Leave a Nest Philippines and Lockheed Martin Award First Ki Ni Naru Scholarships to Pagalanggang National High School
For the first time since the implementation of the Ki Ni Naru Project in the Philippines, Leave a Nest Philippines has introduced a scholarship program for deserving students. Made possible through the generous support of Lockheed Martin, the scholarship reinforces a shared commitment to ensuring that curiosity, research, and scientific exploration continue to flourish, especially among young and growing minds (Read more here: https://global.lne.st/news/ph/2025/08/28/lvns-lm-scholarship/).
This year’s scholarship was awarded to students from Pagalanggang National High School, enabling them to participate in the Ki Ni Naru program, from the kick-off event to the mentoring sessions, all the way to their final presentation. Being chosen as grantees strengthened their confidence as young researchers and fueled their excitement for the journey ahead.
“Despite many teams applying, knowing that we were chosen made us feel that all our efforts were worth it,” the scholars shared. Coming from Bataan, a province known for the resilience displayed during the Battle of Bataan in 1942, the students reflected that they felt they were “continuing that history through perseverance, passion, and teamwork.”
Guided by its theme, “Unraveling Nature’s Mysteries and Secrets,” the Ki Ni Naru program encouraged the students to deepen their curiosity through a hands-on workshop held at the TomasInno Center of the University of Santo Tomas. They also had the opportunity to explore the National Museum of Natural History, where they gained a broader understanding of the complexity and beauty of the natural world.
Throughout the program, the students realized that research is not merely a school requirement but an avenue for creativity, curiosity, and self-expression. They described the experiments as fun and engaging, noting that their most memorable moments were those spent collaborating, learning together, and enjoying the process. The museum visit further opened their eyes to how vast and intricate the world truly is.
As members of their school’s Robotics Club, the students shared that the Lockheed Martin Scholarship empowered them to continue advocating for accessible science and technology education. They emphasized that “research is for everyone,” and “it is not just for students who are considered ‘smart.’” For them, “it is for anyone who is curious and willing to learn” wherein what matters most is “curiosity, not perfection.” The students also expressed their heartfelt appreciation to Lockheed Martin, saying, “Thank you for believing in young students like us and giving us the chance to be part of this program. Your support motivates us to continue learning, exploring, and contributing to future discoveries.”
In the true spirit of Ki Ni Naru, the scholars showed what it means to be genuinely curious—remaining open to knowledge, embracing challenges, and staying committed to their goals. Leave a Nest Philippines extends its deepest appreciation to Lockheed Martin for its continued support in nurturing young minds and advancing science and technology in the country.
The Ki Ni Naru Project 2025 continues to welcome partners who share the mission of nurturing curiosity and empowering the next generation of young researchers. For more questions, please contact Edriel Lee ([email protected]) or Jewel Santos ([email protected]).