Opening Doors: PSTD and Real LIFE Foundation Partner to Bridge the Gap Between Education and Employment for Underprivileged Youth
MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines – June 18, 2026 — Landing a first job is tough, but for underprivileged youth, the hurdle can feel nearly impossible. To help level the playing field, the Philippine Society for Talent Development (PSTD) and Real LIFE Foundation, Inc. (RLFI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), launching a 12-month partnership dedicated to equipping scholars with the practical skills and mentorship they need to thrive in the modern workplace.
By combining the real-world expertise of the country's top talent development professionals with Real LIFE dedicated scholar community, the initiative aims to build a sustainable pipeline of career-ready young leaders.
The agreement was officially signed by Michael Lopez, Secretary of PSTD, and Mae Perez, Executive Director of Real LIFE Foundation.
Turning Classrooms into Careers
Rather than offering generic training, the collaboration focuses on targeted, high-impact areas designed to support students as they transition from school to professional life:
Real-World Career Coaching: PSTD is mobilizing its network of seasoned corporate trainers and leaders to serve as one-on-one and small-group mentors for Real LIFE’s graduating scholars. These sessions will offer direct feedback, resume guidance, and industry insights.
Practical Life Skills Kits: To ensure long-term impact, PSTD is designing fully loaded learning kits—complete with facilitator guides, interactive modules, and presentation decks—focused on the specific needs of the scholars. The sessions will be recorded with PSTD speakers, which will then be used across Real LIFE centers nationwide.
Investing in the Educators: Recognizing that strong organizations drive better student outcomes, PSTD will also host a tailored internal talent development workshop for the Real LIFE National Office (RLNO) staff to sharpen their own training and leadership capabilities.
"For over six decades, PSTD has been the driving force behind workforce development in the Philippines," said Michael Lopez, PSTD Board of Trustee. "This partnership gives our members a meaningful way to give back. By pouring our collective expertise into these bright young scholars, we are helping them find jobs, and build careers and break cycles of poverty, which is at the very heart of nation-building."
"Our mission has always been to empower our youth through holistic education and character formation," added Mae Perez, Executive Director of Real LIFE Foundation. "Partnering with the industry authority in talent development ensures our scholars and staff receive gold-standard training. PSTD brings a tested framework that turns potential into measurable results, making our programs more practical and future-ready than ever."
About the Philippine Society for Talent Development (PSTD)
Established in 1965, the Philippine Society for Talent Development (PSTD) is the premier organization setting the pace for talent development in the Philippines. Backed by a globally competitive framework, PSTD offers strategic solutions, expert-led training, and tailored programs designed to solve unique organizational and societal challenges. Learn more about PSTD at pstd.org and discover member benefits.
About Real LIFE Foundation, Inc. (RLFI)
Real LIFE Foundation is a faith-based nonprofit organization in the Philippines dedicated to serving and empowering underprivileged youth through educational assistance, character formation, and leadership development. Learn more about Real LIFE at reallife.ph
Media Contact:
PSTD Communications & Public Relations Unit 3A35, 3F Grand Central Residences Tower 1, Sultan St. Cor. EDSA, Brgy. Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City Email: inquiries@pstd.org Website: pstd.org
