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
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Sophisticated Feminine Hygiene Branding
These Tampons are Packaged in Minimalist Boxes
Customized Miniature Cabins
These Cabins Could Function as Quirky Guest Houses
Subversive Beverage Branding
'Elderbrook Drinks' Takes a Different Path When It Comes to Marketing
Controversial Rapper Murals
Lushux Created a Famous Mural to Honor Kanye's Iconic Celebrity Video
Mobile Jet Nightclubs
The Big Imagination Foundation Jumbo Jet Is an Interactive Art Experience
Lightweight Portable Solar Panels
The SunnyBAG LEAF+ Weighs Less than 200 Grams
Tabletop Compost Systems
The BIOVESSEL Makes It Easier for Urban Dwellers to Assist the Earth
Stunning Science Fiction Murals
Alexis Diaz's Detailed Artwork Depicts Bright Otherworldly Beings
App-Copying Code Platforms
Cloneable is an App Development Platform That Teaches You How to Code
Hunger-Fighting Video Games
'PacMan Vs. Hunger' Uses a Classic Game to Support a Good Cause
Versatile Travel Gadgets
The TripMate Titan is a Travel Router, a Device Charger and More
Emissions-Cutting Commercial Airliners
The Aurora D8 will Improve Performance for Passenger Travel
Headphone-Charging Cases
Mophie's Power Capsule Charges Wireless Headphones
Kinetic Sign Sculptures
The 'Sign Machine' Lets Viewers Interact to Create Their Own Sentences
Out-of-Body Experience Paintings
Netanel Morhan's Artwork Was Inspired by His Childhood Dreams
Stacked Shelter Concepts
This Temporary Shelter Features Three Stacked Prefabricated Blocks
Scooter-Centric Navigation Devices
This Satellite Navigation Device Can Be Mounted On Handlebars
Elegant Smartwatch Charging Stands
This Stand Can Charge the Apple Watch and Hide Cables
Parent-Centered Cannabis Ads
The CDPHE Tells Parents to Educate Their Kids on Safe Marijuana Use
Free Modern Art Archives
MoMA's Complete Exhibition Archives are Now Available Online
Tattooed Leather Bags
These Bags Take Out the Long-Term Commitment Required of Tattoos
Eagle Eye Artwork Pools
This Swimming Pool Design is Inspired by 'The Starry Night' by Van Gogh
Expansive Rapper Merchandise
This 60-Piece Collection Celebrates Travis Scott's New Album
Futuristic Wood-Clad Apartments
This Oak Apartment Was Designed to Look Like Artwork
Upscale Pet Grooming Studios
This Pet Cafe Was Designed for Both Pets and Their Owners
Graphics-Boosting Laptop Docks
The iBow External Graphics Docking Station Boosts Mac Performance
Customizable Multi-Device Docks
The 'udoq' Phone Charging Dock Can be Changed for Various Devices
Smart Waste Cups
The Smart Planet ReCups are Designed to Be Easy to Repurpose
Rock Anthem VR Experiences
'Bohemiam Rhapsody Experience' is Available on the Google Play Store
Theatrical Flavor Commericals
These Texas Pete Ads Show the Power of the Flavor Its Products Offer
Reusable Fruit Straws
The 'Mr. Orange' Drink Straws Let You Sip Straight from the Source
Coffee-Enhancing Mugs
This Wooden Cup Rack and Mug Set Can Enhance the Flavor of Hot Beverages
3D-Printed Urban Cabins
The Designers of This Cabin are Inviting People to Stay Overnight
Meticulous Produce Displays
This Grocery Store Was Designed to Feel Like an Outdoor Market
Heritage-Inspired Latte Packaging
The Drink Me Chai Drink Branding is Focused on Indian Heritage
Boulder Workout Weights
The 'FitRock' Stone Weight Kettlebells are Made from Real Rocks
Apocalyptic Antarctic Apps
This Interactive Game Spells Out the Plight Of Antarctica's Penguins
Coded Steampunk USBs
The Cryptex Antique Gold Flash Drives Includes an Exterior Lock System
Flat-Pack Bone Casts
These Casts Were Designed with Ease of Assembly in Mind
Defecating Dog Balloon Sculptures
'Whatshisname' Humorously Updated a Jeff Koons-Inspired Artwork
Historical Psychology Books
'Psychobook' Presents Various Psychology Tests from Throughout History
Honeycomb Staircase Structures
'Vessel' Will be a Towering Stairway in New York's Hudson Yards
Faceless Alcoholic Campaigns
These Alcoholics Anonymous Resumes Speak to Those Involved
Jogging Tourism Apps
The RunGo App Lets Travelers Experience Cities While Getting Fit
Multi-Use Device Mounts
The Belkin PowerHouse Charge Dock Displays Apple Products as They Charge
3D-Printed Origami Posters
This Dynamic Bus Ad Features 3D-Printed Origami Elements
Script-Assessing Software
'ScriptBook' Does the Work of Script Readers Automatically
Celebratory Champagne Branding
These Champagne Bottles Celebrate the Alcohol's Usual Purpose
Eccentric Balloon Photography
These Vibrant Photos Center Around an Unconventional Subject
Hockey Fan Festivals
The World Cup of Hockey Fan Village Helps Fans Celebrate the Tournament
Interactive Math Apps
The 'Go Math! Go' App Improves Math Learning Through Positive Encouragement
Intricate Food Lettering
This Artwork Was Created in a Collaboration Between Different Designers
The Heineken F1 Experience
How Heineken Used a Racing Event as a 'Celebration of Moderation'
On-Demand Tutor Apps
The GooRoo App Helps Students Access Rapid Academic Mentoring
Design-Conscious Medical Supplies
The Microbist Medical Kit Supplies are Visually Appealing
Litigious VR Experiences
The University of Westminster is Using VR to Teach Cases to Law Students
Wacky Accounting VR Games
The Accounting VR Experience is from the Creator of 'Rick and Morty'
Connective Campus Safety Apps
The LiveSafe App Lets Users Report Threatening Behavior
Cost-Comparing Healthcare Apps
The FH Cost Lookup CT App Compares Costs Of Medical Services
Vibrating Navigational Belts
The 'Ubivade' Navigational System Offers Passive Instruction
Inclusive Anti-Bullying Apps
'Sit With Us' Ensures That Kids Never Have to Eat Lunch Alone
Holistic Homework Apps
This App Lets Students Monitor and Augment Their Homework Projects
Pleasure-Focused Chocolate Commercials
This Dove Chocolate Ad Follows a Woman Living for Pleasure
Multipurpose Power Banks
This Versatile Power Bank Can Store Memory and Use Charging Cables
Customizable School Apps
The Ouachita Parish System App Connects Students, Parents and Teachers
Hands-Free Driving Apps
The Edmonton Smart Travel App Offers Verbal Assistance to Drivers
Celebratory Park Promotions
Parks Canada is Marking Canada's 150th Birthday with Free Admission
Anonymous Transit Apps
This App Helps Commuters Report Suspicious Activity to Police
Digital Home Decor
Kilo Art Provides Online Streaming For Wall Displaying Artwork
Mechanical Exoskeleton Gloves
The Dexmo Glove Helps You Engage With Objects In the Virtual World
Vacuum-Sealed Steins
The Stanley Portable Mug Keeps Drinks Ultra Cold With an Insulated Interior
Unconventional Beauty Ads
This Dove Commercial Follows the Story of an Androgynous Model
Nourishing Skin Stamps
Milk Makeup's 'Tattoo Stamp' Offers an Easy Way to Apply Subtle Body Art
Playful Denim Campaigns
This Diesel Ad Encourages Its Viewers to Live Freely and Stylishly
Bus-Tracking School Apps
This App Helps Parents Track School Bus Locations In Real Time
Beer-Paired Airline Ads
This KLM Ad Boasts of the Airline's Ability to Serve Fresh Beer on Board
Connective Telehealth Apps
The BayCare Anywhere App Allows For Virtual Doctor-Patient Interactions
Viral Hunger PSAs
Feeding America's 'Empty Plates' Ad Copies the Format of Viral Recipe Videos
Electrical Safety Apps
The ET&D Partnership App Helps Minimize Line Worker Accidents
Cordless Smartwatch Chargers
The GoPower Watch Charger Provides Power for the Apple Watch and More
Rapper-Written Condom Ads
Lil Dicky Helped to Write This Comical Commercial for Trojan Condoms
Connected Patient Progress Platforms
'Kaleidoscope' Is a Two-Sided Site For On-Going Conversation
Personified Beef Ads
This Wendy's Commercial Shows That Frozen Beef Patties Aren't Welcome
Peppermint Foot Balms
Saje's 'Tingle Mint' is a Natural Foot Remedy for Rough and Cracked Feet
VR Racing Video Games
Driveclub VR Maintains Its Graphics in Virtual Reality
80s School Supply Ads
This Walmart Commercial Shows Kids Reinterpreting a Whitesnake Song
Comprehensive Campus Safety Apps
This App Helps University Students Access Security Services
Informative Police Apps
The Philippine National Police App Offers Easy Communication and Support
Geographically Accurate Subway Maps
This Map of the London Tube Details Transportation Routes
Contactless Zombie Apocalypse Games
This Apocalyptic Game Rewards Survival With Burritos
Sailor-Themed Wine Branding
These Wine Bottles Are Both Playful and Sophisticated
Inexpensive Allergy Pens
This Product Offers an Alternative to Expensive Epi Pens
Urban Discovery Passes
The Discover Seoul Pass is Designed For Solo and Single-Day Visitors
Music-Inspired Textile Compositions
This Exhibition Was Inspired by West African Music
Luxe Pop-Up Commericals
The Givenchy Essentials Video Preps Consumers for a Temporary Tokyo Store
Pregnancy-Predicting Apps
This Family Planning App Helps Users Plan or Prevent Pregnancies
VR Basketball Docs
'Follow My Lead: The Story of the 2016 NBA Finals' is an Immersive Experience
Digital Street Art Tours
'graffitialley.to' on Instagram Captures All of Toronto's Graffiti Alley
Bunny-Filled Brand Campaigns
Annie's Homegrown Shows Bunnies Hopping Around a Grocery Store
Commemorative Canoe Building Projects
Students are Making Canoes for Canada's 150th Birthday
Mobile Voting Trailers
This Transporting Voter Ballot Booth Takes Its Design From Food Trucks
Heartthrob-Directed Bourbon Ads
This Kentucky Bourbon Brand's Ad Was Led by Matthew McConaughey
Crowdsourced Wildlife Apps
This App Helps Manitobans Contribute Towards Wildlife Tracking Projects
Patriotic Orchestral Events
The 'Canadian Mosaic' Event Celebrates Music from Across the Country
Car-Controlling Digital Assistants
The Amazon Alexa Now Features BMW Connected Capabilities
Presidential VR Conservation Experiences
This VR Experience Lets You Explore Nature With Obama
Disturbing Online Bullying PSAs
This Video Shows How Manipulative Tactics Can Be Enhanced Online
Patriotic Anniversary Marathons
The Calgary Marathon Added an Event for Canada's 150th Anniversary
Creamy Fruit Pastries
McDonald's 'Triangle Peach Cream Pie' is Made with White Japanese Peaches
Photo Collage Web Apps
This Application Makes for Simple Manipulation of Photos
Troll-Filtering App Features
Instagram's 'Hide Inappropriate Comments' Blocks Negative Posts
Ship Regatta Celebrations
A Special Tall Ships Event will be Held for Canada's 150th Anniversary
Culture-Celebrating Stage Performances
Canadian Stage Celebrates the Country's 150th Birthday