Portland residents may have noticed that construction is coming along at 1701 Market Street, site of a new facility designed to train tech workers in West Louisville and address workforce shortages within different areas of the information technology (IT) industry. AMPED stands for “Adventurous Minds Produce Extraordinary Dreams”, and “is a family-oriented ecosystem that emphasizes creativity and self-sustainability through music, education, technology, and business,” according to its website.
President & Founder Dave Christopher said the project began in September of last year and is on schedule to be done by the end of 2025. He hopes to move in by January 2026. There was also a sneak peek event of the new building on April 21.
Christopher said the learning center programs include 18-week sessions with certificates in IT and network security. AMPED is partnered with local companies such as ABS, Brown Forman and YUM, which hire its graduates for entry level IT positions.
“A company like Republic Bank, if a person needs a tech certificate, they’ll come talk to us,” Dave said. “We like to say that when companies hire our people, they’ve hired AMPED. What we’re doing is a years’ worth of work in 12 weeks. And some of these jobs may be entry level, but you can move up.”
The programs include pre-work and a probationary period, all paid. Dave said the biggest needs right now are IT tech support, data analysts and computer repair.
AMPED has been in business for ten years, with extensive programming that also includes a youth music academy and the Russell Tech Business Incubator (RTBI), which is a “state-of-the-art Black and Latinx business incubator and technology service center offering business development training, business services, assessments, referrals, and wraparound services to incubating businesses,” according to the website, as well as “access to startup coaches, access to mental health counseling, and access to seed capital needed for their businesses to maximize their potential for success.” Graduates include Blak Koffee, an impressive and popular coffee house and restaurant in Russell, and a variety of businesses promoting hair and skin products, jewelry, fragrances and candles, tax and financial services as well as recycling and junk removal and many social and health-related organizations.
According to Vashti Proctor, Development and Communications Administrator, a pandemic-era virtual music course was so popular that they’re still doing it, based on positive feedback from students in Atlanta and Chicago. She added that, “we want to be a good neighbor,” and have been introducing themselves and are interested in supporting artists and entrepreneurs in the Portland area. For example, a track produced by AMPED music academy students was showcased recently at a well-attended Neighborhood Nights event at Neighborhood House. And representatives from Bernheim Forest advised on the natural playground at the new 1701 Market location.
“We can’t do it by ourselves,” Dave said, noting that organizations must share resources and help raise funds. “We have to work together. It’s not a competition, even if we’re serving the same people.”
