Freeport, TX - October 27, 2005

Dow Texas Operations continued its on-going support for education by recently awarding eight local schools Education Grants.

"We think the Dow Education Grants Program goes hand in hand with how Dow already works with our local schools," said Stacey Black, Public Affairs' Education Focal Point for Dow Texas Operations. "The winners' submissions were impressive and they're going to be working on some very exciting projects this year."

More than 25 schools vied for the competitive grants, from which a panel of Dow and community judges selected the winners. Local schools were invited to compete for one of two grants. The "Graduate" Grants are worth up to $5,000 and the "Scholar" Grants have a maximum gift of $10,000.

This year the Dow Education Grants Program distributed more than $45,000 to eight local schools.

Graduate Grant Recipients

Angleton Christian School
Bess Brannen Elementary (Brazosport ISD)
Jane Long Elementary (Brazosport ISD)
Rancho Isabella Elementary (Angleton ISD)
Stephen F. Austin Elementary (Brazosport ISD)
Velasco Elementary (Brazosport ISD)

Scholar Grant Recipients

Freeport Intermediate School (Brazosport ISD)
T.W. Ogg Elementary (Brazosport ISD)

Dow Texas Operations will continue the Education Grants Program in 2006. "The first year of the program was an absolute success," said Black. "Dow was able to help local schools with important projects. Next year, we hope to see even more schools participating."

For Editorial Information:

David Winder
The Dow Chemical Company
(979) 238-3792