SM Foundation recently awarded college scholarship grants to around 500 high school graduates nationwide on May 8. Simultaneous awarding were held in NCR, Tuguegarao, Cauayan (Isabela), Baguio, Rosales (Pangasinan), Tarlac, Cabanatuan, Olongapo, Pampanga, Clark, Lucena, Naga, Legazpi, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Tacloban, Ormoc, Roxas, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Zamboanga, and Butuan.
These SM college scholarship recipients had undergone tedious screening and selection process. Of the 500 new SM college scholars, 35% are from NCR and 65% are from the other provinces, bringing the total number of college scholars to 1,200 for school year 2019 – 2020. This year also marks another milestone for the program as it expanded its reach to students from Bataan, Daet and Sorsogon.
As the flagship program of SM Foundation, scholars enjoy full tuition and miscellaneous fees subsidy. They also receive monthly stipend and are exposed to job opportunities at SM malls during summer or Christmas breaks. They are given the option to enroll around 100 partner schools nationwide under the following field of studies: Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering (Civil, Electrical, and Electronics), Education (Elementary and Secondary); Accountancy, and Financial Management, among others.
The awarding of scholarship certificates at SM’s Headquarters in Mall of Asia (MOA) was witnessed by Nanang Felicidad T. Sy, wife of SM founder, the late Tatang Henry Sy, Sr.; son Harley Sy, executive director; Jose Sio, chairman of the board; Debbie Sy, executive director and trustee; Dr. Lydia Echauz, trustee; and Ramon Gil Macapagal, trustee.
“It’s not only SM that can make things happen. Parents and guardians, you can help encourage and support your kids to do well. Students, please commit and believe that you can – it’s a mindset. Congratulations and welcome to the SM Family!” said Harley Sy addressing the new SM scholars and their parents. Sio also urged the students to focus on their studies and strive hard to achieve their dreams, the same tenets that drove Tatang to greatness.
To date, the program has already produced 3,274 college scholar-graduates from its inception in 1993. SM scholars who have finished their degrees are now employed and helping their families, some of whom are employed under the SM Group of Companies.
Founded on Tatang Henry Sy, Sr.’s belief that education is the greatest equalizer, the program aims to provide thousands of Filipino youth the chance for a better future through higher education. Tatang believed that if he could help send one child to school, that child can then help his or her siblings finish schooling and together, they can help uplift their family out of poverty.
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