Hello, everyone! I'm Michelle Yanez, and I'm passionate about creating opportunities for students that firmly connect education to careers. As an EXP board member, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside our students and families, and what stands out most is how access changes everything. When young people are given real exposure to careers, mentorship, and hands-on experience, you can see their confidence grow, and their goals become tangible. That’s what drives this work.
At EXP, it’s not just about programming—it’s about creating pathways. We’re focused on removing barriers and making sure students, especially those who may not have had these opportunities otherwise, can see themselves in meaningful careers. Watching our internship program expand and seeing more families engage in the process has been especially powerful. When parents are part of the journey, the impact goes beyond the student—it strengthens the entire community.
I invite you to be part of that impact. Your support helps us continue building these pathways, connecting students to opportunity, and preparing them for long-term success. Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive workforce for the future. Thank you for being part of this effort.
Unlocking Tomorrow’s Workforce. Helping Students Discover Their Future.
Join EXP – The Opportunity Engine for The Future is Working Giving Day, a 24-hour campaign bringing together 13 Orange County organizations to develop a stronger workforce for Orange County.
In today’s climate of economic uncertainty and rapid change, preparing the next generation for the future of work has never been more important.
At EXP, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to discover their future.
Yet many young people lack access to the experiences, mentorship, and professional networks that help them navigate what comes next. Through career exploration, industry mentorship, and paid internships, EXP connects students to real-world opportunities that build confidence, skills, and pathways to meaningful careers.
Because when students can see what’s possible, they begin to build a future for themselves — and for our community.
Double Your Impact
Thanks to the generosity of the Sharon D. Lund Foundation and the Sun Family Foundation, every dollar donated will be matched up to $20,000.
Your gift today will go twice as far in opening doors for students.
Your Gift Creates Opportunity
Your support helps students:
• Explore careers and industries
• Connect with mentors and professionals
• Gain hands-on learning experiences
• Access paid internships that launch careers
Your gift today opens doors that can shape a student’s future for a lifetime.
Together, we are helping ensure Orange County’s workforce remains strong, resilient, and prepared for the future.