Five Filipino high school students defied financial challenges to earn full scholarships to prestigious U.S. universities through a program that strengthens ties between the Philippines and the U.S.

Among the awardees is Kyle Andrew Abello, a student from the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas. 

Witnessing the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda firsthand ignited a passion in Abello to become a civil engineer.

“Since I was a Yolanda survivor, I experienced firsthand the environmental degradation that we have,” Abello told ABS-CBN News in an interview. 

“I could help with the Philippines like typhoon-resilient buildings po, because there are a lot of mga bahay na madali lang masira sa typhoons [many houses that are easily destroyed by typhoons],” he added.

His dream will soon become reality as Abello will be attending Princeton University this August on a full scholarship worth $366,800.

Another awardee, Ellen Faye Ann Yabut from Iloilo City, will be pursuing a degree in Biochemistry at the University of Pennsylvania. 

Yabut, whose parents are both public school teachers, aspires to return to the Philippines as a “Balik Scientist” — a program that encourages Filipino scientists who studied abroad to return and contribute their expertise.

“One of the biggest plans I have right now is to be a Balik Scientist and would serve the Filipino people through the DOST programs that would also equip the youth, or like be an inspiration to the youth to pursue STEM careers and give back to the community through Science and Technology,” Yabut said.

The scholarships, totaling $1.8 million for all five students, were awarded through EducationUSA’s College Prep Program (CPP). 

The 18-month program assists academically talented students from underprivileged backgrounds in securing financial aid from U.S. universities.

The program equips students with the skills necessary for college applications, including test preparation and essay writing. 

Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines helps participants with application costs and provides a stipend to offset moving expenses.

Applications for the next CPP cycle open in September. Details can be found on the EducationUSA’s CPP website.