Jollibee Foundation’s ACE Program Empowers Filipino Youth: A Model for U.S. Initiatives?
By Archyde News Team | April 9, 2025
Cebu City, Philippines – in a heartening display of corporate social duty, the Jollibee Group Foundation Inc.’s (JGF) Access, curriculum, and Employability (ACE) Scholarship Program celebrated the graduation of more than a dozen Cebuano youth. The program, a collaborative effort with the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) and Primary Structures Educational Foundation, Inc. – School of Knowledge for Industrial Labor, Leadership, and Service (PSEFI-SKILLS), aims to equip young Filipinos with the skills needed for meaningful employment. Could this model be replicated to address youth unemployment challenges in the U.S.?
Empowering the Next Generation of Workers
The ACE Scholarship Program, a beacon of hope for young individuals seeking to improve their lives, recently celebrated the success of 18 scholars.ruth Angeles, JFC Philippines Chief Human Resources Officer and Jollibee International HR Head, stated, “We celebrate the achievement of our 18 scholars, who have shown remarkable determination to learn during their six-month exposure. As a global restaurant company with proudly Filipino roots, we will continue to do our part to provide more opportunities for the youth to gain meaningful employment.”
This commitment resonates with the growing need for workforce development programs, particularly in the food service industry, both in the Philippines and the U.S.
For U.S. readers, consider the parallels with initiatives like the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), which offers similar training and certification programs. The ACE program demonstrates the potential impact of corporate-educational partnerships in addressing skills gaps and providing pathways to employment.
Charlene’s Story: A Testament to Prospect
Charlene Revelleza, a 19-year-old graduate of the program, embodies the transformative power of the ACE Scholarship.Previously working as a laundry assistant after facing rejections from other companies, charlene seized the opportunity to become an ACE scholar.
Kahit na ako ay kumikita na sa pagiging labandera, hindi ko pinalagpas ang pagkakataong maging ACE scholar. Napakagandang opportunity na kami ay makapag-aral ng food and beverage training at mabigyan ng hands-on training sa jollibee.
In English, Revelleza shares, “Even if I was earning money doing laundry, I did not pass on the opportunity to be an ACE Scholar. It is indeed a good opportunity for us to have food and beverage training, and to have hands-on experience at Jollibee.”
Charlene’s story mirrors the experiences of many young Americans who face similar barriers to employment. Lack of access to training, skills gaps, and economic hardship can create important obstacles. Programs like ACE offer a tangible solution by providing industry-specific training and hands-on experience.
Hands-On training and Comprehensive Skill Development
The ACE Scholarship Program provides comprehensive training in customer service, food handling, and operational procedures. Scholars work alongside store managers and crew members at Jollibee, Chowking, and Greenwich locations in Cebu City.
The program includes learning sessions for the Food and Beverage Services National Certificate (NC II) qualification and an Inventory Management Module conducted by PSEFI-SKILLS, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the food service industry.
This hands-on approach is crucial for developing practical skills and building confidence.It aligns with best practices in vocational training and apprenticeship programs, which are gaining traction in the U.S. as effective strategies for workforce development.
in the U.S., similar programs frequently enough involve partnerships between community colleges and local businesses. These collaborations allow students to gain valuable work experience while earning academic credit, creating a seamless pathway from education to employment.
Beyond Technical Skills: Cultivating a Positive Mindset
Charlene Revelleza emphasizes the importance of the program’s impact on her mindset. “Dahil sa oportunidad na ito, masisimulan ko na ang pagkamit ng iba ko pang mga pangarap para sa akin at sa aking pamilya,” she stated which translates to, “Thanks to this opportunity, I can begin to achieve my dreams for both myself and my family.”
The ACE program instills a strong work ethic,a positive attitude,and a commitment to lifelong learning – qualities that are highly valued by employers across all industries.
This holistic approach to training is essential for fostering personal and professional growth. It goes beyond simply teaching technical skills and focuses on developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to succeed in the workplace and contribute to their communities.
A Multi-Sectoral Approach to Addressing Youth Unemployment
Gisela Tiongson, President of Jollibee Group Foundation Inc.,highlighted the collaborative nature of the ACE Scholarship Program. “We are glad to participate in this multi-sectoral effort to address youth unemployment through our ACE scholarship Program. By investing in the youth, we are not only helping them secure a brighter future but also empowering the next generation to be the leaders of our country.”
This multi-sectoral approach, involving corporations, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations, is crucial for creating lasting solutions to youth unemployment.
In the U.S., similar partnerships are essential for addressing the complex challenges facing young people. Government agencies, businesses, schools, and community organizations must work together to provide comprehensive support, including job training, mentorship, and access to resources.
The Role of Technical Vocational Schools
Ms. Paulette D. Liu, President and COO of PSEFI-SKILLS, emphasized the importance of partnerships between technical vocational schools and companies. “Partnerships between technical vocational schools and companies such as the Jollibee Group are vital to equipping the youth with the skills and experience they need to secure meaningful employment. We are thankful for our partnership with the Jollibee Group and Jollibee Group Foundation, whose support helps us fulfill our mission of training globally competent Filipino workers.”
Technical vocational schools play a critical role in preparing young people for careers in high-demand industries.
In the U.S., these schools offer a wide range of programs, from culinary arts to advanced manufacturing, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Strengthening the connection between technical vocational schools and local businesses is essential for ensuring that training programs align with industry needs.
| Key Program Element | Description | U.S. Equivalent/Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Industry-specific Training | Focus on food service skills (customer service, food handling). | Align training with local industries (e.g., tech in Silicon Valley, healthcare in Boston). |
| Hands-On Experience | Working in Jollibee, Chowking, and Greenwich stores. | Internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training programs with U.S. companies. |
| Certification | Food and beverage Services National Certificate (NC II). | Industry-recognized certifications (e.g., ServSafe, OSHA) relevant to U.S. industries. |
| Multi-Sectoral Partnership | Collaboration between Jollibee,PBEd,and PSEFI-SKILLS. | Public-private partnerships involving government, businesses, and educational institutions. |
Addressing Potential Counterarguments
Some critics might argue that these programs are limited in scope and cannot address the systemic issues that contribute to youth unemployment. While it’s true that broader economic and policy changes are needed, these initiatives can provide immediate and tangible benefits to individual participants, offering them a pathway to a better future.
Another potential concern is the sustainability of corporate-funded programs. To ensure long-term impact, it’s essential to develop sustainable funding models and integrate these initiatives into broader workforce development strategies.
Conclusion: A Model for the Future?
The Jollibee Foundation’s ACE Scholarship Program offers a valuable model for addressing youth unemployment. By providing industry-specific training, hands-on experience, and a supportive environment, the program empowers young people to achieve their dreams and contribute to their communities.
While the specific context of the Philippines may differ from that of the U.S., the underlying principles of the ACE program – collaboration, skills development, and a focus on individual empowerment – are universally applicable. By adapting and implementing similar initiatives, the U.S. can create more opportunities for its young people and build a stronger, more inclusive economy.
