BALER, Aurora (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will expand its existing partnership with Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT).

DTI and the state college will inject programs that will strengthen the entrepreneurial mindset among students.

DTI Provincial Director Aldrin Veneracion explained that the expanded partnership will foster an innovative and entrepreneurial approach among ASCOT students by providing them with grants and technology, access to mentorship sessions and workshops, and networking opportunities to enable them to fulfill their business aspirations.

“They can be inspired by an entrepreneurial mindset. In addition to graduating and seeking employment, students ought to consider how they might start their own business and be job-generating micro, small and medium enterprises,” he said.

DTI initially collaborated with ASCOT through the Young Entrepreneur Program (YEP), a nationwide initiative that supports the growth of youth entrepreneurship and provides them with a comprehensive set of interventions.

YEP helped students work on an organic fertilizer vermicomposting project, which eventually became a component of their income generating project.

Meanwhile, ASCOT president Renato Reyes welcomed the expanded partnership and emphasized the importance of instilling entrepreneurial mindsets in students.

He highlighted the value of "earning while learning" and the need for students to learn how to establish and manage businesses. (CLJD/MAT-PIA 3)