“Learn Today. Lead Tomorrow.” The words that have inspired thousands upon thousands of students who have walked through the doors of ECLARO Academy and gazed up at its logo were very much top of mind this past week. As the school celebrated its 2025 graduating class in Quezon City, Philippines, the graduates and those moving up, the friends and family members cheering them on, the teachers and faculty who’ve been there every step of the way…they all pondered, how would today, and the days that led to it, lead them into all the tomorrows about to come?
“The graduation day is a journey. An end and a new beginning of a milestone,” says ECLARO Academy President Dr. Allan Susarno. “It is a celebration of growth and success. The Academy’s goal of producing change agents who can succeed in a variety of professional settings while upholding strong ethical principles is embodied by its graduates. This historic event confirms that we have been successful in producing students who are not just prepared for the workforce but also capable of being flexible, creative leaders in a world that is changing quickly.”
Change has been the one constant that ECLARO Academy over the past 12 years. Since its founding in 2013 with just 18 technical-vocational scholars, the Academy has grown into a beacon of opportunity, a full academic institution having served over 16,000 students across its history. Offering programs from preschool to college, ECLARO Academy is redefining access to education for underprivileged communities in the Philippines.
“In 2019, we were able to open basic education for deaf children,” says Susarno, who joined the school back in 2014. “We are one of the very few private schools [in the Philippines] that provide free senior high education for children from the public school system and affordable basic education tuition.” As it has from the very beginning, the school remains dedicated to education for all, with ECLARO having provided some $6 million in scholarships to date and offering tuition subsidies up to 90% for employees and dependents.
Bridging Gaps with Innovation and Heart
ECLARO Academy’s classrooms pulse with the energy of dedicated teachers who engage students through innovative methods. As Susarno puts it, "ECLARO Academy successfully bridges generational gaps through its innovative approach of combining traditional teaching methods with modern technological tools, creating an environment where both teachers and students can effectively communicate and learn from each other."
Of course, as with all progress, there are always hurdles to overcome.
“Expanding educational opportunities in the Philippines presents significant challenges, including financial inequality, limited access to technology and gaps in foundational learning,” Susarno explains. “We address these through collaboration with the government—through the Department of Education—by way of vouchers, scholarships, accepting student assistants, or via subsidized learning tools, as well as through community-based outreach to foster inclusive and effective learning for all.”
As always, ECLARO Academy has expanded its programs while staying true to its commitment to accessible education. This year’s graduates embody the success of this vision, proving that education can transform lives when barriers are removed.
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Preparing Graduates for a Global Future
In addition to creating a love of learning, a passion for acquiring knowledge inside and outside the classroom, a foundational goal is to equip the students with the skills and mindset to thrive in an ever-changing global job market. “Through leadership programs, value formulation and recurring student consultations, ECLARO Academy emphasizes the development of character, work ethics and a growth-focused mentality,” Susarno says, adding that the school also writes proposals for partnerships with different industries “to synchronize its programs with the present demands of the job market, making students competitive and versatile professionals after graduation.”
The influence of this approach is evident in alumni response. “The feedback we’ve received from our graduates has been amazing,” Susarno shares. “Many of them credit ECLARO Academy for equipping them with not just the skills but also the resilience and values they need to succeed in their careers.
“You must be wondering how are we able to say this with confidence,” he continues. “Well, during recognition ceremonies, we make it a point to invite one of our alumni to serve as the resource speaker. It is during these moments that we hear firsthand how ECLARO Academy has prepared them for the real world. How the values, training and support they received continue to make a difference in their personal and professional lives.”
Fostering Community and Hope
ECLARO Academy’s commitment extends to building an environment where everyone feels welcome and inspired to be part of something larger than themselves. “Our commitment is to foster a compassionate, inclusive community where every student—particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds—will feel supported and hopeful,” Susarno emphasizes.
Whether it’s through initiatives like the student Red Cross Council, participating in Project E-Care events in the community, extracurricular clubs, or intramurals and athletics, students get the opportunity to expand their experiences, interact with one another toward a common purpose, broaden their horizons and see that a brighter future through education can become a reality.
“To ease students’ financial burdens, we introduce scholarships like the ‘Dean’s List’ and provide access to basic resources,” Susarno adds. “Leadership opportunities, service-learning and student involvement in decision-making empower students to shape their future. Through partnerships with industries and NGOs, we offer practical skills training, job pathways and entrepreneurship support. At ECLARO Academy, we believe that hope is built, not wished for—and we are bound to walk with our students every step of the way.”
A Celebration of Growth and New Beginnings
This year’s batch of graduates represent this vision—individuals equipped to be knowledgeable, innovative and compassionate leaders.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been over a dozen years since ECLARO Academy started, and our dream of making a brighter future for our students is coming true,” the crowd at the graduation ceremony heard ECLARO Co-Founder Tom Sheridan say. “Today you are all part of that dream.”
“Whether you are moving up to the next grade or moving on to your next adventure, we encourage you to hold tight to the friendship, memories and lessons you’ve learned here at ECLARO Academy,” ECLARO Co-Founder Paul Sheridan added.
Reflecting and looking ahead, sharing wisdom and well-wishes, it’s all part of the graduation ceremony tradition. Naturally, the ECLARO Academy president has some words of his own for the Class of 2025.
"To our students, you have shown remarkable growth and perseverance," Susarno offers. “Be proud of what you have accomplished. Continue to be curious, courageous and compassionate as you step into the next chapter of your lives.”
As the 2025 graduates step into the world, in their hands is the legacy of an institution dedicated to transformation. “As we look forward, let us carry the lessons of this year with gratitude and hope,” Susarno encourages. “We may not be perfect, but together let’s continue to make ECLARO Academy a place where education transforms lives, and where every learner is inspired to lead with purpose.”