An Update on Dow’s Commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education

A New Way to See STEM This publication recaps some of Dow’s STEM Education Mission: Dow’s success promoting science, technology, engineering and math To build the workforce of tomorrow by (STEM) education in the first half of 2014. That success grows from empowering teachers, motivating students, an understanding that sustained First Half of prosperity for the company, the developing careers, and collaborating communities where it does business and society as a whole depends on with communities, to transform STEM people with the right skills. education into a driver for innovation, The company’s STEM education initiatives are built on manufacturing and economic prosperity. four pillars: Teach, Learn, Work, Advocate. Dow people believe that empowering teachers, motivating students, developing careers and collaborating with communities are 2014 the keys to a STEM-strong future. Brings Major STEM Milestones These pages tell that story within the framework of those four pillars. The first six months of 2014 were a groundbreaking time for Here are some of the stories Dow’s efforts to promote science, you’ll find inside: technology, engineering and math (STEM), highlighted by the launch of the STEMtheGAP™ Education Teach Movement. n Teachers Learn From Smithsonian Experience STEMtheGAP is intended to be Washington, D.C.: No one does an ongoing dialogue involving science quite like people committed to improving the Smithsonian STEM education. It features Institution, so the communication, high-profile events, Smithsonian Science Education Academies grant contributions and other for Teachers is components. STEMtheGAP was a unique way to unveiled at the National Science raise the quality of Teachers Association (NSTA) National education for many students. PAGE 2 Conference in Boston, Mass., in April. The first major STEMtheGAP Teachers attending the National activity was the Dow Teacher Science Teachers Association National Here are just a few of the Learn Challenge, which invited educators Conference chat with Dowbot at ideas from educators who con- n Connection to Robotics at the NSTA conference and around the exhibit where Dow unveiled its tributed to the STEMtheGAP Program Keeps Growing STEMtheGAP™ Education Movement. Spring Teacher Challenge: Missouri: the country to discuss their greatest Teams classroom obstacles and offer their “Begin having students combine sponsored ideas for overcoming them. Experts winners to be chosen. A third subject areas sooner, so they see the by Dow were from the Center for Science Teaching round begins in August, with connection between math and sci- among 400 & Learning, the organization entries due by Oct. 31 – there will competing at ence. Engineering problems should the FIRST™ partnering with Dow to implement be 50 awards of $1,000 each for be brought in at a younger age as Robotics Championship in St. Louis. In the Challenge, chose the 25 best this fall Challenge. well.” – Jaclyn Hartman, Ada, Mich. all, more than 12,000 students from all responses from among hundreds To enter the Dow Teacher over the world took part in the event. submitted. Teachers who submitted Challenge, go to www.dow. “Task-based learning is a must. PAGE 8 them were awarded $1,000 each to com/education, or join the Students need to see math applied use in their classrooms. A second conversation on the STEMtheGAP in real-world settings on a regular round of the Teacher Challenge was Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ (daily) basis.” – Melissa Hesterman, Work launched for summer, with 25 more STEMtheGAP. n West Jordan, Utah n Partnership Helping Discover Future Stars Australia: Dow AgroSciences is help- ing to deliver hands-on opportunities for bright Aussie Mink Proves Determination and students to use their skills in a real-world work Resilience Are Critical to Success setting. PAGE 13 As she overcame the many Mink knew from an early age challenges to becoming a successful that she wanted to be a scientist. scientist, Kim Ann Mink drew She still remembers Miss Verity, inspiration from several people who her second-grade teacher, giving Advocate told her she had what it takes – and everyone in her class a small milk n Andrew Liveris Signs one little boy who told her she carton and telling them to make a Historic STEM Pact didn’t. three-dimensional model of what michigan: Dow has joined forces with Mink is Dow’s business they wanted to be when they grew 25 other leading American companies president for Elastomers, Electrical up. in committing to a new era of support for STEM literacy. PAGE 15 and Telecommunications. She was “Mine was a scientist, wearing Kim Ann Mink leads a discussion the only female chemistry major a lab coat – including pearls and during a Dow gathering. As business in her graduating class at Hamilton high heels,” Mink remembers with a president for Elastomers, Electrical and Check out the Back Page for a Telecommunications, Mink provides an collection of resources that can College in Clinton, N.Y. and went chuckle. “But one little boy in class example of the opportunities available to help teachers, students, parents, on to earn a Ph.D. in analytical saw it and said to me, ‘Girls can’t be someone with a science background. workers and anyone else who has chemistry from Duke University in scientists.’” an interest in improving STEM Durham, N.C. – Continued on Back Page education.

1 Teach Small Experiments

Thailand: A lack of equipment workshop for around 41 teachers and materials prevents many schools from 20Get schools in Rayong province, a Big Results from performing traditional science key production site for the company. experiments in class, but ingenuity “The experiments are easy to and some extra training are helping understand, convenient and safe for to overcome that challenge. kids to try,” said Maneewan Sanglab, a The Dow Chemistry Class proj- teacher from Banchang Kanchanakun ect offers schools the opportunity to Witthaya School. “All the experiments conduct small-scale experiments with will help me stimulate the students inexpensive equipment. Dr. Supawan and make the experiments more fun. Tantayanon, president emeritus of I believe that the students will enjoy the Chemical Society of Thailand, practicing their knowledge in these designed a lab kit and customized ex- experiments. It will also develop their periments that are fun and accessible thinking and planning skills.” n for both students and teachers. To help teachers make the most of the opportunity, Dow hosted a

A teacher learns about electrochemical separation during the Dow Chemistry Class teacher workshop in Thailand’s Rayong province.

Smithsonian Experience Builds Valuable Knowledge Base Support Crucial in First Few

Washington, D.C.: No by objective testing. Subjectively, they Years as a Teacher one does science quite like the say the experience is fantastic. Massachusetts: More than high school science. The hope is Smithsonian Institution, so the “The days were full of meeting 1,000 teachers from across America that providing resources, guidance Smithsonian Science Education fascinating people, doing great hands- applied to take part in this year’s and encouragement to these new Academies for Teachers (SSEAT) is on activities, and visiting places I New Science Teachers Academy. On teachers will help them overcome a unique way to raise the quality of would probably have never seen,” one Jan. 16, 200 of them were welcomed the challenges that result in most education for many students. participant wrote. “The knowledge into the program, launching them teachers leaving the profession Each year, teachers from across I gained from the whole academy into a year-long exploration of their within five years of starting. America – many of them sponsored will not go to waste. It ties directly craft. “New science teachers need by Dow -- travel to Washington to into our eighth-grade science unit on Dow is the primary sponsor of and deserve our support as they spend a week of intense study at the alternative energy.” the Academy, and funds 159 of the go about the important work of world’s largest museum and research The 2014 SSEAT season began 200 teachers who take part. The bringing science to life in our complex. in June with the Biodiversity funding includes online professional schools,” said Rob Vallentine, Teachers who attend the Academy. For more information development, seminars and Dow’s global director of STEM academies consistently show about the program, go to www. mentoring, as well as all expenses Education. “Dow believes teachers improved understanding as measured scienceteachersacademies.si.edu. n for attending the 2014 National are the multiplier effect on our Conference on Science Education young people, serving as an Teachers work with April 3 through 6 in Boston. The important conduit between the experts in their fields when they take part in speakers at this year’s conference love of science and the connection Smithsonian Science included Bill Nye (The Science Guy) to a STEM career.” Education Academies and actress Mayim Bialik (Amy Teachers who have gone for Teachers. Farrah Fowler on “The Big Bang through the program say it is Theory”). successful. The Academy is a program “This year of professional of the National Science Teachers development has helped me set Association, a nationwide a better direction in my career,” organization dedicated to improving said Tim Selgas, who took part science instruction and increasing in the 2011-12 Academy. “I will be public awareness of the importance utilizing all the great materials of science education. To be eligible and ideas I received at the for the Academy, teachers must conference. I will be reaching out have one to four years of teaching to my new friends and picking experience and spend more than half their brains.” n their time teaching middle school or

2 STEM News • Indiana: Science Ambassadors Offer Essential Elements Training to Teachers • Pennsylvania: Grant Makes Engineering Programs Available to Middle Schools • Louisiana: Foundation Supports LTU’s New Integrated Science and Engineering Building

* Workshops Get the Message Out NSTA Gives Teachers India: “Multiply the Message” is a first-of-its-kind initiative that exposes physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics teachers to a wholly different pedagogy, keeping environmental concerns as the focus. The idea is simple: Each well-trained teacher will impact dozens of students per year. The impact is Jennifer Sirockman poses for a photo with the Dowbot at the National remarkable: “Multiply the Message” now A Head ScienceStart Teachers Association touches the lives of more than 100,000 conference in Boston. students each year through hundreds of teachers. n

Thousands Make Use of Lab Safety Academy Dow’s three-year relationship Nothing is more important to teachers with the National Science Teach- than the safety of their students, so the ers Association includes an effort to Dow Lab Safety Academy is proving to be a support the New Science Teachers valuable resource for teachers around the Academy, a year-long enrichment world. experience designed to encourage and The Academy offers a series of free empower these crucial players in the instructional videos featuring lab safety STEM field. This year, 155 teachers guidelines and resources developed by from across America were chosen for Dow professionals over years of real-world the Academy. work. They can be viewed by anyone at Some day, Jennifer Sirockman the Academy website, www.safety.dow.com. might participate in the Academy. As The site was launched in May 2013 and in a May college graduate with a spe- its first year it welcomed roughly 25,000 cialization in middle school science unique visitors, who viewed a total of education, she not only has the ability about 175,000 pages. n to be a great science teacher, she has the passion. Nationwide Effort to Train “I have fallen in love with middle STEM Teachers Gets Boost school and hope to become an upper middle school general science teach- United States: The effort to train er,” Sirockman said. “The importance 100,000 STEM teachers by 2021 took a big of support and participation in STEM West Virginia: The National • She can now call the Dowbot a step forward when 31 new organizations education by well known engineer- Science Teachers Association personal friend. joined 100Kin10. Dow is a funding member ing, technology and chemical compa- (NSTA) is all about making connec- of the organization, which now includes Sirockman attended the NSTA nies, like Dow, cannot be overstated. tions, and Jennifer Sirockman is nearly 200 partners unified by a single, national conference in Boston. “Of These kinds of companies are where certainly well-connected. ambitious goal: to prepare all students all the attractions on the exhibit our current STEM innovations are be- • Sirockman, a West Virginia with the high-quality STEM knowledge and floor, Dowbot, the Dow robot, was ing applied in a real-world setting and University graduate student, was skills to equip them for success in college likely the most popular,” Jennifer where advances in STEM are being a presenter at the NSTA National and the workplace. The new partners were said after the April conference, made. These industries have the re- Convention. announced Jan. 31. For more information where she met Dow’s high-tech sources and expertise to assist educa- • Her father, Michael Sirockman, about the campaign, go to www.100kin10. STEM ambassador face-to-inter- tors in creating the next generation of works for Dow in Charleston, org. n face, you might say. STEM leaders.” n W.V. Online Platform Helps Make Science Accessible Brazil: A quarter-million public Seminars Designed to Improve Quality of Education school students in Rio de Janeiro have a high-tech new way to explore science. Turkey: High school chemistry teachers from several EvoBooks, a Brazilian publisher that areas have been able to expand their understanding of both develops interactive educational material, science and education through seminars conducted by a joined forces with Dow and Rio’s forward-thinking public-private partnership. Municipal Secretary of Education (MSE) The Chemistry of Teaching event May 10 and 11 to create the Sciences and Chemistry welcomed 125 teachers from Istanbul, Kocaeli, Bursa, Laboratory, a collaborative online platform Balıkesir and Canakkale. Designed to encourage innovative for classes that can be accessed through new methods that teachers can apply in their classrooms, digital boards and computers. the seminars were put on by Dow Turkey and the Teachers’ The Laboratory includes simulated Academy Foundation. A similar seminar earlier in 2014 experiments, chemical reaction attracted about 100 teachers. visualization and specific presentations “We appreciate Dow Turkey and the Teachers’ Academy that teachers can use in class to explain Foundation’s support for education by developing this chemical elements and experiments. project,” Istanbul Provincial Director of National Education The contents address lessons focused on Muammer Yildiz said. one subject at a time, following the MSE The first day of the seminar featured a gallery walk curriculum, and are presented with the that demonstrated for teachers how chemistry functions in use of interactive tools for students and everyday life. Employees from several Dow businesses took teachers. The themes selected include part in the event, informing teachers about what goes into Dow employees showed teachers how chemistry physical states of matter, evolution of the products they use and answering questions. n impacts their everyday lives during the Chemistry of atomic models, periodic properties of the Teaching event May 10 and 11. elements, atoms, molecules and simple and compound substances. By financing project costs and evaluating the content, Dow brings into the classroom its experiences as one of the largest chemical companies in the world. n

3 STEM News • Indiana: Science Ambassadors Offer Essential Elements Training to Teachers • Pennsylvania: Grant Makes Engineering Programs Available to Middle Schools • Louisiana: Foundation Supports LTU’s New Integrated Science and Engineering Building Learn Science of Sport Gives 55,000 Visitors to Philly Fest

ThatPennsyl vania: AsWinning a global Phillies game and many hands-on op- “Dow seesFeeling sport as a way to show Olympic sponsor, Dow has a unique portunities for people to experience students that science is everywhere,” ability to combine the thrill of how STEM skills make life better. said Jane Palmieri, business president, sports with the wonder of science. More than 55,000 people attended. Dow Building and Construction, and It all came together at the 2014 The broad scope of the festival executive corporate board member at Philadelphia Science Festival, April was possible because of teamwork in- The Franklin Institute, which hosts 25 through May 3. volving Dow employees, customers, the festival. “Our participation in the For the fourth year in a row, partners and several company busi- Philadelphia Science Festival is part Dow was the presenting sponsor nesses and functions, including Dow of Dow’s global commitment to STEM of the festival. This year’s theme, Automotive Systems, Dow Building education. With our ‘Perfecting the Perfecting the Science of Sport, Solutions, NASCAR Program, Sports Science of Sport’ theme, we hope to featured appearances by Olympic Marketing, Olympic Operations, inspire young people about exciting athletes, a Dow-sponsored NASCAR Northeast Public Affairs, and Global STEM career options that they may automobile, Science Night at the Employee Communications. have never considered.” n Ballpark during a Philadelphia

The Richard Childress Racing No. 3 Dow Chevrolet SS from the NASCAR Sprint Olympic luge bronze medalist Erin Hamlin talks Cup Series gets kids excited. The car was displayed at Dow’s festival exhibit, as well about her experiences during an appearance as at four Dow sites and eight Philadelphia area community locations. The exhibit in conjunction with the Philadelphia Science showcased the science, mechanics and safety of racing — and offered attendees the Festival. Fellow Olympians Summer Britcher and A young visitor to the Philadelphia Science Festival opportunity to try an on-site race simulator. Jayson Terdiman also appeared at the festival, as experiences the thrill of victory on a mock medal stand. did Dow scientist Jay Tudor, who helped create the sled that Hamlin rode in Sochi. Awards Go to Outstanding Chemistry Researchers University Partnerships Prove Korea: Top young researchers from across the country were Beneficial for Everyone Involved presented with the Dow Korea Award in an April 18 ceremony co- United states: Across (Mich.) Daily News when the program was hosted by the Korean Chemical Society. America, some of the world’s announced. “When you have this tight The first-place award was given to Joon-Yong Park, a Ph.D. best students and researchers relationship, everybody feels they have a candidate in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering are pushing the frontiers of stake in the outcome.” at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in knowledge at some of the world’s Daejeon, for his research paper on key materials for flexible devices best universities, and Dow is right The 11 partner universities are: such as flexible displays and wearable computers. in the middle of it all. • California Institute of Technology The award comes with a grant from Dow Korea of 3 million This is the third year of a won, roughly equal to 3,000 U.S. dollars. Three second-place • University of California at Santa Barbara 10-year commitment by Dow to winners each earned 2 million won, and five third-place winners • University of Minnesota work with 11 top universities each earned 1 million won. An additional 1 million won was granted on a variety of research and • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to the winners’ research labs. educational initiatives. That • Georgia Institute of Technology A total of 148 research papers were entered in the competition. commitment includes a total of The winners were selected by a panel of five professors and lab • Pennsylvania State University $250 million in funding over the researchers including a Dow Korea official.n 10 years, as well as access to Dow • University of Wisconsin experts and their cutting-edge • Northwestern University findings. • University of California at Berkeley “Having professionals working • Carnegie Mellon University alongside students showing what really needs to be done to solve a • University of Michigan problem makes the students and faculty so much more effective,” For more information about Dow’s Stephen Forrest, vice president university partnerships, go to for research at the University of www.dow.com/innovation/partnership. n Michigan, said in the Midland

4 STEM News • Thailand: Volunteers Thrill Visitors with Demonstrations at Dow Science Park 2014 • Texas: High School Class Rockets to the Skies • Louisiana: Dow Sterlington Recognized by Ouachita Parish Schools

* Chemical Engineering Prize Created at Partner University Sixth-grader is You Be The Chemist® Australia: A new scholarship for Charles Darwin University chemical engineering students is part of an expanding relationship between Dow and the research and training-based institution in the Northern Territory of Australia. National Champion The Chemical Engineering Prize will be offered to third-year engineering students, and will also fund a 12-week internship at one of Dow Australia’s local facilities. n

Games Make Learning About Science Fun Taiwan: Students living in remote areas don’t always have the same Participants in the 2014 You Be The Chemist National Championship gather after the competition (Photo by Colin Coleman Fotos). educational opportunities as others, so company volunteers created “Future Pennsylvania: Audrey identifying elements to balancing and our nation as a whole,” said Rob Scientist – Dow Science Camp.” Through Gallier, a homeschooled sixth- equations and beyond, leaving Vallentine, global director, STEM a series of games, 54 students learned grader from Brookfield, Ill., many of the audience members education. “Through its commitment how to turn a liquid into a solid, how survived several hours of amazed at the intelligence of the to supporting programs like YBTC, air pressure changes with flow speed, challenging questions to become young participants. Dow aims to engage America’s how insects help grow crops and other the 2014 You Be The Chemist® In addition to being the sole youngest students in a lifelong insights. National Champion. Diamond level sponsor of You Be The pursuit of knowledge.” The games were designed by 35 Audrey’s triumph at the Chemist, Dow also sponsors several The top four finishers at the employees from Dow’s Electronic Kimmel Center for the Performing local Challenges. Many employees national championship earned Materials, Water, AgroSciences, and Arts in Philadelphia on June 23 serve as judges, moderators $15,000 in scholarships. Amar Moturu Industrial Solutions businesses. n capped off months of competition and support personnel for the of Cypress, Texas; Michael Allen of around the country that involved competitions. Toledo, Ohio; and Varun Mosur of 25,000 students in grades 5 through “Dow believes that investing Purcellville, Va., placed second, third Play Has a Message 8. Questions at the national in our youth is critical for the and fourth, respectively. n That’s Worth Repeating championship ranged from future of the chemical industry United Kingdom: A stage play is proving to be an original and effective way to encourage women to pursue STEM careers. “If Chloe Can” reveals stories of Local Challenges Bring Out the Best in Students women who have achieved extraordinary success in the face of adversity, and Texas: Thousands of middle school students across America competed highlights career options for school girls. in You Be The Chemist® local challenges this spring, hoping to qualify for the In particular, the play inspires women to national championship event. aim high and consider STEM careers that A You Be The Chemist (YBTC) local challenge brings top students from often aren’t associated with women. several schools together to test their knowledge of chemistry concepts, After hearing about this innovative important discoveries and chemical safety awareness. Dow is the and creative way to approach motivating competition’s national diamond sponsor, and also sponsors many local and engaging young women, Dow Challenges, including the one in Victoria, Texas, where 36 top students committed to support “If Chloe Can” from area schools gathered at Victoria East High School. for four years, with the intention that “As impressed as I was with all the students’ abilities, I was also the play be performed in locations near impressed with the commitment that Dow showed to the event,” Diane company sites. n Boyett, communications director for the Victoria school district, wrote in the Victoria Advocate, the local newspaper. “Multiple chemical engineers were on hand. There were demonstrations of experiments. It’s part of Students Learn Plenty the corporate commitment to science, technology, engineering and math on Wetlands Adventure (STEM) education in schools.” Dow provided sponsorship, and employees volunteered to help Louisiana: About 1,500 elementary organize, local challenges in the Delaware Valley, Indiana, Louisiana, school students from St. Charles Parish Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas. For more information about YBTC, go to learned about water quality and wetlands www.chemed.org/ybtc/challenge. n animal life during a trip to Wetland Watchers Park on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain on April 16. The annual event included approximately 20 interactive displays Competitor Sarah Gross pays close as well as food, musical acts, celebrity attention during the You Be The Chemist visits from Miss Louisiana USA 2014 and local challenge in Victoria, Texas. Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2014, relays and sporting contests. In addition, a nature trail tour was organized during which Students take a break during the You Be The visitors followed the 1,600-foot boardwalk Chemist local challenge in Plaquemine, La. trail, visiting the Dow Palmetto Outdoor Classroom, the Dow Bayouside Outdoor Classroom, and other displays that shared the history and future of Wetland Watchers Park. n

5 STEM News • Thailand: Volunteers Thrill Visitors with Demonstrations at Dow Science Park 2014 • Texas: High School Class Rockets to the Skies • Louisiana: Dow Sterlington Recognized by Ouachita Parish Schools Learn Science Event/Hockey Game

Michigan: Science and sports robots, electricity, microbiology, mo- which sent 300 students to the event. Encouragescombined forces to have a real impact lecular Kids bonding and lots more. Dow’s to“I’ve had severalStick students come tell toIt on thousands of students during booth focused on some of the many me how excited they are about this Education Day at the Saginaw Spirit ways that Dow products touch every- stuff.” minor league hockey game March 4 day lives. Dow also sponsored and After plenty of time enjoying the in Saginaw, Mich. helped staff an American Chemical science demonstrations, the students About 4,500 students from Society booth with demonstrations moved to the ice arena for the hockey schools across the region attended and giveaways that kept kids coming game. Dow was the title sponsor of the game and a sprawling science in waves. Education Day, and Nancy Lamb, Some of the 4,500 students who took part fair that preceded it. Several sponsor- “This is pretty cool,” said Jake director of Public Affairs for Michigan in Education Day at the Saginaw Spirit ing organizations set up booths in a Lounsbury, eighth-grade science Operations, dropped the ceremonial minor league hockey game on March 4 enjoy the Dow display at the science fair that large hall connected to the ice arena, teacher at Martin G. Atkins School first puck.n preceded the game. with displays and demonstrations of in the Bridgeport-Spaulding district,

Nancy Lamb, director of Public Affairs for Michigan Operations, drops the ceremonial first puck before the game.

Promising Student Is Honored, Gets Opportunity to Launch Career

Spain: The 36th Dow Award the university. Since 2013, the was presented to Jaume Albornà Dow Award also has come with Montserrat during a ceremony a job opportunity: the winner April 2 at the company’s facilities receives an offer of a chemical in Tarragona, Spain. The event, engineering-related job within which was widely covered by the the geographic framework of media, was hosted by Jim Fitterling, Dow EMEA (Europe, Middle East Dow´s executive vice president for and Africa). Feedstocks, Performance Plastics “We encourage high-quality and Supply Chain, and Felip education through opportunities Dow joined forces with the National University of Singapore to offer creative and exciting Puig i Godes, minister of Enterprise such as the one offered by this experiences to more than 300 students ages 12 to 15 through “Surprising Supermarket Science.” and Occupation of the Catalan Dow Award,” Country Leader Regional Government. Anton Valero said during the The award was created in 1978 presentation ceremony. “The Science Workshops Are through collaboration between aim is ultimately to strengthen Dow and Rovira i Virgili University. our chemical complex and the Designed to Have a Practical Appeal It rewards human and academic excellence of our university by merit, as well as the professional opening up to the world as a Singapore: Shopping for food The 10 workshops held in January, and research projects of students field of opportunities, because is about as real-world an application February and March provided more who have just completed higher the world is a great opportunity of science as there is, so Dow than 300 students ages 12 to 15 an studies in chemical engineering at in itself.” n Singapore joined forces with the opportunity to learn about science National University of Singapore for in an engaging manner. Some of the first time to conduct a series of the experiments in the three-hour science-based workshops for students workshops were adapted from actual titled “Surprising Supermarket solutions developed by businesses Science.” such as Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics and Dow Consumer and Industrial Solutions. n

6 STEM News • Michigan: University’s Hybrid Car Gets Boost from Dow Support • Egypt: Cairo University Students Learn First-Hand Lessons • West Virginia: Grant Rewards School’s Top STEM Students

* GLAD Partners With PFLAG to Help STEM Students Preschoolers United States: For the 12th time, the Gays, Lesbians and Allies Employee Network at Dow (GLAD) is teaming with the national organization Parents, Science Event/Hockey Game Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) to offer STEM scholarships for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students. Take the Bait “Dow remains firmly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion and to supporting this scholarship Jacob, son of Dow Encourages Kids to Stick toIt employee Mary Meyer, program, which allows us to help learns about fish at the cultivate the next generation of leaders event announcing Dow’s in science and technology,” said Howard support for the Fish Tales Ungerleider, executive vice president of Learning Zone. Dow. Students must show a strong interest and skill set in science, technology, engineering and/or math and support To celebrate the announcement of Dow’s sponsorship LGBT equality in their communities in of the Fish Tales Learning Zone, children take part in order to receive the scholarship. Once Gyotaku, the art of Japanese fish painting that encourages selected, each recipient will receive exploration of senses and discovery of colors and textures. $3,500 for college. n Louisiana: A local tradition of children and their parents going fishing together has been up- Olympiad Sponsorship dated to promote STEM education at the new Fish Opens Doors for Students Tales Learning Zone at Baton Rouge’s Knock Knock Korea: Top students are selected, Children’s Museum. prepared and trained for international Support from Dow will allow Fish Tales to pro- competition through the 2014 Korean vide hands-on experiences where children: Chemistry Olympiad, sponsored by Dow. • Explore using their senses, discovering various Koreans under age 20 who have colors and textures completed or are in the process of post- • Enjoy gross motor activity by catching a variety secondary education at an Education of Louisiana fish Ministry-accredited school are eligible to • Develop early literacy by reading text, observing enter the Korean Chemistry Olympiad, pictures and/or environmental cues with the ultimate goal of competing with • Heighten STEM literacy development through students from all over the world at the measurements, weights, etc. International Chemistry Olympiad. n • Engage in play patterns that incorporate inven- tion, creation, leadership and cooperation

DowGives Grant Makes “At Dow, we believe that an engaged, hands-on Science Lab Possible learning approach is the foundation to build the Texas: A new STEM lab was installed education system and workforce of the future,” said at Texas City High School recently, made Abby Cook, Public Affairs manager for Louisiana. possible by a contribution through the “Knock Knock’s Fish Tales Learning Zone will help DowGives Community Grant Program. n Dow employee Stacey Heidbrink helps daughter Abigail paint a fish us do just that.” n at the announcement event.

Challenging Students The Year’s First Winners Pays Off of Sustainability Award Focus on Clean Water in Africa Brazil: Students who created the top three projects in the Battle of MASSACHUSETTS: The Graduate students at 17 Concepts were honored at a ceremony first student team to be honored participating universities in Feb. 27 at Dow’s headquarters in São in the 2014 Dow Sustainability seven countries are eligible for Chemistry teacher Emily Stafford, center, Paulo. Innovation Student Challenge SISCA awards. Each university shows students Rubi Segundo and Zach Serna how to use some of their new equipment for an The competition opened in Award (SISCA) program is a group establishes its own selection assignment. August 2013 and challenged students from Massachusetts Institute of process and criteria in line with to think of how mattresses made of Technology for research into a low- Dow’s high-level criteria, which polyurethane foam could become cost device that measures the usage include potential for solving world Students, Teachers Are Able more attractive to end consumers. of life-saving water filters in Africa. challenges, interdisciplinary To See Nature Up Close Created in the Netherlands The group, known as the nature of the work, innovative Taiwan: Around 70 students and in 2006, Battle of Concepts is an CleanData-CleanWater team, thinking and research excellence. 20 teachers from the Fu-Tian Elementary online portal whose purpose is to worked with a community partner Grand prize winners receive School in Miao Li Prefecture learned bring companies closer to university in Tamale, Ghana, to create a $10,000, and runners-up receive about ocean ecosystems, forests and students and young professionals. In monitoring device that would be $2,500. wetlands during an April 8 trip to the Brazil, the idea was implemented by fitted to each water filter and record SISCA was launched in 2009 Hong Shu Harbor rehabilitation park Hans Van Hellemondt in 2009. daily use for up to a year, enabling to promote forward thinking in Hsinchu Prefecture. Nearly 30 Dow “With this type of project, more rigorous studies of filter usage in social and environmental volunteers led the trip, which came about students can implement everything and impact. responsibility among the world’s through the company’s two ongoing they learn in the classroom and be top university students. n corporate citizenship programs – Hope better prepared for the challenges Reading, which encourages children to that they’ll face in the job market,” read books, and Protect Ocean, which explained Van Hellemondt, president helps safeguard marine biodiversity. n of Battle of Concepts in Brazil. n

7 STEM News • Michigan: University’s Hybrid Car Gets Boost from Dow Support • Egypt: Cairo University Students Learn First-Hand Lessons • West Virginia: Grant Rewards School’s Top STEM Students Learn

Connection to Competitive Robotics RobotsProgram KeepsRule Growing

Missouri: Two teams sponsored speaking to a crowd of 20,000 people by Dow were among 400 competing at the event. “If you want a peek at at the FIRST™ Robotics Championship the future, you come here to the April 23 to 26 in St. Louis, Mo. In all, FIRST Championship. And when I say more than 12,000 students from all future, I mean future leaders, future over the world took part in the event, inventors, and future problem solv- guiding their customized robots in ers.” throwing balls around a special arena FIRST (For Inspiration and Recog- to earn points in pursuit of tourna- nition of Science and Technology) is ment advancement. a nonprofit organization dedicated to Team 4819 from Mount Pleasant, inspiring young people to be science Mich., compiled a record of 7-3 in the and technology leaders by engag- event, while Team 2619 from Midland, ing them in exciting, mentor-based Mich., was 4-6. Neither advanced to programs. the event finals, but two teams from For a video tour of the FIRST Michigan were part of the winning Robotics Championship led by actress alliance and a third Michigan team Emma Dumont, go to YouTube. For earned the prestigious Chairman’s more information about the FIRST Award. organization, go to www.usfirst.org. n “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, but here in St. Louis with you, the future,” said music star will.i.am, Team members work on their robot during a strong STEM education advocate, the time between rounds of competition.

Midland Hosts District Competition for First Time “Robotics is like a MIDLAND: The excitement of Saginaw High’s squad, Team a FIRST Robotics showdown came Trobot, advanced to the tournament to Midland, Mich., for the first time semifinals, guiding their robot around sport to me. And when 40 teams gathered March 21 the arena with a skill that enabled and 22 for the Great Lakes Bay Region it to score repeatedly in the custom- being on the robotics FIRST Robotics district competition. designed game. “Someone described it as a two- “I’m pretty proud of how well team has helped me in day party,” said Mike Rehberg, an we’ve done this year,” Bady said. “Last investment specialist at Dow who year was our first year, and we just serves as president of FIRST of the wanted to be able to make a robot a lot of ways. I know Great Lakes Bay Region, the local and go to competitions. But this year, chapter that hosted the Midland we want to do better.” how to build things, event. “Let me put it this way: I wear Bady said his experience playing ear plugs for two days. But it is a lot football helps him when he’s driving how to wire things, of fun.” the team’s robot. At the Midland Raymond Bady, a senior at meet, his composure was evident Saginaw High School with plans to as he remotely rerouted the robot’s stuff I never knew play college football, is part of his power supply when a bad battery school’s team, one of thousands of caused it to freeze up in the middle of before.” students across the country who a playoff round. have been swept up in this growing “Robotics is like a sport to me,” – Raymond Bady robotics phenomenon. he said. “And being on the robotics Senior, Saginaw High School “It was something that sounded team has helped me in a lot of ways. like it would be interesting. Then, I know how to build things, how after the first year, it was like, man, to wire things, stuff I never knew I’ve got to keep doing this,” Bady said. before.” n

8 STEM News • Delaware: Support for Regional Science Fairs Expanded • Korea: University Scholarships Awarded to 20 Outstanding Students • West Virginia: Dow Co-Hosts Chemical Engineers Day at WVU in April

* The pagentry of the FIRST ™ Robotics Championship offered a thrill to thousands of students, fans and robots who gathered for the event in St. Louis, Mo.

Dow Mentor Matt Mittag works with students at a FIRST Robotics competition.

Being a Dow Mentor is Addictive

wisconsin: As a high school more than 100 members, but student in Wisconsin, Matt Mittag most have several dozen, each didn’t know what he wanted to do focusing on a specific part of the with his life. Then he discovered process. Intelligence, know-how, FIRST™ Robotics and fell in love with dedication and teamwork are all the process of making things work. vital. Now, Mittag is a development “I joined a FIRST Robotics engineer for Dow in Edina, Minn., team when I was a junior in and he devotes much of his free high school because some of time to mentoring the Edina High my friends were on the team,” School FIRST Robotics team as a way Mittag said. “I knew I liked to to give the next generation a shot at build things, but I had never finding that same love. had a chance to interface with “It’s addictive,” Mittag said of engineers or anyone in the his work with FIRST Robotics. “You professional field of engineering. get involved and you see what a I realized that, hey, this is Team 2619’s robot fires a shot at the goal during the FIRST difference you can make in the lives something I can get into.” Robotics Championship. of so many kids.” That experience was a FIRST (For Inspiration and major reason he chose to study Recognition of Science and engineering in college, Mittag Technology) is a nonprofit said. Now he not only mentors organization founded in 1989 by the Edina team, he also is entrepreneur Dean Kamen. Its specially trained to serve as a programs include the Junior FIRST robot inspector at competitions. Lego League for ages 6 to 9, the “I’ve seen multiple situations FIRST Lego League for ages 9 to just like mine where students 16, the FIRST Tech Challenge for didn’t know what they wanted students in grades 7 through 12 and to go into, and after joining the FIRST Robotics for grades 9 through team, they realized that this 12. engineering thing is kind of fun,” “A FIRST Robotics meet has Mittag said. the atmosphere of a sporting Mittag is one of three Dow event,” Mittag said. “Except that employees in the Minneapolis at a sporting event, everybody is area who mentor FIRST teams. cheering for one team or the other, Dow also provides sponsorship but they’re not on the team. At a – and Dow employees provide FIRST Robotics meet, you’ve got guidance – to teams in Michigan, maybe 5,000 kids, and they’re all Massachusetts, Louisiana, cheering for 40 or 60 teams, and Texas, Pennsylvania and other they’re actually on the teams.” locations. Every year, the FIRST “It’s an absolute blast,” organization designs a game that Mittag said of being a mentor. “I the robots will play during all know in 20 years it’s something competitions for that season. Once I’ll still be doing. It’s exciting, the season’s game is announced, you make a difference and it’s teams have about six weeks to just a heck of a lot of fun.” n design, build and test a robot. Teams can have anywhere from four to Members of Saginaw High’s Team Trobot look up at the packed house in the stands of Dow High School in Midland, Mich., as they prepare to compete in the Great Lakes Bay Region FIRST Robotics district competition.

9 STEM News • Delaware: Support for Regional Science Fairs Expanded • Korea: University Scholarships Awarded to 20 Outstanding Students • West Virginia: Dow Co-Hosts Chemical Engineers Day at WVU in April Learn

Know How to Make Science Fun Washington, D.C.: A growing Mindputer, Dowbot. The aha! moments Trekkers relationship with the Mind Trekkers produced as young minds discovered group from Michigan Technological the science behind the mysteries were University is paying dividends not contagious.” only for the school and its students, The Mind Trekkers also appeared but for people across the country who at the first Dow Great Lakes Bay get to experience how much fun sci- Science and Engineering Festival last ence can be. October at Delta College, near the Mind Trekkers are MTU students company’s Michigan headquarters. who wow crowds at festivals, fairs And they are on tap to appear for and similar gatherings with their the second year of the festival in STEM Road Show, a variety of dis- September 2014. plays, demonstrations and hands-on To experience the USA Science activities. & Engineering Festival, watch the Dow sponsored a MindTrekkers MTU video on Youtube, www.youtube. team that went to the USA Science & com/watch?v=b38h_AHpULI. To learn Engineering Festival in Washington, more about the festival, go to www. D.C., during April. Dow scientists ac- usasciencefestival.org, or check out Mind companied the students and helped Trekkers at www.mindtrekkers.mtu.edu. to engage the waves of people who n visited. More than 325,000 people Mind Trekker Rachel Kloc from Freeland, Mich., shows off a Foam Gnome at the group’s attended the festival and surrounding display at the USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington, D.C. Visitors to the display events over a three-day period. make their own gnomes by mixing small amounts of isocyanate and polyether alcohol, “The partnership with Dow was which sparks an exothermic reaction and creates foam that grows up and out of the cup. fantastic,” said Stephen Patchin, direc- Decorating the creation adds fun and creativity to the simple lesson in science. tor of MTU’s Center for Pre-College Outreach. “In our STEM compound, Visitors to the USA Science & Engineering Rachel McCollough from participants and their parents could Festival are mesmerized by a foggy Anchorage, Alaska, has experience the ‘WOW!’ of areas from demonstration at the Mind Trekker display. money to burn at the USA chemistry to robotics. They could Science & Engineering Festival. When a dollar walk on water, eat ice cream made bill is soaked in rubbing in 60 seconds right before their eyes, alcohol, which is 70 percent race a computer to complete a puzzle, alcohol and 30 percent and even have a conversation with water, the cotton threads the roaming Dow Chemical com- in the bill absorb the water, so the paper is protected when the alcohol on the outside of the bill burns.

Volunteers Help Students Start the School Year Right Malaysia: A group of about 30 Dow employees helped 60 low- income students in Malaysia get ready for the start of the school year by purchasing supplies such as school uniforms, bags and stationary. Each Dow employee accompanied two students to the Mydin Wholesale Hypermarket in Subang Jaya, not only to purchase the basic necessities required for the children to be successful in school, but also to teach them how to manage the money available. “It is through initiatives such as this, that we can be a good corporate citizen and give back to the community,” said James Thong, Dow’s country manager for Malaysia. “I am very pleased to A group of about 60 students gather with Dow employees to shop for supplies before the beginning of their say that there was no shortage of volunteers for this program.” n school year. Labs Provide Hands-on Learning in Different Ways

Texas: Two different approaches Resource Lab (MERL), a 22-foot trailer celebrate the environment. The event to putting the wonders of science into that has been transformed into a showcased projects funded by The the hands of students were launched mobile classroom showcasing solar, Dow Chemical Company Foundation recently. wind, biofuels and other sustainable over the past few years and included In Texas City, a STEM lab was energy solutions. MERL will spend tours of the Dow Sustainability Center installed at Texas City High School. time at each CCISD campus, as well and free recycling of electronics. The supplies and equipment were as other local community education The Sustainability Center, which made possible by a grant through the events as appropriate. opened its doors in 2011, is a recycling DowGives Community Grant Program. MERL was unveiled on May and environmental education facility Meanwhile, the Calhoun County 19 as part of Sustainability Day, in open to the public for education and Independent School District (CCISD) which Seadrift Operations partnered recycling drop off. CCISD uses the unveiled its new Mobile Energy with Calhoun County and CCISD to facility as a field trip destination to Students learn about energy inside the enhance learning in STEM fields.n Mobile Energy Resource Lab.

10 STEM News • Michigan: Promising Students Earn Scholarships • Texas: Junior High Students Benefit From Visit by TAME (Texas Alliance for Minority Engineers) Trailer • Japan: New Partnership With TOMODACHI Initiative is Launched

* Students Show Their Stuff at Science Fairs California: More than 1,700 high school students from around the world earned the right to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair May 11 through 16 in Los Angeles. Some of those students had all their expenses paid by winning local science fair competitions sponsored by Dow. The company has a long history of supporting these competitions, such as the Delaware Valley Science Fairs in Philadelphia and the Great Lakes Bay Regional Science & Technology Fair in Saginaw, Mich. n

Chinese Chemistry Olympiad Visitors to the Conner Prairie Curiosity Fair in Fishers, Ind., get hands-on understanding of science concepts from Science Ambassadors volunteers. Involves More Than 150,000 China: For the second year in a row, Dow is the exclusive sponsor of the Chinese Chemistry Olympiad, which DAS Science Ambassadors is a kicked off on April 26 in Changchun. Dow partners with the Chinese Chemistry Society in organizing the prestigious academic competition, which began in 1984 and now involves over 150,000 high school students across the country. “We are proud of the role that Dow plays in inspiring the next generation of GrowingIndiana: The growth of Dow “The ability to participate Operation in “The ability to scientists in China,” commented Peter AgroSciences’ (DAS) Science Ambas- STEM outreach was part of the Wong, president of Dow Greater China. sadors group continued in the first reason I wanted to work here, and I “The Olympiad provides a good platform half of 2014, not only attracting more think others feel the same way,” said participate in for Dow to demonstrate our long-held participants in and around its base in Ronda Hamm, a Science Ambassador. passion for science, which we hope will Indianapolis, but expanding to other “They’re excited to see the impact STEM outreach was be contagious among China’s youth.” n Dow sites around the country. our program is having on the com- By the end of May, 286 DAS munity.” part of the reason employees had joined Science Ambas- That excitement can now be Strengthening Bonds sadors, which organizes community shared by more people across the With Junior Achievement outreach activities and sends mem- country, as Science Ambassadors is I wanted to work Opens Doors bers to events ranging from Celebrate spreading to other Dow sites. Work Delaware: Gov. Jack Markell Science Indiana to the Conner Prairie is under way to launch Science here, and I think helped launch a new era of enhanced Curiosity Fair. The group has devel- Ambassadors programs in Texas, collaboration between Dow, Junior oped a menu of engaging, informa- Michigan and the Delaware Valley. others feel the same Achievement of Delaware and the tive activities its members can take For more information about Science Delaware STEM Council, to expand STEM- to schools, organizations or events. Ambassadors, contact Larry Sernyk at way.” focused career readiness efforts directed Some of the most popular are titled [email protected]. n at thousands of middle school students “Healthy Oils,” “DNA Extraction,” – Ronda Hamm across the state. “DNA Wristbands” and “Genes Are a Science Ambassador “The need is significant,” Markell Toss Up.” said at an announcement event April 15, noting that Delaware has 3.8 jobs open in STEM fields for every unemployed worker, while there are 1.7 unemployed workers for every available non-STEM Volunteers Make a Difference in People’s Lives job. “Jobs exist in STEM fields and we Indiana: The old saying “Been must to do everything we can to increase there, done that, got the t-shirt” carries an the STEM readiness of our students and added sense of pride for the DAS Science expand the STEM-capable workforce.” n Ambassadors. Kim Richey, one of the group’s leaders, explained that members receive an Top Student Receives Ambassadors t-shirt when they volunteer for Inside Look at Water their first event. Treatment Technology “People say, ‘Hey, I got my t-shirt. I’m Spain: As a reward for his successful special,” Richey said. “Some people just wear participation in the All-Ukrainian Junior the shirt around, even if there’s not an event. Water Prize, a national division of an They look nice.” international contest, high school student Richey said she became active in Science Victor Kyrilenko of Krivoy Rog, Ukraine, Ambassadors because she could see the value was welcomed at Dow’s Global Water of engaging the public, especially students. Technology Center in Tarragona, Spain, “We’re enlightening them, and we’re for a tour and discussions with company attempting to get the kids excited about researchers in March. science,” Richey said. “At the end of the day, I The research and development team don’t expect them to be able to repeat back to from Dow Water & Process Solutions me what they learned. But if they say, ‘Science showed Victor the company’s modern is cool,’ they might decide that a career in scientific laboratory and taught him science would be cool.” n Dow AgroSciences employee Kim Richey volunteers at a Science about water treatment technologies and Ambassadors event in Indiana. unique pilot units. n

11 STEM News • Michigan: Promising Students Earn Scholarships • Texas: Junior High Students Benefit From Visit by TAME (Texas Alliance for Minority Engineers) Trailer • Japan: New Partnership With TOMODACHI Initiative is Launched Work Technical Center Opened Take Your Child to Work Day RUSSIA: The connection between education and real-world operations will be strengthened with the opening of a new Technical Center within Moscow Power Engineering Institute in Russia. Dow Water & Process Solutions in Opens Many Doors collaboration with research and production company Mediana-Filter opened the facility on April 7. The Technical Center will serve as a laboratory for students, be used for engineering and scientific research, as well as a training facility for plant engineers. It will also help to improve students’ and Dow’s Max Schneider, engineers’ awareness of state-of-the-art left, takes part in a video conference communication technologies for water treatment, allowing challenge with Dan Schneider them to design new equipment and develop and Grace Pnacek during their operational skills. the Take Your Child to Work “The Technical Center will provide a Day events organized by good opportunity for students to practice I/S & Auditing employees in Midland, Mich. their skills and learn more about future pro- fessions and Dow technologies,” said Gergely UNITED STATES: Many sites “This event grows larger each Nagy, commercial director of Dow Water across the United States were busy on year both with the number of partici- & Process Solutions in Russia, the Com- April 24 for Take Your Child to Work pants and the amount of activities,” monwealth of Independent States, Central Day, an annual event that reinforces said Nancy Pnacek, one of the orga- Europe, Greece and Turkey. n the real-world application of concepts nizers. “Our goal has always been to and ideas taught in schools. include STEM wherever and however Internships Let Students In Midland, Mich., for instance, I/S often we can, in hopes of having the & Auditing employees welcomed 120 youngsters get excited about the Hone Their Operations Skills children who participated in activities possibilities of technology, science, WEST VIRGINIA: Students at Kanawha ranging from building a catapult to engineering and chemistry.” n Valley Community and Technical Center creating a tornado in a bottle. in South Charleston, W. Va., can gain invaluable exposure to modern production operations through a new internship arrangement with Dow. Not only does the new Operator No Messing Around: Fast Start Internship Program give the school’s Program Gets People Chemical Operations students an opportunity to experience production scale into the Workforce Quickly processes and equipment, it also allows them to evaluate their interest in the MICHIGAN: For the ninth time their hiring needs are met and to industry. And offsetting their education since 2008, a group of people with determine when they need qualified expenses helps, too. a variety of experiences has learned workers and how many,” the college’s In February, Dow welcomed five interns to put their knowledge to work with website says. to the West Virginia Operations internship the help of the Fast Start program at A new Fast Start class is organized program. n Michigan’s Delta College. when the college determines that Participants put in 480 training there is pending need for more hours over 12 weeks in the program, process operators. University Students Glimpse which prepares them to be a chemical “Fast Start is designed for Future Prospects process operator. Graduates of individuals who can make a full- RUSSIA: More than 100 students at the program have an 84 percent time, 30 hour per week classroom/ Moscow State University of Fine Chemical placement rate, the college reports. training commitment (and an Technologies met with Dow representatives This year’s class of 24 students additional 15-20 hours per week at the university’s March 28 career fair. began in February and completed the outside of class),” the website says. Company representatives performed program on May 16. “Because it is an accelerated class, the two presentations, highlighting existing Dow initially developed the “best fit” candidates will have good opportunities available within Dow program, then transitioned it to pre-test scores, a college degree or for young chemistry specialists. Dow Delta, a community college located completed coursework in a technical representatives spoke about the business near Dow’s global headquarters in area preferred, and work or military directions of the company in Russia and the Midland. Dow provides continuing experience in a technical/mechanical Commonwealth of Independent States and assistance to Fast Start, as does the field.” offered perspectives on career development, state government’s employment Those who qualify are on their all the while sharing their personal agency and other manufacturing way to a new career in a matter of experiences of working for the global companies in the area. weeks. n company. “We work very closely with Dow employees at the event included regional employers to assure that Natalia Dorozhkina, Renat Kashapov, Vlad Starikov, Yulia Golubeva and Nadya Yan. n

12 STEM News • Louisiana: LAO Offers Process Control Technology Scholarships at Baton Rouge CC • Dow Earns Awards at 2014 NSBE National Convention • Michigan: Dozens Get Experience Through National Student Program

* This Sure Isn’t Boring

New Zealand: After a work placement at Dow AgroSciences’ Waireka Global Discovery Research Station in New Partnership Helping Discover Zealand, high school student Amy Rose from Queensland, Australia, has discovered the world of agricultural science as an exciting new career option. Amy spent a week working alongside top scientists from around the world, assisting with research on new crop protection products critical to the future of Australia’s agricultural industry. Future Stars “For those who think ag chem is boring, they obviously haven’t witnessed a day in the life of an ag scientist. I was seeing chemistry at work in the field that no one else in the world had ever seen before. I got to participate in trials and tests that have the potential for a massive effect on the world’s future food supply,” she said. During her placement, Amy assisted in data collection, helped plan trials on emerging fungicide and insecticide products in wheat and vegetable plants, observed trial applications and tests using new technologies, and assisted in trial reporting. It provided her with valuable hands-on experience and knowledge that she’ll be able to use throughout her education and future career. “It was fun to see practical applications of the methodologies I have been learning in the classroom,” explained Amy. “I’ve studied and am familiar with the scientific method, but to see it put to practical use – to get out and see it actually working in real life – was just so great.” Australian student Brydie Creagh got hands-on experience during her placement at the Waireka Global Discovery Amy was selected for the assignment Research Station in New Zealand. as part of the PICSE/Dow AgroSciences Travelling Scholarship Program, an initiative Australia: Dow AgroSciences Australia/ developed through a partnership between New Zealand is helping to deliver hands-on Dow AgroSciences and the Primary Industry opportunities for bright Aussie students to use Centre for Science Education (PICSE). their skills in a real-world work setting. The Travelling Scholarship Program Since 2010 the ANZ Marketing and R&D aims to introduce the world of agriculture teams have worked together with the Primary to students who may have never before Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE) considered it a viable career option – as was to deliver a range of programs, from awards the case for Amy, a student at Pittsworth and competitions to field work and scholarship High School in Queensland. opportunities. Though there is a shortage of young PICSE is a non-profit organization that aims people entering the agricultural sector, Field to attract more young people into careers in Station Manager Brian Husband said that science. Dow AgroSciences has helped bring working with students like Amy makes him PICSE’s programs to life by providing students optimistic about the future. with practical experiences outside the classroom. “Students often don’t tend to see Will Howard, born and raised in a city environment, agriculture as an exciting or adventurous “The support of global companies such as had the experience of a lifetime working alongside Dow AgroSciences is critical for ensuring the researchers at a Dow AgroSciences research station in career option. But Amy’s enthusiasm, future success of the program. By exposing Breeza, New South Wales. Here he poses with Natalie intelligence and passion make me very students to the world of ag through industry Elias, left, a Dow AgroSciences researcher, and Susanna optimistic.” n placements, they get to taste, touch and feel Grieg, right, science education officer at the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education. the many and varied career opportunities,” said Gordon Stone, PICSE national director. Matt Cahill, Dow AgroSciences’ Research Some of the activities Dow AgroSciences has and Development leader for Australia and supported since entering the partnership with New Zealand, said the PICSE partnership was PICSE in 2010 include: part of ANZ’s approach to promoting STEM • A national online science investigation awards opportunities. program for students “Through our relationship with PICSE, we’ve • Regular one-week industry placement opened our doors to young people, providing scholarships at research stations in Breeza, them with the opportunity to work alongside our New South Wales leading researchers and positioning ourselves • An annual, all-expenses-paid trip to the as an employer of choice. Our sponsorship has Waireka Global Discovery Research Station in uncovered many shining stars who are now New Zealand undertaking tertiary studies in agriculture. The • Five-day science camps in New South Wales future is looking bright!” and Queensland hosted by PICSE • Professional development awards for PICSE Amy Rose works with Somsak Samanwong, Science Education Officers a scientist from Thailand, studying the • Providing speakers for school functions to impact of the diamondback moth on a promote agriculture careers n broccoli plant.

13 STEM News • Louisiana: LAO Offers Process Control Technology Scholarships at Baton Rouge CC • Dow Earns Awards at 2014 NSBE National Convention • Michigan: Dozens Get Experience Through National Student Program Advocate Researchers Analyzing Region’s

“This will ultimately help STEMMichigan: A groundbreaking Opportunities about what can be done to ensure productivity that the economy re - partnership between leaders from that students have the skills needed wards,” said Carolyn Wierda, interim business, education, government and in the modern economy. dean at Saginaw Valley State Univer- prepare our students for philanthropic organizations has made Dow not only contributed funds sity and chair of the task force that possible a detailed analysis of the to the effort, but several employees commissioned the Impact Initiative. jobs of the future and STEM education opportunities avail- have filled crucial leadership roles “This will ultimately help prepare our able in the Great Lakes Bay Region in the effort to make the analysis a students for jobs of the future and ensure our employers have (GLBR). reality. ensure our employers have the talent For this analysis, called the “Our region has a proud history they need to fill their STEM jobs.” GLBR STEM Impact Initiative, highly of strength in manufacturing, science The findings of the GLBR STEM the talent they need to fill regarded researchers from around the and innovation, and we need well- Impact Initiative are to be released in country were contracted to study the trained, motivated people to continue the fall. n their STEM jobs.” region and make recommendations the innovation, responsiveness and – Carolyn Wierda Interim Dean at Saginaw Valley State University Consortium Creating a Network of STEM-Based Schools Egypt: The Education for Boys, with 140 students. Consortium for the Advancement of Dow is one of the main STEM in Egypt (ECASE) is in the midst supporters of ECASE, along with of a four-year plan to open up to five USAID-Egypt, World Learning, the new STEM-focused schools in the Franklin Institute, and 21st Century north African country. Partnership for STEM Education. In In two years, ECASE has addition, students from the schools succeeded in establishing two schools, have visited Dow sites in Egypt and the Maadi STEM School for Girls, worked with company employees to home to 120 students in 10th and 11th broaden their understanding. n grades, and the October STEM School

Students from the Maadi STEM School for Girls visit the Dow Cairo System House.

Panelists at Tokyo Summit Discuss Role of Women in STEM and How Science Impacts Lives Japan: The Women in Business Summit, the biggest event in the history of both the U.S. Japan Council and the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, attracted more than 1,000 people to Tokyo for high- level planning that included a panel discussion titled Women in STEM. Sayaka Ito, account manager, Dow Water & Process Solutions, was one of the Women in STEM panelists. She was joined by two other panelists in sharing her thoughts on what science can do to improve people’s lives. “To make clearer connections between education and real life, providing children with better opportunities to learn how the power of science can influence the things people see and Sayaka Ito, an account manager with Dow Water & Process Solutions, took part in a Women touch, is essential,” she said. in STEM panel discussion at the Women in Business Summit May 27 in Tokyo, Japan. Peter Jennings, Dow Japan president and chairperson of the Dow Women’s Innovation Network for Asia Pacific, also attended the May 27 summit. n

14 STEM News • Michigan: Thought Leaders Discuss STEM Opportunities for Women During WIN Webcast • United States: Goal of 100Kin10 to Train 100,000 STEM Teachers Gets Boost • Colorado: Commitments to Clinton Global Initiative Bear Fruit

* Andrew Liveris Signs

Business Publication Taps Expertise in Raising STEM Issues Michigan: An extensive report in Washington, D.C.: Dow has joined forces with 25 other May by Crain’s Detroit Business included Historicleading American companies in committing to a new era of support STEM Pact Dow’s top STEM advocate among a for STEM literacy. group of academics, business leaders President and CEO Andrew Liveris signed the Commitment to and politicians speaking in support of Excellence in STEM, pledging Dow’s involvement in the effort by investment in education. the nonprofit group Change The Equation (CTEq) to ensure that all Rob Vallentine, global director of children in communities across the U.S. have access to high-quality, STEM Education, discussed the wide excellent STEM learning opportunities. variety of jobs in the company that The linchpins of the Commitment are collaboration with require STEM skills, as well as how a other corporations as well as programs and communities; high shortage of students choosing those expectations for all students; data-driven advocacy for STEM; subjects is hindering the company. n and the availability of high-quality STEM learning programs in communities across the country. Chemical Engineering “We applaud Corporate America for its role in making Discussed at European universal STEM literacy a reality,” said CTEq CEO Linda P. Rosen. Economic Congress “The public declaration of support for the Commitment and the actions that will ensue from the corporate community recognize Poland: As an Official Partner in STEM literacy as a transformative life-skill that impacts the future the Sixth European Economic Congress, success of our young people and the ability of our nation to remain Dow leaders participated in a number of a leader in innovation.” discussion panels during the conference To learn more about CTEq visit www.changetheequation.org. n held in Katowice, Poland, during early May. One of the panels focused on the future of chemical engineering in Europe, with Christoph Sikora, Dow’s general manager for Central Europe, representing Boys and Girls Clubs Looking for New Ways to Help the company. n California: With a special focus on groups who are More Leadership Provided underrepresented in STEM fields, Within STEMconnector the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Washington, D.C.: Another gathered leaders from the business, Dow leader has filled a key role within academic and government fields in STEMconnector, a consortium of search of new ideas at the STEM Great companies, nonprofit associations and Think in Redwood City on May 2. professional societies; STEM-related Randy Fischback of Dow research and policy organizations; Public & Government Affairs in government entities; universities and Pittsburg, Calif., took part in the academic institutions concerned with discussions, which were intended STEM education and the future of human to “develop a strategic plan for capital. public-private solutions to advance On June 8, the organization named STEM programs in the out-of-school the members of its Food & Ag Council, time space; engage and retain more which pledges to “join with America’s underrepresented youth in STEM youth to inspire, nurture and engage education; and create clear pathways individuals to passionately pursue Food and partnerships to guide more youth and Ag careers by unlocking their full to succeed in STEM careers.” potential as leaders and professionals.” The national Boys and Girls David Sousa, public affairs manager Clubs organization believes that out- with Dow AgroSciences, is among the of-school time, which means after members. school and summer, plays a critical In addition, Delta College, located and often overlooked role in helping near Dow’s Michigan headquarters, young people develop needed skills is now a member of STEMconnector’s and competencies. n Higher Education Council. n

Joe Harlan Describes Role of STEM Education in Economic Growth

Texas: A key Dow executive skilled workers is difficult for many investments. Because of new sources associate degrees or less. He cited a explained to business leaders in people to accept because the U.S. has of affordable energy, there are nearly recent government report which said Houston how vital STEM education is millions who are unemployed. 130 energy-related projects planned that nearly two-thirds of all future job to everyone. “There is not a worker shortage for the U.S. They represent more than openings will come in occupations Joe Harlan, executive vice anywhere in the world,” Harlan said. $100 billion in potential investments, that don’t require a postsecondary president, told the Houston Rotary “We have a skills shortage. Businesses but won’t happen unless we have education. They will, however, that the United States is in the midst report nearly four million jobs are enough skilled people to build and require more STEM skills. n of a labor crisis that could threaten open because the workers who are staff the facilities, Harlan noted. the economy if we don’t take steps available don’t have the right skills.” There is a great demand for now to strengthen the STEM skills of The lack of talent is not only a workers with college degrees in STEM our students and workforce. He said drag on productivity now, he said, subjects, Harlan said. But there is a the idea that we don’t have enough it is also threatening future planned greater need for STEM workers with

15 STEM News • Michigan: Thought Leaders Discuss STEM Opportunities for Women During WIN Webcast • United States: Goal of 100Kin10 to Train 100,000 STEM Teachers Gets Boost • Colorado: Commitments to Clinton Global Initiative Bear Fruit Here’sA variety of resources is available to anyone who wantsHow more information to LearnCareer Videos: More about science, technology, engineering and math. Here are some of A series of online videos that describe some of the those resources, as well as people within Dow who are involved in the many jobs available to people with STEM skills. company’s STEM education activities around the world. www.dow.com/company/citizenship/stem/explore-stem.htm

Chemical engineer MacKenzie Stangohr is one of the Dow employees featured in the videos on the STEMtheGAP™ Education Movement: Careers in STEM website. A worldwide STEM education community built on the premise that many people have insights into the challenges and opportunities that exist in the real world, and communication between those people is the best path toward Online Experiments: progress. Several fascinating experiments that kids can do at home or in the classroom, grouped by grade level. www.facebook.com/STEMtheGAP www.dow.com/company/citizenship/stem/student.htm Chemical Educational Foundation A nonprofit organization that runs the You Be The Key Dow People: Chemist® Challenge, a nationwide competition Dow is involved in a number of STEM initiatives around the world. To learn for middle school students. In conjunction with more about what is happening, or to get involved, contact one of these people: the competition, the foundation provides several resources for students and teachers. Marianne Berthelot, Africa [email protected] Shawna Bruce, Canada [email protected] You Be The Chemist Essential Elements: A professional development program designed to assist K-8 educators -- the Gabriella Cone, Texas [email protected] “essential elements” in education -- in teaching chemistry concepts through Abigail Cook, Louisiana [email protected] hands-on learning and connecting those concepts to students’ everyday lives. Fadi Fahem, India, Middle East, Africa [email protected] www.chemed.org/ybtc/essential Randy Fischback, California [email protected] Daniela Grelin, Brazil [email protected] You Be The Chemist Activity Guides: Justin Land, Northeast [email protected] Nearly 1,000 pages of free lesson plans, science content, activity sheets and study Jeff Martin, Michigan [email protected] materials designed to provide enriching scientific engagement in the classroom David Sousa, Indiana [email protected] – plus several online videos showing experiments that are economical and Rob Vallentine, Michigan [email protected] feasible for any class. Virginie Wengler, Europe [email protected] www.chemed.org/ybtc/guides Rachel Wu, Asia/Pacific [email protected] You Be The Chemist Newton & Kelvin’s Laboratory: Online activities and interactive lessons. Dow also works with and supports a number of organizations that contribute www.chemed.org/ybtc/lab/ to the quality of STEM education. Here are the Dow contacts for some of those organizations:

Dow Lab Safety Academy: Dow Science Ambassadors Michelle Langley [email protected] A digital learning academy that leverages Dow’s Project Lead the Way Meredith Morris [email protected] best-in-class industrial safety culture and practices You Be The Chemist® Meredith Morris [email protected] for laboratory safety. The Academy is divided FIRST™ Robotics Jordan Tremblay [email protected] into a series of modules defining the next steps toward building a sustainable, safe work culture in academia that will help prevent serious incidents and better prepare students for a transition to For more information about Dow’s education initiatives, contact Rob industry from academia. Vallentine, global director, STEM Education at [email protected]. www.safety.dow.com

– Continued from Front Page people who face extra challenges Providing these opportunities will along the path to success. She is go a long way toward meeting the Mink Finds Success the North American co-chair for need for STEM skills, because such Through Determination the Women’s Innovation Network, groups continue to be markedly and Resilience a forum for Dow people to share underrepresented in STEM fields. Fortunately, Miss Verity was there experiences, find mentors, seek “The good news is we are making to set the record straight. professional development and gain progress,” Mink said. “We’re doing “She said, ‘You can be anything access to senior leadership. She is all the right things. We’re partnering you want to be,’” Mink recalled. the business representative for the with the right groups because we It wasn’t the last time that a Dow STEM Council, an internal know we can’t do it alone, and I don’t teacher gave Mink the support she group responsible for coordinating think we are. If we continue doing needed, or that a colleague provided the company’s global STEM everything we’ve been doing, then we invaluable guidance. education strategy. And she is Dow’s will get there.” “I’ve been extremely fortunate,” representative on the Catalyst Board Part of that solution comes from Mink said. “I have had incredible of Advisors, a partnership of top successful people turning around mentors and sponsors who were there companies dedicated to promoting and giving support to the next Dow’s Kim Ann Mink for me throughout my education and workplace diversity and expanding generation coming up. Another part career. The world is a big place; it is opportunities for women in business. comes from young women realizing “Having determination and important to have people who believe It’s all about making sure people that they can, indeed, overcome the resilience is just as important as in you.” have the opportunity to succeed no obstacles they face. Mink, and all that having the capability. Believe in It’s no surprise, then, that Mink matter their gender, race, creed, she has accomplished in spite of the yourself and never let go of your has taken a leading role in providing sexual preference or any other label obstacles, is proof that this solution goals,” Mink said. “Never give up.” n opportunity and support to many that naysayers might reach for. works.

16 ®Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affliate company of Dow Form No. 071-01001-TCI0814