Bridging the Gap: How Wadhwani Foundation is Transforming the School-to-Work Journey in the Philippines

As the Philippine workforce faces critical challenges in education and employment, a powerful ally is stepping in to rewrite the story of opportunity for millions. The Wadhwani Foundation, a private philanthropic institution, is leveraging cutting-edge technology and financial resources to help Filipino youth transition seamlessly from classrooms to careers. Through its innovative AI-driven platform, Wadhwani GenieAI, and an annual grant funding initiative, the Foundation is not just closing gaps—it’s building bridges.

A Lifeline for Filipino Students

Imagine being a high school graduate unsure of your next steps, or a teacher eager to guide students toward brighter futures but lacking the tools to do so. Enter Wadhwani GenieAI, a mobile-first platform powered by artificial intelligence, offering free career counseling, in-demand job skills training, and professional development for educators. With over 22,000 Filipino students already benefiting from its AI Co-Pilots, the platform is reshaping how young Filipinos approach their futures.

Dr. Ajay Kela, President and CEO of Wadhwani Foundation, captures the essence of their mission: “Our free AI-powered platform provides access to in-demand job skills that address the gaps in the school-to-work journey of K-12 students in the Philippines. We are excited to collaborate in the Philippines to leverage AI-driven solutions that empower students, improve public services, and generate jobs.”

A Grim Reality, But a Path Forward

A recent survey by the Foundation paints a stark picture of the challenges facing Filipino students. Only 10% of K-12 graduates enter the workforce immediately, while 83% pursue higher education. Alarmingly, only 25% of these university students graduate, leaving 75% to join the workforce without degrees. Meanwhile, a small 1.5% venture into entrepreneurship, and 5.5% fall into the “Not in Education, Employment, or Training” category. These factors often lead to job instability and low wages.

Wadhwani GenieAI is tackling these challenges head-on by equipping students with skills aligned to market demands and empowering them to make informed career decisions. For educators, the platform offers AI-driven training modules to deliver effective career counseling, ensuring a ripple effect of positive change.

Fueling Job Creation with $1M Grants

Beyond equipping individuals, the Wadhwani Foundation is fueling systemic change by supporting organizations that share its vision. Through its grant-making arm, Wadhwani Charitable Foundation (WCF), it offers up to $1 million annually to non-profits, enterprises, and academic institutions in the Philippines.

Angela Chen-Delantar, Vice President for Skilling at Wadhwani Foundation, emphasizes the transformative potential of this initiative: “We are looking for organizations that share our vision to boost job creation for the 21st-century workforce. Our funding will help them expand impact, enabling us to reach 1 million lives by 2030 and providing more Filipinos with job opportunities for a better future.”

Ideal grant recipients are organizations with proven impact in job creation and fulfillment, operating within a $1-5 million budget, and demonstrating strong sector leadership. In addition to funding, WCF offers access to GenieAI for scaling initiatives, opportunities for global collaboration, and expertise in program management and impact measurement.

A Global Mission with Local Impact

The Philippines is just one of the emerging economies where the Foundation’s initiatives are creating waves. Similar programs are making a difference in countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Indonesia, where young populations face comparable challenges.

Founded in 2001 by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Dr. Romesh Wadhwani, the Wadhwani Foundation has always been driven by a singular goal: to accelerate job growth and improve lives. Its work in the Philippines exemplifies how technology, strategic funding, and partnerships can converge to create lasting impact.

The Road Ahead

For students, educators, and organizations in the Philippines, Wadhwani Foundation’s efforts offer more than tools and grants—they offer hope. As Dr. Kela and his team continue their mission, the vision of a thriving, skilled Filipino workforce becomes more tangible each day.

To learn more about Wadhwani GenieAI or apply for grant funding, visit web.opportunity.wfglobal.org or www.wadhwanifoundation.org.

Details provided in a recent press release.