They’ve got it all: SM Foundation shapes real-world ready scholars

The SM Foundation, the social good arm of the SM Group, is continuously propelling its scholarship program to new heights, equipping their scholars with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in the professional arena.

SM scholars and alumni gathered for a fun and learning-filled day in SM City Cebu.

To cultivate well-rounded and successful graduates, the foundation joined forces with SM Retail and SM Supermalls to host a general assembly at Radisson Blu Cebu, catering to scholars from the province.

The general assembly featured interactive activities to further strengthen the camaraderie among SM scholars and alumni.

Through the immersive assembly, scholars gained a deeper understanding of the program's benefits, especially the internship opportunities and exclusive job prospects within the SM Group. These opportunities, available during Christmas and semester breaks, as well as after graduation, aim to equip scholars with hands-on practical experience, potentially paving the way for a career within SM upon completing their studies. This comprehensive approach facilitates a seamless transition from academic life to the professional sphere, ensuring scholars are well-prepared to thrive in their chosen fields.

Through this immersive assembly, SM Foundation gives the scholars better insights into the program's benefits, particularly the internship opportunities and exclusive job prospects within the SM Group.

Beyond academic pursuits, the assembly fostered a sense of community, enabling scholars to forge connections with their peers and mentors, build professional networks, and experience a holistic and enriching student life.

The Cebu General Assembly is the fourth leg of the activity, following the successful scholar’s gathering in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Mindanao (Davao and General Santos). SM Group is set to host more assemblies for scholars in other parts of the country.

SM Foundation education team with SM scholars and alumni at the sidelines of the general assembly in SM City Cebu.

With a rich legacy of uplifting Filipino families, the SM Foundation’s Education Program has been supporting the higher-education aspirations of deserving students from vulnerable communities.

Joining the SM general assembly is CPA and SM alumna Jonnah Sacamay, who is now a proud member of The SM Store.

The SM Group’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals further highlights the foundation's mission to empower the youth from low-income households, shaping them into the next generation of Filipino leaders, equipped with the knowledge and resilience to navigate the challenges of the real world with confidence. (SM Foundation)

Where education meets life: SM Scholarship help shape real-world ready scholars

We are familiar with how scholarships open the door to academic dreams, alleviating financial burdens and allowing for focused studies. Yet, their significance goes beyond the classroom. Scholarships, such as those provided by SM Foundation, are not just educational opportunities; they ignite personal growth, empowerment, and the realization of potential.

SM Group fosters intergenerational connection at SM City Baguio, with scholar-alumni imparting valuable insights and encouragement to the next generation of scholars.

The educational support nurtures essential life skills such as resilience, responsibility, and resourcefulness, vital for navigating both school and life's complexities. SM scholars Angela Sibayan and Joyson Abucay prove just this.

Choosing to move forward
Angela was at a crossroads after her mother's sudden passing during her final year in high school. She was then leaning towards making the ‘practical’ decision of discontinuing her education as they only had enough from his father’s senior citizen pension.

Fueled by the love and support of her father, Angela persevered through the application process with just ten days before the qualifying exam.

SM Scholar and Saint Louis University alumna Angela graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering (BSECE), capping off her college years filled with academic achievements, leadership roles, and meaningful student life.

“I firmly believe that opportunities rarely knock at a person’s doorstep twice. Regardless of the obstacles and hardships we face, it's crucial to give our best effort with the resources at hand. Through the application process, I've come to understand that no matter the circumstances, determination and perseverance can propel us towards our life goals.”

The scholarship formed a launchpad where her dreams of developing her skills and improving their life will take off. With the financial weight off her shoulders and love for learning, she freely explored and experienced what college has to offer—from leading school organizations, joining an internship at an international Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company, and presenting their research in Thailand to graduating with an award.

“Because of the benefits of the scholarship, I was able to fully appreciate and explore every course and lesson taught in our program. It pushed me to persevere academically and improve other aspects of my personal life such as interpersonal, communication, leadership, and organizational skills,” she said.

SM Foundation also stood beside Angela when she hit some hurdles. She recalled, “I strived to get back on focus and perform with the best I could do. This taught me to be hands-on and helped me develop my technical skills. If it were not for the support and encouragement of SM Foundation, I would not be able to come back stronger and achieve more than what I have anticipated.”

Looking back, Angela emphasizes the impact that the scholarship brought into her life, and expresses a desire for others to experience similar opportunities. She imparts valuable advice to future applicants, echoing the wisdom of SM Group founder Henry “Tatang” Sy, Sr.: “Success doesn't happen overnight, and there's no shortcut for hard work. Moreover, we must extend a helping hand to others in society with whatever resources we can offer.”

Reinventing one’s self
Following the footsteps of Angela is SM scholar Joyson Abucay, also enrolled in Saint Louis University, Baguio City.

SM Scholar Joyson from Baguio City rewrites his journey, dreaming bigger amidst receiving the SM College Scholarship.

For Joyson, receiving the scholarship marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. No longer content to merely observe from the sidelines, he felt empowered to take charge of his own destiny. "It empowered me to shift my perspective from feeling like a background character to acknowledging my potential as the protagonist of my own story," he shares. This newfound self-belief ignited a passion for pursuing ambitious goals, ones that extend far beyond the classroom.

The SM Foundation Scholarship, for Joyson, represents more than just financial assistance; it's a springboard to a future filled with possibilities. He envisions himself not just as a dedicated educator, but also as a leader in the field of education, aspiring to roles such as a school principal or dean. Furthermore, he sees opportunities to leverage his expertise to influence education policy at the national level, with aspirations of potentially serving as a Secretary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

SM College Scholarship Application for school year 2024-2025 is open until March 31, 2024. To learn more, follow @SMFoundationInc or visit www.sm-foundation.org. (SM Foundation)