Samsung Group said on Wednesday that it will put an emphasis on its educational support project for middle school students of low income families, nurturing it as the conglomerate’s key social contribution activity.

The country’s top conglomerate said it signed an agreement with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to support a total of 15,000 middle schoolers beginning in March.

Dubbed the “Dream Class” project, it will have college students teach English and mathematics during after-school hours to 7,200 students in 120 middle schools located in 21 different cities nationwide.

Divided into a group of 20 by their grades, they will be given eight hours of lessons in four sessions per week.

Samsung will also start weekend education sessions for another group of 7,800 middle schoolers living in distant and rural areas as the second part of its project next year, its officials said.

Of those who are expected to participate in weekend sessions, those living in small and mid-sized cities ― a total of 1,800 students ― will get together at their schools every weekend, and 6,000 others residing in rural regions will take part in camps during their vacation to receive the support.

A total of 3,000 college students ― who are supported with the group’s scholarships ― will be recruited as teachers, Samsung officials said.

“Samsung’s method of providing educational support is an example of a meaningful way to contribute to the society,” said Education Minister Lee Ju-ho in its signing ceremony.

“We hope more large firms make active contributions in such way to reduce the country’s educational gap.”

A pilot project conducted by the conglomerate at 15 schools in Seoul and Gyeonggi areas beginning last December showed high satisfaction from the students, with the score average of English and mathematics going up over 10 points, according to Samsung officials.

By Cho Ji-hyun (sharon@heraldcorp.com)