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
Playful Student-Targeted Interactive Pop-Ups
Uber One Hits Campuses with ‘The One Arcade'
Bright Playful Sport Playgrounds
LEGO and Nike Reimagine Sports as Playful Learning in Shanghai
Social Media-Inspired Retail Apps
Depop Outfits Lets Users Create Moodboards and Collages
Psychologist-Designed Educational Toys
ThinkPsych Spotlights Its Line of Therapeutic Games & Tools
Social Language Learning
Learn A Language With Friends Turns WhatsApp Into a Practice Space
Global Social Impact Initiatives
Reckitt Expands Its Catalyst Program in the US
Vibrant Mental Health Campaigns
CDC Has Launched the Playfully Illustrated Free Mind
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
Smart Fashion Management Apps
'Acloset' Interprets Wardrobes, Provides Recommendations
In-App Mental Health Features
Snapchat Launches 'Here For You' Canada for Young Users
Neurodiversity-Focused Library Nooks
The Bethlehem Central School District Emphasizes Inclusion
Paw-Print Soap Tools
Dinoosh Turns Hand-Washing into Playful Hygiene Practice for Kids
Back-to-School Fashion Collections
UNIQLO Launches Weather-Ready Wardrobe Essentials for Students
Fashion-Forward Cultural Infrastructure Initiatives
THE FASH APP Debuts Founding Benefactor Circle
Interactive Toy Experiences
Spin Master Highlights Opportunities in the Toy Sector in 2026
College-Focused Accessibility Campaigns
Apple Launched its 'I'm Not Remarkable' Video Ad
Inclusive Diverse Board Games
Safehaven Presents the Where Hope Lives Board Game
Social-First Local Shopping Schemes
Shop Local by Tiktok Shop Makes Homegrown Goods Accessible
Cross-Industry Insight Networks
The Think Party Explores the Future of Socialization
Experiential Student Activations
Just Eat's Hey U Up Campaign Coincides with Freshers’ Week
Family-Focused Cleaning Campaigns
ECOS Celebrates Life's Beautiful Chaos with Little Messes Ad
Period-Proof Student Uniforms
The Period Uniform by Somos Martina Integrates Menstrual Underwear
Business Idea Generators
Crazy Business Idea Generator Lets Users Vote and Share Ideas Socially
Micro-Mindfulness Content
Care.com and Headspace are Tackling the Mental Load of Caregiving
Expansive Social Good-Focused Partnerships
Hyundai is Committed to Community Wellbeing
In-Person Connection Apps
Court is an Empowering New Social App Without Messaging or Swiping
Period Care Campaigns
Honey Pot Launched its 'Periods Made Better' Campaign
Virtual Beauty School Experiences
NYX is Taking Over Roblox's Bayside High School
Personal Care-Focused Olympic Initiatives
Procter & Gamble Hosts the Champions Clubhouse
Conceptual Educational Soaps
The Consent Soap Highlights Boundaries Through Physical Interaction
Period Poverty Scholarship Programs
Cora Expands Its Change the Cycle Scholarship Program
Back-to-School AI Tools
ElevenLabs' AI Student Pack Helps Students Maximize Their Time
Sports-Based Philanthropic Activations
Cigna Healthcare Hosted the 2026 Safe Zone Activity Day
Free Cybersecurity Educational Initiatives
Living Security Emphasizes Cybersecurity Awareness
Advanced School Safety Innovations
Navigate360 Debuts "One Platform for a Safe & Compliant School"
Interactive Juice Boxes
Suntop's Mega Back to School Campaign Integrates Connected Packaging
College Gameday Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Good Game Amps Up School Spirit
College-Focused Social Platforms
TikTok's Campus Verification Feature Mirrors Early Facebook
Digital Well-Being Updates
Tiktok Adds Mindfulness Tools and User Controls Over Ai Content
Back-To-School Hygiene Campaigns
Lysol’s Latest Campaign is Titled 'The Story of SOMO'
Night-Club-Inspired Lecture Series
Night School Toronto Offers a Culturally Enriched Experience
Tech-Enriched Sports Equipment
The 'GOAL' Concept by Yewon Lee Encourages Physical Activity
Anti-Algorithm Social Platforms
Buzzfeed’s Branch Office Creates Interactive AI-Powered Apps
Campus Food Insecurity Initiatives
Chartwells Higher Education Debuts 'United Through Food'
Virtual Student Snack Stores
Fizz and Gopuff Partnered to Offer Quick Access to Snacks and More
Adult Social Clubs
Social Club 150 Offers In-Person Events to Connect Adults in Their 40s - 60s+
Smart Home Savings-Focused Services
Samsung Electronics Partners with Hartford Steam Boiler
Mobile Cat Therapy Initiatives
Purina Cat Chow Takes the Therapod Experience to College Campuses
Stress-Reducing Cleaning Songs
IKEA's Tidy Up Tune Gets Kids Engaged in Household Tidying
Social Good Coffee Vans
Nespresso and Change Please Partnered to Help End Homelessness
Community-Oriented Wellness Spaces
Basic Space Gym Integrates Training, Recovery, and Social Areas
Location-Based Social App Features
Snapchat Home Safe Lets Users Automatically Alert Friends
Science-Backed Youth Sports Programs
Sportball Systems Inc. is Expanding to India
Simplicity-Focused Back-To-School Campaigns
Staples Wants to Simplify Back-To-School Shopping
Food Service Employee-Focused Initiatives
SpotOn and Giving Kitchen Partner to Support Employees
Insightful Development Apps
KidHub Gives Parents a Look at Predictors of a Child's Success
Vibrant Cafeteria-Inspired Campaigns
Lunchtime Becomes a Joyous Time in 'The Lunchables Effect'
Swimming-Focused Branding Initiatives
British Swim School Debuts Jump on It Campaign
Pet Care-Focused Mobile Apps
Wag N' Wash Consolidates Its Grooming Services in an App
Peer-Powered Gifting Initiatives
indu and SoPost Encourage Customers to Share Samples with Friends
Branded On-Campus Laundry Lounges
'Laundry Lounge Powered by LG' is in Its Pilot Phase
Consumer Feedback-Focused Apps
Clasy Allows Fitness Enthusiasts to Rate Their Workout Classes
Proactive Bathroom Insights
The Kohler Health App Has Newly Launched Bathroom Routine Features
Incentive-Based Athletic Challenges
Gains App Blends Sport, Social & Monetary Incentives
Performance-Driven Education Furniture Lines
Case Systems Grows Its SALTO Education Furniture Line
Youth-Focused Technology Programing
COMPUCHILD is Inspired by the NASA Space Apps Challenge
Proactive Child Safety Platforms
Apple Unifies Parental Controls and Content Protections
On-Demand Content Creation Apps
Social Agent Connects Users to Certified Content Creators
Wellness Recovery Events
Toronto's The Wellness Club Hosts an Immersive Social Wellness Experience
Hygiene-Focused Disaster Relief Initiatives
Procter & Gamble Runs Its Tide Loads of Hope Program
Hybrid Educational Toy Designs
Fisher-Price Partners with Big Little Feelings
Skill-Building Play Kits
The Helper Play Kit Supports Independent Play Based on Life Skills
Experimental Classroom Layouts
Smarin Has Caught Attention for Its ÉColetopie System
Fitness-Focused Food Drives
In March, Technogym Hosted the Let's Move & Donate Food Campaign
Hobby-Based Socialization Apps
The Hobbimate App Connects Users Based on Mutual Interests
Smart Pillow Sleeves
NTU’s Textile Sleeve Connects to Alarms and Vibrates to Wake Users
Ritual-Based Mobile Design
ECAL and Google Explored Hardware Inspired by Everyday Habits
AI-Driven Intelligent Learning Systems
Think Academy Debuts the Class+ Intelligent Learning System
Family Safety Apps
The Findmykids App Gives Families Peace of Mind
Technology-Enabled Educational Initiatives
Huawai Supports Technology-Enabled Open Schools for All
Pool Reinvention Campuses
The Waltham Forest College Pool Chanfe Becomes a Flexible Teaching Hub
Motherhood Therapy Campaigns
BetterHelp Launched Its Motherhood With You Series for Mothers
Back-To-School Supply Fundraisers
Staples Canada is Running Its Annual School Supply Drive
Peer-to-Peer Sharing Tools
Shapp Enables Renting And Sharing Everyday Items Locally And Easily
Wellness Tracking Apps
Track Well Turns Personal Wellness Data Into Actionable Insights
Safe Stranger Chat Apps
The 'Whisperly' App Connects Users via Voice or Text
Social Networking Hubs
Internet Social Café Lets Users Explore Cafés and Build Online Connections
Therapy Gamification Apps
Speech Play App By IdeaBrowser Turns Practice Into Play
Proximity-First Friendship Apps
Friending Launched the Friending App to Foster Friendships
On-Campus Smart Fridges
Factor and Dartmouth College Make Meals & Snacks Accessible to Students
Productivity Co-Working Games
On-Together: Virtual Co-Working Turns Focus Sessions to Shared Play
Charitable Children-Focused Initiatives
Kidoodle.TV Concludes Its 'A Wish A Week'
Social Good Clothing Campaigns
ZigZag and The Salvation Army Partnered to Prevent Fashion Waste
Embedded Safety Networks
‘Ask for Angela’ Builds Retail-Based Support Systems Across Toronto
Back-to-Campus Skincare Caddies
Bubble Skincare's Portable Skin Caddy Shares Essentials
Charitable Influencer-Targeting Campaigns
Puresport Runs the 'Thrift It Back' Campaign
Mindfulness Growth Apps
Boost Mindfulness And Personal Growth Daily With GetSashy’s Guided Tools
Professional Connection-Promoting Campaigns
TheLi.st Spotlights 10 Minutes of Togetherness
Branded Teacher-Honoring Campaigns
BIC is Running the 'Bring Joy, BIC to School' Campaign
Climate-Friendly Laundry Initiatives
Samsung and Coolblue Energie are Sharing Free Electricity
Teacher-Focused Mobile Relaxation Spaces
Kellanova’s Nutri-Grain Boasts the Nutri-Grain Lounge
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Refurbished Neurodiverse Student Hubs
Shrub Oak International School Refurbished Its Student Hub
Branded Social Impact Initiatives
Youth To The People Unveils the Community To The People Program
Charitable Mother's Day Initiatives
Knix Partners with Baby Love to Give Back to the Community
Consumer-Centric Public Restroom Surveys
Bradley Company Notes Healthy Handwashing Survey Findings
Anonymous Kindness Tools
Soothe Creates A Safe Space To Share And Receive Messages Of Compassion
Student Task Managers
Homework Hero Helps Students Organize And Track Homework Efficiently
Hip Classroom-Ready Backpacks
The Kipling Back-to-School 2025 Collection is Expansive
Habit Building Apps
Unrot Encourages Healthier Screen Habits Through Earned App Access
Wellness Productivity Hubs
SpongeHome Combines Emotional Wellness, Focus, And Task Management
Verified Campus Community Features
TikTok Launches Its Campus Hub With Group Chats
Creativity-Focused Global Ambassador Programs
Crayola Creativity Week Begins with an Announcement
Gender Gap-Addressing Basketball Initiatives
Shoot 360 Hosted HER Month in March
Educational Story Tools
Social Story Templates Create Personalized Stories For SEN Children
Positive Screen Management Tools
ScreenTreat Turns Screen Time Into Motivation & Productive Habits
Regional Menstrual Equity Projects
KuCoin Collaborates on an Important Social Initiative
Curated Film Selections
The Planet Classroom Network Debuts Nine Short Films in October
Gen Z-Focused Tech Initiatives
SJTU Welcomed Gen Z Students as Part to Discuss Tech
Cooking Companion Apps
Cook Well Equips Home Cooks with a Value-Packed Personalized System
Digital Focus Tools
Impulse Buddy Introduces Social Accountability For App Usage Control
Repurposed Community Hubs
Mooie Buurt Adds Value to Venues & Unites Locals During Off-Peak Hours
Mental Health Care Services
The Boston Public Schools District Emphasizes Wellness for All
Children's Development Platforms
Social Tales Creates Custom Stories To Support Emotional Learning
Social Entertainment Apps
BuzzWheel Turns Group Gatherings Into Interactive Challenge Experiences
Classroom Management Toolboxes
Teacher Kit Offers Timers, Music, And Group Tools For Educators
Learning Discovery Apps
Kinder Turns Swipe-Based Play Into Interactive Learning Experiences
Community Connection Initiatives
Hosted Chatter & Natter Sessions Help People Connect Weekly
Digital Lesson Builders
AstroSafe Enables Custom Lessons and Student Monitoring for Educators
Study Optimization Tools
Better Student Turns Class Content Into Summaries And Notes
Private Sharing Apps
Waffle Helps Friends Share Daily Moments And Stay Connected Authentically
Social Learning Experiences
Lectures on Tap Hosts Expert-Led Discussions in Local Bars
Casual Baking Class Concepts
The Baking Social Makes Baking Fun, Social and Accessible
Student Activity Finders
Extracurriculars Helps High Schoolers Discover AI-Powered Activities
Group Challenge Apps
Challenge Friends Lets Users Complete 30-Day Self-Improvement Challenges
school-focused area rug donations
Rugs.com teams up with Partnership for Los Angeles Schools
Accessibility-Focused Evaluation Systems
Santander Work Cafés Implements ‘Accessibility Scores’
Child-Specific Peer Donation Networks
Let’s Match Mums Connects Mothers With Preloved Kids’ Goods
School Wellbeing Support Initiatives
MADL Launches The Mindful Fund to Aid Mental Wellbeing
Inclusive Learning Campuses
The Swan Hill Specialist School Fosters Supportive Educational Spaces