SM, Mastercard honor top STEM students

Ten outstanding students have been named recipients of the 2025–2026 Ten Outstanding STEM Students (TOSS) scholarships, a joint initiative by SM Retail’s Shop & Share program and Mastercard in support of the SM Foundation’s College Scholarship Program.

The scholars were chosen through a three-stage selection process that included application screening, online examinations, portfolio assessments, essay submissions, and final panel interviews held at the SM Retail headquarters in Pasay.

The evaluation panel was composed of representatives from SM Foundation, SM Retail, the SM Store, and Mastercard.

From an initial pool of applicants, 20 finalists advanced to the final round. The top ten scholars selected were John Vincent Adame, Cazandra Mae Bolo, Cris Dela Cruz, Harvey Julian Ermitanio, Chandre Julia Jaen, Yasmin Lardizabal, Alison Manimtim, Odessa Jean Meria, Khritz Junien Leigh Nacua, and Jocelyn Villahermosa.

Awardees were selected based on academic performance, achievements in STEM-related co-curricular activities, and interview results.

Each scholar will receive a full college scholarship, professional mentorship, participation in enrichment programs, career opportunities within SM and Mastercard, and brand-new laptops.

Organizers said the program aims to promote access to STEM education and empower youth through sustained private-sector collaboration.