Samsung Launches $1 Million Educational Initiative Designed to Promote STEM and Foster the Development of Sustainable Innovation Nationwide

Samsung and its partners called on teachers across the United States to submit their application for a chance to participate in Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow video competition. The program will reward the schools of winning teachers and students with a variety of Samsung electronics, Microsoft and Adobe software, and DIRECTV educational programming valued at over $1 million. As part of Samsung’s Hope for Children initiative, this concerted effort will promote math and science education as a path to fostering sustainable innovation.



“Samsung has achieved unprecedented success this year and recognizes the importance of leveraging these accomplishments to encourage U. .S. students to pursue studies and careers related to STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math,” said David Steel, EVP of Strategy and Corporate Communications, Samsung Electronics America. “It is our goal to educate students and teachers on the importance of STEM, while providing them with the resources necessary to advance technology in schools and sustainable innovation in their communities. Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow allows us to take an active role to move closer toward this goal that is critically important to America’s future.”



As a global technology leader, Samsung is committing its design and innovation leadership to address a critical education issue in the U.S.: student underperformance in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). STEM education has recently become a national priority, as it has become increasingly apparent that U.S. students are not advancing in these subjects at the same pace as in other countries. To raise enthusiasm for STEM studies and to address the technology gap in classrooms, Samsung is asking 6th-12th grade teachers and their students to produce creative videos that explore the question: “How can science or math help improve the environment in your community?”



Through October 24th, teachers can submit a short application for a chance to participate in the video contest. Fifty selected classrooms will receive a Samsung camcorder and laptop, along with Adobe® Premiere® Elements and Photoshop® Elements software to create videos responding to the question. To learn more about the contest or submit an application, visit: samsung.com/solvefortomorrow



“To compete in a global economy, youth need more skills than ever,” said Michelle Mann, executive director of the Adobe Foundation. “Our Adobe Youth Voices global philanthropy program is dedicated to improving education and igniting student enthusiasm for learning. By teaming up with the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow program, we have the opportunity to inspire young people’s interest in STEM-based education, by providing technology and experiences that will build valuable skills for future success.”



In addition, Samsung is proud to continue its ongoing relationships with existing partners Microsoft and DirecTV who share the same passion for supporting education.



“Microsoft is dedicated and committed to public service and supporting children’s education,” said Sig Behrens, General Manager of US Education for Microsoft. “In partnering with Samsung’s Hope for Children program over the past five years, we have had an incredible opportunity to continue to contribute to the education of our children and our communities. The importance of providing schools with the advance technology available today is not only helpful for improving their education but also sustaining the future.”



“Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow brings several very important issues to light – from science and math education to sustainability,” said Caroline Leach, vice president of Communications for DIRECTV. “DIRECTV considers advancing K-12 education a high priority, which we support with our education-focused programming package and other initiatives, and partnering with Samsung will provide a great impact both in and out of the classroom.”



Samsung is also partnering with the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), a nonpartisan, non-advocacy organization that advances lifelong environmental learning. Through its programming, NEEF raises awareness of the importance of environmental education, improving educational opportunities and connecting community resources. NEEF is a leading authority on environmental education and, in working with Samsung, will aim to help Solve for Tomorrow to create a measurable impact on children’s ability to utilize STEM to solve practical environmental problems.



“NEEF is committed to giving students the tools they need to solve problems in their communities and generate lasting positive change,” said Diane Wood, President of the National Environmental Education Foundation. “Fostering an interest in STEM education by building on an existing passion for the environment is a win-win; students find solutions for issues in their communities while becoming interested in STEM subjects. We’re proud to partner with Samsung on this innovative program.”

No purchase necessary to enter or win in the Samsung “Solve for Tomorrow” Education Contest. Open to legal residents of the 50 US & DC, 21 or older & currently employed as a public school teacher, grades 6-12. Void where prohibited. Contest begins 9/13/10, ends 2/25/11. For Official Rules and judging criteria, go to www.samsung.com/solvefortomorrow. Sponsor: Samsung Electronics America, Inc.