Janssen Korea has said that it will offer scholarships to children suffering from mental disorders.

The medical firm signed an agreement last week with an organization for children’s welfare to operate supporting funds worth about 190 million won ($166,700) to help mentally ill children.

Over the past 24 years, Janssen Korea had been running a scholarship for economically needy children, aiding a total of 3,300 students with 3.3 billion won. 

After Korea extended its government-paid compulsory education to middle school, however, the firm turned instead to help students who have fewer chances to apply for scholarships.

Titled the “Paul Janssen Scholarship,” the new scholarship program annually supports about 80 young applicants, whose expenditure plans are thoroughly reviewed by committee members. Volunteer mentor groups consisting of college students will also take part in the program through interactive peer talks.

In 2011, Janssen Korea won the Corporate Social Contribution Award presented by Seoul City, in recognition of its “Peace in Mind” operation to rehabilitate mentally ill patients.

By Chung Joo-won (joowonc@heraldcorp.com)