USA: 40th Anniversary of the Panasonic Foundation
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Panasonic Foundation in the United States. On July 18 Panasonic Corporation of North America (PNA) held a celebration at its headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, to mark this milestone, with 150 employees, experts, community partners and others joining in. Since the foundation was established in 1984 it has endeavored to allow youth left behind by society and bereft of scholastic opportunities to have a fair chance to receive an education.
Persistent educational inequalities, however, continue to leave students with stunted academic records, denying them the chance to fully take part in society. Last year the foundation supported over 30 organizations, reaching more than 1.5 million students, 85% of whom are from low-income backgrounds.
PNA Chairwoman and CEO Megan Myungwon Lee gave this speech at the celebration.
"Through innovative programs and strategic public-private partnership, the Foundation has consistently adapted, staying true to Panasonic's core mission of contributing to society. We know that the future of our business--and of our world--relies on nurturing a more inclusive and diverse generation of innovators who are skilled, adaptable, creative, and well-equipped." Keynote speaker Cindy Marten, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education, said that the Panasonic Foundation "isn't just writing grants, it's bringing people together and empowering them with their hopes and dreams for their communities," emphasizing the critical importance of the nation and regions investing in youth and advancing educational equity and workforce readiness.
The celebration was also enlivened by a speech from Stephanie Yeldell, Space Technology STEM Education Lead, NASA, along with a live painting experience by muralist Juan Oquendo, and a spoken word performance by Amya Martinez, youth poet and 2024 Poetry Out Loud Winner from NJPAC Youth Arts.
