UPLIFT Cares, in its goal of transforming the lives of more underprivileged youth through its UPLIFT Plus Scholarship Program for Senior High School and College students, held its scholarship advocacy seminar at Kapitolyo High School in Pasig City in the afternoon of August 20.
The Grade 12 students who were endorsed by the school to attend the event, along with their parents and guardians, learned about the educational support and servant-leadership development opportunities that the scholarship program offers. They were also introduced to its application timeline for Academic Year 2025-2026.
With the encouraging talks during the event, the students were able to receive the hope of pursuing a college education even in the midst of financial challenges. Kapitolyo High School is among UPLIFT Cares’ partners for the scholarship program.
Welcoming Remarks
Delivering the welcoming remarks was Kapitolyo High School Assistant Principal II Vida Bianca Laus. She welcomed UPLIFT Cares into the academic institution, expressing their common advocacy of transforming communities through collaboration and shared responsibility. She extended their sincere gratitude to the UPLIFT staff who were present, along with #NotAlone coordinator Mark Ballesteros.
Laus then acknowledged that the students in attendance are among the pride of their academe. “And I hope it doesn’t end in having a good average, nor a good grade. But rather, it reflects in your character and in your conduct,” she said.
She said that they agreed to partner with UPLIFT Cares for the latter’s scholarship program so that the students will be able to pursue college education. She shared the three “exits” from Senior High School: proceeding to college, getting a job, and starting a business. However, she stressed the value of the first option.
Laus then recalled about her journey of studying in graduate school, in bearing a desire of serving Filipino students. She also shared with the students that they could earn higher income if they obtain higher college degrees.
She also shared her desire for the students to pass university entrance exams, and study in college for free through scholarships such as UPLIFT Plus.
According to her, Kapitolyo High School currently has teachers who have also been academic scholars. She added that education is a great equalizer.
“And hopefully, if studying is expensive, you can utilize your talents and capabilities at some point so that you can study for free, because education means a lot,” Laus said partially in Filipino.
She urged the students to set goals not only for themselves, but also for their families, friends, neighbors, and those who need help.
“We are thanking the parents who are here. This shows your love and support to your children,” Laus added.
#NotAlone Program: Introduction
In his talk, Ballesteros exposed the audience to the realities that some Filipino youths have to face. But before he dived deep into this topic, he acknowledged how the #NotAlone Program came to Kapitolyo High School. #NotAlone is a youth-centered program catering to the transformation of the Filipino youth, along with their respective families.
Among the issues of the Filipino youth are stress, depression, and academic pressure. He then shared about a real-life story of a certain young girl who would suffer maltreatment after her parents separated. To address issues like this, #NotAlone holds a values formation program, which includes motivational talks and weekly mentoring.
Ballesteros stressed that an individual’s personality is mainly formed in his or her formative years. He added that 1 in 10 Filipino women ages 15 to 19 is already a mother, while a vast majority of teenagers have been bullied.
To encourage the development of good moral character among the Filipino youth, #NotAlone introduces the 5 pillars: “Masipag” (Hardworking), “Magalang” (Respectful), “Matulungin” (Helpful), “Mapagmahal” (Loving), and “Maka-Diyos” (Godly).
The #NotAlone talks will feature the following topics: #RelationshipGoals, #TrueYou, #WorthTheWait, #RespetoLang, #FearOfMissingOut, #SavePaMore, and #SecretToSuccess.
“The #NotAlone Program will reassure you that indeed, you are not alone. Whatever challenges that you’re going through right now, you are not alone,” Ballesteros said.
UPLIFT Plus Scholarship Overview
UPLIFT Plus Scholarship Coordinator Annafe de Real introduced the students with an overview of the UPLIFT Plus scholarship opportunities. She said that the goal of UPLIFT Plus is to develop servant-leaders who are committed, competent, and Christlike by providing scholarships to underprivileged individuals.
Practicing being committed means doing responsibilities wholeheartedly, and it is essential in a relationship. UPLIFT will provide the scholarship benefits, while the scholar will fulfill his or her scholarship responsibilities.
“You have responsibilities in school. It’s the same thing with the scholarship,” de Real said.
Responding to a question, one of the students expressed that he desires to finish his studies to help his parents for their sacrifices done. Another student replied that she dreams of finding a stable job someday.
De Real said that being competent as a student requires focusing on academics, with the aim: maintaining good grades.
“We want our scholars that when they graduate, they will be competent in their respective places. For example, in the workplace, they will be competent. In the communities, they will be competent. And of course, in the nation,” she said partly in Filipino.
De Real added that a student can develop Christlike character, with Jesus Christ as the greatest Servant-Leader and ultimate Model for good character. Being committed and competent alone will likely result in the student relying on his or her own strength.
UPLIFT Plus scholars studying in private academic institutions will be provided with tuition coverage subject to a tuition assistance cap, while those from public academic institutions will receive allowances.
UPLIFT Values Formation Initiative
UPLIFT Cares Discipleship Lead Jun Lavetoria explained the leadership training activities provided to UPLIFT Plus scholars, which are aimed at molding them into good leaders.
As he began his message, Lavetoria asked a handful of students about how they would define a leader. One student replied that a leader is to experience being a member as well and inspire others to do what is best and right, and that leadership comes in all types of forms.
Lavetoria shared that “somehow, it is safe to say that we are all leaders.” Being a good leader, he emphasized, starts with character growth. “Whether you say something or not, you influence the people around you,” he said.
He added that UPLIFT Plus scholars are to join a mentorship group, which will help them experience holistic growth. They are also to submit their written reflections based on the CCF Sunday Worship Services or the CCF Saturday Night Service, which will help them express how God is moving in their lives. “That’s why as we share our reflections, there is an impact… To be good leaders, we need God’s wisdom,” he said.
“We are praying and hoping that you will be part of UPLIFT Plus,” he ended.
Scholarship Qualifications and Application Timeline
Sid Valencia, UPLIFT Plus Scholarship Lead, talked about the UPLIFT Plus scholarship application timeline for Academic Year 2025-2026. As he began his talk, he said that the scholarship program supports its scholars in their growth.
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be endorsed by the Kapitolyo High School Assistant Principal and Guidance Counselor, belong to an underprivileged family, maintain an active mentorship group involvement, and attain an academic average of at least 90 percent with no failing grade in any subject.
For 2024, prospective scholars are to start attending CCF services and mentorship groups (September); submit their application forms (October 9 and 16); and pass the application validation (November).
For 2025, they will undergo in-person interviews (January and February). These will be followed by the cascading of the list of application passers (March), scholarship grants and signing of contracts (April), enrollment (May), and the start of the academic year (June onwards, depending on the academic institution).
Shortly after, Valencia entertained questions from the audience.
UPLIFT Plus Assistant Scholarship Coordinator Gemmalyn Cubay delivered her short yet inspiring testimony in front of the audience. She narrated her experiences from the time when she became an UPLIFT scholar in Grade 7 up to her graduation with a degree in BS Business Administration major in Marketing Management (cum laude) from the Rizal Technological University - Pasig Campus.
Lavetoria uttered the closing prayer, which was followed by a group photo opportunity.
Cubay, along with UPLIFT Plus scholar Nicole Villa, hosted the event.
The advocacy seminar has indeed left a mark in the lives of the students, as they learned about our scholarship opportunities that can help them finish their studies and reach their dreams!
To support an UPLIFT Cares scholar, you may send us a message on our social media accounts or kindly send us an email at sponsorship@upliftcares.com
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