Sunday, March 31, 2013

Fluor Foundation

Established in 1952, the Fluor Foundation is funded by corporate contributions and endowment earnings. It is governed by a 9-member board of trustees composed of members from Fluor's senior management. The total worldwide Fluor contributions budget is determined as a percentage (1.5 to 2 percent) of the prior year's earnings before taxes. That budget totals approximately $5 to $6 million annually. (In 2007, Fluor and The Fluor Foundation will contribute $6 million to community organizations and education worldwide. Employees will add another $2.6 million with their donations to United Way, health and human services organizations and universities.)

Education

Focusing on educational organizations and programs, universities and schools (where almost half of our total company contributions are allocated), Fluor supports school/business partnerships and programs that help achieve the following objectives:
  • Encouraging elementary/secondary students to pursue higher education/training, with an emphasis on engineering and construction
  • Improving and enhancing math/science curricula
  • Supporting teacher training in math/science
  • Encouraging mentoring and economic literacy programs
Nongovernmental organizations or educational institutions wishing to request funding should make an initial inquiry in the form of a two- to three-page letter. If the proposal is of interest to Fluor, additional information will be requested. Requests are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Fluor Corporation receives many more worthwhile requests than can be funded. Consequently, contributions can only be made to a percentage of organizations considered. Up to two months should be allowed for a reply.

Geographic focus for this foundation is: National/International, California, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Washington.

If your chapter or national business area is located within these geographic focus areas ... then this might be a good funding source for your SITES programming. Just let us know in the COMMENTS section below if your chapter wants to pursue this funding source.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

BDPA Chapters on Twitter

There are a growing number of BDPA chapters with Twitter accounts.  These are local BDPA chapters that wish to reach out to all current, former and future members via the Twitter network.   I encourage any BDPA members on Twitter to take a moment to follow their local chapter as shown on the following list:
  1. Atlanta - @atlantabdpa
  2. Baton Rouge - @bdpabatonrouge * NEW *
  3. Charlotte - @bdpacharlotte
  4. Chicago - @bdpachicago  
  5. Cincinnati - @bdpacincy
  6. Columbus - @bdpacolumbus
  7. Dallas - @bdpadallas
  8. Detroit - @bdpadetroit
  9. Greater Columbia - @gcbdpa
  10. Indianapolis - @bdpa_indy
  11. Los Angeles - @bdpala
  12. Memphis - @bdpamemphis
  13. New Jersey - @bdpanewjersey 
  14. New York - @bdpanewyork 
  15. Orlando - @bdpaorlando
  16. Philadelphia - @bdpaphilly 
  17. Southern Minnesota - @smn_bdpa
  18. St. Louis - @bdpastl
  19. Twin Cities - @bdpatwincities
  20. Washington DC - @bdpadc
Other BDPA-related Twitter accounts include:
  1. National BDPA - @nationalbdpa
  2. BDPA Education and Technology Foundation - @bdpa
  3. BDPA Technology Conference - @bdpa_conference
  4. BDPAToday - @bdpatoday
Finally, it should be noted that you can follow all BDPA chapters on Twitter by clicking here -- http://twitter.com/BDPA/bdpa-chapters.
    Please let me know if there are other BDPA-related Twitter accounts that we should add to the above list.   We hope to eventually see all 46 local BDPA chapters with a Twitter account.

    Friday, March 29, 2013

    MillerCoors Renews Its Sponsorship of BDPA

    We are proud to share that MillerCoors took the steps necessary to become a Gold-Level corporate sponsor of BDPA programs and services.  In addition, we are proud to announce that MillerCoors is also the 'Official Beverage Distributor of the 2013 BDPA Technology Conference'!

    You can expect to see MillerCoors with a prominent location in the career fair as well as a corporate hospitality reception that will feature some great MillerCoors adult beverages (what is your favorite?). The company is also supporting BDPA Milwaukee and BDPA Chicago with in-kind facilities donations in CY-2013. Very cool!

    Much props to Carmen Giles (MillerCoors corporate champion and the new president of our BDPA Milwaukee chapter) as well as ITSMF member and long-time BDPA leader and supporter Norman Fleming for working with BDPA to grow this mutually-beneficial corporate partnership!

    Thursday, March 28, 2013

    Chichester duPont Foundation

    Only nonprofit charitable organizations, exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are eligible to receive a grant from Chicester duPont Foundation.

    Organizations that develop an association and program understanding, with at least one trustee, experience the greatest likelihood of funding success. Preference is given to proposals for new initiatives, special projects, the expansion of current programs and capital improvement. The trustees devote particular emphasis to programs concerned with the environment, education, health care and those to which the Foundation’s giving will play a pivotal role.

    The Foundation does not consider requests for programs outside the United States, and, in general, does not consider requests for more than $100,000. Grants are never made to individuals or to organizations carrying on propaganda, or attempting to influence legislation.

    All grants must be received in the Foundation's offices no later than October 1. The Trustees meet on or about December 1 and grants are awarded and distributed on or before December 31.

    Grants are usually awarded for one year only. Projects in areas the Foundation has a special interest may be considered for multi-year funding. Organizations may reapply from one year to the next. Only one grant application may be submitted in any calendar year. Organizations receiving grants are required to complete an evaluation report within twelve months after receipt of the funds.

    Grants should be directed to:



    Gregory F. Fields, Secretary
    Chichester duPont Foundation
    5720 Kennett Pike
    P.O. Box 3598
    Wilmington, DE 19807


    Please let me know if your BDPA entity (local or national) is interested in applying for a grant proposal with this funding source.

    Wednesday, March 27, 2013

    Kohl's Fundraising Gift Card Program

    Countless children and teenagers visit our homes each year encouraging us to buy everything from pizzas to wrapping paper to magazine subscriptions in order to raise money for their youth organizations. Kohl’s has created a simple, effective way to help raise much-needed funds for schools and nonprofit youth organizations, while, at the same time, eliminating many of the challenges characteristically associated with fundraising!

    The Kohl's Fundraising Gift Card Program provides discounted fundraising gift cards to nonprofit, youth-serving organizations. These groups then sell the purchased cards at face value and keep the remaining profits. The more gift cards purchased, the higher the discount and the larger the profit. Kohl’s provides a 5% discount for purchases over $1,000 and 3% for total purchases between $500 and $900.

    Visit the Kohl's website to learn more about this simple way to increase your organization’s fundraising results.

    Tuesday, March 26, 2013

    BDPA iRadio Show: March 26, 2013


    BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to be the creator of the BDPA iRadio Show. You can listen to the archive version of the show using the widget shown in the right-hand sidebar of this blog. FREE download from the iTunes Store is also available for our listeners!

    Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio

    The guests on the March 26th show:

    Dr. Craig Brown - National Vice President, BDPA - Dr. Craig Brown was elected to be National BDPA Vice President (2012-2013). He will work with incoming national president Monique Berry and the incoming regional officers to take BDPA to the next level. Dr. Brown has a 25 year career serving as an expert systems and database architect within leading technologies like Oracle, PeopleSoft, SAP, IBM and Microsoft. His experiences are more particular to the Enterprise Resource Planning, Decision Support and Relational Database Management Systems technologies. He earned over 20 certifications within these technological areas and currently provides implementation and integration expertise along with a variety of other technological disciplines. He holds a BS in Computer Science as well as a Master's in Business and a Doctorate in Management Information Systems. He has over 1 million followers on Twitter and thousands of followers on his Facebook page. Dr. Brown shared his vision for the future of BDPA with our BDPA iRadio Show audience. His twitter handle is @craigbrownphd

    Beverly Allen - High School Computer Competition coordinator, BDPA Los Angeles - Beverly Allen has been the HSCC coordinator for our BDPA Los Angeles chapter for a number of years. She watched her son, Terell, participate in national HSCC championships in 2007-2009 before going off to college at Morehouse College. The computer camp program in Los Angeles is making remarkable progress under its leadership … including winning the bronze medal at the 2012 National HSCC championship. The 2013 computer camp program is underway with over 35 students. Beverly has a unique way to look at the BDPA Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program that will be of interest to BDPA-Nation. Her chapter's twitter handle is @bdpala

    Jacqueline Sanders - VP, Education & Professional Development, BDPA Atlanta - Jacqueline is part of the BDPA Atlanta leadership team that is shaking up the nation. Her chapter won numerous honors at the 2012 national conference … and they have their eyes set on the largest prize of all – ‘Chapter of the Year’ – right now. A major part of that success can be found in the education and professional development programs that Jacqueline is providing for IT professionals in Atlanta. This includes an ambitious professional development boot camp. The boot camp provides an intense all-day interactive series of exercises to test and challenge participants soft skills. Participants leave with a personalized assessment, mentoring and a career roadmap. Her twitter handle is @RequirementsPro

    We hope you enjoy the insights and commentary on the show from each of these guests. Please take a moment to post a comment to let us know that you care!

    Monday, March 25, 2013

    BDPA Philadelphia Chapter President Receives Local NAACP Honor

    BDPA Philadelphia chapter president Eileen Gadsden was honored by the NAACP Philadelphia as one of 104 Most Influential Women at an awards ceremony held March 24, 2013 in Philadelphia.

    104 deserving women were chosen from the ranks of elected officials, entrepreneurs, non-profits, civic leaders, educators, labor leaders, members of the clergy, media, health care providers, government agency leaders, corporate America leaders, community leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs. Eileen was commended for her work as a community leader.  Eileen shared the following comment about the honor,
    "I was surprised, humbled, and overjoyed by the idea of sharing such an accolade with 103 talented, driven and accomplished women. I am truly encouraged and will continue the work of BDPA to inspire students and professionals to pursue IT and other STEM related careers to reduce the digital divide and to secure our place as innovators and decision-makers in this global marketplace."
    I encourage BDPA members to do their part in honoring Eileen by making a secure online donation to her fundraiser that supports college scholarships for High School Computer Competition students in Philadelphia.   Eileen is one of the hardest working BDPA members in the nation.  Please visit her fundraiser and make a donation today!

    Sunday, March 24, 2013

    Procter & Gamble Renews Corporate Commitment to BDPA Cincinnati Chapter

    Procter & Gamble renewed its commitment to BDPA as a Bronze-level corporate sponsor. This is the 4th consecutive year that P&G agreed to support BDPA Cincinnati chapter in a variety of areas including 20 corporate memberships, annual banquet table/advertisement, operational support and monthly program meeting support.

    It is worth noting that P&G has been a member of the chapter's Corporate Advisory Council for over a decade ... and the current chapter president, Clarence Larcarte, is employed by the company. Employee involvement is always a powerful way to find corporate sponsorship success in BDPA!

    Saturday, March 23, 2013

    Prudential Foundation


    The Prudential Foundation invests over $25 million each year in grants that support the revitalization of communities and support Prudential employees' community engagement efforts.

    The Prudential Foundation focuses its efforts in the following locations:
    • Newark, NJ; and Hartford, CT. The Foundation makes significant investments through a combination of local and national partners to improve education, promote economic development, support the arts, and build the capacity of nonprofit organizations. The Newark Community Building Fund is a special initiative that supports grassroots organizations working to improve their neighborhoods and the quality of life of Newark residents.
    • Philadelphia, PA; New York, NY; Chicago, IL; and Los Angeles, CA. In these locations, the Foundation looks for opportunities to improve education and engage in economic development efforts.
    • Other cities. Dallas and Houston, TX; Dubuque, IA; Jacksonville, FL; Minneapolis, MN; Phoenix, AZ; and Scranton, PA. The Foundation focuses its efforts in education or economic development programs that provide opportunities for Prudential associates to be engaged.
    To apply for funding, applicants must meet the specific criteria described in the Prudential Foundation Policies and Guidelines.

    The Foundation receives and reviews proposals throughout the year. Grants that exceed $200,000 must be approved by the Board of Trustees, which meets three times a year, in February, June, and October. Staff responds to applicants within approximately 60 days.

    For more information about The Prudential Foundation, please contact:


    The Prudential Foundation
    751 Broad Street, 15th Floor
    Newark, NJ 07102-3777
    (973) 802-4791
    email: community.resources@prudential.com

    It appears that this funding opportunity is open to our local BDPA chapters in Chicago, Dallas, Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and Twin Cities. I hope that one of these chapters takes advantage of this funding opportunity!

    Do you know any Prudential employees that might be willing to help us out?

    Friday, March 22, 2013

    Deloitte Invests in BDPA Silver Level Corporate Sponsorship


    Built on the principles of leadership through excellence, Deloitte recently joined the growing list of Silver Level Corporate Sponsors for the 35th Annual National BDPA Technology Conference and Career Fair titled, “Diverse Opportunities In The Age of Convergence” on August 14-17, 2013 in Washington, DC.

    Pamela Sexton
    Pamela Sexton, National BDPA Conference Director stated,
    I'm very excited that Deloitte has renewed their partnership with BDPA. They have been a long time partner that has contributed to the success of our National BDPA Conference and our strategic goals. We look forward to 2013 and beyond. Thank you Deloitte for your renewed partnership."
    Recognized for global expertise in audit, consulting, financial advisory, tax services, and risk management, Deloitte’s income in 2012 reached $13.07 billion. Since 1998, Deloitte continues to be recognized as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” according to FORTUNE magazine. This year, Deloitte won four top prizes at the Association of Management Consulting Firms awards ceremony in Growth Strategies, Supply Chain Performance Improvement, Human Capital, and Humanitarian categories.
    "BDPA Philadelphia is appreciative of the strong corporate support we have received from Deloitte,” said Eileen Gadsden, BDPA Philadelphia chapter president. “We are thankful to our corporate champions Larry Quinlan, Deloitte chief information officer, and Hayward West, BDPA Philadelphia chapter past president, for ensuring we have not only financial support, but the time and talent of their world-class staff,” she added.
    As a global member-focused technology organization with 46 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 Information Technology (IT) professionals. BDPA is honored to partner with a world class organization such as Deloitte.

    For more information on the benefits of BDPA corporate sponsorship, contact Wayne Hicks, Director, Corporate Sales Department, corpsales@bdpa.org, (301) 584-3135.

    Thursday, March 21, 2013

    Key & Associates Becomes a New BDPA Corporate Supporter

    We are proud to announce another BDPA entrepreneur willing to invest in our corporate sponsorship program. Beatrice Key is the president of Key & Associates. Her company is a financial advisor for the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation. She invested in the Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship Fund to give out college scholarships to high-performing students in our annual High School Computer Competition championship.

    Our hope is that we can recognize scores of BDPA entrepreneurs as part of our sponsorship program. Who's next?

    Saturday, March 16, 2013

    National Women's History Month - Franne McNeal (Black History Maker)

    During National Women's History Month, Roger Madison (CEO, iZania) is featuring some of the prominent Black Women entrepreneurs who have been meaningful to our historical journey as an online community. The cool thing is that one of our own was featured this week! Franne McNeal is the hostess of the bi-weekly BDPA iRadio Show. She was honored by iZania as its National Women's History Month Black History Maker.

    The narrative read as follows:
    Franne McNeal is a serial entrepreneur with corporate expertise that spans four industries, seven positions and thirty years in business. As a junior at Princeton University, she launched a successful catering recruiting business for student bartenders and wait staff and never looked back. When Franne was 26 years old, she was the youngest person ever to be awarded a professional services training contract with the City of Pittsburgh; and successfully financed her 18-computer training room in 1-month.

    In 2001, Franne created Significant Business Results, an executive coaching practice, to help her clients approach business challenges with a fresh perspective grounded in market realities and creative optimism. Significant Business Results Coach, Franne McNeal is engaged by clients to create strategic plans, generate business opportunities, identify revenue streams, and re-evaluate systems. Franne is committed to ensuring that her clients grow brand value, manage cash flow, and increase profits by leveraging people, performance and process.

    Franne's clients include: The Kauffman Foundation, Temple University, ModernThink, Priority Management, The Corporation for Positive Change, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, The Social Security Administration, The State of Delaware, The City of New York, State University of New York, Women's Business Development Center, and Elohim Cleaning Contractors Inc.

    In corporate leadership positions at Strategic Computer Assistance Inc, Mellon Bank, FMC, and SmithKline Beecham, as well as Vice President of Training and Development at PNC Financial Services, Franne led restructuring initiatives that resulted in over $1M in measurable savings.

    Ms. McNeal's work has been recognized through a Citation from the Mayor of Philadelphia; the Perseverance Award from Eastern University; and the 100 Most Influential Black Women in Philadelphia Award. She has appeared on CBS-TV and NBC-TV; been quoted in Black Enterprise Magazine and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

    As a moderator for the Project for Civic Engagement, a facilitator for America Speaks, and a facilitator for the Kauffman Foundation's FastTrac® programs, Franne continues to contribute to community education initiatives. In 2009. Franne became a member of the e200 class sponsored by the Philadelphia District Office of the US Small Business Administration. Franne currently serves as a member of the West Chester University MBA Advisory Board, and she is a volunteer mentor for a 4th grade class in the Philadelphia Public School District.

    Ms. Franne McNeal earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University and an MBA from Eastern University in Pennsylvania. Learn more at www.frannemcneal.com.

    We are proud to highlight Franne's 30 year history in business as a model for women of the 21st Century
    .
    Franne engages with young people at 2012 BDPA Conference
    Franne has been a strong and consistent supporter of the BDPA mission and vision for many years. She is a proud member of our BDPA Philadelphia chapter and we are very honored to join in saluting her as a Black History Maker!

    Monday, March 4, 2013

    Dell Member Purchase Program: BDPA (March 2013)

    It’s our pleasure to share Dell’s Member Purchase Program's (MPP) March communications with our BDPA and BDPA Foundation supporters!

    A few callouts from Dell’s March flyer:
    1. Pick a Gift Promotion. Buy select PC’s $499.99 and pick a gift - offer valid from 3-4-13 to 4-3-13 and will be found on the MPP homepage
    2. Companion offer. Buy systems over $783.99 and add an XPS 10 tablet for only $299.99 – offer valid from 3-4-13 to 3-28-13
    3. XPS 8500 for $783.99, with an Intel i7, 8GB of memory, 1TB hard drive

    How to shop:
    • Continue to Earn Rewards with Dell Advantage: Employees can also earn 5% cash back with a Dell promo eGift Card and free 2nd day shipping on any purchase. Register now at: www.Dell.com/mpp/bdpaadvantage 
    • Shop online at www.Dell.com/mpp/bdpa 
    • Give us a call at 888-243-9964 and reference Member ID: CS127235942
    Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help drive awareness of Dell’s Member Purchase Program to BDPA supporters.

    Sunday, March 3, 2013

    Message from Houston Chapter President

    Dr. Craig Brown
    BDPA Houston Chapter has established a new membership of 30 people and has been active since March 2012. Below are a few points that represent some of the most recent activity:
    • Rejuvenated to an active status
    • Relationship building with local corporations
    • Relationship building with local schools
    • Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with Barbara Jordan Endeavors offering STEM for Children with unique abilities and our HSCC program.
    The MOU is significant because it involved over 15 High Schools totaling 120 students that that are interested in STEM programs. These kids have special needs so our HSCC program has to be modified to include kid with special abilities.

    Sincerely,
    Dr. Craig Brown, president
    BDPA Houston Chapter

    Friday, March 1, 2013

    Message from BDPA Cincinnati President

    It’s an exciting time to be a part of BDPA Cincinnati!  Why? When talent, passion and commitment collide, how can that NOT be exciting??!!!

    Clarence Larcarte
    The leadership of the organization is so full of energy it amazing! Let me introduce you to them:
    In 2013, we push forward with our mission of advancing Information Technology (IT) careers from the classroom to the boardroom. We live out this mission through youth-oriented programs such as SITES, High School Computer Competition, TECHie Club and IT Showcase as well as monthly professional program meetings and quarterly workshops.

    If you’ve been around BDPA Cincinnati at all in the past this may sound familiar, but I can assure you that it is not business as usual. Any organization which hopes to remain vibrant and relevant must constantly adapt and BDPA is no exception. So, our leadership think tank has come up with creative new ideas as well as new spins on old ideas so that we can continue to provide value to our members. You can see some snip-its below, but if you really want to learn how you can benefit or how you can help, you really should join us.

    Our efforts center around the creation of a vibrant pipeline of IT talent, with our events being centered around the concepts of LEARN MORE, EARN MORE, DO MORE!!

    LEARN MORE: Build new skills and strengthen old ones - Get youth involved early in IT or learn a new professional and/or technical skill to apply towards your current career or to land a new position or promotion.
    • SITES – HSCC, IT Showcase
    • Techie Club
    • Quarterly Technical Workshops
    • Monthly Program Meetings - March 20th - Blacks In Technology
    EARN MORE: Use your new skills and expanding network to improve your financial position - Translate your academic prowess into financial success
    • J.O.B—Jobs Opportunities Board
    • Yearly Career Fair
    • Professional Networking (Spring/Summer Mixers)
    • Entrepreneurship SIG
    • BDPA Job Board, www.ITDiversityCareers.com
    DO MORE: Use your talents to improve your community - Each one, teach one.
    We are excited to partner with you to create a promising IT future!!

    Best Regards,
    Clarence Larcarte, President
    BDPA Cincinnati Chapter