SM Foundation College Scholarship 2024-2025 | A Comprehensive Guide

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Curious about the SM Foundation College Scholarship for 2024-2025?

Going to college is a big step, and we know thinking about scholarships can be a lot. 

In this article, we care about your dreams, and we’re here to make things easy.

In this guide, we’ll tell you all you need to know about the SM Foundation College Scholarship. From what it is to how you can apply, we’re here to help you on your college journey.

If you’re ready to learn more, stick with us. We’re here to guide you through the SM Foundation College Scholarship. Keep reading, and let’s explore this opportunity together!

What is the SM Foundation?

SM Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM Group of Companies. 

It is committed to creating positive change in the lives of Filipinos by providing access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. 

SM Foundation has been active in the Philippines for over three decades and has helped thousands of individuals and communities through its various programs.

What is the SM Foundation College Scholarship?

One of the flagship programs of SM Foundation is the SM Foundation College Scholarship. 

This scholarship aims to support underprivileged but deserving students in pursuing their college education. 

The scholarship covers tuition and other school fees, book allowance, and more. 

The program partners with reputable colleges and universities in the Philippines to ensure that scholars have access to quality education.

What are the Benefits of the SM Foundation College Scholarship?

  1. Choice of Specialization
    • One of the most significant advantages of being an SM Foundation College Scholar is the opportunity to specialize in accounting, information technology, engineering, and education. 
    • Scholars can choose from a wide range of courses in these fields of study, depending on their interests and career aspirations.
  2. Full Tuition
    • SM Foundation College Scholars are entitled to full tuition coverage, which includes all school fees and other related expenses. 
    • This benefit allows scholars to focus on their education without worrying about financial constraints, making it easier for them to excel academically.
  3. Monthly Allowance
    • In addition to full tuition coverage, SM Foundation College Scholars receive a monthly allowance to cover their living expenses. 
    • This allowance helps scholars to meet their daily needs and focus on their studies without worrying about financial constraints.
  4. Part-time Job Opportunities
    • During semestral and Christmas break, SM Foundation College Scholars have the opportunity to work part-time at SM Group of Companies, which allows them to earn extra income while gaining valuable work experience.
  5. Exclusive Job Offers with the SM Group
    • Upon graduation, SM Foundation College Scholars are given exclusive job offers with the SM Group of Companies. 
    • This benefit allows scholars to jumpstart their careers and apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world setting.
  6. Other Fun-filled Activities and Enrichment Programs
    • SM Foundation College Scholars also have the opportunity to participate in various fun-filled activities and enrichment programs, such as leadership and skills training, community service, and cultural and educational tours. 
    • These activities and programs help scholars to develop their leadership and interpersonal skills, broaden their horizons, and become well-rounded individuals.

Overall, the SM Foundation College Scholarship offers a comprehensive package of benefits that help scholars to achieve their academic and career goals, develop their skills and talents, and become responsible and productive members of society.

What are the Qualifications for the SM College Scholarship Program?

The SM Foundation College Scholarship is open to Grade 12 graduates from public and private schools in the areas covered by the program.

Applicants from private schools must have a DepEd voucher and must be Grade 10 finishers from public high schools. 

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

  • General weighted average grade of at least 92% or its equivalent for Grade 12 – 1st semester.
  • Total household income of at most P250,000 per year.
  • The program covers the following areas:
    • Luzon: NCR, Albay, Bataan, Batangas, Benguet, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Cavite, Isabela, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Sorsogon, Quezon, Rizal, Tarlac, Zambales
    • Visayas: Capiz, Cebu, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Occidental
    • Mindanao: Agusan del Norte, Davao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, South Cotabato, Zamboanga del Sur

What are the Document Requirements for the SM College Scholarship Program?

To apply for the scholarship, applicants must submit the following requirements:

  • Accomplished online application form
  • Parent’s or Guardian’s Latest Income Tax Return / Certification of Non-Filing of Income / Certificate of Indigency
  • Latest Grade 12 report card
  • Birth Certificate
  • 2×2 ID picture
  • Sketch of home to the nearest SM Mall

Meeting the qualifications and submitting the requirements are just the first steps in the application process. 

Courses Offered

The SM Foundation College Scholarship covers a wide range of courses in various fields of study.

The following courses are offered under the scholarship program:

  • BS in Computer Science
  • BS in Computer Engineering
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering
  • BS in Accounting Information Systems
  • BSBA in Management Accounting
  • BS in Information Technology
  • BS in Civil Engineering
  • BS in Accountancy
  • BS in Internal Auditing
  • BS in Elementary Education
  • BS in Electronics and Communications Engineering/ BS In Electronics Engineering/ BS in Electronics Engineering
  • BS in Electrical Engineering
  • BS in Accounting Technology
  • BSBA in Financial Management
  • BS in Secondary Education major in Biology, Chemistry, General Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, English

These courses are carefully selected to meet the demands of the current job market and provide scholars with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen careers.

Application Process

The application process for the SM Foundation College Scholarship starts with the online application.

  1. Online Application
    • Applicants must accomplish the online application form and upload all required documents. 
    • The online application form can be accessed through this link: https://scholarship.sm-foundation.org
    • The required documents include Parent’s or Guardian’s Latest Income Tax Return / Certification of Non-Filing of Income / Certificate of Indigency, Latest Grade 12 report card, Birth Certificate, 2×2 ID picture, and Sketch of home to the nearest SM Mall. 
  2. Confirmation of Application
    • After submitting the online application form and required documents, applicants must log in to the SM Scholarship Online System to confirm the application within seven (7) days of submission. 
    • The inability to confirm online will render the application void.
  3. Processing and Evaluation
    • SMFI will assess the submitted application forms and documents. 
    • The applicant will receive an email notification regarding the status of application, which can be either “Declined” or “For Exam”.
  4. Examination
    • Exam schedule and venue will be sent via email. Passers will be announced on the same day of the exam.
  5. Interview
    • Exam passers will be interviewed individually by SM Foundation on the same day of the exam.
  6. Home Visit
    • The SM Foundation team will conduct random home visits to applicants who passed the interview. An applicant who does not qualify after the home visit will be notified via email.
  7. Confirmation of School and Course
    • Successful applicants will be notified via email to confirm the school and course.
  8. Orientation and Contract Signing
    • An email notification with the schedule of orientation and contract signing will be sent to the applicant. 

The entire application process is designed to ensure that only the most deserving scholars are chosen for the program. 

Application Period

The online application period for the SM Foundation College Scholarship program is from February 1 to March 31, 2024

Interested applicants must ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements and have all the necessary documents ready before submitting their online application. 

It is important to keep in mind that the application period is strictly observed, and late submissions will not be accepted. 

So, if you are planning to apply for this scholarship, make sure to mark your calendar and submit your application before the deadline.

Success Stories

Irish is another successful SM Foundation College Scholarship graduate who was able to pursue her dream of a college education despite financial struggles. 

Her parents were dedicated to giving her and her five siblings a comfortable life despite the financial struggles and Irish and her siblings studied hard and became consistent academic achievers.

Irish graduated at the top of her class and was admitted to a special science class in high school. 

Despite her academic achievements, her parents could not afford to send her to a university as her dad had just retired and his pension was consumed by his deteriorating medical condition. 

Irish applied for different college scholarships, but it was the SM College Scholarship Program that opened its doors to her.

“The SM College Scholarship made it possible for me to become who I am today. SMFI made the school pressure more tolerable and lighter, since, instead of stressing about paying my student debt, I was able to focus more on my education. I felt proud of myself since I was succeeding in school and at the same time, made my family proud because of my achievements,” she said.

Irish’s story is just one of many success stories of SM Foundation College Scholars who have been able to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals despite financial constraints. 

Jessel Pineda is another successful SM Foundation College Scholarship graduate who broke free from the cycle of poverty.

Despite the challenges of her family’s small barbeque business and losing their home twice, Jessel persevered and applied for the SM College Scholarship examination. She graduated as a summa cum laude and finished as the Batch Valedictorian of National University – Manila.

Jessel is one of over 300 SM scholar graduates of 2022, which includes 146 with honors. SM Foundation Scholarship program has provided deserving and qualified students with access to college education and technical-vocational studies since 1993. To date, SMFI has produced more than 8,000 scholar-graduates.

The SM Foundation College Scholarship program has provided deserving and qualified students with access to quality education and has helped lift families out of poverty. The program’s commitment to providing access to education to those who need it the most is a testament to the foundation’s belief that education is the greatest equalizer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the SM Foundation College Scholarship is a great opportunity for underprivileged but deserving students to pursue their college education. 

The program offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including full tuition coverage, monthly allowance, part-time job opportunities, and exclusive job offers with the SM Group of Companies. 

Moreover, scholars have the opportunity to specialize in various fields of study, participate in enrichment programs, and develop their skills and talents. 

With its commitment to creating positive change in the lives of Filipinos, the SM Foundation is truly making a difference in the country’s education landscape.

If you’re planning to apply for the SM Foundation College Scholarship, here are some tips that can increase your chances of getting accepted:

  1. Start Early: It’s never too early to start preparing for the scholarship application process. Make sure that you meet all the qualifications and gather all the necessary documents ahead of time.
  2. Focus on Academics: Since the scholarship is highly competitive, it’s important to have a high academic standing. Strive to get good grades and maintain a high GPA.
  3. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities: SM Foundation looks for well-rounded individuals who can contribute to their communities. Participate in extracurricular activities, such as community service, sports, and cultural events, and highlight your achievements in your application.

Good luck!

References

  1. College Scholarship Program | SM Foundation. (n.d.). Www.sm-Foundation.org. https://www.sm-foundation.org/what_we_do/college-scholarship-program#sm-college-scholarship
  2. SM Scholar alumna now a Mechanical Engineer despite odds – SM Foundation. (n.d.). Www.sm-Foundation.org. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from https://www.sm-foundation.org/news/sm-scholar-alumna-now-a-mechanical-engineer-despite-odds/
  3. From SM scholar to a beacon of hope – SM Foundation. (n.d.). Www.sm-Foundation.org. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from https://www.sm-foundation.org/e-newsletter/from-sm-scholar-to-a-beacon-of-hope/
  4. Facebook. (n.d.). Www.facebook.com. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=711885034456846&set=a.418520807126605