GO Topeka Helps Launch TopCity Fame Chapter on February 3rd
GO Topeka is helping launch TopCity FAME Chapter (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) with an informational and meet and greet with employers on February 3, 2026, introducing a new, employer-led manufacturing career pathway designed to prepare students and adults for in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.
The TopCity FAME Chapter Launch will take place at the Washburn Tech Conference Center and is open to high school students (juniors and seniors encouraged), parents and guardians, adults interested in changing or launching a career, community members, elected leaders, and media. The event will provide an overview of how the program works, opportunities available through participating employers, and how individuals can earn a credential while gaining paid, hands-on experience.
“TopCity FAME represents a powerful workforce solution that brings education and industry together,” said Trina Goss, Director of Business and Talent Initiatives at GO Topeka. “This employer-led model allows manufacturers to help shape future talent while providing students and adults with a clear pathway into stable, high-quality careers.”
TopCity FAME follows the nationally recognized FAME model, which blends paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Participants in the Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program work three days a week with a sponsoring employer and attend class two days a week. Over the course of the two-year program, participants earn more than 60 credit hours, gain approximately 1,800 hours of hands-on experience, and develop the technical skills and professional behaviors required to succeed in modern manufacturing environments.
At launch, nine local and regional employers are participating in TopCity FAME, including Bimini Pet Health, Amcor, Reser’s Fine Foods, Moore Digital Print and Mail Center, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Mainline Printing, Futamura, HME, Inc., and Panasonic. Additional employer partners are expected to join as the program continues to grow.
Washburn University and Washburn Tech are serving as the college partners for TopCity FAME, providing classroom instruction and academic support aligned with the needs of participating manufacturers and the AMT curriculum.
“Manufacturing continues to be a critical driver of our local and regional economy,” said Molly Howey, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. “By helping launch TopCity FAME, we are supporting a collaborative, employer-driven approach that strengthens the workforce pipeline while creating meaningful career opportunities for students and adults in our community.”
“The launch of TopCity FAME reflects what’s possible when manufacturers, educators, and community leaders come together with a shared commitment to workforce excellence,” said Tony Davis, National Director of FAME USA. “This employer-led model is proven to deliver results—building a highly skilled talent pipeline while creating life-changing career opportunities for participants. We’re excited to welcome Topeka into the growing national FAME network.”
The February 3 launch event will give attendees the opportunity to meet program leaders, connect with participating employers, and learn more about how to apply for the first TopCity FAME cohort, which is scheduled to begin in Summer 2026.
The event begins at 6:00 p.m. at Washburn Tech Conference Center, 5724 SW Huntoon Street, Topeka, Kansas. You can register here, but walk-ins are welcome.
