In July 2026, Mind Zone was honored to be part of START UP 2026 – Launching Dreams, Building Futures, a 10-day career readiness workshop organized by Young Focus for 19 college and university students from different degree programs.

Designed to help young students prepare for the world of work, the program covered practical skills such as effective communication, SMART goal setting, professional resume and email writing, job interview preparation, and discovering personal strengths. Participants also joined workplace exposure trips to partner organizations, giving them a closer look at different professional environments.

As one of the program’s partner organizations, Mind Zone contributed to the program through a whole-day session led by its CEO, Drix Ortega, focusing on personal finance and budgeting, as well as obtaining and retaining employment.

The session aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge they can carry with them as they transition from college into the workforce. From understanding how to manage their finances to learning how to navigate and sustain a career, the discussion encouraged students to think beyond simply getting their first job and start building a foundation for long-term success.

Mind Zone is grateful to Young Focus for the opportunity to contribute to START UP 2026 and to all the mentors, speakers, volunteers, and partner organizations who helped make the program possible.

As these young dreamers take their next steps into the professional world, Mind Zone hopes to continue being part of initiatives that empower students not only to prepare for their careers, but to believe in what they can build for themselves and for their communities.