This initiative aims to equip Filipino youth with the tools needed to thrive in a technology-driven future, the retail giant said in a press statement.
The scholarship program was officially launched on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024.
As part of the initiative, Mastercard committed to donating P100 to SM Foundation for every eligible transaction made with a Philippine-issued Mastercard at SM Stores during a promotional period from November 15 to 17.
Funds raised during this campaign will directly support scholarships for the selected students, enabling them to pursue higher education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Beyond financial aid, the program tackles the digital divide in the Philippines. Previous SM-led initiatives have provided thousands of students with digital tools such as e-tablets and established learning hubs in public schools. In 2023 alone, nearly 10,000 students benefited from these resources.
Addressing a significant gap revealed in a 2020 Department of Education survey — where only 64 percent of students had access to smartphones and 55 percent to laptops — the program seeks to empower students with modern technology essential for digital learning.
SM and Mastercard’s collaboration underscores their shared commitment to fostering inclusive growth and preparing Filipino students for opportunities in the digital economy, the company said.
This initiative aligns with SM Foundation’s broader goals of creating sustainable and impactful programs that benefit underserved communities, it added.
