In Korea, English and mathematics are deemed crucial subjects for admission into renowned universities, and the three years in middle school are considered the most critical time for studying.

Understanding such educational zeal, Samsung Electronics has been running the Dream Class program for middle schoolers from low-income families to provide them with English and math tutoring by university students since 2012.

The program has so far taught around 65,000 middle school students, and 18,000 university students participated in giving lessons. 

The tutors hold classes at designated schools in large cities during weekdays. The classes are run during weekends in smaller cities with insufficient transportation infrastructure.

In remote farm villages, Samsung holds summer and winter camps for math and English lessons.

Thanks to the intensive lessons, 77 students entered special-purpose high schools in Korea this year alone, including science-focused and international language-focused schools, according to Samsung.

As of this year, a total of 514 students had enrolled in top-level high schools, the company.

Furthermore, Samsung is witnessing the creation of a virtuous cycle among participants of its program.

Jeong Eun-jin, a sophomore at Chung-Ang University, who was one of the beneficiaries of the Dream Class program in its first year, took part in the 2016 winter camp to teach middle schoolers.

Jeong got into a science high school in Seoul and graduated from the school early with excellent grades.

“I received great help from a tutor from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology at Samsung Dream Class four years ago,” Jeong said. “Now I am happy to be here to support young student with financial difficulties.”

This year, the Dream Class program is being held at 188 middle schools in 38 cities across the nation, teaching around 7,000 students with the participation of about 1,650 university students.