Evaluating the Educational Sponsorship Opportunities in Siargao Island: Basis for Developing the Work2Study Online Platform to Support Students' Pathway to Success

Educational attainment remains a key challenge in many rural areas, including Siargao Island. Students often struggle to finance their studies due to limited family income and a lack of accessible sponsorship opportunities. This study evaluates current sponsorship options available to students attending the Siargao Island Institute of Technology (SIIT) and Surigao del Norte State University - Del Carmen Campus (SNSU), the only institutions of higher education on the island. The findings serve as the basis for proposing the development of Work2Study, an online platform that aims to connect students with work-study sponsorships to aid their educational journey. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study gathered quantitative data from students and qualitative insights from local sponsors to assess needs and challenges. Results highlight the need for structured sponsorships, career-aligned work opportunities, and a streamlined online application process. The proposed Work2Study platform could provide a scalable model for supporting students’ educational goals, potentially fostering long-term socio-economic benefits for Siargao Island