The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) is encouraging youth to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math – known collectively as STEM – through its sponsorship of and participation in this year’s USA Science & Engineering Festival, taking place April 28-29 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.  Dow’s support is part of a long-term commitment to creating an innovative and competitive workforce, and building a knowledgeable society that values science and technology.

The USA Science & Engineering Festival is the country’s only national science festival. It was launched in 2010 with the goal of raising awareness of the importance of science. This year, the expanded event will grab the public’s attention through hands-on activities, stage shows, and well-known personalities including Bill Nye the Science Guy.

“Based on our science and technology expertise, sustainability focus, and global network at Dow, we are positioned to inspire future generations to understand, appreciate, and practice science,” said Bo Miller, global director of Corporate Citizenship and president of The Dow Chemical Company Foundation. “Dow’s presence in the Festival shares our passion for science and long-standing commitment to STEM education to generate enthusiasm among young people for the creative future of science.”

Dow is part of a select group of exhibitors invited to participate in Sneak Peek Friday on April 27, when students and teachers from underserved schools, homeschoolers, military families, government officials and their staffers, and members of the press will have the opportunity to tour the Finale Expo at Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Also on Friday, Carrie Houtman, senior Government Affairs manager at Dow, will provide opening remarks on the Company’s commitment to enhance STEM education in the United States.

Dow is working to build an innovative and competitive workforce, and create a knowledgeable society that values science and technology, through its support for STEM education and careers. As an advocate for innovation, Dow is supporting transformational initiatives that make a difference for students, educators, and academic institutions.

Dow’s current commitments to promote STEM education include the sponsorship of the 44th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), scholarships for experienced teachers to attend workshops at the Keystone Center and The National Science Resource Center (Smithsonian Institutes), funding NSTA’s New Science Teacher Academy for second- and third-year teachers. Since 2008, these programs have impacted more than 11,500 teachers and 1.5 million students in the United States alone.

For more information on Dow’s commitment to STEM education, please visit: www.dow.com/education.

About Dow

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 expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

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.