On Saturday, July 19, Dow's Propel to Excel learning and talent development program is partnering with Keep America Beautiful, Keep Philadelphia Beautiful, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, and Mayor Michael A. Nutter's Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service to help revitalize the Lonnie Young Recreation Center in Philadelphia, Pa. Originally built in 1933, the Lonnie Young Recreation Center continues to be a hub of neighborhood activity in North Philadelphia. Contributing to community success through hands-on community service activities is a key component of the Propel to Excel learning and talent development program, which introduces new manufacturing and engineering employees to the Dow culture.

Nearly 200 Dow employees from around the world  will assist with Keep America Beautiful's Great American Cleanup event by cleaning up the grounds of Lonnie Young Recreation Center, repairing baseball field benches, installing shelving, painting interior walls, as well as painting fencing to aid in the community center revitalization. This project will utilize paint donated by Dow, as part of Keep America Beautiful's Community Paint Donation Program.

"Propel to Excel is delighted to partner with Keep Philadelphia Beautiful and the Lonnie Young Recreation Center to help improve the facility so the community can enjoy it for generations to come," said Paul Mefford, Dow global operations learning and talent development leader. "Community service projects are a great way for the Dow team to understand and live out the company's citizenship commitment, by improving communities and impacting future generations."

Since 2008, Dow has been a sponsor of the Great American Cleanup and sites across the U.S. have been collaborating with local organizations and volunteers in cleanup, recycling, beautification, and education initiates to improve their communities and create a more sustainable future. The Great American Cleanup is the country's largest community improvement program that engages more than 4.5 million volunteers and participants who take action in their communities to create positive change and lasting impact.

"Keep Philadelphia Beautiful is thankful to be able to partner with Dow and the Propel to Excel team to revitalize the Lonnie Young Recreation Center," said Michelle Feldman, executive director, Keep Philadelphia Beautiful. "Our goal is to help build a vibrant community, and without the corporate support of Dow and the passion of its employees, a project like this might not be possible."

During the 2014 Great American Cleanup, over 1,000 Dow employees and their families and friends are expected to volunteer more than 50 locations throughout the U.S.

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