Dow knows how to keeps its promises. In 2000, they took their original promise and expanded it to make a broaden stance of their support to the community with an initiative called The Dow Promise Program. The annual competitive grant program allows organizations to obtain a grant up to $10,000 for use for a sustainable project with longevity in the community. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter was a proud recipient of a $5,000 grant that they used to host the #CAP Dow Promise Virtual Summit.

Alpha Kappa Alpha has a storied history of support educational endeavors. Under the program theme of “Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service” of international president Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, members across the globe have embraced the signature program #CAP College Admissions Process to assist students in their pursuit of higher education. #CAP Dow Promise Summit address this need for the over 500 students that registered for the first virtual event.

Adding Houston ISD as an additional partner, high school juniors and seniors from five Early College High School campuses (Challenge, East, North Houston, South and Houston Academy for International Studies) were invited to attend the three-hour interactive, engaging, information summit. Interim HISD Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan further supported the event by bringing greeting on behalf of the district.

“Our chapter appreciates Dow Chemical Company for awarding us a $5,000 Dow Promise Grant in recognition of our joint commitment to the education of youth in urban areas, their scholastic achievement and lifelong journey of being contributing members of society,” said Cherise Story, Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter President.

Over 500 students registered for the first-of-its-kind enriching event. After a rousing opening message by Dr. Cherry Gooden titled, “I see your future…and you look great to me,” students were energized and ready to learn how to prepare for their future.

Students were split in two groups to attend one of two breakout sessions. Each session included workshops on learning how to build a brand, getting to know campus life from the undergraduate perspective, exploring positive mental health, financial literary with a focus saving and credit building, and exploring career opportunities at Dow Chemical.

“The #CAP Dow Virtual Summit presented by Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter was a tremendous success!” said Angela Lundy-Jackson, #CAP Chairwoman, as she spoke about the amazing speaker line up. Presenters were various chapter members who specialized in the areas address as well as student representatives from three college campuses and Dow Corporation.

“Highly engaged early high school students received critical information from various breakout sessions which will help prepare them for their bright futures. The committee was also extremely proud of presentations brought by undergraduate members from Epsilon Lambda (University of Houston), Gamma Psi (Texas Southern University) and Omicron Gamma (University of Houston-Downtown)!” Lundy-Jackson continued, “Student response to the summit indicate it was a huge success, and it was sincerely our pleasure to serve our students!”

Some lucky students were able to leave with prizes of Beats headphones by Dre and monetary gift cards.

Students left feeling prepared to apply for college and with a wealth of information to take them all the through to their college graduation.