Village Connect
Aiming to build a more inclusive future for Filipino youth, SM and Mastercard have joined forces to empower exceptional students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through the collaborative efforts of SM Store, SM Retail, Mastercard, and SM Foundation, ten outstanding students from the Ten Outstanding STEM Students (TOSS) program will receive scholarship grants and access to essential digital tools to prepare them for success in the modern economy.
The initiative also incorporates a unique fundraising element. For every qualifying purchase made with a Philippine-issued Mastercard at SM Stores from November 15 to 17, Mastercard will donate PHP 100 to SM Foundation. The collected funds will directly support these scholarships, ensuring that the selected students can pursue higher education and develop careers in the growing tech industry.
Beyond financial aid, this program continues SM and Mastercard’s broader efforts to bridge the digital divide in the Philippines. Past initiatives have distributed thousands of e-tablets to students and established digital learning hubs in public schools. In 2023 alone, nearly 10,000 students benefited from these advancements, gaining access to tools that significantly enhance their educational journey.
This focus on digital learning is especially critical in the Philippines, where disparities in technology access remain a challenge. A 2020 Department of Education study revealed that only 64% of Filipino students had access to smartphones, and just 55% had access to laptops, underscoring the importance of such programs in leveling the playing field for young learners.
Through this partnership, SM and Mastercard aim to not only uplift the ten scholars but also inspire broader change by empowering the next generation of STEM professionals.
