Woomi Hope Foundation completes 2026 talent development program for scholarship recipients

The Woomi Hope Foundation announced Wednesday that it had completed its 2026 talent development program for scholarship recipients.

The program, part of the Pureudeungdae Woomi Hope Foundation donation scholarship project — known as the Woomi Fellowship — run jointly with the Korea Student Aid Foundation, was held over one night and two days from Monday to Tuesday at Mercure Seoul Magok.

This year, 50 college students from households affected by industrial accidents or living alone in precarious housing conditions each received 5 million won ($3,620) through the Pureudeungdae scholarship. Of those, 44 attended the program.

The event featured special lectures to help scholarship recipients explore career paths and rebuild emotional well-being, along with group activities and themed presentations to encourage networking among participants. Kim Dae-sik, a KAIST professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering specializing in brain science and AI, delivered a lecture titled "Coexistence in the Age of AI," examining how artificial intelligence will reshape society and career environments. Lee Heon-ju, a research professor at Yonsei University's Institute for Convergence Research, spoke on self-efficacy and mental wellness.

During a "Dream Achievement Report" session, 10 outstanding participants shared accomplishments from the first semester and outlined their plans going forward, using their scholarships as a springboard. The students also created a tile mural as a volunteer activity; the finished work is set to be installed at a childcare center for children with disabilities.

"It was a chance to confirm that each scholarship recipient is growing steadily in their own way," said Lee Chun-seok, secretary-general of the Woomi Hope Foundation. "We will not stop at simply delivering scholarships — we will keep creating spaces for this kind of exchange and communication."

The Woomi Hope Foundation is a nonprofit established in 2006 with funding from Woomi Construction. It runs programs supporting children and youth, multicultural families, households affected by industrial accidents, and young people who care for family members.