Cordillera Career Development College Supports Indigent Students

In a world where education remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty, Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) in  La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines, stands as a beacon of hope for many underprivileged students in the region. 

CCDC’s profile of its graduates shows that 279 of the total 446 graduates, or 62.56% come from third to fifth class municipalities which largely represent the income and economic status of where they live.  Only 34.53% or 154 graduates come from first class municipalities and only 2.91% come from second class municipalities.

CCDC’s strong scholarship programs and a deep commitment to inclusive education serves as a catalyst for social mobility, giving indigent students from the bottom 20% of household income groups the chance to pursue their dreams and achieve a brighter future.

CCDC has long been dedicated to providing quality and accessible education to all, particularly to those who might not have the financial means to pursue higher education. Recognizing the challenges faced by indigent students in accessing academic resources, the school assists all the students in their application for scholarships such as the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), a grant-in-aid program administered by the UniFAST (United Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education) Board that helps eligible students pay for a portion or all of their tertiary education. Eligible students from the forwarded applications will receive scholarship grants until they are able to graduate. Moreover, the Students Services Office facilitates the submission of requirements for scholars under the Private Education Student Financial Assistance Program (PESFA) every end of the semester. These initiatives were designed to help reduce the burden of educational costs, making it possible for students from marginalized backgrounds to attend school without the constant worry of finances.

At the end of school year 2022-2023, five students express their gratitude to the school and the scholarship programs as they graduate in college through these initiatives. They share their stories on how they were able to pay their tuition fees, allowances, buy gadgets for their online classes, and avail financial assistance for their board examinations. 

Real Stories of Transformation: TES Scholarship Recipients

The impact of financial assistance through scholarships is evident in the words of the recipients themselves. Nelia W. Sumakey, a nursing student whose journey was made possible through the TES Scholarship, has this to say:

“This scholarship has been a great help, especially during the pandemic. It has assisted me in covering my tuition fees and enabled me to continue my studies and prepare for the nursing board exam. Without this support, I wouldn’t be able to graduate as a nurse. I am truly grateful for the chance to pursue my dreams, and I can’t wait to give back to my community in the future.”

Another TES Scholarship recipient, Nora E. Lino, describes the help she received from the program:

“Being selected for the TES Scholarship is an honor. It has helped me cover my tuition fees and the upcoming review for the nursing board exam. Without your help, I would not have been able to pursue my college degree. I am now one step closer to becoming a registered nurse, and I am excited to contribute to my community once I start my career. Thank you for believing in me.”

Chris P. Caday, also expressed thanks for the support as one of the chosen recipients:

“Your generous support has been a great help in achieving my dreams and it truly means a lot to me. I promise to use this opportunity wisely and make the best out of it. This scholarship has encouraged me to keep striving for excellence, and I will be forever grateful. Again, thank you for your unending support.”

Emilyn B. Damoyan shared how the TES Scholarship helped her overcome the challenges of being a working student:

“Growing up in a less fortunate family was truly challenging, but it didn’t stop me from dreaming that someday I would achieve my goals. With my parents, I persevered to pursue high school. I thought I wouldn’t be able to enroll in college because my parents were old and couldn’t afford my tuition. Fortunately, I was chosen as one of the grantees. The scholarship helped cover my tuition and provided the gadgets for online learning during the pandemic. This program inspired and motivated me to continue my studies, and I will be forever grateful. God bless!”

Eden Joy Balang said the TES Scholarship opened up opportunities for her:

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to CHED and CCDC for your support in building a brighter future for students. I am truly grateful for TES as it helped me with my financial needs, including tuition and allowance. It allowed me to open a door and see the future that awaits me. I hope that, one day, I too will be able to contribute to our society by bringing a smile to someone else. I cannot thank you enough for making my dreams more reachable.”

These letters are a testament to the profound impact that scholarships and financial aid can have on a student’s ability to succeed. These scholarships, along with other initiatives from CCDC, are truly empowering, showing that even students grounded on humble backgrounds are able to soar and achieve their seemingly impossible dreams to become future professionals. Truly, poverty is not a hindrance to success when you are at the right place.

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