SM awards 500 College Scholarships
In a simultaneous program on April 27, 2018, SM awards its College Scholarships for SY 2018-2019 to 500 senior high school graduates nationwide. Most of this year’s chosen scholars, who belong to the first batch of K 12 graduates are children of vendors, tricycle drivers, jeepney drivers, farmers, fishermen, laborers or unemployed parents. Among the 500 fortunate recipients of the said scholarship, 200 students are from the NCR and 300 are from the provinces including the nine scholars from Palawan. These scholars all passed the screening process that involved a written examination, a face-to-face interview, and background validation. Most of them graduated with high honors. Each scholar will be able to enjoy the following benefits: full tuition and miscellaneous fees; a monthly allowance; activities that will develop their character; and opportunities to work at The SM Store during their summer and Christmas breaks. “[The] awarding of SM Scholarships, a gift from SM thru the SM Foundation, is a testament to our commitment to uplift the lives of our surrounding communities. Mr. Henry Sy, Sr., our founder strongly believes that poverty should never be a hindrance to good education,” said Maidja A. Saliente, mall manager of SM City Puerto Princesa. The SM College Scholarship program started with the vision of SM patriarch Henry Sy, Sr.—to send one child from a less fortunate family to college. After graduation, this child should send one sibling to school and should be able to provide a better future for the family. Starting with only 100 scholars in 1993, the SM Scholarship Program has produced 3,000 graduates to date. Now in its 25th year, the Foundation continues to provide poor yet deserving students a chance for a better future through higher education. Currently, there are 1,000 SM Scholars enrolled in the Foundation’s 110 partner colleges and universities, nationwide.