PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES, 22 November 2024 – 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.