Body
Collecting the Information
How Information Is Collected
Participants are entered into Launchpad by staff with approved access. In most cases:
- The participant is present while their information is entered, or
- The participant has provided information through a secure form
Information entered into Launchpad is confirmed directly with the participant. The process relies on participant-provided information and operates on an honor-based system.
Types of Information Partners May Be Asked to Enter
The specific fields required in Launchpad are defined by West Michigan Works! (WMW!) in conjunction with Grant guidelines and may change over time. In general, partners may be asked to enter information in the following categories.
Basic Participant Information
This may include:
- Legal name (and preferred name, if applicable)
- Contact information
- Date of birth
- Basic demographic information
- Social Security Number
- Education status
- Employment status
This information helps identify the participant, avoids duplicate records, and is required for reporting by the DOL. Most items are voluntary and information is entered based on what the participant shares.
Program and Training Information
Partners may be asked to identify:
This information helps FTC coordinate next steps.
Required System Fields
The Launchpad intake form includes required fields that must be filled before a participant can move forward in the enrollment process. Required fields are often defined by WMW! with guidance from grant originators, such as DOL.
If a participant is unsure how to answer a required question, partners should pause and confirm information rather than guessing.
Why Accuracy Matters
Accurate information at entry helps:
- Prevent duplicate participant records
- Reduce delays in enrollment
- Ensure participants are connected to appropriate services
- Support required reporting processes
Because there is no later verification of participant-provided information, confirming accuracy at the time of entry is important.
What Partners Are Not Responsible For
Partners are not responsible for:
- Verifying documentation unless specifically instructed
- Confirming reporting eligibility beyond participant disclosure
- Managing Launchpad system settings or workflows
- Determining final enrollment approval
Launchpad quality assurance and enrollment status changes are handled through West Michigan Works!.
Updating or Correcting Information
If incorrect information is discovered after entry:
- Updates depend on staff role and Launchpad permissions
- In many cases, staff assigned to the participant can make corrections
- If updates cannot be made, the issue should be escalated to:
- the SCC4 Data Tracking Specialist at GRCC, or
- an appropriate West Michigan Works! contact
Partners should avoid re-entering participants to correct errors.
When to Ask Questions
Partners are encouraged to contact FTC if:
- Required fields are unclear
- A participant is unsure how to answer a question
- Information cannot be updated due to access limits
- There is uncertainty about what information should be entered
Asking questions early helps prevent rework and confusion.
Key Takeaway
Community partners play an important role in entering participant information into Launchpad. Confirming information directly with participants and understanding what information is required helps support a smooth enrollment process and timely access to FTC services.