Telecom KT launched an information communications technology-based mentoring platform on Thursday as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, the company said Thursday.

The company said it would invest 43 billion won ($39 million) in the “Dream School Project” to support the education of some 1 million marginalized teenagers. They are in low-income groups recommended by regional child centers.

Exploring their career goals, aptitude and talents, the school will connect the students to appropriate mentors. The pool of students will gradually be expanded to general students down the road.

Mentors including retirees and college students will be paid by KT. Experts will also be able to participate in the dream school as volunteers.

KT said it would expand the service by securing more quality mentors and content from educational organizations and college networks.

On the digital platform, the mentors provide lectures on academic knowledge, as well as tailored education based on students’ dreams and talents. If necessary, students can also receive offline mentoring. From a survey done prior to the service launch, KT found out that 74 percent of students said they preferred education for aptitude and talent to academic learning.

KT said mentoring services had been traditionally focused on capital areas, but this ICT-based platform could now be expanded into provinces with no limitations on space and time.

“We believe ICT will play a pivotal role in helping children to grow with clear goals and values and without losing their dreams,” said Kim Eun-hye, executive vice president of KT’s communications office. “Through the dream school, we will continue to step up our efforts to narrow the gap in educational opportunity.”

By Shin Ji-hye (shinjh@heraldcorp.com)