Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Go Daddy Cares

Go Daddy is proud of its long history of charitable patronage and supporting the communities that its employees call home.

During the past three years, Go Daddy’s philanthropic works supported a wide variety of charitable and community organizations dedicated to such causes as domestic violence, child abuse, blind children, teenage homelessness, animal shelters and more. Major recipients of Go Daddy contributions over the past several years include the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The Emily Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, the Arizona Humane Society, the Child Crisis Center of Arizona, Chrysalis, and the Salvation Army.

Go Daddy’s employees have also participated in a series of events to raise money for charitable causes. In 2010, more than 900 Go Daddy employees participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Walk to Cure Diabetes in Tempe, and Glendale, AZ. Other Go Daddy employee efforts have included the annual Every Kid Counts drive, as well as donations to St. Mary’s Food Bank during the holiday season.

How to Apply - If you represent a charitable organization or cause which you believe Go Daddy should support, please complete the Go Daddy Cares application.

Go Daddy will review and consider all applications and will request more information if required. All applicants will receive a written notification regarding Go Daddy’s decision about their request.

Please keep in mind that Go Daddy receives a large number of requests. Accordingly, please submit the Go Daddy Charity Application Form well in advance of your need for funding so as to provide Go Daddy sufficient time to fully consider your application.

BETF is willing to partner with any interested local chapter or national business area VP to seek funding from these folks. I imagine it would be best if your chapter registers its domain with Go Daddy, huh?! Anyhow, we operate on a first-come; first-serve basis. So don't procrastinate in your response.

Payroll Pledge: Microsoft Employee Giving Campaign

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) would like to see a much higher level of individual giving via payroll deductions. We estimate that only 2% of BDPA members make donations to support BETF via United Way, employee giving campaigns or Combined Federal Campaign. It would be nice to see that number rise significantly over the coming weeks and months.

As such, we are very happy to see that Kevin Robinson (Microsoft) made a payroll deduction pledge via the Microsoft Employee Giving Campaign to support BDPA programs and services in Charlotte, North Carolina.

There are scores of Microsoft associates and Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) members who know about the good works of BDPA. I'm hopeful that other Microsoft associates will follow the positive example set by Charlotte-based Kevin Robinson.

Learn more about payroll deduction options here.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Grant Disbursement: BDPA Baton Rouge ($720)

BDPA Baton Rouge chapter president Randy Powe and chapter VP-Finance Glenda Chappell submitted a written request to the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) for $720 funding to reimburse for expenses used to "transport students to and from BDPA Conference in Chicago; expenses during stay, including conference registration."


BETF is proud to report that the funding request is approved. The $720 grant disbursement is being processed right now.   It is worth noting that this is the second BETF grant disbursement for BDPA Baton Rouge chapter.  The first request seeking $1,000 was approved in July 2011.

We encourage all local BDPA chapters to work aggressively with BETF on funding for your programs, scholarships and services. The process is simple and repeatable. Just give the BETF executive director a phone call (513.284-4968) or reach out to him by email.

For now, we ask that everyone share some love with BDPA Baton Rouge chapter ... and drop some benjamins into the chapter's college scholarship fund!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Bemley Scholar Allen Warner Heads to Valdosta State University

Allen Warner earned a Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship as a result of the outstanding performance by him and his teammates (see above photo) in the 2011 BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championship held in Chicago IL. He plans to use his college scholarship to defray the costs of attending Valdosta State University where he plans to major in 'computer science'.

Allen shared his thoughts on his BDPA experiences with us:


My name is Allen Warner. I am currently 17 years old, born in Tallahassee, Florida. I’ve grown up most of my life in Georgia. I have been learning about computers and anything that has to do with art for about 10 years now. At school I enjoy working on music, poetry, short stories, graphic designs and web layouts. I’ve started my own company and my talents have been noticed by people who could help me later on in my life. I’m seeking a degree in Computer Science, with a minor in Business or Art. I plan to attend Valdosta State University and study subjects such as: Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Graphic Design, Mass Media, Photography, Animation, and Web Design. This will lead me to a large range of jobs in the world since the world is basically run off technology and business.

I currently attend Berkmar High School as a senior. I have done lots of things around the school. For example, I’ve designed the Soccer team t-shirts and scarf’s, Student Council T-shirts, Multi-Cultural Club T-shirts, Class of 2012 Senior Shirts, Homecoming Posters/Tickets and currently working on Prom Designs. Also, I am a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and Student Council. My focus is mostly on my school work now. I will have time in the future to look for employment.

I didn’t have a good impression of BDPA and its high school computer competition (HSCC) program when I first heard about it. I thought it was going to be a bunch of nerds messing around on the computer. My counselor signed me up for the HSCC program without telling me about her action. I thought it was going to be a waste of my summer. All of that changed when I started looking more into it and actually looking at some stuff from the other chapters and talking to some of the older members. I got more interested as I discovered that a majority of the HSCC class was filled with students from my school.

We learned all these things that I never thought I would know, such as CSS, HTML, PHP, Databases, and Binary Numbers. Basically it was high school on the weekends, without all of the drama. It started to get easier each and every day as we continued on with our learning. Soon I became one of the top 5 students in the class.

My coaches always made us feel like family, hanging out, talking and joking around, and they even made the class much easier and fun to be in. I’m very glad I entered this and went through with it. I’ve met lots of people in the HSCC program, such as technical professionals from IBM and Macy’s. I also met a graphic designer from Converse who was interested in some of my work. Without HSCC I would never have been this interested in computer programming the way I am now. Also, they helped me learn additional information, and how to work with a team, and to depend on one another on a day-to-day basis.

Thank You BDPA for All You Help!
Allen Warner, Senior (Class of 2012)
Berkmar High School

BDPA is very proud of Allen and his teammates. We hope that his testimonial will encourage other high school students in Atlanta and around the nation to take a look at the BDPA youth education programs available to them.  

Quite frankly, we also hope that you've seen enough of the magic of BDPA through Allen's words that you will consider making a secure online donation to support BDPA Atlanta college scholarships for future HSCC students!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Grant Award: Best Buy Children's Foundation ($7,500)

The Best Buy Children's Foundation recently awarded a $7,500 grant to our BDPA Washington DC chapter. The interaction that the chapter had with the Best Buy general manager in Bowie, Maryland was the key factor in getting this financial support. Members of the chapter's Education Committee along with the Best Buy Geek Squad got together to make the presentation of the grant check.

General Manager of Best Buy, Bowie, Maryland, Mr. Jeff Jackson (center), presents a check to HSCC Student Member Nnedimma Ugochukwu (left of GM) and HSCC Program Director, Mr. Louis Shack (right of GM)
BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) congratulates BDPA Washington DC chapter president Perry Carter and his leadership team for their continued fundraising success as demonstrated by this Best Buy grant award!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Grant Declination: HCA Foundation (BDPA Middle Tennessee)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) sadly reports that our grant proposal submitted to the HCA Foundation on behalf of BDPA Middle Tennessee chapter has been declined. The declination letter read as follows:

Dear Mr. Hicks,

Your grant proposal has recently been reviewed by Foundation staff. Following careful review, we have determined the request to be outside the stated guidelines and current funding priorities of the Foundation. As you can well imagine, the level of requests to support worthy projects and programs far exceed our available resources. Therefore, we are not able to provide funding as your request fails to meet one or more of the following criteria:

  1. Relationship to HCA's Mission/Strategy
  2. Critical Need in Our Community
  3. Measurable Outcomes
  4. History and Depth of Relationship with the Organization (Board Service or Significant Year-Round Volunteer Involvement)
Thank you for your interest in the Foundation. We wish you success with your endeavors.

Sincerely,
Lois Abrams
Grant Manager

BETF and BDPA Middle Tennessee are both disappointed in this result. However, we feel strongly about the youth education programs taking place in the greater Nashville area. We will continue to aggressively pursue other funding sources in the coming weeks and months.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

National STEM Video Game Challenge

BDPA trains hundreds of students each year in a variety of STEM-based topics. We had about 20 teams represented a few months ago at the 2011 National BDPA High School Computer Competition championships. With all of that talent ... it is time for us to get a little bit gangsta with STEM opportunities outside of the BDPA family.


For example, I would encourage all BDPA members (local, regional or national) to consider making a submission for the 2012 edition of the National STEM Video Game Challenge!   It is time for us to prove that people of African descent can do more than simply play video games ... it is time for us to show that we can also create video games.

This year, there are categories for Middle School (grades 5-8) and High School (grades 9-12) students in which participants can design games individually or in teams with a chance to win prizes like laptop computers and money for their schools or the nonprofit organization of their choice. [NOTE: Please ensure that your choice is the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF)!]

There are also categories for College (undergraduate and graduate) students and Professional Educators. These categories offer a variety of entry streams that encourage designers to create original learning games with an opportunity to win funds, research support, the opportunity to work with industry experts and publicity.

On the Challenge website, you'll find more information on how to enter, prizes, the complete official rules and great resources to help you get started in making your game. Just remember that the entry period closes on March 12, 2012.

If you have any questions about the Challenge, please do not hesitate to contact the folks who can answer by using their online contact form ... or by sending email to support@stemchallenge.org.

I know that we have BDPA members of all ages that have either played a video game, created a video game or THOUGHT ABOUT creating a video game. If so, I truly hope that you will step up and meet the National STEM Video Game Challenge!

Do Something Awards


Since 1996, Do Something has honored the nation's best young world-changers. Do Something Award Winners represent the pivotal "do-ers" in their field, cause, or issue and are rewarded with a huge project grant, participation in a special award ceremony, media coverage, and continued support from Do Something.

Did you recently create a sustainable community action project, program or organization or have a great idea for helping your community? Do you need $500 to further the growth and success of your program or turn your idea into reality? If you answered, "YES!", you are eligible to apply for a Do Something Grant.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Comcast Newsmakers: Perry Carter (BDPA Washington DC)

Perry Carter shares insights about BDPA with Comcast's Kellye Lynn.





This is an example of how we increase the 'BDPA' brand! Well done Perry!

BDPA iRadio Show - November 22, 2011

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to be the creator of the BDPA iRadio Show. Our Internet Radio Show has been up and running for over five months with over 60 guests. You can listen to the archive version of the show using the widget shown in the right-hand sidebar of this blog. In any case, we encourage you to listen to the show which aired on Tuesday, November 22, 2011.





Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio



The guests on the show included:
  1. Terris Poole - Lead Designer, Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH) - Terris Poole was a member of the 2000 and 2001 HSCC teams trained by BDPA Cincinnati chapter. His team in traveled to Washington DC where they earned the silver medal at the 2000 National HSCC Championships. Terris had a talent for graphic design while he was in high school. He followed his dreams during post-secondary studies at Pratt Institute. He is currently the Lead Designer for a major branding effort (ZAG Brand Invention) at BBH. Terris is moving from the ‘classroom to the boardroom’ and it will be great to hear how his experiences with BDPA may have influenced his college or career choices.
  2. Dr. Parson
  3. Dr. Stephanie Parson - President, Crowned Grace - Stephanie reported to the Walt Disney CIO when the 2002 national BDPA conference was hosted at Walt Disney World in Orlando. She served on the national BDPA board of directors in 2003-2005 as both in outside director and vice president (strategy & planning). She was founder of the BDPA Rocky Mountain chapter. She started her own company (Crowned Grace) in 2005. Her company provides leadership development training to managers and executives around the world. She can give great insights in a number of areas to our iRadio audience.

There will be great discussions between our guests and Franne McNeal on the show. What questions would you like to ask these guests?

Monday, November 21, 2011

CompTIA Creates Corporate Career Registry for Veterans

CompTIA is looking for a few good companies to enlist in an effort to put U.S. military veterans to work in the tech industry after they've served. The IT industry group launched a new corporate registry of companies committed to hiring soldiers, sailors and Marines in civilian jobs once they leave the military.

A part of CompTIA's Troops to Tech Careers program, the registry will give veterans and their spouses the inside scoop on jobs at companies that sign up. Started up in August, Troops to Tech was created to smooth over the sometimes difficult transition between the battlefield and the boardroom that many veterans feel acutely. At the moment there are currently an estimated one million veterans out of work and between 2011 and 2016 more than one million more service members are expected to return from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to seek employment outside the military.

Read More...

The military has a high percentage of African American veterans. Perhaps that is reason enough for BDPA to support this effort. What say u?

Sunday, November 20, 2011

This Week in BDPA (Nov 20-26)

BDPA has 45 chapters around the nation. You can always find programs, services or networking activity here or here or here. BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry.

Our hope is that you find reasons to provide tax-deductible support to us here, here or here!

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

Verizon Foundation

The Verizon Foundation is in the business of improving lives in literacy, knowledge and a readiness for the 21st Century. Specifically, we help people to increase their

Eligible organizations seeking grants from the Verizon Foundation must be prepared to track and report program outcomes as well as specific results that demonstrate measurable human impact. In the grant application, organizations must indicate what outcomes are targeted through programming and what results, as specified on the grant application, the organization will measure.

The Verizon Foundation targets our philanthropic investments to partners and programs that achieve meaningful outcomes and measurable results in specific areas within each of our Funding Priorities. Grant applicants are required to select one or more outcomes and results for grants in each of our Funding Priorities.

It is best if your chapter has Verizon employees in your membership. However, BETF is willing to partner with any interested chapter. Please review the website to determine if this funding source is a good fit for your chapter.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Everyday Young Hero Awards

BDPA has some great young people working with us in our 45 local BDPA chapters around the nation. BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) wants to encourage BDPA leaders to participate in the Everyday Young Hero Award program!

Awarded weekly to a young person from around the world who exemplifies an extraordinary commitment to service, the Everyday Young Hero Award program is open to youth ages 5-25. Nominations must come from a parent, teacher or other adult mentor.

Winners are announced on the Youth Service America website and showcased within its social media outlets. Everyday Young Heroes also receive a certificate, award and press release.

Nominate a young person you know to be recognized as an Everyday Young Hero!

ITSMF: Executive Protege Program


I spent eight years in the Senior Executive Service (SES) with the federal government before striking out to start my own company. It is difficult to travel a career path in the information technology (IT) industry through the glass ceiling to the executive level.

One way to make that journey is with the help of a mentor. As such, I can sincerely recommend that any African American IT professional that is currently in a management position ... who feels that (s)he has executive potential should take a moment to learn about the Executive Protege Program (EPP) offered by the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF).

ITSMF exists is to fill the executive pipeline with the next generation of African American executives. The EPP provides the mentoring and networking that mid-level IT managers need to advance their IT careers to the senior and C-level. I am not aware of any other national mentoring program focused on cultivating executive talent among African American IT professionals.

Check out this brief video to learn more about the program from brothers and sisters who participate in it either as mentors or protegees.




Well, BETF-Blog readers ... are you interested in learning more about EPP or ITSMF?

Friday, November 18, 2011

BDPA Member Juan Gilbert Wins Presidential Mentoring Awards

BDPA prides itself on creating programs and opportunities that advance the careers of African Americans in the information technology from the classroom to the boardroom. It is nice to see that career life-cycle in action.

One example is Dr. Juan Gilbert.

I met Juan when he was working on his advanced computer science degree at the University of Cincinnati over a decade ago. He showed up at one of our chapter's program meetings and asked questions. He became a member ... later going on to help us get a college chapter going at Miami (OH) University. He stayed connected with BDPA as his academic career moved from Auburn University to Clemson University.

Juan served as the academic chair for the BDPA IT Institute for a number of years.  BDPA recognized Juan with its highest honor for technical genius ... the 2008 Epsilon Award. As such, we are not surprised that President Barack Obama awarded Juan with the 2011 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.
Through their commitment to education and innovation, these individuals and organizations are playing a crucial role in the development of our 21st century workforce,” President Obama said. “Our Nation owes them a debt of gratitude for helping ensure that America remains the global leader in science and engineering for years to come.”
This award goes to individuals who realize the important role mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science and engineering -- particularly those who belong to groups that are underrepresented in these fields. By offering their expertise and encouragement, mentors help prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers while ensuring that tomorrow’s innovators reflect and benefit from the diverse talent of the United States.

Juan will travel to the White House to receive this award later this year.
Juan wrote, "BDPA played an instrumental role in my development when I was at the University of Cincinnati in graduate school. Thank you BDPA!"
Share some 'BDPA-Love' with Juan!

CIGNA Foundation

CIGNA Foundation accepts grant applications for programs that enhance the health of individuals and families and the well-being of communities. These funding applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

The CIGNA Foundation defines its activities in terms of four primary impact areas. Potential grantees will be expected to demonstrate how their activities positively impact one of these areas.
  1. Promoting Wellness: Building awareness, helping people manage their health challenges and making health services available and affordable for all.
  2. Expanding Opportunities: Reaching across barriers – be they based on gender, ethnicity or physical condition – to tap the talents of every person.
  3. Developing Leaders: Supporting the type of community service that gives talented individuals the experience to become future leaders.
  4. Embracing Communities: Connecting neighbors to create networks that will address the complex social and environmental challenges we all face.

There are no geographic restrictions to grant applications, however, preference is given to those locations where CIGNA has a significant presence. All organizations requesting funding must be current 501(c)(3) public charities. Visit the CIGNA Foundation website to review 'Frequently Asked Questions'.

Although there are no restrictions on amount of funds requested, $5000 is considered a typical grant, particularly for first-time recipients.

Decisions are made on an ongoing basis; there is no deadline for receipt of applications, although all funds are distributed on an annual basis by November 30th.

You can call the CIGNA Foundation hotline on (866) 865-5277, to answer your questions about the application process.

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is willing to partner with any BDPA chapter that can demonstrate that they are co-located in a city with significant CIGNA presence. It would help if your chapter has CIGNA employees in the membership or leadership of your chapter. BETF operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Are you or your chapter interested in pursuing this funding opportunity?

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Girls Advancing Technology

'Girls Advancing Tech' is a ½ day event that brings together middle school girls with current Computer Science students, professors and women working in the technology field.

Girls only account for 22.7% of students graduating with degrees in Computer Science ... we need to change that! As part of that 22.7%, some of the women technologists at Xavier University want to show you why technology is cool, what you can do with Computer Science, and have a little fun along the way.

I encourage our blog-readers in the greater Cincinnati area to join them on Saturday, December 3rd from 9:00AM-12:30PM on the Xavier University campus! Breakfast, a t-shirt and other goodies will be provided. Register by following this link.

Any questions? Contact Kate Baldwin at katembaldwin@gmail.com.

Beaumont Foundation of America

The Beaumont Foundation, created in 2001, is a nonprofit grant-making institution dedicated to enriching the lives and enhancing the futures of less fortunate children and youth, families and the elderly.

The Foundation provides grants and scholarships to a broad range of charitable, religious and educational organizations across the United States. They support organizations that seek to improve lives by giving people the tools to become educated, healthy, and self-reliant through the grant-making areas of Education, Health Care, Children and Youth Programs, Social Services (Food, Shelter and Clothing) and our Children of Fallen Heroes Program.

This funding source doesn’t accept unsolicited grant proposals. We would need to send them a letter of inquiry. This funding source often provides hardware grants to community-based organizations to support digital inclusion for under-served individuals. Visit their website for information about eligibility.

If you think that your local chapter or national business area would fit with this funding source … let me know and we can work together on a letter of inquiry.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Can We Create the Future Face of Technology in BDPA?

Did you watch Soledad O'Brien share insights on the NewMe Accelerator journey in "Black in America: The New Promised Land: Silicon Valley"? The point was made that there are very few African Americans being funded for technology start-ups in Silicon Valley. It is obvious that creating a vanguard of technology CEOs begins with the education that we give to our young people.

Check out this video to see how one woman seeks to make a difference at an early age for students of color:





There are a number of other organizations trying to create future STEM superstars. The future face of technology can be seen in the story of BDPA Atlanta chapter member Wesley Williams who is featured in this CNN interview.

We already know that the students use technology, we are trying to show them how they can be involved in creating technology, ” said Wayne Hicks, executive director of the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation.

What are your thoughts on this subject?

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Why So Few Black Technology Entrepreneurs Funded by CincyTech?

I joined over 400 people at the CincyTech annual meeting at the Duke Energy Convention Center earlier this morning. I counted 35 start-up companies and community partners participating in the Start-up Showcase. I visited each of the booths and talked to many of the technology entrepreneurs who have enjoyed success with CincyTech.

CincyTech is a public-private partnership whose mission is to invest in high-growth start-up technology companies in Southwest Ohio. The organization provides management assistance, seed-capital investments and connections to partners who share its mission. CincyTech focuses on opportunities in information technology and life sciences. This is a wonderful opportunity for technology entrepreneurs.

After seeing the CNN's Black in America episode,'The New Promised Land: Silicon Valley' I was very sensitive to the issue of racism that impacts Black technology entrepreneurs when it comes to venture capital funding of start-ups. As such I was disappointed to see that less than a dozen of the 400 people in attendance were African American ... and only three (ConnXus, Innovative Card Solutions and SampleSaint) of the 35 booths were filled with technology companies that were owned and operated by people of African descent.

CincyTech President Bob Coy announced CincyTech’s performance numbers during the meeting. CincyTech has invested $10 million in 28 local start-up companies and helped its companies attract another $100 million in private co-investment since 2007. There were no statistics or emphasis mentioned at any point during the meeting about the dearth of Black technology entrepreneurs being supported by the process.

I am glad to see that there are Black leaders on both the staff and executive committee of CincyTech. That is better than what we saw from the movers and shakers in Silicon Valley.

I suggest that BDPA (local, regional and national) become more aggressive in their engagement with entrepreneurial organizations like CincyTech. I plan to follow-up with CincyTech and its portfolio companies to invite them to learn more about BDPA Cincinnati chapter and the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation. There should be speaker opportunities, company tours for our members and students, internships and perhaps even support for BDPA's college scholarship program.

Perhaps the CincyTech Annual Meeting in 2012 will have a growing level of engagement with Black tech entrepreneurs and start-ups!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Google RISE Awards Builds STEM Roots for Our Youth

Every year the Google RISE Team is inspired by the work that organizations like BDPA do to impact students through creative and engaging STEM initiatives. Google is excited to bring together another amazing group of organizations for the 2012 Awards.

Google RISE - Roots in Science and Engineering - Awards are designed to promote and support Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Computer Science (CS) education initiatives. Google grants awards to organizations working with K-12 (primary & secondary schools) and university students to provide enrichment programs in these fields.

Google believes that technology will continue to play an important role in shaping our future, and the youth of today will help innovate and drive these technologies for years to come. Google hopes that all students will one day have the chance to reach their potential and achieve great things in science. To that end, we aspire to help students take one step closer to achieving their potential by offering growth and development opportunities through the Google RISE Awards.

Award amounts range from $10,000 - $25,000 in the US and Canada. Learn more at:

http://www.google.com/diversity/rise/

and apply at:

Roxana Shirkhoda
K-12 Education Outreach
Google, Inc. | 650.214.1218
roxanas@google.com

Sunday, November 13, 2011

This Week in BDPA (Nov 13-19)

BDPA has 45 chapters around the nation. You can always find programs, services or networking activity here or here or here. BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry.

Our hope is that you find reasons to provide tax-deductible support to us here, here or here!

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

Saturday, November 12, 2011

'Computer Science Education Act' Seeks More Tech-Savvy Graduates

"We're not getting enough young people involved in this course of study," Sen. Bob Casey, Jr., D-PA, said during a rollout of the Computer Science Education Act at the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy, a public magnet school in Oakland, Pennsylvania. He was co-sponsor of a bill that he hopes lawmakers will take up as they rewrite of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

The bill that Sen. Casey introduced would offer competitive grants to states and schools to beef up their high school computer science offerings. More than 140,000 computer science jobs become available each year, but fewer than 40,000 people graduate each year with bachelor's degrees in the subject, according to the Joint Economic Committee, a U.S. House-Senate committee.

Read more...

Friday, November 11, 2011

National BDPA Board of Directors (2012-2013)

The beginning of the 2012-2013 leadership team began on November 5 when the appointment of a number of the officers was approved during the 4Q-2011 NBOD meeting held in Las Vegas.

Meet the 2012-2013 National BDPA Board of Directors:


L-R (standing): Mike Williams (regional director - South), Fred Smith (regional VP - North), Chad White (VPMM), Theonnie Shields (regional director - Midwest), Barbara Allen (regional VP - Midwest), William Flowers (outside director), Allison Aheart Haymore (VPMS), Milt Haynes (CIO), Glenda Chappell (secretary), Jesse Mathews (outside director) and Coram Rimes (regional director - North)

L-R (sitting): Pamela Sexton (VPSP), Loraine Stewart (VPF), Monique Berry (president), Craig Brown (vice president) and Teresa Williams (regional VP - South)

Photo Credit: Charlie Perkins

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Celebrate Computer Science Education Week (Dec 4-10)

There are too few African American students graduating with computer science degrees. BDPA and its supporters work hard to prepare high school and college students for success in the Information Technology industry. One way that we can all help is to support CSEdWeek 2011, taking place December 4-10. This is a week-long celebration of computer science education.

In today's world the impact of computing and the need for computer science education in our schools is more important than it's ever been! Find out more and don't forget to Pledge Your Support to CSEdWeek and let them know how you are celebrating the week. One way that all local BDPA chapters can help is to share information about computer science degrees at their upcoming program meetings or in their upcoming newsletters.

Parental and community encouragement can go a long way to leading children to a comprehensive education that will prepare them for the future. In today's world, that education must include computer science, as computers are everywhere. But how many of us understand how computers work, or how they help us solve some of today's most complex challenges?

Computer science explores these questions. Use CS Unplugged to explain to students how computers work, and at the same time, how computers help them address critical mathematics and science concepts from number systems and algorithms to manipulating variables and logic.

The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) encourages all of our readers to hold an event celebrating CSEdWeek in your area! Are you wondering where to start and how to plan it? CSEdWeek has a toolkit to help.

BETF is proud to note that the 2011 CSEdWeek Vice Chair, Ruthe Farmer, is Director of Strategic Initiatives for the National Center for Women and Information Technology was a guest earlier this year on the BDPA iRadio Show.

Do you plan to 'get busy' with CSEdWeek this year?

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

2011 Women of Color in Technology Awards

One of my favorite people in the world is Tyrone Taborn. His company puts on a number of events to highlight diversity in the information technology industry. One of those events is an annual conference that honors top women in technology. The conference this year was held on November 5, 2011 in Dallas, TX.

Here is the video showing highlights of the conference:





What is your take on diversity conference such as this one?

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Grant Disbursement: BDPA Philadelphia ($3,900)

Hayward West
BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that we are making a $3,900 grant disbursement to the BDPA Philadelphia chapter. BDPA Philadelphia chapter president Hayward West asked for the $3,900 to provide "funding for the Philadelphia SITES program; helps with operational costs, regional competition expenses and national competition expenses."

BDPA Philadelphia is a 4-time winner of the BDPA Chapter of the Year award. The one thing missing from their resume is a national High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championship. The chapter plans to use this grant disbursement to get an early start on the road to their first HSCC championship.


BETF encourages the other 44 local BDPA chapters to get an early-start on their fundraising efforts as well! For now, it is a pleasure to know that our efforts are providing support for BDPA Philadelphia chapter members and students.

Monday, November 7, 2011

BETF Prepares Students for IT Careers


The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is making the choice to prepare high school students for global advancements in information technology, but it starts with a student’s choice to want to learn more. BETF addresses the dilemma that educational, technical and career opportunities still reach African Americans and other underserved communities at a very slow pace. Since 1996, BETF has awarded scholarships to high school students to assist with their continued education at over 100 colleges and universities across the country.

BETF is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity established in 1992 to financially support 21st century student education and technology initiatives across the United States. BETF focuses a great deal of our funding on programs and services provided by BDPA at a local and national level.

BDPA was founded in 1975 from concern that people of African descent were not adequately represented in the workforce of the new and emerging computer industry. Today, BDPA is a professional membership organization that encourages and helps to prepare high school and college students pursue careers related to information technology.

Some examples of BETF-funded programs include:
  • Student Information Technology Education and Scholarship (SITES) - Local chapters conduct SITES training programs for K-12 youth in their communities. These programs are designed to expose our youth to the concepts of computers and give them the expertise to develop web applications.
  • High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Alumni - BETF is working with a number of volunteers around the country to make contact with alumni from a quarter century of high school computer competitions. It is our effort to actualize the BDPA continuum of taking our community "from the classroom to the boardroom". We intend to maintain contact with HSCC Alumni throughout their college and professional careers.
  • BDPA IT Showcase - Dr. Jesse Bemley accepted the challenge of creating a program that would (a) provide an outlet for college students to be showcased at the annual BDPA technology conference and (b) encourage our young people to continue their education into Ph.D. programs in science, technology, engineering or mathematics [EXAMPLE]. We want to see the BDPA IT Showcase program expanded in 2010 and beyond.
BETF seeks to establish relationships with individuals and families that recognize the importance of higher education and information technology as positive choices for the youth in our communities to be successful.

BETF provides you with a receipt after your donation for income tax purposes since financial contributions to BETF are 100% tax-deductible. Your choice to help will make the student’s choice to want to learn more easier.

Please choose to give today.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Grant Disbursement: BDPA Los Angeles ($4,350)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) approved a $4,350 grant disbursement to BDPA Los Angeles chapter earlier this week. The funding will be used by the chapter to support "2011 BDPA Los Angeles Ceremony (venue, food, beverages, awards and scholarships)".

BETF has provided the Los Angeles chapter with close to $10,000 in funding support this year. It is a direct result of the aggressive fundraising efforts jointly worked by the chapter in accordance with the BETF funding process. Our hope is that the other 44 local BDPA chapters are making plans to work with BETF in a similiar manner over the coming weeks and months.

Congratulations to BDPA Los Angeles chapter president John Malonson and chapter VP-Finance David Malonson for their successful fundraising efforts.

This Week in BDPA (Nov 6-12)

BDPA has 45 chapters around the nation. You can always find programs, services or networking activity here or here or here. BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry.

Our hope is that you find reasons to provide tax-deductible support to us here, here or here!

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

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Grant Award: HP Gifts In Kind ($3,897)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) worked closely with BDPA Cincinnati chapter members Wayne Stein and Yolanda Lauderdale to obtain in-kind donation of five HP Probook 6455b Notebook PCs, ten reams of multipurpose paper and a HP 6500A Plus wireless printer. The total list price of this in-kind donation is $3,897.

The printer and paper is being put to use by the BETF executive director. The five laptops are being held for use by the BDPA Cincinnati chapter.

Wayne Stein is a member of the BDPA Cincinnati chapter's Corporate Advisory Council. Yolanda Lauderdale recently led the chapter's delivery of an annual banquet.

BETF is grateful for the donation of HP equipment through the HP Employee Product Giving Program. We encourage all BDPA chapters with HP employees within their membership to take a hard look at this in-kind gift program. It worked for the Cincinnati chapter and is something that can work for the other 45 local BDPA chapters as well!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Venture Capital Demystified (BDPA New York)

BDPA New York, 5th-largest chapter in the nation, is sponsoring its final program meeting of the year with a focus on Venture Capital Funding.  New York City is the economic capital of the world with a tremendous impact on the information technology industry.  According to Garett Sloane's article "NYC beats out Beanton in VC deals, dollars " he states "In the third quarter, 86 start-ups in the state -- the vast majority in the city -- raised $831 million in venture capital, topping Boston's 83 deals worth $710 million."

Many BDPA members either own their own start-up business or plan to do so after their current stint in Corporate America.   As such, this panel discussion,  'Venture Capital Demystified', will provide you with gems of wisdom to bring your business to the next level.

Some of the questions that will be answered during this panel discussion include:
  • How do I approach a VC?
  • What types of companies that get funding?
  • How important is a business plan?
Microsoft
1290 Avenue of Americas
New York, NY

Thursday, November 17, 2011 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (ET)

Panelists:


Moderator:
Eric Hamilton (advertising executive, UGC Video)

Register for this event.

BDPA Adds Another Scholarship Fundraiser to Ed Norton's Crowdrise Platform

With all the hoopla of a Hollywood release – but with some of the Gen X slacker style of its founder – actor Edward Norton’s Crowdrise - a much-hyped blend of social media and star power aiming to be the next big fundraising and volunteering platform. The value prop is familiar: you make a profile, you create a campaign, get your friends to volunteer or give, promote on Twitter or Facebook and move up the leaderboards. And there are prizes galore for high-achieving campaigns, from sweatshirts to iPhones and Macs.

Read the rest of the article here.

Here are some BDPA-related fundraising projects currently on Crowdrise:
  1. BDPA IT Corps (Global)
  2. BDPA Virtual (Columbus) 
  3. Brandon Berry Memorial Scholarship (Cincinnati)
  4. Brandon Gardner Memorial Scholarship (Los Angeles)
  5. Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarships (Nationwide)
  6. HSCC Scholarships (Baltimore)
  7. HSCC Scholarships (Baton Rouge)
  8. HSCC Scholarships (Charlotte)  
  9. HSCC Scholarships (Chicago) 
  10. HSCC Scholarships (Cleveland)     
  11. HSCC Scholarships (Detroit)
  12. HSCC Scholarships (Hartford)
  13. HSCC Scholarships (Middle Tennessee) *NEW*
  14. HSCC Middle Tennessee (2011)
  15. HSCC Scholarships (New York) 
  16. HSCC Scholarships (Philadelphia)
  17. HSCC Scholarships (Richmond)
  18. HSCC Scholarships (Triangle)  
  19. SITES Scholarships (Atlanta
  20. SITES Scholarships (Dallas)
Please visit the BDPA Foundation Crowdrise page if you have time or inclination!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

2011 Awards and Recognition Program (BDPA Atlanta)

We encourage our Atlanta-based readers to join BDPA Atlanta chapter for its 2011 Annual Awards and Recognition program being hosted on November 16 by Cox Enterprises. During this event the chapter will be recognizing the following corporate sponsors and community partners who have contributed so much to the chapter this year:
A special recognition will be presented to the award winning 2011 High School Computer Competition team by the folks at World Wide Technology, a leader in the field of systems integration and the largest African American owned IT firm in the United States!

In attendance also will be the 2012 chapter leadership team who are poised to take BDPA Atlanta chapter to the next level! You are encouraged to mingle with these future officers and committee chairs and learn how you can become a part of their plans for the upcoming year.

Last but not least, the chapter's technology committee will unveil the new BDPA Atlanta portal which will go live on January 1st! This dynamic technology team is compromised of seasoned IT professionals and several DeVry/Keller students.


Here are the logistics for the program:

DATE: Wednesday November 16, 2011
TIME: 6:00 pm

ADDRESS: Cox Enterprises
6205 Peachtree Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, GA 30328

DRESS CODE: Formal Business Attire

ADMISSION FEES:
  • BDPA Atlanta Members & Cox Employees: Free
  • College Students (w/School ID): $5.00
  • Non-BDPA Members: $10.00
You can click here to RSVP for the event!

Intel Foundation


Intel Corporation is committed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in the U.S. communities where the company has a major presence, through grants, donations, sponsorship, and other forms of philanthropy and giving.

Their primary giving focus is education. Intel has a strong interest in supporting K-12 and higher education, and community programs that deliver the kind of educational opportunities that all students will need to prepare themselves to succeed in the 21st century. Intel vigorously supports education through donations and grants for programs that advance science, math, and technology education, particularly for women and underserved populations.

Contact: Morgan Anderson, Public Affairs
Telephone: (503) 456-1515
Fax: (503) 264-1823
Email: morgan.anderson@intel.com

Geographic Focus: Chandler, AZ; East Palo Alto, El Dorado, Fremont, Placer, Sacramento, Santa Clara Counties of California; Colorado Springs, CO; Worcester and Middlesex Counties of Massachussetts; Morris County, NJ; Sandoval, Bernalillo and Valencia Counties of New Mexico; Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties of Oregon; Austin, TX; Salt Lake City area, UT; Pierce and Thurston Counties of Washington; Russia Morris County of NJ; With a special emphasis on organizations providing services in Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties Salt Lake City area Pierce and Thurston Counties of WA.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

The Future of Mobile Technology (BDPA Philadelphia)

I encourage all of our Philadelphia-based readers to check their calendars for November 16th as we want to encourage attendance for the upcoming event hosted by the local BDPA chapter.


  BDPA Philadelphia 4-Time National Chapter of the Year
in cooperation with

presents

 
Mobile technology is a collective term used to describe the various types of cellular communication technology. Mobile CDMA technology has evolved quite rapidly over the past few years. Since the beginning of this millennium, a standard mobile device has gone from being no more than a simple two-way pager to being a cellular phone, GPS navigation system, an embedded web browser, and Instant Messenger client, and a hand-held video gaming system. Many experts argue that the future of computer technology rests in mobile/wireless computing.

Chris Duffy (@christoferduffy), CIO of Peirce College, will speak about power/coding/space and how to re-mediate these challenges with newer technologies and redesign. Chris has over 20 years broad experience in technology strategies, global web development, disaster recovery and large scale project management. He is a highly sought industry expert and speaker, underscoring ingenuity and common sense professional approach to customer needs. Chris’ extensive background in development and deployment of systems integrating leading-edge technologies with legacy systems makes him a highly sought industry expert and speaker.

DATE: Wednesday, November 16, 2011
TIME: 6:00pm - 8:00pm ET

WHERE: CIGNA Insurance Building
1601 Chestnut Street, 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19192

Click here to RSVP for this program meeting.  Please contact Byron Mayes at vpprofdev@bdpaphilly.org if you have questions or wish to discuss further.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

BETF Executive Director Discusses 'The Art of Networking' at University of Cincinnati

I'm honored to be the guest speaker at the ADVANCE Networking Reception later this evening. The Networking Reception will take place on Tuesday, November 1st at the University of Cincinnati’s Myers Alumni Center form 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Located at 2906 Woodside Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221.


ADVANCE is a student focused professional development organization that assists students, primarily African American, with making the transition from college to the work environment by developing and enhancing skills in resume writing, interviewing, networking, business etiquette, and understanding corporate/world of work cultures.

This reception was created by students in ADVANCE over 24 years ago as a pre-career fair activity designed to market the Diversity Student Career Fair, and to promote students’ understanding of the “Art of Networking.” Students also benefit by receiving insight on business protocol and work world dynamics.

The ADVANCE organization will host the Networking Reception. Following sign-in, there will be introductions, acknowledgement of sponsors, and a brief presentation on the do's and don'ts of the "Art of Networking." Immediately following this segment, light refreshments will be served and students will begin their interactions with corporate representatives. Please bring plenty of business cards as students have been instructed to collect cards from company participants. The dress for employers is business formal or business casual.




I look forward to my participation in this year’s ADVANCE Networking Reception. Wish me luck!