Oracle Education Foundation Opens ThinkQuest International Competition

Soulclap to City Lights Software for reminding us about the ThinkQuest International Competition 2011, sponsored by the Oracle Education Foundation. This is a worldwide competition open to students, up to age 22, that challenges them to solve a real-world problem by applying their critical thinking, communication and technology skills.

"Our experience shows that when students collaborate on subjects about which they care deeply, they produce inspiring work," says Brad Saffer, VP, Oracle Corporate Citizenship. "We encourage teachers and students to take part in this powerful learning experience and look forward to seeing the results of their efforts."

This year, the Oracle Education Foundation has introduced some exciting changes that will capture the creative spirit of even more students than before. Two new events considerably broaden the choice of technologies students may use to create their entries. Moreover, the emphasis on problem-solving serves to inspire participants to tackle real-world challenges and produce solutions that benefit others.

Participants may enroll in three events: ThinkQuest Projects, Digital Media, and Application Development.

1. ThinkQuest Projects - participants will use ThinkQuest Projects, a hosted environment where students produce Web-based learning projects, to create their entry.
2. Digital Media - participants will use digital media tools to produce a blog/journal, Website, animation, public service announcement, photo essay, video, or some combination of these items.
3. Application Development - participants will develop a Web-based application or game using their choice of programming language from a select list.

Teams have eight months to develop and submit their entries by the April 27, 2011, deadline. Professional educators from around the world will judge all entries.

Qualifying entries will be published in the ThinkQuest Library, the world's largest online repository of student-developed learning projects that is visited by millions of learners each month. Prizes include
laptop computers, a trip to ThinkQuest Live hosted in the San Francisco Bay Area, and monetary grants for the coach's school, or organization.

More than 4,700 teams from 83 countries participated in the last competition cycle.   How cool would it be to see some BDPA students ... particularly some of our HSCC Alumni ... participating in this international competition?

For more information:

• Become a fan of ThinkQuest on Facebook
• View the Oracle Education Foundation YouTube channel

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is willing to work with any local BDPA chapter interested in participating in the ThinkQuest International competition. What say u?

Centocor Ortho Biotech

Centocor Ortho Biotech recently published Charitable Contributions Guidelines for community-based organizations whose broad mission focuses on youth science education, community activities, or the environment and serve Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Philadelphia (PA), New Castle (DE), and Camden (NJ) counties.

To meet eligibility, organizations and related activities or events must be located in the local community. Organizations outside of these geographic areas are unable to be considered. Local community is defined as:

• Pennsylvania – Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties
• Delaware - New Castle County
• New Jersey - Camden County

Preference for support will be given to program-based activities over episodic event-based requests. There is limited support will be provided for breakfast, lunch, dinner, gala or meeting events.

Organizations and affiliate chapters are each limited to two approved contributions per calendar year. An application may include more than one event of same activity (e.g. multiple walks/runs), but cannot include a variety of programs (e.g. walk/run and educational program).

Funding decisions will reflect program design, community impact, organizational capacity, and anticipated outcomes.

All communications regarding charitable giving should be directed to the Centocor Ortho Biotech Charitable Contributions Department: Gwen Miley – (215) 325-4513 and Samantha Yakal-Kremski – (215)325-4304.


Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc.
Department of Medical Education
Commonwealth Corporate Center
800 Ridgeview Drive, Mail Stop H-2-3
Horsham, PA 19044

We have three chapters (New Jersey, Northern Delaware and Philadelphia) that appear to be eligible for funding. Our hope is to work with at least one of those chapters to obtain funding from Centocor Ortho Biotech.

John W. Carson Foundation

Information has surfaced showing that Johnny Carson, the beloved “Tonight Show” host who passed away in 2005, left $156 million to the John W. Carson Foundation. After his death, the $156 million contribution was transferred from Carson’s estate to his foundation, where the money is being used to support dozens of nonprofit organizations.

Almost all of the grants funded by this foundation were based in Los Angeles as shown in the 2008 Tax Return (Form 990).

It is my view that this may be a good funding source for our BDPA Los Angeles chapter. We plan to submit a grant proposal to the Carson Foundation:



Allan L Alexander, Executive Director
9350 Wilshire Blvd Ste 250
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Telephone:(310) 288-9970

2010 Black Weblog Award Winners

I've been blogging since 2007.  For a couple of years I posted a monthly update known as Villager's Black Blog Rankings.  There were 1,766 included in the last published Black Blog Rankings.   As such, it is truly an honor to win a Black Weblog Award.  

Black Weblog Award founder Maurice Cherry did a remarkable job in growing this idea.  Over 27,000 votes were cast in the contest this year.   Without further ado ... enjoy the full list of 2010 Black Weblog Award Winners!



Blog of the Year
Popular Vote: Miss Jia
Judges’ Vote: O Hell Nawl

Blog to Watch
Popular Vote: Angry Black Lady Chronicles
Judges’ Vote: The Gentlemen’s Standard

Best Blog Design
Popular Vote: The Young, Black, and Fabulous
Judges’ Vote: Mostbeautifullest

Best Blog Network
Popular Vote: Global Grind Network
Judges’ Vote: theFreshXpress Blog Network

Best Blog Post Series
Popular Vote: “I Love Black Men” on Black ‘n Bougie
Judges’ Vote: “Michael Jackson and the Five Stages of Grief” on What Would Thembi Do?

Best Business Blog
Popular Vote: Young, Fabulous & Self-Employed
Judges’ Vote: kiss my black ads

Best Cooking or Food Blog
Popular Vote: Yes, Divas Can Cook
Judges’ Vote: My Life Runs on Food

Best Culture Blog
Popular Vote: Black Girl with Long Hair
Judges’ Vote: Socialtik Mag

Best Faith-Based Blog
Popular Vote: The Old Black Church!
Judges’ Vote: The Secular Parent

Best Fashion or Beauty Blog
Popular & Judges' Vote: Afrobella

Best Film Blog
Popular Vote: Black Box Office
Judges’ Vote: Shadow and Act

Best Gaming or Comics Blog
Popular Vote: Black Nerd Comedy
Judges’ Vote: Black Comix

Best Gossip Blog
Popular Vote: The Young, Black, and Fabulous
Judges’ Vote: Necole Bitchie

Best Group Blog
Popular & Judges' Vote: Very Smart Brothas

Best Health or Wellness Blog
Popular & Judges' Vote: A Black Girl’s Guide to Weight Loss

Best Hip-Hop Blog
Popular Vote: AllHipHop
Judges’ Vote: Hip Hop Blog

Best Humor Blog
Popular Vote: O Hell Nawl
Judges’ Vote: Very Smart Brothas

Best International Blog
Popular & Judges' Vote: Catch a Vibe

Best LGBT Blog
Popular Vote: The Skorpion Show
Judges’ Vote: TransGriot

Best Microblog
Popular Vote: Sister Toldja
Judges’ Vote: The Smithian

Best Music Blog
Popular & Judges' Vote: SoulBounce

Best New Blog
Popular & Judges' Vote: The Dithering of a District Diva

Best Parenting or Family Blog
Popular Vote: Black and Married with Kids
Judges’ Vote: African American Dad

Best Personal Blog
Popular Vote (tie): A Belle in Brooklyn *and* Until I Get Married
Judges’ Vote: Sassy Wife Chronicles

Best Photography Blog
Popular Vote: My Damn Blog
Judges’ Vote: Chookooloonks

Best Podcast Series
Popular Vote: HBCU Digest Radio
Judges’ Vote: Friday Favecast

Best Political or News Blog
Popular Vote: The Urban Politico
Judges’ Vote: Black Snob

Best Science or Technology Blog
Popular & Judges' Vote: Black Web 2.0

Best Sex or Relationships Blog
Popular Vote: Until I Get Married
Judges’ Vote: The Relationship Playbook

Best Sports Blog
Popular Vote: Hardwood Diva
Judges’ Vote: Black Sports Online

Best Teen Blog
Popular Vote: Teen Savvy
Judges’ Vote: DamierDesigns MMX

Best Travel Blog
Popular Vote: Black in Cairo
Judges’ Vote: Jay Travels

Best Video Blog Series
Popular Vote: The Skorpion Show
Judges’ Vote: Ill Doctrine

Best Writing in a Blog
Popular Vote: Until I Get Married
Judges’ Vote: Uptown Notes

And the winner of the Aaron Hawkins Award is… Earl Dunovant!  Dunovant is a web developer and political activist who has blogged at Prometheus 6 since January 2004. Dunovant is also a member of the Media Bloggers Association, has attended presidential debates as a credentialed blogger, and has been featured on NPR as part of News and Notes‘ Bloggers Roundtable.

Please take advantage of the above links to experience the talent and energy that made these folks winners of 2010 Black Weblog Awards.    I can tell you right now that THIS BLOG intends to compete hard to be in the running for a BWA next year!!

Do you see your favorite blog on the list above?

This Week in BDPA (Sep 19-25)

BDPA has 45 chapters around the nation. You can always find programs, services or networking activity here or here. BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry. Our hope is that you will continue to support Our Cause!

Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the centralized BDPA calendar :

• Sept 21: Atlanta - Program Meeting, 'Tips, Tricks and Techniques for Building and Leveraging Your Professional Network'
• Sep 21: Cleveland - Program Meeting, 'Green Computing'

We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the centralized BDPA Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events! Please let us know of other BDPA events that we may have missed. Most importantly, let us know if you plan to attend any BDPA events this week.

Cincinnati Bengals Foundation

Since the club's founding more than 40 years ago, the Cincinnati Bengals have been committed to improving the Cincinnati community through its various resources.

Believing that youth represent the community's future, the Cincinnati Bengals focus their charitable resources on serving economically and socially disadvantaged children in the Greater Cincinnati area. They strongly believe in making a difference in the lives of those around them and helping to realize the positive potential of young people in need.

As a result the Cincinnati Bengals have established procedures and guidelines to assist with our charitable donation request:

1. All requests should be mailed to their offices and must use your organization's stationery
2. Please allow 4-6 weeks for a response to your request; responses will be made in writing by mail
3. Maximum of one request per year per organization
4. Date, time and location of the event
5. Beneficiaries of the event and whether the event matches the Bengals' focus on youth
6. Whether or not there is a request for a player appearance
7. A specific description of what you are requesting of the Bengals
8. All donations are limited to Greater Cincinnati organizations

All inquiries should be mailed to:


Cincinnati Bengals
Attn: Donation Requests
One Paul Brown Stadium
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Grant Award: Wal-Mart Community Grants ($250)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) worked with the leadership of our BDPA Triangle chapter to submit a funding request to Wal-Mart Store #5292 in Raleigh NC. The store approved a $250 quarterly donation to support youth education programs for students in the Research Triangle area.

For the past two years, Wal-Mart has been recognized as the largest corporate cash contributor by Chronicle of Philanthropy. In addition to their individual donations, Wal-Mart associates volunteered more than 1 million hours to causes of their own choosing. In support of their dedication, the Foundation matched associates’ volunteer hours with $6 million in grants.

3M Foundation

Community giving is an important part of 3M’s sustainability strategy. 3M’s philanthropy combines 3M and 3M Foundation cash gifts, donated products and volunteerism by employees and retirees.

Employees participate in about 75% of their giving through:

1. 3M Matching Gift Program for colleges and universities throughout the year and special matches for areas like hunger relief and environment.
2. 3M Volunteer Match with contributions to nonprofit organizations where employees volunteer 20 hours or more and retirees volunteer 25 hours or more per year.
3. Service on 3M advisory committees that shape funding priorities and assist with the review of grants.
4. Volunteer service on non-profit boards or community projects

3M’s giving is decentralized with 3M subsidiaries in each country administering their own program that reflects the local culture and needs. BETF would need to send a letter of inquiry to 3M Foundation in order to get an invitation for submission of a grant proposal.

This appears to be a funding opportunity available to National BDPA Member Services business area *or* local chapters in: Atlanta, Austin, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, No. Delaware, Twin Cities or Washington DC.

BETF operates on a first-come; first-served basis. Anyone interested in working with us on this funding opportunity?

Community Services Block Grant

Community-based nonprofits can tap into an extra $1 billion in funding for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) -- part of the funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The money is intended to be used to boost the economy by reducing poverty, revitalizing low-income communities, and helping families become self-sufficient. Funds can be used to address needs like housing, education, employment, nutrition, and emergency services.

For more information, see the CSBG website or the state-by-state breakdown of CSBG Recovery Act funding.

Medtronic Foundation

Medtronic is passionate about improving the health of people and communities throughout the world, and their philanthropy, via the Medtronic Foundation, reflects that passion. The Medtronic Foundation focuses their grants and community involvement in the areas where they can make unique and positive contributions. These areas include improving the health of people with chronic diseases, educating future generations of scientific innovators, and enhancing the communities where we live and work.

Is your chapter co-located in acceptable locations?

This blog suggests that you look closely at the CommunityLink (Education) program within Medtronic Foundation grant options. These grants are available for nonprofit organizations in the United States (excluding Minneapolis/St. Paul).

• Grant applications accepted by November 15
• Applications available - September 1–November 15
• Decision Date - April 15

BETF is willing to partner with any local chapter that is geographically eligible for this grant proposal. It appears Medtronic Foundation would accept online proposals for BDPA programs in --> Dallas/Ft.Worth, Los Angeles/Orange County, Memphis, Seattle or Twin Cities.

Message from Northern Delaware Chapter President

Where does the time go! Here we are approaching the start of another school year and another National BDPA conference has come to a close. This is the time of year that we focus on bringing the year to a close with our Annual Banquet as well as formulating a strategic plan for organizational growth.

2010 has been a very productive year thus far.

• The BDPA Northern Delaware Chapter Corporate Advisory Council was established
• Our IT Showcase Students once again took leading positions during the National competition
• Our Chapter won the Chapter of the Year Chapter Management Award for the 2nd consecutive year.

In order to continue to make a difference in the Science and Technology framework of Delaware we need your help. There are several leadership positions available for those who are seeking to make a difference in the lives of students of all ages.

Please take a moment to review the opportunities and contact me directly if you wish to demonstrate your executive leadership skills while giving back to the community.

Opportunities include:
· Bylaws & Elections Chairperson
· Performance Management & Reporting Chairperson
· Leadership & Talent Development Chairperson
· HSCC Chairperson
· Grants & Proposals Chairperson

Remember: Today is the Day, The momentum is in you, and BDPA is the conduit!

I hope to hear from you soon!

With Sincere Regards,
Karen Smith, President
BDPA Northern Delaware

Eli Lilly and Company Named 'Top Company for Blacks in Technology'

National BDPA and WorkplaceDiversity.com announced that Eli Lilly and Company was the winner of the 2010 Epsilon Award as the 'Top Company for Blacks in Technology'. Eli Lilly earned the award for its ability to promote a workplace and environment that support the advancement of Blacks in the information technology industry.

"We are very pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions that Lilly has made for Blacks in Technology," said National BDPA President, Yvette Graham. "In this economy, many African Americans in technology are concerned about opportunities for both employment and advancement. It is important to recognize those exceptional companies that have provided African Americans with challenging and fulfilling career opportunities in Information Technology."

BDPA corporate sponsors and supporters were asked to complete a comprehensive survey that rated their performance in the areas of Career Path Programs, Community Outreach, Minority Vendor Programs and Tenure/Promotions.

2010 Epsilon Award finalists (shown in above photo) were: Allstate Insurance, American Airlines, Compuware, Eli Lilly, Health Care Service Corporation, IBM, Intel, Merck, Prudential Financial, State Farm Insurance, US Navy, Wal-Mart Stores, WellPoint and Wells Fargo.

Other 2010 Epsilon Award winners are:

• Career Path Programs: Health Care Service Corporation
• Community Outreach Programs: State Farm Insurance
• Minority Vendor Programs: IBM
• Tenure and Promotions: US Navy

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud of Eli Lilly for winning this award. Eli Lilly has funded multiple BETF scholarships over the past few years.  In addition, the president of our BDPA chapter in Indianapolis, Wilhelmenia Ravenell, is a member of the Eli Lilly team.

HSCC Testimonial: Joseph Huggins, Jr. (BDPA Chicago)

Joseph Huggins Jr. graduated from high school earlier this year. He made the decision to accept a commission with the US Navy. He left on July 27th for the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, Rhode Island. There he will receive 10 months of extra academic and military training before being transferred to the Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Joseph earned Bemley Scholarships from BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) for his performance in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 national High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championships.

Joseph was kind enough to share his thoughts on the HSCC program with us:

---

The day I first became a member of BDPA seems like ages ago, although it has only been five years since I first joined this program that has changed my life forever. My first year competing with the BDPA Chicago Chapter in the HSCC, I believe, was my best year. The year was 2006 and I remember walking to into a classroom and feeling intimidated by the amazing talent that surrounded me. Being only in 8th grade, I was one of the youngest students and was very shy. I knew I had my work cut out for me.

Surprisingly, the competition seemed to fade away as if it just disappeared into thin air. Somehow, after the long months of training, I found myself among the top five students selected to compete at the national conference. The Chicago Chapter took first place that year. I can remember the feeling I had that night as we were announced the first place champions of the BDPA National High School Computer Competition. Winning the national competition was one the greatest accomplishments of my life.

After my experience with BDPA in 2006, I decided to stick around and work hard in order to compete in the HSCC for the rest of my high school career. In the following three years I made the team and the Chicago Chapter placed in the top three winning teams two years in a row. I am not able to compete in the HSCC this year in 2010 due to my obligations to U.S. Navy. I have been accepted to the United States Naval Academy where I will study computer engineering and upon graduation will be a commissioned officer in the United States Navy or Marine Corps.

I would like to give thanks to the BDPA Foundation for expanding my knowledge of information technology and exposing me to the many great and amazing people I have met over the years. I would like to give special thanks to the people like Gibran McDuffie, Pamela Norfleet, Bryan Moore, Yvette Graham, and the host of other BDPA members and volunteers that have helped to shape me into the young man that I am today.

---

Joe is a remarkable young man. Whenever you hear a BDPAer talking about our work in advancing careers from 'the classroom to the boardroom' you would do well to remember Joe as an example of  the classroom'!   You can celebrate Joe's story best with a secure online donation to the Bemley Scholarship Fund so that we can help more young squires in the future.

NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing

The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing honors young women at the high-school level for their computing-related achievements and interests. There are scores of young women participating in BDPA youth education programs all over the nation. My hope is that our BDPA chapter leaders will make a point of nominating their top female high school computer competition (HSCC) alumni for this award!

Awardees are selected for their computing and IT aptitude, leadership ability, academic history, and plans for post-secondary education. The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing offers both a national and local "affiliate" competitions (including statewide in Ohio and locally in Cincinnati) to generate support and visibility for women's participation in communities nationwide.

PLEASE help us spread the word about this competition with any K-12 or groups who serve young high school women! As part of an effort to encourage more young women to choose careers in technology, the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) seeks to recognize high school women with outstanding achievements and aspirations in computing and technology through the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing.

National Award-winners receive:

• $500 in cash
• a laptop computer, provided by Bank of America
• a trip to attend the Bank of America Technology Showcase and Awards Ceremony in Charlotte, North Carolina
• an engraved award for both the student and the student's school

• a range of great prizes from local sponsors.

You can find a location on the online map provided by NCWIT. Young women in grades 9-12 interested in computing and technology are STRONGLY encouraged to apply.

Applications open TODAY, Monday, September 13, 2010. Check out the Preparing Your Application guide to learn more about the application process and information needed. Instructions are also available in Spanish!

Will we have any BDPA student members applying for this award this year?

Are BDPA Members Using Second Life?

Philena Rush gave an outstanding presentation on Second Life at the August 2010 program meeting hosted by BDPA Columbus chapter. Kai Dupe made a Second Life presentation at the 2007 BDPA Conference in Washington DC.

I've had an account on Second Life for a few years ... although I must admit that I haven't been on that virtual reality site recently. At one point I thought it would be a great marketing opportunity for BDPA to have a presence in Second Life.

I'm curious -- are there any BDPA members with a Second Life account? Here are the ones that I know about so far:

1. Bernard D (Atlanta) - Tre Giles
2. Kai Dupe (Austin) - Kai Soyinka
3. Wayne Hicks (Cincinnati) - Villager Barbosa
4. Thaddeus Howze (Bay Area) - Thaddeus Gray
5. Philena Rush (Columbus) - LOM Runner

Anybody else?

If you're a Second Lifer ... would you like to see BDPA use it as a tool to recruit new members or find potential sponsors and donors?

Waste Management Charitable Foundation

Waste Management Charitable Foundation is most likely to support:

• Environmental Education -- The key to ensuring the preservation of the environment is learning about the importance of protecting it and acting in an environmentally responsible manner. To this end, Waste Management prefers to support environmental education programs targeted at middle and high school students. This includes environmental and science related projects, science fairs, Earth Day projects and others.
• Community -- Waste Management is committed to enhancing communities through programs that help make them cleaner and better places to live. Local Waste Management facilities are proactive in identifying charities located in the immediate community that they serve and in many cases may have predetermined which organizations they will be supporting that year.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions program provides support to organizations that have been approved by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charity and public organizations where any donations requested will be used exclusively for public purposes. They target their support to specific projects or programs that enhance the scope of services offered by an organization.

WM prefers not to financially support operating costs, capital campaigns, or multi-year requests. Preference is also given to organizations which have a broad base of funders and employee involvement.

Nonprofit organizations interested in requesting financial, in-kind or product donations should submit requests to:



Pierpont Communications
Attn: Waste Management
1800 West Loop South, Suite 800
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 627-2223
wm@piercom.com

Applications are accepted year round and are reviewed on a continuous basis. Expect about a two-month review time.

Requests funded in any one year are not assured of future funding. If renewed funding is desired, the organization should submit an additional application.

Grant Proposal: Sherman-Standard Register Foundation (Cincinnati)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) and BDPA Cincinnati chapter worked together on a $5,000 grant proposal to the Sherman-Standard Register Foundation.

We want the funding in order to fuel the growth of the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program in the greater Cincinnati area.  The photo shows past BDPA Cincinnati chapter president Frank Hill working with students at Computer Camp held earlier this year.

Message from Dallas Chapter President

Now back from the 2010 National BDPA Technology Conference in Philadelphia, our Board of Directors is excited about getting back to rejuvenating our chapter activities, in hopes of ensuring you get full benefits from your membership. We believe, with the commitment and filling of key vacant board positions, this can be accomplished.

Our students from Irving Nimitz High School participated in the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) in Philadelphia and placed 18th out of 22 teams. I'd like to thank the coordinators, students, chaperon, and volunteers for assisting with this rewarding effort.






Next steps are to build on to those efforts and begin a new season of preparing students for the 2011 competition. We are getting an early start and want to provide you with as much information as we can.

Volunteers are needed throughout the school year to attend one or more of the class sessions to assist our instructors through the training. While the syllabus will focus on Java, there will be soft skills that the students will need to learn, so we welcome all levels of professionals. Here are the general logistics:




Emmett Conrad High School
7502 Fair Oaks Ave. Dallas, TX 75231
Teacher Coordinator - Ms. Charise Romeo

BDPA Dallas Chapter Coordinators/Instructors:

1. Chad White
2. Manasseh Lee
3. Clarence Ford

First Volunteer's Meeting:
Tuesday, 9/21/10 - CHS @ 4:00 pm

Student Training Sessions:
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Starting 9/28/10 through the school year

If you know of some Tuesdays or Thursdays that you will be available to volunteer and spend some time with the students, feel free to email your name and email to info@bdpa-greaterdallas.org.  If you are considering volunteering, we ask that you attend the volunteer meeting on 9/21/10 to get additional details, submit any volunteer paperwork for the school and to sign up on the schedule.

Sincerely,
Chris Johnson, president
BDPA Dallas Chapter

Grant Declination: Sprint Foundation (Chicago)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) exists to fund BDPA programs and services that might advance the careers of African Americans from the classroom to the boardroom. We submit grant proposals on a regular basis. Unfortunately, our efforts often hit a brick wall.

The grant proposal submitted to Sprint Foundation by BETF on behalf of BDPA Chicago chapter has been declined.

The company wrote:

---

Dear Mr. Hicks:

Thank you for submitting your grant proposal for the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) Program. After careful consideration, we regret to inform you we are unable to provide the funding you seek.

The Sprint Foundation prioritizes its grant awards to programs that support youth initiatives, specifically K-12 public education, youth development (leadership, mentoring and community service), and arts and culture outreach programs designed to bring arts to at-risk and diverse children. Once an opportunity is identified as being eligible and in scope, it is evaluated for its ability to support the Sprint Foundation's philanthropic and community objectives within our budgetary restrictions.

Unfortunately, not all in-scope opportunities can be funded. By carefully selecting which projects to fund, we are able to have a greater impact on the opportunities we do choose to pursue.

We appreciate your consideration of the Sprint Foundation and hope you will understand that our response is in no way a reflection on the fine work accomplished through the BDPA Education And Technology Foundation. Although we are unable to provide funding, we wish you success with the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) Program.

Sincerely,
Ralph Reid, Executive Director
Sprint Foundation

---

BETF will continue to seek out funds for all 45 chapters, including the one located in Chicago. You can help ... do you have any ideas on corporate foundations, like Sprint, that may be open to funding BDPA programs and services?

United Way of Central Indiana

We are very grateful to four (4) members of the Eli Lilly team -- Timothy Coleman, Dr. Marlene Griffin-Bunnell, Robin Leslie, Shondria Seaton -- and one anonymous donor who made payroll pledges to support BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) through the United Way of Central Indiana.

Our hope is that more BDPA supporters will take advantage of payroll deductions as a way to help us fund BDPA programs, scholarships and services.  

Please feel free to reply to this post if you have questions or wish to discuss the idea further!

HSCC Testimonial: Yusuph Mkangara (BDPA Columbus)

BDPA Columbus chapter made a major push with their Student IT Education & Scholarship (SITES) program this year. The leadership team worked with corporate sponsors, volunteers, educators and students to train dozens of students throughout the year. The effort culminated in the selection of a team of young people to participate in the 2010 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Championships held in Philadelphia PA.

One of the members of the Columbus national team was Yusuph Mkangara. Yusuph shares his thoughts on the experience:

---

This was my first year doing the competition at a National level. It was actually my first year doing any competition at a National level. I wouldn’t say I was nervous, but I was certainly anxious to experience it for the first time. From the first day of the competition, it was hectic; trying to make sure I didn’t forget anything that I learned from Columbus.

Columbus did exceptionally well this year at Philadelphia compared to previous years. I hope to be able to help Columbus make it to the top 5, if not the number 1 team, as I have 3 more years to experience the computer competition.

There were multiple speakers there who changed how I thought about a career in IT. One of the things I am always contemplating is what should I endeavor in, once I am attending college. Medicine is definitely the number 1 option. Some of the speakers though did show that I can incorporate IT into medicine.

All in all, I have definitely been exposed to the world of IT. Whereas before, I simply knew it existed, after the competition, I have taken it into more of a consideration as I make a career and life plans; thanks to BDPA and the HSCC.

---

The chapter needs support as it prepares to improve its performance next year. I hope that BETF-Blog Readers will consider making a secure online donation to support Yusuph and his teammates!

Oracle Scholarship Winners from BDPA Washington DC Chapter

BDPA Washington DC High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team captains Francisco Nunez and Turkenya Herring were each awarded $1,389 in scholarship funding from Oracle Corporation to pursue degrees in the fields of science and technology. The scholarships were presented to each of the students at the chapter's 2009 annual awards banquet.


Francisco plans to use his scholarship when he begins his studies at Morehouse College.  Turkenya will use her scholarship to offset the expense needed to attend Bowie State University.    Francisco and Turkenya have also earned substantial Jesse Bemley Scholarships from the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation.

You can learn more about BDPA Washington DC chapter here.

Krispy Kreme Fundraising

Krispy Kreme fundraising programs will vary from community to community so be sure to discuss details with your local store manager. Here is how it works:

• Call your local Krispy Kreme to find out what your discount is for fundraising doughnuts, certificates or partnership cards.
• Once you know the selling price and profit, you can determine how many dozens, cards or certificates you need to sell to reach your fundraising goal. We recommend preselling your doughnuts, cards or certificates, starting a couple of weeks before the date you and your local store agree on for pick-up. Your local store can provide you with presell sheets to help keep track of your orders or simply click "Fundraising Forms" above to download "printer friendly" forms.
• Collect the money as you take the order. Orders are made fresh the day of pickup or delivery. The amount of advanced notice required will vary with location. Check with the store prior to starting your fundraising to determine when your order must be placed. Deliver fresh doughnuts to your customers.

Here are the four basic fundraising programs offered by Krispy Kreme:

1. Traditional Doughnut Sales - We offer our doughnuts to non-profit groups at a reduced price, which are then resold for full retail price, or slightly higher. Pre-selling doughnuts to family, friends and neighbors or selling doughnuts at high-traffic areas such as shopping centers or community festivals can generate significant funds. Check with your local Krispy Kreme store regarding ordering details.
2. Certificates - Certificates are an alternative to selling actual doughnuts. Your customers redeem each certificate for one dozen Original Glazed doughnuts at any participating Krispy Kreme retail store. Just as delicious and customers can pick up their doughnuts right when that Krispy Kreme craving hits them!
3. Partnership Cards - If your school or organization is within 30 minutes of a Krispy Kreme store, you may want to consider selling Partnership Cards as a fundraiser. With a Partnership Card, customers get a free dozen Original Glazed doughnuts with the purchase of a dozen of their choice. Their card gets punched each time they use it and they can use it up to ten times (limit of 3 free dozen per visit).
4. Coffee - Krispy Kreme's Signature Coffees are now available for fundraising in participating markets. We have four great coffee blends: Smooth, Bold, Rich and Robust Decaf. Try selling 12 oz. bags on their own or with our other fundraising products. When you sell Krispy Kreme Signature Coffees for your fundraising activity, your profit is $3.00 or more per bag. Ask store managers for details.

BDPA Richmond chapter used this fundraising option in 2008 and we want to ensure that all 45 chapters are aware of the fundraising opportunity.

HSCC Testimonial * Khadijah Celestine (New York, 2007)

Khadijah Celestine is one of the brightest stars in the BDPA universe. I saw her in Philadelphia last month. She participated in the college division of the BDPA IT Showcase. What I didn't realize was that Khadijah was also an alumni of our High School Computer Competition (HSCC). It turns out that little sister was part of the HSCC team trained by BDPA New York chapter to compete in the 2007 national championships.

I asked Khadijah to share her HSCC testimonial with us ... I hope you enjoy it as much as I did:

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I am currently a student at New York City College of Technology (CUNY’s City Tech), pursuing my passion, computers and technology. This fall I will be a sophomore and by the time I graduate in June 2013, will have obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems and an Associate of Science degree in Computer Science.


My studies include designing web sites using HTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Javascript and Actionscript. In a continuous effort to better myself, I am also pursuing a professional certificate in Web Design and improving secondary interests in graphic design and video game design. I am an active member in City Tech’s Computer Science Club.


During high school, I was introduced to Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA). What started out as a high school extracurricular activity has become a very important part of my life.


My first year with BDPA, I represented the New York Chapter and took part in the National High School Computer Competition (HSCC) in Washington, D.C. I interacted with other students from around the country and was impressed and in awe of their interests in computer programming and development. With the help of my computer science teacher, Mr. Destine; BDPA-NY Education Director, Ms. Denise Hamilton and BDPA-NY President Mrs. Judaea Lane, I received an opportunity to learn how to compete and increase my technical knowledge of computers to another level. Also I received the opportunity to network with other African Americans who are taking a more active role in this.


In addition to my computer and technology pursuits, I gain significant satisfaction from tutoring and improving others lives. On Saturdays, I tutor adults in reading at the Flatbush Avenue Public Library. This opportunity opened up a whole new for me as I ignorantly believed that every adult could read. Being able to help someone do something as simple as read makes me understand what I can contribute to others. Furthermore, my life plans changed for the better when I had the honor of tutoring a woman who had grown up in foster care. When I found that children in foster care are in need of something more than the ability to read, I couldn’t pass up the chance to get involved. I am currently working on my certification as a Mentor.


My passion for dance rounds out my academic and volunteer efforts. I started to dance as a sophomore in high school and was quickly elevated from a “back line” dancer to a “front line” dancer. This was no easy task, since I had no prior training and was very shy. Nevertheless, my passion for dance as an art, permeated through each and every pore, every time music touches my soul. There isn’t a piece of music that passes by without an accompanied movement from me.

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Sometimes people question why I'm so persistent in my efforts to find funding for BDPA's youth education program. It's simple ... I do it for Khadijah and the other young brothers and sisters out there who are touched by the work of BDPA.

Power and Influence Top 50 Nonprofit Executives

Whether it’s cloud computing for program management or email for giving, nonprofit technology leaders are driving how organizations collect and interpret information. And that information is turned over to some of the most innovative entrepreneurs in the nation. That’s why leaders in technology and social entrepreneurs heavily weight this year’s NPT Power & Influence Top 50, the annual listing of the 50 most influential executives in the sector for the previous 12 months.

See the full NonProfit Times Top 50 list here.