Scholarship Implementation Report, 2018
Covering the Yeats 2017-2018The STEMS70 scholarship program has completed its first year in June 2018. All four scholars performed satisfactorily and will be supported for the next academic year.
STEMS70 will identify and develop funding sources from within Austria and the EU to continue support for PACES scholarships and necessary administrative costs of the program itself. In collaboration with the Philippine Embassy’s thrust for Science & Technology, the program is managed through our PACES Scholarship Committee in Vienna. PACES Scholars are selected by the Scholarship Committee in cooperation with a Philippine based organization, the Couples for Christ ANCOP. Currently, PACES coordinates with ANCOP to administer the scholarships as well as to monitor and to mentor PACES scholars.
Scholarship Program
STEMS70 aims to provide full scholarships and financial support for students in Philippine state universities pursuing eligible 4 and 5 year academic degree programs in the STEM field. It will support talented, engaged and financially deserving college students in the upper bracket of their degree program with full scholarships that cover the tuition and other university fees such as text books, college project development costs and necessary transportation expenses. A reasonable monthly allowance will be provided to enable PACES scholars to concentrate on their studies free from financial worries.
Graduates of the STEMS70 scholarships will commit themselves to work in the Philippines for a number of years proportional to the duration of financial support received.
Financial Requirements
Tuition and living expenses for a university degree program in the Philippines costs between PHP 85,000 to PHP 100,000 per academic year. Having originally aimed for a modest start, STEMS70 has now chosen to grant its support to four scholars from all over the Philippines, one each from two provinces in Luzon, one from Mindanao, and one from Manila. The program will require about EUR 25,000 over 4 years.
STEM Education in the Philippines
For the last half century, Philippine science high schools in major cities, regional science high schools in different provinces, and lately STEM high schools have provided secondary level curricula placing emphasis in mathematics, pure and applied sciences as well as research. Graduates of STEM programs produce experts needed for an innovative and competitive Philippine industry, as well as the teachers that propagate STEM programs in the educational sector itself.
While the Philippine government, through the Department of Science and Technology, and private industry funds full scholarships for university and post-graduate students taking up STEM academic programs, these resources are not adequate. Civic-minded citizens and companies with a strong culture of corporate social responsibility are called upon to join the national effort of promoting STEM graduates.
PACES Scholars for Academic Year 2018:
Cathrine Madlangbayan
3rd Year Civil Engineering, Batangas State University
Cathrine is determined to pursue the course she wants and to find a scholarship to fund her studies. She has high goals — completing college; topping the board exam; and getting a second degree in Geodetic Engineering. She has no plans to work abroad because she wants to stay close to family.
- Dean’s List
- Passed DOST Scholarship Exam
- President of Arts Committee in college
Jhun Michael Aballa
4th Year Computer Engineering, Jose Rizal College
Jhun Michael’s dream is to work after graduation so that his father can retire and come home from the Middle East. He plans to contribute to the development of the country and make a positive impact on the lives of Filipinos.
- Consistent Honor Student
- 2nd Place in Engineering Wizard
- Active in Student Council
Koleen Lapay Bacud
3rd Year Civil Engineering, Cagayan State University
Koleen is persistent in pursuing her targets. Her reference letters cite her resourcesfulness and friendly personality, among others. She was inspired to study civil engineering because thier house was blown down by a typhoon.
- Consistent Honor Student
- Leadership role in student activities
- Dean’s List in college.
Kenneth Dave Borja
3rd Year Metallurgical Engineering, Mindanao State University
Kenneth has shown strong leadership potential and is known for his commitment when involved in group activities. He is an outstanding student with great communication skills and displays a high level of maturity for his age.
- Student Peer Facilitator in Guidance Counselling
- Consistent Honor Student
- Dean’s List in college