Company: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow (Samsung Electronics America), Ridgefield Park, NJ
Nomination Submitted by: Relev8
Company Description: Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies, redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry, and LED solutions – all the while igniting the next generation of innovators and changemakers.
Nomination Category: Achievement Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility
 Nomination Title: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow: Inspiring the Next Generation of Changemakers
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the nominated organization's CSR achievements since the beginning of 2021, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video:
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization's history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 200 words used.
Samsung started out as a small manufacturer of B&W TVs in 1969. We’ve since grown into one of the most recognized global brands. Our passion for innovation has been the common thread throughout our history. That innovation simply wouldn’t be possible without science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Samsung recognizes that we live in an era of constant scientific discovery and technological transformation, which directly affects our lives and requires our contribution as informed citizens. That’s why we put such an emphasis on STEM literacy and inspiring people to pursue STEM education/careers – and why we made STEM a prominent part of our corporate agenda.
In 2010, we took a meaningful role in boosting interest, proficiency, and diversity in STEM via our flagship CSR program – Samsung Solve for Tomorrow (SFT). SFT, which evolved from an essay contest to a national video-based, multi-phase public school competition, challenges students in grades 6-12 to explore the role STEM can play in solving some of the biggest issues in their communities.
To date, 140,000+ U.S. students have participated in SFT. The CSR initiative has been so successful that it has expanded to 33 countries, reaching 2.1M+ students around the world!
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2021 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 250 words used.
SFT is now in its 13th year. Through peer collaboration; engagement with community leaders; and the development of STEM-based prototypes, students have boldly entered their game-changing ideas to improve geopolitical matters (Ukraine), climate change, school safety, and beyond. The competition is also fueling the creation of innovative leaders, changemakers, and activists that are engaged in the direction of our society.
For the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 cohorts, which engaged 4,000+ students at 400+ schools, SFT started with a call for applications. But this time, we aligned the STEM competition with Samsung’s expanded sustainability mission – harkening back to SFT’s original roots. It was also clear to Samsung that students’ “climate anxiety” was being reflected in the range of recent entries – and that demand was there for our program to recognize that climate is a growing concern for young people – as it is for our company.
Throughout the competition, Samsung donates an estimated $2M in prizes to classrooms in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. as students advance in the phased program with $100,000 going to each of the three National Winners. BUT, to emphasize our commitment to sustainability, Samsung created a dedicated $50,000 Sustainability Innovation award. Moreover, entries are evaluated based on short- and long-term environmental impact. This renewed focus has resulted in an uptick in eco-conscious entries. And the more teachers and students thinking about the health of our planet and its resilience in the face of pressures like climate change – the better!
- f you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answerto this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 248 words used.
Unlike other contests that just focus on a result, SFT is centered on engaging students in active, hands-on learning that can be applied to real-world problems – making STEM more tangible and showcasing its value beyond the classroom – and the competition.
Here’s SFT, by the numbers: 13 years, 26,000+ school entries, $24 million in donations, 140,000+ U.S. students, and 2,791 winning schools. While those metrics are important for gauging the ROI of CSR efforts, we’ve learned that there are important immeasurable results. As CSR practitioners, a numbers-driven concept doesn’t tell the full story. For example:
- SFT provides a platform for young middle and high school minds to amplify their voice. Students are transforming their STEM ideas into action, which in turn gives them a sense of pride and confidence.
- The competition drives awareness of the schools and students’ innovations. SFT generated nearly 9B impressions (an SFT first!) via earned media from Jan. 2021 to Jan. 2023. That exposure resulted in added school/school district funding for implementing broader STEM curricula, as well as recognition from local officials, state representatives, and senators.
- The competition is shedding light on community issues – and possible solutions. Classrooms are engaging their local city council and government agencies to remedy issues in their areas with their STEM solutions.
- Because of SFT, students have gone on to study STEM in higher education, pursue STEM careers, and take a more of an active role in their communities.
- Optional: Reference here any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and explain how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 249 words used.
Due to its significant focus on sustainability, SFT has sowed seeds of change among young people, inspiring students like 2021-2022 National Finalists to boldly address the climate crisis and create real-world impact.
- Food waste’s contributions to climate change: Princeton High School (Princeton, NJ) – one of three National Winners – tackled food waste, the third-largest contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Most of the food that is not consumed within the community is thrown into the garbage and winds up in landfills. To combat the overproduction of GHG emissions in landfills, students utilized technology and the black soldier fly to bioremediate food waste into usable products, like protein for animal feed.
- Climate change as an environmental justice matter: Central Falls High School (Central Falls, RI) – the Sustainability Innovation Award recipient – observed how disproportionately their city is impacted by environmental racism. Students mapped brownfields and abandoned areas around the city and redeveloped the spaces into sustainable green areas like a community vegetable garden. What’s more is that the city is taking the students’ design into consideration!
Other proof points:
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