The Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF), the philanthropic arm of the Gokongwei Group, is once again opening doors for deserving youth through its NextGen Scholarship for Excellence—a program that champions academic achievement, character, and the promise of a better future. Designed for outstanding children and siblings of Gokongwei Group employees, the scholarship supports qualified students throughout their college education while providing a platform for leadership, skills development, and professional growth.
The NextGen Scholarship combines academic support with opportunities that inspire personal excellence and civic responsibility. Scholars receive a generous grant of PHP85,000 per academic year to cover tuition and related educational expenses, access to development programs, and the opportunity to intern at Gokongwei Group companies. The application is open to both incoming and current college students enrolled in any bachelor’s degree program across the Philippines, provided they meet the academic and character-based criteria.
Maris Manarang, a NextGen alumna and current communications specialist at GBF, shares how the scholarship helped her and her family. “My dad has worked at URC for over three decades, and I wanted to grab this scholarship to help my dad with our finances since I have two other siblings who are still in school. Apart from the scholarship, I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve other people and pay it forward with my new role here in GBF,” says Manarang, who graduated with Latin honors with a degree in Multimedia Arts from Angeles University Foundation.
This initiative reflects the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation’s core mission: to build the future through education. Since its inception in 1992, the Foundation has invested in education programs that empower Filipinos, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)—areas seen as critical to the country’s growth and global competitiveness. The NextGen Scholarship for Excellence has supported over 450 scholars to date, demonstrating GBF’s commitment to inclusive educational opportunities and long-term impact.
The foundation’s focus on STEM education is central to its role in nation building. By supporting scholars in these disciplines, GBF aims to help cultivate a generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders who can contribute meaningfully to the Philippines’ progress. Its programs are designed not only to provide financial assistance, but also to instill core values, practical skills, and professional readiness among its scholars.
The NextGen Scholarship is just one of several programs under GBF’s broader commitment to developing talent in STEM. Other notable initiatives include the Iskolar ni Juan Technical-Vocational Scholarship Program, the GBF TeachSTEM scholarship for aspiring public school educators, the GBF Class Builder program which equips teachers with tools and strategies for inclusive, values-driven classrooms, and partnerships with leading universities to support scholars in engineering, data science, and related fields.
GBF also places great emphasis on scholar development beyond the classroom. Recipients of the NextGen Scholarship, for example, gain access to mentoring, leadership training, and values formation activities designed to help them thrive academically and personally. Optional internships within the Gokongwei Group also provide students with real-world experience in corporate settings, further bridging the gap between education and employment.
To apply for the NextGen Scholarship covering Academic Year 2025–2026, candidates must demonstrate excellent academic performance (a general weighted average of at least 2.00 or 85% and, for incoming college freshmen, they must be in the top 10% of their senior high school batch), active engagement in extracurricular activities, good moral character, and a genuine need for financial support. The application process includes an online form, submission of required documents, an essay exam, and a panel interview.
For more information or to begin the application process, visit gokongweibrothersfoundation.org or email scholarship.applications@gbf.com.ph with the subject line NEXTGEN 2025.
