Axios Launching Gap-Year Mentoring Program

Axios Workforce and Talent Development recently celebrated five years of service and the milestone of reaching more than 1,000 students to help them discover their unique talents and potential career paths. 

In the past year, Axios has expanded its services outside of the classroom to offer tutoring, professional counseling and matching Phelps County alumni with meaningful careers in their hometowns. The services provided by Axios help both students and Phelps County employers.

Now, Axios is preparing to launch a gap-year mentoring program aimed at high school graduates who are unsure about their next steps.

Axios Founder and CEO Alex Mahundi said the goal is simple: help young people gain real-world experience before committing to a career path.

The gap-year initiative targets students who finish high school without a clear career path. Participants will be paired with part-time jobs with local businesses while receiving guidance from Axios staff. It will give students a chance to explore careers hands-on before investing time and resources into further studies.

“We don’t want them just to get stuck working in a job they don’t like,” he said.

Axios is pursuing grants from the Job Center of America to help with this initiative.

Students with an entrepreneurial mindset will also receive support to explore starting their own businesses.

The gap-year program will be six to eight months and will begin in the fall of 2026. Businesses and students interested in the gap-year program are encouraged to contact Mahundi directly.

Staying Connected to Graduates

Beyond the new initiative, Axios continues to build relationships with Phelps County alumni and encourages them to consider careers in Phelps County.

Mahundi said he invites former Axios participants to speak with current Axios classes.

“I make a point to reach out,” he said. “They come share their college experiences and what they should have paid more attention to before graduating.”

Those visits help younger students understand what to expect after graduation and what skills matter most.

By staying in touch with former students, Axios also tracks students entering trade programs and professional fields. He has matched former students with local HVAC and medical careers. He also recently helped a young adult who graduated from high school before the Axios program existed by connecting him with a full-time career at a Holdrege insurance agency. 

Counseling Services Added

Axios also recently expanded its services by adding mental health counseling for students. Mahundi said the decision came after staff saw increasing emotional needs.

“What prompted this was we saw a lot of students who were struggling with emotional growth, with a lot of stress, and it was outside of my scope to help them,” he said.

Axios partnered with two licensed mental health counselors Tim and Sherri Anderson who work alongside students on issues such as anxiety, depression, stress and identity.

“They will help with healing and growth,” Mahundi said.

Tutoring Shows Promise

In October, Axios started a tutoring program that matches students with adult mentors in core subjects for homework help and understanding. This frees up time for parents and students outside of school hours.

The new program is already seeing results.

“We already saw changes in students’ academic performance, with grades going up,” Mahundi said.

Lacie Westcott of Holdrege said her 13-year-old son Gavin started participating in the inaugural tutoring program with Axios in the fall of 2025.

“Meeting with his tutor twice per week has given him an additional outlet to ask questions about his homework and studies,” Westcott said. “AXIOS has added a much-needed layer of accountability for Gavin when studying for exams and turning in assignments timely. The tutors bridge the gap between the teaching team and students, allowing a seamless integration.” 

Mahundi credited collaboration among counselors, teachers and families for the early success.

Building a Future Workforce

Mahundi said the expanded programs, including mentoring, counseling, the gap-year program, and entrepreneurship support, are all aimed at long-term student success.

“We are always trying to grow and expand the program, eventually across the state,” he said. “We are very grateful for the continued support from businesses and individuals in Phelps County to make this program sustainable.”

Axios is also looking to hire an additional instructor and is always seeking volunteers to meet growing demand.

Ultimately, Mahundi said success means students find meaningful paths and, when possible, bring their talents back home.

“Our goal is to see students thrive, build skills, and come back to strengthen our local businesses,” he said.

For more information or to connect with Axios Workforce and Talent Development, visit axiosworkforce.org or contact Mahundi at alex@axiosworkforce.org.