Samsung-FYA Partnership to Boost Social Innovation

A major player in the Australian corporate world has joined forces with a leading youth Not for Profit to develop the social change concepts of budding young entrepreneurs.

Samsung Electronics Australia and the Foundation for Young Australians have unveiled the initiatives set to drive their three year partnership, which include Propeller, a program to scale the social change projects of everyday young people in local communities and Adappt, Australia’s first social purpose app development program specifically for youth.

The partners say Propeller will feature an online platform where videos of youth-led innovations will be showcased, complemented by offline networking and capacity building where young people will have access to funding and technology, while Adappt will see teams of young people work together to develop and pitch their concept for apps that address real world social and environmental challenges.  

“Through our technology, we can help play a vital role in addressing the social challenges we face today and into the future,” Arno Lenior, Marketing Director of Samsung Electronics Australia, said.

“Through the power and innovation of our technology and with the support of FYA, we hope to inspire, motivate and educate young people across the country.

“We also understand that young people are more likely to succeed in the future if they are able to see multiple pathways and options available to them. We feel through our partnerships and programs we’re in a position to help create positive opportunities for young people in Australia.”

Samsung’s entry to the partnership is an expansion of its global social contribution program Samsung Hope for Children, which operates in 30 markets around the world and is aimed at bringing attention to the need for childhood education and healthcare.

The FYA partnership builds on Samsung’s existing partnerships with Life Education and the World Education Games.

According to Samsung and the FYA, traditional pathways and schooling are often not enough to help young Australians prepare and deal with changing work environments and potential challenges in the future.

Jan Owen, CEO of the Foundation for Young Australians, said there was a need to develop better ways to equip young Australians with the skills and capabilities needed to be successful.

“Young Australians are looking for broader learning experiences and they expect flexible and engaging learning environments that use technology effectively. We are delighted that Samsung has partnered with FYA as we both recognise the important role technology plays in assisting and broadening the learning experience for young people,” she said.

Through the partnership, further initiatives are planned for the coming months and years to improve student engagement and connection with Australian communities.