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)

SM Foundation, Mastercard help bridge gaps in online learning

Amidst the varied challenges of the past three years, the world witnessed solidarity and the power of sharing a vision. People from diverse backgrounds joined forces to support students in adapting to online learning, fostering resilience and longlasting impact on youth. In October 2021, the SM Group and Mastercard teamed up through the SM Store Shop & Share campaign, enabling customers to gift e-tablets to 1,210 SM Foundation scholars, including Monica Zapanta and Robin Raton. These students faced challenges transitioning to online education, struggling with outdated devices, and limited resources.

Representatives of SM group and Mastercard, led by SMFI Executive Director Debbie Sy, SMFI Education Program’s Executive Director Linda Atayde and SAVP Eleanor Lansang, SM Store Vice President for Marketing Roshan Nandwani, SM Retail, Inc. CFO Jonathan Ng, and Simon Calasanz, Country Manager, Philippines, Mastercard at the ceremonial check turnover, following the success of the Shop & Give Back.

Monica, a Computer Science student, needed a device for coding and classes, while Robin, an education student, required multiple applications for video conferencing and productivity. The new tablets, provided through this initiative, alleviated their financial burden and enhanced their learning experiences.

Robin shared, “With the help of Mastercard and The SM Store, we allocated the money I saved for my family’s needs, such as food and daily expenses.” This tablet allowed him to complete vital tasks for his education and extend a helping hand to his brother for school research.

SM scholars Robin Raton (left) and Monica Zapanta (right)

Monica found the tablet’s power efficiency to be a game-changer during internet or electricity outages, enabling her to stay focused on her studies. Beyond academics, the tablets facilitated balance in their student lives, offering a helping hand to others and serving various purposes.

“The e-tablet inspired me to strive. It lessened the financial burden and stress that comes along with pursuing higher education. It has enabled me to focus more on my studies rather than constantly worrying if I’ll finish the things I need to complete,” she said.

The SM group representatives with the e-tablets for SM scholars.

This collaborative effort, driven by the SM group’s commitment to education’s transformative power, aims to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through ongoing partnerships with like-minded organizations.

A Celebration of Triumph: SM Foundation lauds 397 college scholar-graduates

The SM Foundation (SMFI) celebrated the graduation of its 397 scholars from the class of 2023, including 8 summa cum laude, 72 cum laude, 55 magna cum laude, and 26 academic distinction awardees.

Held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the presentation of graduates served as a mark of the significant milestone in the scholars' academic journeys and a testament to their resilience and determination to uplift their families and illuminate a path for future generations.

The inspiring event was joined by scholars' families, esteemed partners, and the SM Foundation's heads, including the foundation's Executive Director for Education Programs, Carmen Linda Atayde.

In her address, Atayde emphasized the transformative power of education: "Behind these impressive statistics lie stories of triumph over challenges, stories of dreams pursued against all odds. These scholars, hailing from humble backgrounds, have shown that with opportunity and hard work, one can break the intergenerational cycle of poverty."

Atayde also recognized the support of mentors, educators, and the Sy family, noting how their efforts have paved the way for success, not only for today's graduates but also for the communities they represent.

Echoing the vision of the SM group's founder, Tatang Henry Sy Sr., SMFI Executive Director Debbie Sy also emphasized the importance of education as a tool for social mobility and poverty alleviation.

"As we stand here today, let us remember the vision of Tatang, who believed deeply in the power of education to break the shackles of poverty," she said.

Addressing the scholars, Sy reminded the SM scholars of their role as catalysts for change in their communities: "You are the living proof of the transformative power of education. The SM Foundation Scholarship Program's goal is not just academic success but to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.”

“Now, armed with knowledge, be agents of social good in your communities. Your journey doesn't end here; it's a new beginning, and we can't wait to witness the positive impact you'll create," she capped.

The SM Foundation’s Scholarship Program, established in 1993, has provided financial and holistic support to over 8,000 college and technical-vocational scholars, empowering them to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute to the betterment of their families.

This cements the SM group’s commitment to social good in the last 40 years, ensuring that deserving students, especially from low-income communities, have access to quality education and the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.