The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dow (NYSE: DOW) is pleased to announce its support to help launch the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)’s well-respected Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK) program for the first time in Detroit in summer 2012.

Dow made its pledge of a $100,000 grant during the general session of NSBE’s 38^th Annual Convention Thursday, March 29, 2012, in Pittsburgh, Pa. About 6,000 NSBE members and supporters were in attendance at the event.

The three-week SEEK program is open to students in 3^rd through 8^th grades and will be held at local schools in Detroit from July 16-August 3. During the program, 300 students will be paired with 50 African American college student mentors who facilitate the program.

“We know that science and math must be relevant and exciting for young people. Otherwise they won’t be interested in pursuing careers in those fields,” says Bo Miller, executive director of Dow’s Foundation. “SEEK is a distinguished program that aligns with Dow’s commitment to diversity and  desire to increase the interest in, access to and quality of education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. Programs like SEEK are a perfect way to encourage future scientists and create individuals who value science and technology among students who are currently underrepresented in engineering and the sciences.”

SEEK is run by engineering students and technical professionals who are dedicated to pursuing professional excellence. A distinguishing feature of the program is that parental involvement is mandatory, and fundamental to its success.

Dow’s support of NSBE and SEEK continues the company’s commitment to developing and improving Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. In addition, this collaboration strengthens the strategies defined by Dow’s Diversity & Inclusion department and African American Network to help build a diverse and talented future workforce.

For more information on NSBE and the SEEK program, go to http://www.nsbe.org/seek/overview.aspx.

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Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow’s diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2011, Dow had annual sales of $60 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Company’s more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 197 sites in 36 countries across the globe. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

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OLD - Dow Chemical Company

OLD - Dow Chemical Company

With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.