Global Agricultural Giant Monsanto Partners with BDPA

Monsanto was recently honored as one of FORTUNE Magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. Of course, we think it is equally significant to note that Monsanto is one of the eleven 'corporations' to earn the 2013 Epsilon Award, denoting the 'Best Companies for Blacks In Technology'. Monsanto recently announced its Bronze Level corporate sponsorship of BDPA programs, scholarships and services nationally with an emphasis on the STEM-related work being done by the BDPA St. Louis chapter.

Craig Brown

"It is my honor to work with the Monsanto family and continue to grow and cultivate BDPA and the Monsanto partnership," stated Dr. Craig Brown, National BDPA Vice President. "In addition, I look forward to transforming our partnership into a ‘tradition’ where Monsanto employees and the members of its surrounding communities can continue to benefit from BDPA local chapter activities and the BDPA National Conference, year in and year out."

Monsanto’s commitment to preserving agriculture and improving lives is built on their challenge, "To meeting the needs today, while preserving the planet for tomorrow." Fully committed to Sustainable Agriculture, Fighting Rural Hunger, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, Human Rights, Corporate Giving, America's Farmers, and Youth and Education, Monsanto is recognized as one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens’ by CR Magazine, The Scientist 2010 Best Places to Work, and the Diversity Inc Top 50 Companies for Diversity. Globally, Monsanto employs over 21,000 workers in 66 countries at 404 different facilities.

Vincent Shorter

"My relationship with BDPA over the past three years has been both personally and professionally rewarding,” said Vincent Shorter, Monsanto IT director. “I am proud that Monsanto has continued its commitment to BDPA for over nine years. Whether sponsoring the local High School Computer Competition, presentations at the national conference, helping grow the local St. Louis chapter or offering $10,000 in scholarships, Monsanto has stepped up to the challenge. Now is the time to take advantage of the growth in IT and to leverage BDPA to increase opportunities for everyone from the classroom to the boardroom."

The sponsorship also includes $10,000 funding for the 1st annual Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students. This will provide scholarships to four young people who plan to study a STEM-related curriculum in college. The winners of this scholarship will be announced at the 35th annual BDPA Technology Conference on August 14-17, 2013 in Washington DC.

Wayne Hicks

Wayne Hicks, BETF executive director said, "My vision is for BDPA to award full-ride 4-year college scholarships to our young people interested in pursuing STEM careers. Monsanto moves us closer to that goal with the four college scholarships that they have funded with their 2013 sponsorship. Well done!"

BDPA is recognized nationally as a global member-focused technology organization with over 45 active chapters in the United States. BDPA continues to stand as a leader in delivering 21st century technological programs, college scholarships, mentoring, support and services for youth and adult IT professionals. For more information on 35th Annual National BDPA Technology Conference, contact Wayne Hicks, Director, BDPA Corporate Sales Department, corpsales@bdpa.org, (301) 584-3135.