By AIT EC
Sixteen students and four faculty members from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Philippines, recently completed the inaugural “Youth Impact Nexus Program” at the AIT Entrepreneurship Center (AIT EC), a transformative experience designed to nurture a new generation of global-minded, sustainability-driven innovators.
The week-long program bridged the gap between academic learning and real-world impact. Through interactive workshops focusing on future-ready leadership, green career pathways, and transforming research into market-ready solutions, students discovered how their skills and ideas can contribute to solving environmental and social challenges in their communities back home.
A Packed Week of Impact
The program was an immersive dive into the core pillars of 21st-century leadership and innovation. Participants engaged in meaningful, hands-on sessions covering:
- Global Leadership & Future-Ready Mindset: A dynamic workshop by Mr. Russell Rein, former AIT Vice President for Administration, which challenged students to think globally and adapt proactively.
- Green Careers & Just Transition: A highlight of the week was the “Introduction to Green Jobs” workshop. Facilitated by Eldana Karimova, Youth Civil Society Engagement Coordinator at UNDP Asia-Pacific, along with Jennifer Finch (Manager, AIT EC) and Prajakta Mandelkar (Assistant Manager, AIT EC), this session explored the future of sustainable employment.
- The Art of Pitching: AIT EC Mentor and School of Management Adjunct Faculty Dr. Lakeesha Ransom guided students through the fundamentals of persuasive communication, teaching them how to sell their ideas effectively.
- From Lab to Market: Erwin A. Lizarondo, M.P.P., Social Innovation Lead at the AIT Yunus Center, delivered a crucial workshop on “Research to Commercialization,” showing students how to convert academic research into tangible, commercial innovations.
A major highlight of the experience was an immersive exposure to higher education innovation at AIT. The delegation toured the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD), the School of Engineering and Technology (SET), and the School of Management (SOM), gaining first-hand insight into advanced laboratories, interdisciplinary classrooms, and world-class academic programs. Engaging with faculty and researchers opened students’ eyes to the powerful role of science, technology, and entrepreneurship in building a sustainable future.
Further deepening their learning, a field visit to Shooshoke Organic Farm enabled students to see sustainable agricultural practices in action, an experience that resonated strongly with their studies in agriculture, food, and environmental development. Across these activities, students embraced new cultures, perspectives, and friendships, broadening their global outlook and strengthening their confidence as emerging leaders.
For MMSU’s youth, the Youth Impact Nexus Program is more than a milestone achievement; it is a launchpad for future ambitions. The knowledge, exposure, and connections they gained will support them as they continue their academic growth and contribute to innovation in the Philippines.
The AIT Entrepreneurship Center is proud to have hosted this inspiring delegation and remains committed to expanding opportunities that empower ASEAN youth to drive sustainability, creativity, and positive change in the region.
“At AIT, we believe the next generation of innovators must be empowered with global perspectives and the courage to tackle challenges in sustainability. This partnership with MMSU reflects our commitment to nurturing youth who will drive impact across borders,” said Prof. Dieter Trau, Director, AIT Entrepreneurship Center
“The Youth Nexus Program at AIT opened my eyes to the power of collaboration and purpose. It reminded me that leadership isn’t about age or title—it’s about vision, courage, and the will to create change. Surrounded by brilliant young minds from across the world, I realized that our generation holds not just the future, but the responsibility to shape it with compassion and innovation.”- Nicole Althea Pambid, Student
“This marks my second time attending events of the AIT Entrepreneurship Center, and each experience further strengthens my passion for fostering innovation and youth empowerment—motivating me to return and bring more students to experience the transformative learning environment of AIT.” – Alliah Ashiel Tagatac, Faculty
