Sy-led SM Investments Corporation, through SM Store and SM Retail, has partnered with Mastercard and SM Foundation to launch a new initiative aimed at empowering Filipino students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
In a statement, the conglomerate said that this collaboration will provide 10 exceptional students from the Ten Outstanding STEM Students (TOSS) program with scholarship grants and access to critical digital learning tools, helping them succeed in today's tech-driven world.
For every eligible transaction made using a Philippine-issued Mastercard at SM Stores, Mastercard will donate P100 to SM Foundation. The funds raised between November 15 and 17, 2024, will directly support scholarships, enabling these students to pursue higher education and build careers in the technology sector.
Beyond financial support, the program addresses the digital divide in the Philippines. Previous efforts have 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 technology that enhances their educational experience.
According to a 2020 Department of Education survey, only 64 percent of Filipino students had access to smartphones, and just 55 percent had access to laptops—critical tools for participating in digital learning.