This Project Samsung and Boys & Girls Clubs of America are Running is Simply Awesome

Let us make a point first.

We at Samsung Tomorrow are privileged to share such fun news about tech & gadgets with you; and there are plenty of more to come and much sooner than you think. We all enjoy every bit of it, especially because these technologies and gadgets are relevant to our lifestyle; because, in the end it is about the people. Now, what we are going to talk about today is exactly that, but more heartwarming one.

Recently, Samsung announced a technology partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA)*, which, basically, is an awesome project that helps underprivileged kids study in a better environment with better tools.

More specifically, the partnership is to ‘inspire kids’ curiosity in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and bridge the academic achievement gap by providing technology access to underprivileged youth.’ In the light of the economy, ‘bridging the gap’ is very important because there is a high demand in the U.S. for STEM professionals.

So far, Samsung has completed two makeover spaces in New Orleans and Fort Worth, impacting nearly 1,300 students amongst both clubs. But before we dig deeper into it, we must share a photo, which shows the best part about this whole experience.

The photo above shows the kids seeing the new space for the first time. It is unfortunate that we cannot hear them scream out of excitement, but you can definitely feel how happy they are from their smiles and body language.

Now, let’s see what these kids are so excited about. First, let’s check out the spaces.

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Pretty cool right?

Carter Oosterhouse, a celeb designer, developed the designs for the new spaces. As you can see, he has been very passionate and excited during the whole project.

And he seems pretty excited about it too. Wait, is that LeBron James, the king, in the photo?

The makeover was not just about the design of the spaces, but it was also about the tools. As one of the managers of the project says, many kids do not have the opportunity to get to take advantage of the latest technologies. Therefore, Samsung did an in-kind donation of 1,200 tablets (10 tablets to the clubs in 10 markets (select cities throughout the U.S.) for the kids to play study with… As far as we can tell, they really like it.

As for the future of the project, let’s consider that Samsung and the BGCA have just begun. Samsung is planning to do a makeover and here are the upcoming clubs:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin / L.A., California / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania / Albany, Georgia / Chicago, Illinois /

TBD, North Dakota / Hobbs, New Mexico / Provo, Utah

Moreover, Scholastics are working with Samsung to develop customized curriculum and programing guide that Clubs can use the information on how to use the tablets most effectively. Samsung plans to provide Scholastic’s Storia digital app and ebooks to Clubs to assist with reading goals and literacy.

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Overall, it is great to see that kids are excited with their new facility. As far as the effect of the program goes, research shows that out-of-school programs, like those offered at Boys & Girls Clubs, are effective in stimulating interest in STEM-related careers. Since 2008, more than 850,000 kids have engaged in STEM activities at Clubs across the country. To summarize the above in a senstence, it is effective.

To learn more about STEM programs and opportunities at Boys & Girls Clubs, visit www.GreatFutures.org. 

*‘Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA)’ is an U.S. organization of local chapters which provide after-school programs for young people. It was established more than 100 years ago, and more than 4,000 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach.