Case Study

Partnering with CISTEM for Nationwide STEM Impact

SkillUp's Proposed Engagement in the Philippines: Partnering with CISTEM for Nationwide STEM Impact

Empowering the Next Generation: SkillUp and CISTEM Join Forces

At SkillUp, we are committed to bridging the education-to-employment gap through innovative, scalable e-learning solutions. In a landmark collaboration, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Binding Collaboration Agreement with the Center for Integrated STEM Education (CISTEM) in the Philippines. Effective November 20, 2025, this partnership aligns SkillUp's global platform with CISTEM's ASPIRE (Accelerated STEM Pathways for Industry-Responsive Education) program, set to launch in 2026.

This initiative builds on our proven success in Southeast Asia, including our partnership with Deloitte, which has already empowered over 217,000 learners across ASEAN countries. Now, we're extending our reach to the Philippines, providing free access to industry-aligned courses in STEM, AI, cloud computing, and more, to over 1,250,000 teachers and students nationwide. As a prospective sponsor, your support can amplify this impact, driving measurable outcomes in education, workforce readiness, and sustainable development.

The Challenge: Addressing the STEM Skills Gap in the Philippines

Pilot Program Overview

Starting in January 2026, we'll launch a pilot program targeting Senior High School students in key regions:

  • National Capital Region (NCR)

  • Central Luzon (Region III)

  • CALABARZON (Region IV-A)

  • Bicol Region (Region V)

  • Northern Mindanao (Region X)

Through this pilot, students will gain free access to SkillUp's interactive courses, featuring:

  • Gamified Learning: Mobile-first design with leaderboards, badges, and rewards to boost engagement and completion rates.

  • Industry-Aligned Content: Modules co-created with experts from Deloitte, AWS, IBM, and others, covering AI, data analytics, sustainability, and job readiness.

  • AI-Powered Job Matching: Tools that map skills to real internships and roles, creating clear pathways to employment.

  • Teacher Enablement: Specialized AI training for over 1,000,000 educators, including modules on integrating AI into STEM curricula.

CISTEM will lead integration into ASPIRE, coordinating with Schools Division Offices for enrollment, scheduling, and feedback. Deloitte will provide industry expertise and resources based on needs analysis.

The Philippines faces a growing demand for digital and STEM skills amid rapid technological advancement. With youth unemployment hovering around 13% and a shortage of industry-ready talent in sectors like IT and cloud computing, millions of young people risk being left behind. CISTEM's ASPIRE program aims to equip Senior High School students with essential skills in areas such as cloud services, IT support, system administration, and entry-level software development.

Our partnership addresses this head-on by integrating SkillUp's platform backed by global leaders like Deloitte, IBM, and AWS. This ensures equitable access to high-quality, hyperlocalized education that meets national STEM goals and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Expansion and Long-Term Vision

This is just the beginning. The agreement commits to a 5-year term (with automatic annual renewals), with plans to scale nationwide:

  • Annual Growth: Gradually expand to additional regions, increasing the number of beneficiaries each year.

  • Monitoring and Improvement: Quarterly reviews to track progress, using data-driven insights for continuous refinement.

  • Hybrid Delivery: Combine online platforms with on-ground support, including teacher training sessions and local logistics (budget-dependent).

By 2030, we aim to reach millions more, fostering innovation in underserved communities and aligning with national priorities for digital transformation.

Proven Impact from Similar Partnerships

Drawing from our Deloitte collaboration in Southeast Asia:

  • 217,000 Learners Reached: With 67% course completion rates and 2-3 hours of weekly engagement.

  • Career Outcomes: 92% of users value our AI job-matching, leading to internships and jobs.

  • Efficiency: Cost per learner under $25, with strong ROI in brand reputation and social impact.

  • Diverse Reach: 40% female learners and 30% from low-income backgrounds.

In the Philippines, we expect similar results, enhanced by CISTEM's local expertise and our global network.

Opportunities for Sponsors: Join the Movement

As a sponsor, you can play a pivotal role in transforming STEM education in the Philippines. Your involvement could include:

  • Funding Expansion: Support scaling to new regions or enhancing AI training modules.

  • Content Collaboration: Integrate your industry insights into courses, positioning your brand as a leader in talent development.

  • Branding and Visibility: Feature in program promotions, events, and dashboards, reaching over 1.25 million users.

  • Measurable ROI: Access detailed analytics on engagement, outcomes, and societal impact, aligning with your CSR goals.

  • Tax and Regulatory Benefits: Contributions may qualify for incentives under Philippine education and data privacy laws.

Past sponsors like Deloitte, AWS, and IBM have seen enhanced reputation, talent pipelines, and community goodwill. Let's discuss how your organization can benefit while making a lasting difference.

Get Involved Today

Ready to empower the future of the Philippines? Contact us to explore sponsorship opportunities: