Connecting Young Minds, Altruism and the Molecule!

"Connect A Millions Minds", is an extremely effective and ambitious campaign to get more kids in the United States interested in math and science at an early age.  It's fueled by the fear that third world countries have not only a population advantage, but an educational advantage over the United States due to the focus these countries have on the subjects of math and science.

That particular initiative was driven by Time Warner Cable, but there are a number of mainstream media campaigns targeted towards the same goal.  For example, the partnership between the PGA/Phil Mickelson/Exxon Mobile.  Their goal is to influence teachers and mentor students into pursuing higher education and careers in math and science fields.  They have started a teacher's academy to really set the bar and students can nominate their teacher to attend what seems like an amazing opportunity.

Another organization focusing their attention on such a campaign is the National Math and Science Initiative sponsored by AT&T.  Targeted at reaching out to kids in middle and high school, they try to help prepare them for Advanced Placement courses (AP) and Pre-AP programs and tests.  Setting high expectations and standards for students, teachers, and government, this is a pretty well-rounded and versatile initiative.

What do all of these math and science programs have in common?  A big, altruistic cause and companies with strategic partnerships to back them.  That is a content marketer's dream!  Now everything doesn't have to be at this scale, but what's your company's platform for making the world a better place?  It could be going green, stop bullying, learn to listen, passing on kindness, picking up your neighborhood, helping the local shelter, etc, etc.  From small scale endeavours to large scale projects, there's always something you can find.

My personal cause is the foster care system, and helping children who do not have an advocate.  My long-term goal is to give children who don't have anyone to turn to a voice.  911 is for emergencies, everyone is afraid to use it.  But could we build a campaign and a support network for "211," a hotline for kids who need someone to talk to?  There's a little insight to my dream.

But I digress...

Bottom line:  No one really cares about your brand, so stop talking about it!  Cause marketing works, and feeds a greater good.

As if on cue, we have a story of a 10 year old in Kansas City discovering a new molecule.  Could it be directly as a result of one of these programs?

Maybe, just maybe.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Stefanolunardi