas A&M University
Founder/Vice Chairman at Smart Chemical Services LP and Founder/Coach at Refined By Failure

getting started

You’re ready to do big things. It’s time to apply!

  • Session Structure

  • Each of the six three-hour lessons are delivered virtually as follows:

    • Hour 1 = Live, moderated candid instruction by guest instructors
    • Hours 2-3 = Facilitated small group discussions and exercises that allow participants to further dig in to each week’s themes and concepts
  • Instructors

  • We have exclusively curated and invited a select group of the best leaders from across the state to share their roles in laying the foundation for much of Texas’s growth. 

  • Application Process

  • Admission to Forward is by application. There are two ways to start the selection process:

    1) You can apply to be a member of our next cohort via this form

    2) A leader in your organization or professional network can nominate you with this form.

    Example letter to your employer here.

  • Program Dates

  • Sessions are held every Thursday for six consecutive weeks in-person at the Innovation Outpost.

    Our Spring 2023 cohort begins on Tuesday, May 2nd.

    Sessions:

    • May 2nd
    • May 9th
    • May 16th
    • May 23rd
    • May 30th
    • June 6th

    Agenda:

    • 3 PM – 4 PM: Faculty Speaking and Q&A
    • 4 PM – 6 PM: Participant Discussion
  • Tuition

  • $2500 for Elevate Amarillo members and $2650 for non-members. The cost includes access to the six-week program and these exclusive benefits:

    • Access to six foundational leaders of the community
    • Connection to a curated network of 300 rising leaders across the country
    • Admission to exclusive participant + alumni experiences 
    • Elevated position as a thought leader shaping the region
  • Benefits

    • Access to six foundational leaders of the community
    • Connection to a curated network of 300 rising leaders across the country
    • Admission to exclusive participant + alumni experiences 
    • Elevated position as a thought leader shaping the region

Each of the six three-hour lessons are delivered virtually as follows:

  • Hour 1 = Live, moderated candid instruction by guest instructors
  • Hours 2-3 = Facilitated small group discussions and exercises that allow participants to further dig in to each week’s themes and concepts

We have exclusively curated and invited a select group of the best leaders from across the state to share their roles in laying the foundation for much of Texas’s growth. 

Admission to Forward is by application. There are two ways to start the selection process:

1) You can apply to be a member of our next cohort via this form

2) A leader in your organization or professional network can nominate you with this form.

Example letter to your employer here.

Sessions are held every Thursday for six consecutive weeks in-person at the Innovation Outpost.

Our Spring 2023 cohort begins on Tuesday, May 2nd.

Sessions:

  • May 2nd
  • May 9th
  • May 16th
  • May 23rd
  • May 30th
  • June 6th

Agenda:

  • 3 PM – 4 PM: Faculty Speaking and Q&A
  • 4 PM – 6 PM: Participant Discussion

$2500 for Elevate Amarillo members and $2650 for non-members. The cost includes access to the six-week program and these exclusive benefits:

  • Access to six foundational leaders of the community
  • Connection to a curated network of 300 rising leaders across the country
  • Admission to exclusive participant + alumni experiences 
  • Elevated position as a thought leader shaping the region
  • Access to six foundational leaders of the community
  • Connection to a curated network of 300 rising leaders across the country
  • Admission to exclusive participant + alumni experiences 
  • Elevated position as a thought leader shaping the region

Learn what 70+ companies already know

Don't just take our word for it,

hear what our Wisconsin alumni have to say:

Demographically diverse

190 rising leaders have graduated from the forward 48 program

Racial Identity

Gender Identity

From Various Industries & Disciplines

67% Private Sector

15% Non-profit sector

14% Public Sector

Reaching a robust civic engagement network

0 %
of alumni serve on

nonprofit boards

0 %
of alumni volunteer

with local nonprofits

Reaching over 100 organizations

Watch videos from our previous cohorts

Media & Videos

Introducing Forward 48

This is Forward 48

Tim Cole on Forward 48

Samantha Maldonado On Forward 48