With the new school year officially underway, the October 2016 social good trends reveal a specific focus on making the classroom a safer and more comfortable space for children of all ages. As a result, a number of initiatives have been launched that look beyond academics to focus on other ways to improve the in-school experience.
One of the ways that companies have been improving classroom dynamics is by focusing on the social interactions that occur in schools. For instance, Natalie Hampton created an app called Sit With Us that aims to combat bullying by ensuring that children always have a lunch buddy. Aiming to tackle a very different issue, Playtex Sport created a grant that aims to combat the pressure on women to give up high school sports.
Beyond making school a more friendly and supportive social environment, there is also an emphasis on making these institutions safe and accessible. At the post-secondary level, Lakehead University is tackling this issue with a new app that allows students to summon security if they feel threatened. In terms of accessibility, Whirlpool began installing washing machines and dryers in schools to help those students who miss class simply because they don't have clean clothes to wear.
Top 60 Social Good Ideas in October
From In-School Washing Machines to Campus Safety Apps:
Katherine Pendrill — Oct 30, 2016 — Social Good
60
Flatpack Portable Shelters
These Shelters Were Designed for Emergency Situations
59
Expressive Race-Centered Portraiture
This Project Considers What It Means to Be a Person of Color
58
Fire-Powered Smartphone Chargers
JikoPower Uses Fire Power to Charge the Smartphones of Kenyans
57
Subversive Fast Fashion Ads
The New H&M Ad Shows a Less Constricted Representation of Femininity
56
Electric Street Murals
This Vivid Mural Was Designed to Prevent Crime in the Area
55
Hunger-Fighting Video Games
'PacMan Vs. Hunger' Uses a Classic Game to Support a Good Cause
54
Educational Cryptography Games
PocketBlock Teaches Adolescents About the Details of Cryptography
53
Medical Mobile Fridges
This Ultra-Portable Device Has the Potential to Save Many Lives
52
Anti-Social Media Hunger Campaigns
The Delete to Feed Campaign Encourages Offline Interactions
51
Direct Fertilizer Branding
This Fertilizer Design Protests the TTIP
50
Ethically Produced Teas
These Organic Sweet Teas are Helping to Revitalize Nepal's Economy
49
Educational Menstrual Cycle Games
This Board Game Shifts Tween Perspectives on Periods
48
Female-Focused Tech Competitions
The 'Built By Girls' Challenge Helps Teens Explore Their Ideas
47
Prison Education Tablets
Edovo Uses Specially Designed Tablets to Educate the Incarcerated
46
Cat-Themed Advertising Replacements
This Animal Charity Replaced Subway Ads with Cat Pictures
45
Memorializing Basketball Jerseys
The Memphis Grizzlies MLK Day Jerseys Nod to King's Assassination
44
Charitable Design Auctions
The GlasLove Initiative Raises Money for Cancer Through Glass Artwork
43
Disability Awareness Ads
This Accessible Campaign Will Be Shown During the Paralympic Games
42
Dementia-Friendly Airports
Heathrow Airport Marks World Alzheimers Day with New Policies
41
Driver-Rewarding Coffee Apps
This App Lets Drivers Win Coffee Coupons For Avoiding Their Phones
40
Interactive Math Apps
The 'Go Math! Go' App Improves Math Learning Through Positive Encouragement
39
Preventative Assault Campaigns
The Emma Watson HeForShe Campaign is Now Focusing on Universities
38
Charitable Clickbait Strategies
RXM Creative is Using Clickbait Headlines to Raise Donations
37
Animal-Saving Lipsticks
This Kat Von D Lipstick Supports Chimps and Fights Animal Testing
36
Litigious VR Experiences
The University of Westminster is Using VR to Teach Cases to Law Students
35
Plagiarism Checking Apps
The Turnitin Tablet App Helps Teachers Identify Cheaters
34
Anti-Extremism Search Algorithms
Jigsaw's 'Redirect Method' Dissuades Potential ISIS Recruits
33
Inclusive Anti-Bullying Apps
'Sit With Us' Ensures That Kids Never Have to Eat Lunch Alone
32
Crossbreed Hygiene Products
This is a Human and Dog Shampoo That Supports Animal Shelters Too
31
Customizable School Apps
The Ouachita Parish System App Connects Students, Parents and Teachers
30
Biscuit-Built Skyline Sculptures
Macmillan Cancer Support Built this Structure for Charity
29
Charitable Burger Geofilters
A&W's Campaign on Snapchat Brings Attention to 'Burgers to Beat MS'
28
Charitable Supercar Auctions
Ferrari Will Auction a Car to Benefit Victims of the Italy Earthquake
27
Commemorative Mosaic Projects
The 'Canada 150 Mosaic' Project Encourages Artistic Collaboration
26
Digitally Interfacing Prosthetic Devices
'Shortcut' Helps Amputees to Control Digital Platforms
25
Perilous Neighborhood-Reporting Websites
This Website Lets Women Report Unsafe Areas in Canberra
24
Sound Navigation Devices
The 'Echo' Helps Individuals with Visual Impairments in Their Daily Lives
23
Cafeteria Companionship Apps
The 'Sit With Us' App Helps Kids Avoid Having to Eat Lunch Alone
22
Secure Stamp-Checking Apps
This App Lets Kenyans Authenticate Excise Tax Stamps On Alcohol Bottles
21
Political Art Installations
This Art Piece Endorses Peace Between North and South Korea
20
Viral Hunger PSAs
Feeding America's 'Empty Plates' Ad Copies the Format of Viral Recipe Videos
19
Police Accountability Apps
The CopCritic Service Lets Citizens Hold Police Accountable
18
Percussive Powwow Performances
This Campus Orientation Event Features Aboriginal-Inspired Themes
17
Comprehensive Campus Safety Apps
This App Helps University Students Access Security Services
16
Literacy-Promoting Shopping Events
This International Literacy Day Event Supports a Good Cause
15
Empathic Refugee VR Experiences
The United Nations' UNVR App Aims to Increase Volunteer Numbers
14
Pioneering Woman-Celebrating Apps
This Walking Tour App Celebrates Historical Woman Activists
13
Partisan Election Apps
The #NeverTrump Aims to Help Users Do Thier Part to Defeat Donald Trump
12
In-School Washing Machines
Whirlpool's 'Care Counts' Program Increases School Attendance
11
Rapper-Developed Educational Programs
Vince Staples Joined with Levi's for the 'Music Project'
10
Puppy Origin Commercials
The Humane Society of the US Exposes the Sad Prevalence of Puppy Mills
9
People-Powered Short Films
Sesc's Film Campaign Shows How People Change People
8
Crowdsourced Wildlife Apps
This App Helps Manitobans Contribute Towards Wildlife Tracking Projects
7
Online Voting Aids
'Voteplz' is a Website That Makes Voting in the US Easy
6
Workplace Temperature PSAs
BBDO Toronto's New Video Point Out Sexual Inequality in the Workplace
5
PSA Music Videos
Andrew Bird's 'Pulaski' Visuals Function as a Gun Violence PSA
4
Disturbing Online Bullying PSAs
This Video Shows How Manipulative Tactics Can Be Enhanced Online
3
Patriotic Anniversary Marathons
The Calgary Marathon Added an Event for Canada's 150th Anniversary
2
Charitable Piano Ballads
This HELP Charity Ad from Criss Angel and Dee Snider Encourages Donations
1
Female Athlete Grants
Playtex Sport's Play On Canada Grant Program Helps Encourage Female Athletes
Related Ideas
Sustainable Play Clothes
Peace House Studio Designs Are Made to Be Recycled
Creative Laundry Solutions
'Uncommon' and 'Ecover' Release 'Rewear Chair' to Reduce Overwashing
Mental Health Awareness Totes
ALDO and Kids Help Phone Join Forces on the HEARTTOTE
College-Targeted Food Pop-Ups
Uber Hosts 'The One Shop' Across University Campuses
Gen Z IRL Campaigns
Hinge's Phonebook Encourages Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
Sustainable Back-to-School Capsules
Stonyfield Organic Unveils its Sweet Threads Collection
Uplifting Social Media Campaigns
Optimism Your Feed Helps Social Media Users Retrain the Algorithm
Viral Social Shopping Apps
The Claim App Helps Gen Z and Brands Authentically Discover One Another
Eco Storytelling Workwear Campaigns
Patagonia's We Can Get There From Here Tells is Inspiring
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Complimentary Movement-Focused Workouts
Lululemon Commemorated World Mental Health Day
Anti-Greenwashing Soap Ads
Navigating Eco-Consumer Irony with Better Climate Store's "Greenwash"
Kid-Envisioned Urban Environments
The Little Big Playmat Takes a Creative Path to Design Problems
Plastic Intervention Programs
Cleancult's Program Helps Households Make Sustainable Changes
Community-Focused Healthy Habits Apps
Noom Recently Debuted Its New Health-Focused App — Noom Vibe
Do-Good Metaverse Campaigns
Comic Relief US and Nickelodeon Empower Kids in Roblox and Beyond
Social Gratitude Platforms
Kevin Brilliant Debuts the Take The Win™ Platform
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Short-Form Soap Operas
Unilever and TikTok Created a Content Series to Target #CleanTok
Giving Tuesday Campaigns
Lush Embraces Giving Tuesday with the Charity Pot and the #92 Shampoo Bar
College-Inspired Haircare Pop-Ups
Monday Haircare Hosted an Interactive Pink Truck
Sustainability-Oriented Kids Toys
Learning Resources Unveils a New Sustainable Toy Capsule
Biobased Cleaning Pod Expansions
Dropps Accelerates Retail Expansion with Wegmans and Walmart.com,
Back-to-School Recycling Challenges
Takis and TerraCycle Teamed Up to Reward Recyclers
Gamified Home Chore Apps
Developers Showcased a Gamified Home Chore App at Meta's Hackathon 2023
Branded Dating Experiments
Whirlpool's Care Profiles Had Daters Share Photos of Doing Chores
Positivity-Boosting Body Washes
method's Good Karma Body Wash Collection Inspires & Uplifts
Value-Based Shopping Apps
Veebs Encourages Consumers to Learn About a Brand's Ethical Values
Financial Challenges Mobile Apps
The Achieve GOOD™ App Aims to Assist Consumers with Debt
Educator-Treating Retailer Promotions
The Wawa Cheers to Classroom Promotion Offers Free Drinks
Social Professional Productivity Apps
The 'LikeMind' App Connects Users to Other Hustlers
Kid-Inspired Learning Programs
Staples Has Announced the Expansion of Staples Kids Learn + Play
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
Anxiety-Alleviating Animal Experiences
The Gentle Barn May Alleviate Stress During Back-To-School
Positivity-Sharing Platforms
What Went Well Today is an Open-Source Space to Share Daily Hope
Supportive Back-to-School Campaigns
Staples Canada Has Unveiled Its 2024 Back-to-School Campaign
Anonymous Social Wellness Apps
SoGoHa Let's You Share Experiences Without Revealing Yourself
Wellness Lifestyle Clubs
The Health Cafe Introduces Social Wellness Programming in Toronto
Youth Sports-Focused Initiatives
Gamechanger Launches the Stay & Play Champions Program
Mindful Smartphone Usage Apps
The 'Intenty' App Prompts Users to Rethink How They Use Their Phone
Loneliness-Combatting Grocery Shopping Experiences
Oma's Soep Debuted a Shopping Basket Initiative
Peer-Connected Support Platforms
'Togetherall' Offers a Safe Online Community for Mutual Support
Emotional Well-Being Dolls
Kid Kreations' Heartfuls Support Self-Belief and Resilience in Children
Interactive Hygiene-Focused Football Experiences
Lysol’s Germ Zone Features the Air Sanitizer
Inspiring Daily Bodycare
method's Unleash Your Inner Shower Celebrates Personal Transformations
Self-Repair Tech Platforms
Empowered360 is Focused on Revolutionizing Chromebook Management
Connection-Focused Health Apps
'Circles' Safely Connects People Struggling with Mental Health
Customizable Profile Social Platforms
The 'noplace' App Prioritizes Socialization
Screen Time Reduction Apps
BePresent Gamifies Limiting Phone Usage with Daily Challenges
Curated Office Essentials Collections
Staples Canada Offers Office Essentials for Springtime
Physical Activity-Promoting Initiatives
Cadillac Fairview Joins the Canadian Olympic Committee
Gen Z Motivational Apps
The Etherea App is Driven by Motivators and Sustainable Actions
Anti-Bullying Toy Store Campaigns
Toys “R” Us Joins WITS Programs Foundation for Pink Shirt Day
Social Media Impact Studies
Instagram Allows COS to Conduct Mental Health Research
Candy-Inspired School-Centric Campaigns
Smarties® Debuts the Playful Smarties® U Campaign
Digital Literacy Programs
Two Parkland Students Launch CLEO to Empower Seniors with Technology
Kindness-Promoting Marketing Campaigns
Once Upon a Coconut Launches 1 Million Acts of Kindness
Accessible Mental Health Trainings
Maybelline Brave Talk is an Empowering Five-Step Online Program
STEM Education Classroom Robots
The Sphero BOLT+ Works in Three Programming Modes
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Social Camera Fitness Apps
SnapFit Lets Users Document Their Journey with Photos
Drop-Off Garment Recycling Systems
CheckSammy Launched a Circular Program in the U.S.A
Inclusive Voting Campaigns
The Body Shop Worked with Apathy is Boring to Improve Voter Turnout
Friendship-Focused Election Campaigns
Flash Pack Has Introduced The Friendship Bus
Social Connection Campaigns
Beavertown Brewery's Is This Seat Taken? Campaign Unites Strangers
Language App Pop-Ups
Duolingo Hosted an Interactive Street Society Event in Soho
Floating-Style Classroom Designs
Ennead Architects & Rockwell Group Completes the Bloomberg Center
Reusable Cafe Packaging
SFU Reduces Waste with Tap to Reuse and Smart Return Bin Tech
Sustainable Future Contests
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest Empowers Young Minds
Senior Technology Tutors
Kamloops Partner Assisted Learning Helps Seniors Improve Digital Literacy
Socially Connected Workout Apps
The 'SocialPump' App Connects Athletes to Their Friends
Back-To-School Sporty Campaigns
JD's Start Fresh Campaign Celebrates Today's Youth Culture
AI Student Chat Apps
Student Life with Zapshot Enhances Communication with Artificial Intelligence
Rental Bathroom Amenity Projects
Sojo and Clean the World Revolutionize Rental Amenities Recycling
Children's Wearable Blankets
Super Blanky Encourages Adventure and Positivity
College-Targeted Awareness Campaigns
PepsiCo Launched its 'Taste of Tomorrow' STEM Initiative
Workplace Safety-Enhancing Mobile Apps
JMJ Has Introduced the Toolbox Talks App
Social Fitness Partnerships
Jimbo Connects Fitness Lovers so Its Easier to Find Sports Partners
Social Connection-Focused Initiatives
Meals on Wheels America Combats Loneliness Among Seniors
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Expansive School Bamboo Canopies
CollectiveProject Creates a Canopy at Talaricheruvu Rural School
Gamified Sustainability Platforms
The Carbon Games is an App that Makes Sustainability Competitive
Pre-Primary School Extensions
andblack design studio Creates the Cocoon Extension
AI Academic Organization Tools
Storyline Smith Streamlines Study Notes Using AI Technology
Athletic Wellness Activations
Dove and Well+Good Host Confidence Court at the US Open
Charitable Laundry Initiatives
Tide Expands Its Loads of Hope Program with a New Partnership
Child-Friendly Good Habit Apps
Little Streaks Builds Healthy Habits in Kids
Emotional Awareness Apps
Crown Institute Debuts an Emotional Learning App Inspired by Inside Out
Relationship-Strengthening Dating Ideas
Perfect Dates is an App Inspiring Stronger Bonds
Education-Enhancing Chatbot Services
The 'Stretch' Chatbot Offers Resources For K-12 Educators
Child-Centric Online Safety Campaigns
Wondershare FamiSafe Engages Parents with a Contest
Broken Bike Lock Furniture
Design Students Showcase the People and Places Exhibition
Disaster Relief-Supporting Pr Initiatives
Publicity for Good Supports Hurricane Helene Relief
Teen Fitness Programs
GoodLife Fitness Introduces Teen Memberships
Company Culture-Enhancing Communication Tools
Motivosity Has Unveiled a New Feature Called Spaces
Supportive Scholastic Retailer Funds
The ALDI Back-to-School Fund Supports Parents This September
Solution-Oriented Holiday Ads
Orange’s Holiday Ad Brings Families Together Over Smartphones
Student Support AI Tools
Student AI Helps Students Study Smarter
Modern Digitized Bookshelves
September is a Digital Bookshelf Where You Can Display Achievements
Effective Productivity Strategies
64Hacks Takes a Community-Driven Approach to Streamline Workflow
Parenting Course Apps
Tiny Souls Media Debuts Zip and the Tiny Sprouts Alongside a Parenting Tool
Anniversary-Celebrating Educational Initiatives
Kleenex® Partners Jenna Bush Hager
Activism-Focused Apparel Capsules
Aéropostale and Global Citizen Launch a New Apparel Collection
Educational Back-To-Cafeteria Campaigns
ASHA Offers Guidance to Families During Back-To-School
Postpartum Mental Health Apps
Postpartum Support International Launches the Connect App
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
Kid-Friendly Financial Support Apps
Goaly Offers Financial Lessons for Kids and Their Parents
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Mobile Device Addiction Campaigns
The Women's Brain Health Initiative Highlights a Growing Concern
Supportive Fitness Tracking
SocialPump Offers Robust Tracking For Flexible Workout Plans
Connective Non-Profit Funding
Wingtap Connects Users with Charities in Need of Fund
Spiritual Wellness Companions
Sol Inspires Positivity with Daily Tools for Spiritual Health
Parental Guidance Shopping Apps
The 'Auggie' App Connects Experienced Parents to New Ones
QSR Book Initiatives
SONIC Drive-In Donates to Expand Book Access Across America
Inventive Charity Initiatives
Spark Financial's Annual Charity Initiative is for Autism Awareness
Digital Student Opportunities
Campus Connect Links Students to Tailored Opportunities Worldwide
Mobile Dorm-Designing Features
Pottery Barn Teen Unveils a New Dorm Shop and Expanded Features
Inclusivity-Centric Back-To-School Campaigns
Sistema Launched a Back-To-School Survey
Teacher Appreciation Giveaways
GIMME Beauty's Back-To-School Campaign Focuses on Teachers
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Public Bathroom Location Apps
The Bathroom App Helps People in Need of Relief
Nourishing School Meal Programs
Farm Boy Has Launched the 'Nourish to Flourish' Initiative
Public Hygiene Campaigns
Tsekmo Has Launched the Clean Bathroom Global Challenge
Interactive Education Platforms
Narrative Nooks Engages with Lessons and Real-Time Tutor Support
Intellectually Stimulating Social Media
Maven Goes Back to Basics with Traditional Algorithms
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Membership-Based Community Engagement
The Lamp App Uses Technology to Promote Community Giving
Safety-Oriented Social Tools
Instagram Aims to Protect Vulnerable Teens with its New Safety Update
Empowering Educational Initiatives
Sight School Empowers Individuals with Visual Impairments
Comprehensive Safety Services
Saferwatch Expands Safety Services to YMCA Locations in Two States
Children-Focused Literacy Campaigns
Scholastic Focuses on Expanding Access to Books
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Daily Kindness Prompts
'Sharing Your Kindness' Makes Spreading Positivity a Daily Habit
Senior Enrichment Programs
Art Windsor-Essex Aims to Combat Social Isolation and More
Purpose-Driven Winery Programs
ONEHOPE's Bottles for Better Program Will Help Fund a New School
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Connective Altruistic Apps
Heart 2 Help Uses Tech Can to Foster Positive Relationships
Comprehensive Study Solutions
InClass Keeps a Student's Assignments and Reminders in One Place
Back-To-School Barbershop Initiatives
City Gear is Launching Its Sixth Annual Cutz 4 Kids Event