Panasonic to fund scholarships for students attending EARTH University
ATLANTA & Secaucus, NJ (January 5, 2011)—Panasonic Corporation of North America and Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) announced today a commitment of $200,000 to provide full, four-year scholarships for three students at EARTH University (www.earth.ac.cr). The three beneficiaries will begin their studies at EARTH’s Costa Rica campus in January 2011 and come from the United States, Mexico and Brazil, countries where Panasonic has operations.
EARTH University is a private, non-profit, international university located in Guacimo, Costa Rica that prepares leaders with ethical values to contribute to sustainable development and to construct a prosperous and just society. EARTH University’s one-of-a-kind educational model emphasizes scientific and technical innovation, values, ethics, entrepreneurship and environmental and social commitment.
“Panasonic is proud to support EARTH University’s mission of educating agents of change who will positively impact their communities and surrounding environments,” said Megan Myungwon Lee, Vice President of Human Resources, Panasonic Corporation of North America. “At Panasonic, we’re committed to making a positive impact in all our communities, especially as it concerns implementing environmentally-sound practices and educating employees and communities to make eco-conscious decisions. Panasonic is happy to provide support for these three outstanding students and we look forward to seeing their progress and success.”
Panasonic’s scholarship support was directed through EARTH University Foundation (www.earth-usa.org), a registered 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Panasonic USA Commits $200,000 to EARTH University
“Together with partners like Panasonic, EARTH University is able to provide opportunities to young people who want to make a difference in the world but lack the resources for a higher education,” noted José Zaglul, President of EARTH University. “Panasonic’s support demonstrates not only shared values, but a real commitment to achieving social, economic and environmental well-being around the world.”
EARTH instills in its students a commitment to returning to their communities to make a difference. With alumni from 26 countries around the world, 87 percent are working in their country of origin and 93 percent are in Latin America, creating lasting change in these countries.
About Panasonic Corporation of North America
Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America markets a broad line of digital and other electronics products for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) of Osaka, Japan, and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Information about Panasonic Eco Ideas initiatives is available at www.panasonic.com/environmental/ecoideas.asp. Additional company information for journalists is also available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
About Panasonic Corporation
Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 7.42 trillion yen (US$79.4 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2010. The company’s shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:PC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company’s website at http://panasonic.net/.
About EARTH University
EARTH University (www.earth.ac.cr) was founded with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Government of Costa Rica to prepare young people from economically-depressed communities in Latin America, the Caribbean and other regions, including Africa and Asia, to become agents for change in their communities. EARTH offers a four-year undergraduate program in agricultural sciences and natural resources management, providing a world-class scientific and technological education that emphasizes values, ethical entrepreneurship and environmental and social commitment. Through the generous support of donors and an endowment, EARTH University provides opportunities to young people who want to make a difference in the world but lack the financial resources for a higher education.
About EARTH University Foundation
EARTH University Foundation (www.earth-usa.org) was formed to support the educational vision of EARTH University through generous gifts from the global community and other programs and initiatives. The Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.