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Panasonic
The Panasonic Foundation

The Panasonic Foundation

40 Years of Empowering Futures

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.
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

FY23 Highlights

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

Recent Impact

Meet Our Board

  • Andres Alonso

    Andres Alonso

    Professor of Practice at the Harvard Graduate School of Education

  • Jessica Hodkinson

    Jessica Hodkinson (Board Chair)

    Chief Legal Officer, Panasonic North America

  • Scott Kirchner

    Scott Kirchner

    President, Panasonic Automotive Systems of America

  • Allan Swan

    Allan Swan

    President, Panasonic Energy of North America

  • Jeff Werner

    Jeff Werner 

    VP, Corporate & Government Affairs, Panasonic North America

  • Afiya Jordan (Board Secretary)

    Afiya M. Jordan (Board Secretary)

    Assistant General Counsel, Panasonic North America