Lived Experience of Student-scholars under the Expanded Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation

Abstract

Understanding the lived world of an individual based on their unique viewpoint provides a better perspective of the human realities. Thus, this study explored the lived experiences of student-scholars under the Expanded Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) in selected state universities and colleges (SUCs) in regions 7 and 8 in the Philippines. Considering the nature of the scholarship and the nuances that comes with it, this study aimed at contributing to the increased awareness, understanding, and sensitivity to these student-scholars. In this research, a phenomenological investigation was used to understand the universal essence of their experience. It employed Husserl’s descriptive phenomenology to capture and describe their social and academic experiences. In-depth interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Colaizzi process for phenomenological data analysis. Through meaning condensation and data saturation, these themes emerged: self-regard, perceived stigma from labelling and stereotyping; and self-motivation. The impact and complexity of the experience of stigma affect one’s self-regard and motivation in school and in life. It is recommended that SUCs put premium to providing comprehensive, responsive, and proactive guidance and counselling programs designed to meet the needs of their students.