Fulbright, Aboitiz Launch U.S. STEM Scholarships for Filipinos

Fulbright Philippines and Aboitiz Foundation have signed a landmark agreement to launch new scholarship and training opportunities aimed at strengthening Filipino talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through U.S.-based academic programs.

The strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed on May 14 at the U.S. Chief of Mission Residence in Makati City, marks the first time Fulbright Philippines has partnered with a private sector foundation to advance its education agenda.

“This MOU with Aboitiz Foundation Inc. is historic because it is the first such partnership with a private sector foundation in the country,” said Julio Amador III, Executive Director of the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), also known as Fulbright Philippines.

He added, “We at PAEF and the Fulbright Program believe that the private sector plays an important role in national development by providing opportunities for Filipinos to attain graduate degrees, conduct research, and join training programs in the fields of STEM, energy, natural resources, sustainability, and environmental protection.”

The agreement, signed by PAEF Chairperson Jessica L. Simon and Aboitiz Foundation Chairman Sabin M. Aboitiz, paves the way for increased support for Filipino scholars to study in U.S. institutions, particularly in disciplines crucial to the country’s long-term sustainability goals.

The signing was witnessed by U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, underscoring the diplomatic and educational significance of the initiative.

“At Aboitiz Foundation, we believe that investing in education is investing in the future of our nation,” said Aboitiz. “With Fulbright Philippines, we want to help provide the next generation of Filipino leaders with the knowledge, skills, and global perspectives they need to drive innovation and sustainable growth.”

The collaboration will focus on international exchange programs, graduate-level scholarships, and expert-driven capacity building initiatives in key areas such as renewable energy, environmental policy, and technological innovation.

It will also support educational projects aimed at building a future-ready workforce by funding scholars from underrepresented communities and encouraging participation from local institutions through collaborative research and development.

This initiative aligns with Aboitiz Foundation’s broader corporate social responsibility framework, which centers on empowering future leaders, promoting job readiness through digital skills, and implementing climate action strategies.

As the official Fulbright Commission in the Philippines, PAEF has a long-standing mandate to deepen academic and cultural ties between the United States and the Philippines through scholarships and research programs.

The next step following the MOU will be the formalization of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which will specify program structures, desired outcomes, timelines, and funding allocations.

Interested applicants can visit www.fulbright.org.ph for details on existing and upcoming programs.