RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., September 15, 2009 – Football star Eli Manning today called on students, parents and teachers across the U.S. to improve technology in classrooms by submitting a 100-word essay for the chance to win a portion of over $1 million in technology from Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope. The philanthropic initiative will reward winning writers with a Samsung Go™ Netbook and their local schools with cutting-edge Samsung products, Microsoft software, DIRECTV educational television programming, cash grants and Best Buy gift cards.
The million-dollar contest comes on the heels of Samsung’s National Tech in The Classroom survey that reveals 77 percent of Americans think the K-12 schools in their communities lack the technology access needed to help kids succeed in the 21st Century. Respondents to the survey further named technology teaching tools among the top three needs for companies to meet in local classrooms.
“Samsung continually develops high quality products featuring the latest in innovation and design. These efforts led to much of Samsung’s recent success and market leadership in the electronics industry and now we plan to leverage these achievements to help close the technology gap in schools,” said CS Choi, president and CEO of Samsung Electronics America Inc. “It is our goal to help students, teachers and everyone interested in advancing technology in US schools. Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope allows us to be a part of the solution to help the people and communities where we work and live.”
Samsung and its partners have provided more than $9 million in technology, software, TV programming donations and cash grants to K-12 schools in the U.S. over the past five years.
“Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope is an impressive philanthropic program, and I am honored to join them and their educational partners to help level the technology playing field in our schools,” said Eli Manning, quarterback for the New York Giants. “Now, I ask everyone to help by writing an essay on behalf of their school and join the conversation on technology and education.” Beginning today through November 1, entrants can submit 100-word essays on “How consumer electronics, computer equipment and software awarded through Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope could benefit your school?” To view all of the contest rules and submit the essay visit: www.fourseasonsofhope.com. Follow the contest on Four Seasons of Hope’s Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/fourseasonsofhope) or on Twitter from @SamsungTweets.
“Public service is as important to Microsoft as it is to Samsung and our Four Seasons of Hope partners,” said Anthony Salcito, vice president of worldwide education for Microsoft. “The greatest public service we can give today is equipping our children with the best education and technology to succeed.”
“Four Seasons of Hope offers an opportunity to schools during a time when education budgets are under tremendous pressure while students and teachers are in need of support more than ever before,” said Caroline Leach, vice president of communications for DIRECTV. “DIRECTV strives to foster education at all levels and stages of learning, especially K-12, so we are honored to lend a hand to this inspiring initiative.”
“Best Buy’s @15 social platform provides a forum for teens to voice their needs, passions and aspirations,” said Jeff Peterson, Director Best Buy Community Relations and Children’s Foundation. “Four Seasons of Hope will allow us to tune into their educational needs and provide the technology that will help them learn and grow.”
As part of his commitment to Four Seasons of Hope, Manning filmed a public service announcement about technology and education that will air during the month of October in Best Buy stores and broadcasted on the DIRECTV network nationwide. And a donation representing a portion of Samsung purchases made at Best Buy stores during the contest period will be made benefitting non-profit youth charities. Students (with parental/guardian permission) can vote at at15.com.
The panel of judges participating in the judging process will include representatives from Cornell University, Wharton Business School, USA Today, TWICE Magazine, AASA (American Association of School Administrators), and PTO TODAY.
About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), based in Ridgefield Park, NJ, is a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. The company markets a broad range of award-winning consumer electronics, information systems, and home appliance products, as well as oversees all of Samsung’s North American operations including Samsung Telecommunications America, LP, Samsung Semiconductor Inc., Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. and Samsung Electronics Mexico, Inc. As a result of its commitment to innovation and unique design, the Samsung organization is one of the most decorated brands in the electronics industry. The company was ranked #6 in the Electronics Industry segment in Fortune Magazine’s “Most Admired Companies 2008,” and named as one of Fast Company’s “Fast 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2008.” Among popular BusinessWeek rankings, the company ranked #26 in the publication’s “Most Innovative Companies of 2008”.
About the Samsung Tech in the Classroom Survey
The Samsung Tech in Teaching Survey was conducted online by TNS Custom Research, Inc. (TNS) in September 2009 with 1,000 people representative of the U.S. population. TNS is the world's largest custom market research specialist. TNS, which recently merged with Research International, is the world’s largest custom research agency delivering actionable insights and research-based business advice to its clients so they can make more effective business decisions. Please visit http://www.tns-us.com for more information.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software; services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. For more information, please visit www.microsoft.com.
About DIRECTV, Inc.
DIRECTV, Inc. (NASDAQ:DTV – News), the nation’s leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more than 18.3 million customers in the United States and is leading the HD revolution with more than 130 HD channels. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 265 channels of 100% digital picture and sound, exclusive programming, industry-leading customer satisfaction (which has surpassed national cable companies for nine years running) and superior technologies that include advanced DVR and HD-DVR services and the most state-of-the-art interactive sports packages available anywhere. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit directv.com.
About Best Buy Co., Inc.
With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, China and Mexico, Best Buy is a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services with a commitment to growth and innovation. The Best Buy family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $45 billion in annual revenue and includes brands such as Best Buy; Audiovisions; The Carphone Warehouse; Future Shop; Geek Squad, Jiangsu Five Star; Magnolia Audio Video; Napster; Pacific Sales; The Phone House; and Speakeasy. Approximately 155,000 employees apply their talents to help bring the benefits of these brands to life for customers through retail locations, multiple call centers and Web sites, in-home solutions, product delivery and activities in its communities. Community partnership is central to the way business is done at Best Buy. In fiscal 2009, Best Buy donated a combined $33.4 million to improve the vitality of the communities where its employees and customers live and work. For more information about Best Buy, visit www.bestbuy.com.
About NFL Players
Formed in 1994, NFL PLAYERS is the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association. Representing more than 1,800 active and many memorable retired NFL players, NFL PLAYERS “takes the helmets off” the players and markets them as personalities as well as professional athletes. Through an exclusive sponsorship agreement between the organization and the NFL, players are integrated into NFL sponsor activation programs. In addition, under an exclusive agreement between NFL PLAYERS and the NFL, NFLPLAYERS.COM, the company’s official website, is part of the NFL Internet Network. Each year NFL PLAYERS negotiates and facilitates more than 4,000 player marketing opportunities for players. NFL PLAYERS activities include retail licensing, corporate sponsorships and promotions, special events, radio and television projects, publishing and internet. For more information, please visit NFLPLAYERS.COM.
*All player participation arranged by NFL PLAYERS, the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association
