ULAP.org, a non-profit organization founded by Filipinas in tech Michelle Anne Tabirao and Marilag Dimatulac-Svennevig based in Denmark, commemorated its successful 3rd anniversary by launching a new initiative aimed at providing opportunities for Filipino students and career shifters to enter the tech industry. Named after the Tagalog word for “cloud,” ULAP.org, which stands for Underrepresented Youth Learning Assistance Program, announced the Cloud and GitHub Associate Scholarship Program.
The program aims to grant scholarships to twenty (20) passionate IT aspirants across the Philippines, offering them training, mentorship, and certification programs in Azure Fundamentals and GitHub Foundation certifications. These educational opportunities are made possible through collaborations with ULAP.org’s partners, Solidify and Dewise.
This isn’t the first time ULAP.org has ventured into such initiatives. A similar program was conducted in 2021, proving successful in providing training and certifications to scholars throughout the Philippines.
One of the organization’s notable volunteers and mentors is Filipina tech professional Jonah Andersson, who works as a Developer and Senior Azure Consultant at Solidify in Sweden, as well as being an author of Learning Microsoft Azure.
The demand for skilled professionals in cloud computing is rapidly increasing, with market projections indicating significant growth. According to a study by Edoxi Training Institute (2024), the global cloud computing market is expected to reach US$832.1 billion by 2025, up from US$371.4 billion in 2021. In addition, research from Abdaladze (2024) of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 15% increase in employment opportunities in cloud computing between 2021 and 2031.
Cloud computing is a crucial aspect of modern IT, supporting technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things. DevOps and GitHub play integral roles in cloud-based development, emphasizing automation, collaboration, and version control, which are essential for efficient software delivery and management.
To apply for the ULAP.org scholarship program, interested individuals can visit the organization’s website and submit a motivational letter, resume, and other required documents. The eligibility criteria vary for students and career shifters, with requirements including age, educational background, work experience, and financial status. The deadline for applications is 15 June 2024.