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Two students participate in FIRST® LEGO® League, a program that introduces STEM to children through fun, exciting hands-on learning.

The Panasonic Foundation

Empowering the next generation of innovators by expanding access to inclusive, high‑impact STEM education

In a world where missed opportunities are costly, the Panasonic Foundation is dedicated to bridging the divide between the educational inequities of today and the limitless possibilities of tomorrow. Since 1984, we've been committed to understanding and addressing the complex challenges that prevent students – especially those from underserved communities – from accessing life-changing educational opportunities.

The "new national debt" of educational inequity affects millions of U.S. students, particularly in STEM fields, limiting their potential and the future prosperity of our society. Declining test scores, labor shortages in STEM, and racial and gender disparities in technical careers highlight an urgent need for action.

Foundation_Mission

Our Mission

Inspired by Panasonic's century-long legacy of contributing positively to society, the Panasonic Foundation is focused on fostering innovation and inclusion. We work in collaboration with partners to provide early, equitable access to STEM education and careers, aiming to:

  • Support under-resourced schools and educators
  • Close the STEM gender gap and highlight inspiring female role models
  • Inspire creative thinking for groundbreaking solutions and innovations
Together, we are nurturing a diverse generation of future innovators equipped to lead in a 21st-century global economy.

Inspired by Panasonic’s century-long legacy of positive societal impact, the Panasonic Foundation fosters innovation and inclusion through early, equitable access to STEM education and careers. In collaboration with partners, we:

  • Support under-resourced schools and educators with resources and professional development;

  • Expand STEM opportunity through mentorship and exposure, and showcase a diverse array of industry role models;

  • Encourage creative problem-solving for groundbreaking solutions in a 21st-century global context.

Together, we nurture a generation of future innovators equipped to succeed based on merit, opportunity, and resource access.

Our Partners

Panasonic Foundation: At a Glance

For more than four decades, the Panasonic Foundation has advanced educational equity by evolving alongside the needs of students, communities, and the future workforce. Guided by Panasonic’s commitment to Contribution to Society, the Foundation focuses on long-term partnerships that drive sustainable impact.

 

Key Milestones

Impact Snapshot

The Panasonic Foundation offers multi-year grants designed to ensure the continuity of programs, fostering sustainable and impactful changes in the lives of students.

  • 1.5M+ students reached nationwide

     

  • 30+ nonprofit and education partners supported

  • 85% of students served from low-income backgrounds

     

  • STEM and workforce-aligned grantmaking integrated with employee engagement

Panasonic Foundation's 40th Anniversary: 1984-2024

40 Years of Impact with Intent

July 18, 2024 marks 40 years since the founding of the Panasonic Foundation.  In that time, the Foundation has continuously evolved and sharpened its focus areas to achieve sustainable impact scaling from the neighborhood to the nation.

  • Evolution & Growth. Shifted to an integrated corporate pillar with a stronger focus on "where we live and work."
  • Good Neighbors & Engaged Partners. Good neighbors are neighbors who spend time together, strengthen one another and share in the success of the next generation.
  • Efficient & Aligned Giving. Deeply rooted in Panasonic’s values, vision and Basic Business Philosophy, ensuring dollars are not wasted and all activities can be sustained.
  • Consistency. An unwavering focus on promoting literacy, creating greater access to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education & preparing students for a brighter future

Impact Snapshot

The Panasonic Foundation offers multi-year grants designed to ensure the continuity of programs, fostering sustainable and impactful changes in the lives of students.

  • Organizations Supported

  • K

    People Served

  • %

    POC or Low Income

Looking Ahead

Building on its legacy, the Panasonic Foundation continues to evolve—expanding access to STEM education, supporting future-ready skills, and fostering partnerships that strengthen workforce pathways.

Recent News

Meet Our Board

  • Andres Alonso

    Andres Alonso

    Professor of Practice at the Harvard Graduate School of Education

  • Rick Elliot

    Rick Elliot

    President, Panasonic Connect North America

  • Jessica Hodkinson

    Jessica Hodkinson (Board Chair)

    Chief Legal Officer, Panasonic North America

  • Scott Kirchner

    Scott Kirchner

    President, Panasonic Automotive Systems of America

  • Robert Rauh

    Robert Rauh

    President, Panasonic Industrial Devices Sales Company of America

  • Jeff Werner

    Jeff Werner 

    VP Corporate & Government Affairs, Panasonic North America

Board Support Staff

  • Alejandra Ceja

    Alejandra Ceja

    VP of OSII and Executive Director of Panasonic Foundation

  • Jessica McKenzie

    Jessica McKenzie

    Manager, Program Officer, Panasonic Foundation and Corporate Contributions

  • Afiya Jordan

    Afiya M. Jordan

    Associate General Counsel, Corporate Affairs & Litigation, Panasonic North America