Over 1,000 Filipino students from Manila and Cebu are set to benefit from Career Connect, a landmark program launched by JPMorganChase, Junior Achievement of the Philippines (JA Philippines), and the Department of Education (DepEd) that aims to build pathways to green jobs and promote sustainable career development.

Backed by global financial services firm JPMorganChase, the initiative seeks to equip students with essential skills, mentorship, and exposure to industries driving the green economy. The program integrates environmental awareness with employability training and leadership development, helping prepare young Filipinos for meaningful roles in a more sustainable future.

“Career Connect is about building pathways for young people into the jobs of the future,” said Krishna Alejandrino, Executive Director of JA Philippines. “Through the support of JPMorganChase and DepEd, we are preparing students not only to succeed in their careers, but to become leaders who will shape a more sustainable future for our country.”

JPMorganChase, which supports youth empowerment and sustainability programs globally, said the initiative reflects its continued investment in inclusive growth and education in the Philippines.

“Our global programs such as Career Connect encapsulate our vision for a brighter future for disadvantaged youth in the Philippines,” said Bettina Salmo, head of JPMorganChase’s Corporate Centers in the Philippines. “By sparking their curiosity about emerging fields like the green economy, we hope to encourage them to pursue careers in and develop solutions for this growing sector. In addition, we hope to strengthen our commitment to the communities where we live and work by engaging our own employee volunteers in this meaningful endeavor.”

The launch event gathered key stakeholders, including Dr. Dexter A. Galban, Assistant Secretary for Strategic Management at DepEd; Atty. Fiel Y. Almendra, Assistant Regional Director of DepEd Region 7; and senior executives from JPMorganChase in the Philippines.

The Career Connect program marks a significant step toward aligning the country’s educational initiatives with emerging global job markets, reinforcing the importance of sustainability and innovation in building the next generation of Filipino professionals.