Freeport, TX - October 14, 2008

Getting kids to learn math and science isn’t always easy. Getting them excited about it may be even more challenging. But Dow Texas Operations wants to help. The Dow Chemical Company Foundation is once again providing grants of up to $10,000 for local school programs or projects that increase interest and excellence in math and/or science through the Dow Texas Operations Education Grant Program. This program is open to private and public schools in Southern Brazoria County.

“Getting kids interested and excited about math and science is important,” said Texas Operation Site Director and Vice President, Gary Hockstra. “They are going to grow up and become the people who are solving some of the world’s toughest challenges through science and innovation.”

He noted that a sound knowledge of math and science will also create opportunities for careers with Dow.

“We offer secure, safe, well-compensated jobs that enable local youth to stay right here in our community and have very successful lives, but they can’t do that if they don’t have the basic math and science skills to enable them to work in our industry,” said Hockstra. “These grants help schools develop the programs that spark that interest and develop those skills.”

In 2008, grants were awarded to the Angleton Intermediate School, Early Childhood Campus, Frontier Elementary, Jane Long Elementary School and Stephen F. Austin Elementary for projects such as an after-school engineering program, science labs and classroom audio-visual equipment.

The Education Grants Program is open to schools in Angleton Independent School District (AISD), Brazosport Independent School District (BISD), Columbia- Brazoria Independent School District (C-BISD), Danbury Independent School District (DISD) and Sweeny Independent School District (SISD). Private and Parochial schools in the Brazosport area are also eligible. Letters about the grants have been sent out to all the local school districts for distribution to their school campuses.

Each school can submit one application for a grant up to $10,000. The deadline is 4 p.m., Nov. 7, 2008.

The recipients will be chosen by a committee of Dow employees and external community members. They will be notified in December and checks will be presented at a recognition ceremony planned for early January.

Dow’s 2008-2009 Education Grant Program Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) are available at http://www.dow.com/facilities/namerica/texops/grants.htm. For more information about the program, contact Trish Ritthaler at 979-238-2753 or TRRitthaler@dow.com.

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For Editorial Information:

Trish Rithaller
The Dow Chemical Company
1-979-238-2753