Company's Community Advisory Committees Partner with Educational Organizations to Fund STEM-Learning, Build for Future Innovations
Published 10-28-13
Submitted by OLD - Dow Chemical Company
Recognizing that innovation begins with an investment of resources in those who are poised to make sustainable changes for years to come, The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) is pleased to announce that in conjunction with its Community Advisory Committees (CAC) in Bristol, Pa., Newark, De., and Spring House, Pa., grants are being awarded to support innovative and impactful initiatives designed to prepare the next generation of innovators in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Currently, U.S. manufacturing faces a shortage of employees with STEM skills as 600,000 manufacturing jobs go unfilled due to lack of qualified candidates. According to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), the U.S. will need to increase the number of students graduating in STEM fields by 34 percent in order to keep up with economic demand. By 2015, the U.S. will need 400,000 new graduates in STEM fields. Recognizing this gap, Dow has collaborated with its CAC’s in the Delaware Valley on STEM initiatives to help develop strong, cooperative partnerships between government, academia and industry to work toward a sustainable, diversified economy.
Community Advisory Committees serve as a link between Dow’s manufacturing sites, building cooperation amongst its neighboring communities. Through a two-way dialogue, CAC’s are able to comment on Dow’s operations and activities, while creating a mechanism for Dow representatives to provide information, obtain feedback, and learn about community concerns. CAC’s have played an integral role in helping the Company identify regional challenges – blight, poverty, or barriers leading to underrepresentation in the sciences – as well as to promote large-scale initiatives, such as increasing youth interest in STEM subjects and thus building a pipeline of professionals with advanced manufacturing workforce skills.
“When evaluating the grant applications, we looked for programs that would add to traditional middle school STEM programs, would reach a large number of students, and would dovetail with Dow’s mission of teaching a new generation,” said Joe Saxton, Chair of the Bristol CAC. “The Bristol Township School District’s proposal was outstanding in that it serves a need by adding to a strong high school curriculum and extends the immersion in those subjects.”
The organizations receiving 2014 CAC Grants include:
“The grant will allow us to bring more self-confidence to the girls that we serve, who may have challenges or who have never thought of STEM careers,” said Valerie Jermusyk, Director of Advancement at Girls, Inc. “Dow’s support will open eyes and doors for these young women – and help their school and community at the same time.”
On November 19, Dow’s commitment to STEM education in the Delaware Valley will be recognized by the Philadelphia Education Fund’s 2013 Eddy Award for “Star Business Commitment to Education.” Through local partnerships with leading organizations, including the Franklin Institute, Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc., and the Philadelphia Math + Science Coalition, involvement of Dow employees as volunteers, and sponsorship of countless programs, Dow has supported STEM education for more than 100 years.
“The three organizations that our CAC’s have identified will help prepare the next generation of STEM innovators – fueling a pipeline of knowledge and expertise,” said Justin Land, Northeast Public Affairs Manager at Dow. “The sustainable quality-of-life contributions that students will make, from their communities to our global ecosystem, all begin with caring mentors and investment in their futures.”
To learn more about Dow in the Delaware Valley, visit www.dow.com/delawarevalley.
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 2012, Dow had annual sales of approximately $57 billion and employed approximately 54,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 188 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.
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.