The Dow College Opportunity Program is devoted to helping local financially challenged students on their journeys to and through college.  Although a program of the West Midland Family Center, it is overseen by its own board, and works with Bullock Creek, Coleman, Meridian, and Shepherd high schools.

Students enter the program as they enter high school.  They attend activities that support their academic progress, promote community stewardship, enrich their cultural lives, and increase their social skills.  Each summer, students go on trips that serve as capstones for the year's lessons.  For instance, a week of repairing homes for those less fortunate drives home the need to take care of others.

In addition, the Dow COP Director serves as a mentor to students, supports them by attending parent-teacher conferences and extra-curricular activities, provides special one-on-one attention, guides them through the college selection process, and helps them search and apply for scholarships.

The program began in 1988 with strong support from the Dow Chemical Company, the Dow Corning Corporation, the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, and the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation.  Today, Dow COP is self-sufficient and working to become and independent provider of scholarships.

Read our 2004-2005 Newsletter!

Our Mission

The Mission of the Board of Control of Dow College Opportunity Program is:

To provide leadership, direction, resources, enthusiasm and time to a network comprised of:

enabling these students to grasp educational opportunities and to develop into productive, socially responsible adults.

Contact Information

West Midland Family Center

Telephone:   989-832-3256

Fax:             989-832-5755

Postal address

West Midland Family Center, 4011 West Isabella Road, Shepherd, MI 48883

Electronic mail

Lynn Heil, Program Director: heill@wmfc.org

Send mail to webmaster@dowcop.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: March 01, 2006