Scholarship offers more than education. From the outset, it supports both students and their parents by lifting the financial burden of tuition and other school expenses, which are covered through the scholarship program.

Eventually, fulfilling the dream of higher education grows a community of scholars empowered and inspired to give back to society in their own way.

In essence, the SM Foundation College Scholarship Program keeps the wheel of social good turning with its latest batch of graduates expected to uplift their communities using their newfound know-how, just like the others before them.

Elmalia Jane S. Diaz and Jaycee T. Garcia are among the program’s graduates.

Diaz, 23, completed Information Technology (BSIT) from Angeles University Foundation (AUF), while Garcia, 25, finished Civil Engineering from National University. She

Coming from underprivileged families with fewer resources, both were determined to obtain a scholarship to achieve their career goals, which also happened to be aligned with SM Foundation’s vision of sustaining future generations of Filipinos.

“I aspire to grow professionally, gain a lot of experience, and have a stable job that will bring me success and stability in life. Most importantly, I want to use what I’ve learned to help others and make a positive impact through technology,” says Diaz.

Garcia says he wants to leave a legacy that will stand for even a century for future generations to see, referring to buildings.

Deserving scholars

Diaz and Garcia have that common determination to succeed right from the start, when they worked hard to become scholars.

Diaz pursued the scholarship, encouraged not only by the financial support but also by the values, community development, and job opportunities it offers. She overcame the tough examination stage by reviewing in Math, Science, English, and Abstract Reasoning.

“Balancing that with other responsibilities was difficult, but I was determined to give my best because I wanted to pass,” Diaz recalls.

It helped that Diaz consistently performed at a high level, always earned good grades, and was a constant honor student at the Achievers Special Education Center and Angeles City Science High School.

Garcia faced the same challenge in qualifying for the SFCSP. Aside from the difficult test, there was additional pressure to pass as his co-examinees were from science high schools known for their high-quality teaching, he remembers.

Beyond expectations

Passing the SM Foundation’s scholarship exam and interview strengthened Diaz and Garcia’s determination to excel in college. Diaz graduated magna cum laude.

“I sacrificed rest, sleep, and social activities just to study, meet deadlines, and finish projects,” she says on how she attained the academic honor.

Helping the scholars through was the scholarship itself that took care of their tuition.

“Luckily, financial challenges were rare because during this time, I was already an SM scholar. All I had to do was study and do my best,” says Diaz.

Diaz saved a portion of her allowances throughout her college years to pay for her graduation fee in the final year of her course.

The SM Foundation also offered scholars part-time jobs during school breaks and and full-time employment opportunities during their graduation events at the SMX Convention Center.

“Summer jobs and Christmas jobs gave me extra income during vacation. I was able to save money to buy my needs for college, including a laptop,” Garcia says.

The scholarship further helped them grow personally. It gave Diaz the opportunity to join the Honor Society and the Junior Philippine Computer Society-AUF Chapter.

“I was able to attend seminars, participate in various activities, and even join competitions. These experiences helped me learn beyond the classroom and meet other students who shared the same interests,” she says.

As the treasurer of the College Student Council (College of Computer Studies), she helped organize meaningful projects and events for the student body.

“It gave me the chance to develop leadership and communication skills, and I also had the opportunity to attend leadership training sessions,” she says.

Sense of community

The foundation organizes general assemblies, seminars, and year-end parties for all scholars nationwide, which helps build a strong sense of community among them, according to Diaz.

During those gatherings, you can ask other scholars for some help, and they will help you out, Garcia says.

“I was able to make friends with other SM scholars, and it’s wonderful to have that kind of support network,” Diaz adds.

“These helped me strengthen study skills, career readiness, values formation, and build connections,” according to Diaz, referring to the seminars, workshops and webinars. “They inspired me to do the same and stay motivated in both my studies and future career.”

Driving social good

Diaz shares the greatest lesson of being an SM scholar, “The scholarship reminded me that someone out there believes in me, invested in me, so I should always believe in myself without any doubts. If others can believe in what I can do, then I should believe in myself even more,” says Diaz.

The now IT professional desires to continue SM’s tradition of spreading social good by using the skills and opportunities she had gained as a scholar to help others.

“I can mentor younger students, share knowledge in IT or other areas I am passionate about, and participate in community projects or outreach programs. By giving my time, skills, and support, I can inspire others to grow, just as I have been inspired by SM’s values and programs,” she says.

Meanwhile, Garcia is happy working as a team member of SM Foundation’s School Building Program, a role that involves him in building new classrooms for public schools.

“I joined SM Foundation because I wanted to be part of something meaningful. Each time we turn over a new school building and I see the joy on students’ faces, I’m reminded why I do what I do: To help build brighter futures,” he says.

Garcia adds, “I will make sure every school building that we turn over is safe and working based on standards.”

With the likes of Diaz and Garcia, SM Foundation continues to nurture catalysts of change who embody the true essence of social good.