SM, through SM Store and SM
Retail, in partnership with Mastercard, and SM Foundation have launched a new
initiative aimed at empowering Filipino students pursuing careers in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through this collaboration,
ten exceptional students from the Ten Outstanding STEM Students (TOSS) program
will receive scholarship grants, along with access to critical digital learning
tools, to help them succeed in today’s tech-driven world.
Mastercard will donate P100 to SM
Foundation for every eligible transaction made using a Philippine-issued
Mastercard at SM Stores. The funds raised between November 15 to 17 during the
promo period will go directly toward supporting the scholarships for these
students, enabling them to pursue higher education and build careers in the
technology sector.
In
addition to financial support, the program also seeks to address the digital
divide in the Philippines. Previous efforts have already equipped thousands of
students with e-tablets and established digital learning hubs in public
schools. In 2023 alone, nearly 10,000 students benefited from these
resources, gaining access to modern technology that enhances their educational
experience.
According
to a 2020 Department of Education survey, only 64% of Filipino
students had access to smartphones, and just 55% had access to
laptops—critical tools for participating in digital learning.
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