Bemley Scholar Cameron Reaves Begins STEM-Based Education at Harvard University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Cameron Reaves will use the Bemley Scholarship awarded all the members of the BDPA Atlanta High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team with a $5,000 college scholarship at Harvard University. He earned three Bemley Scholarships based on his work at the High School Computer Competition at the 2014 ($500), 2015 ($2,000) and 2016 ($2,500) BDPA Technology Conferences.

We asked Cameron to share his thought about BDPA with us:

Cameron Reaves * Bemley Scholar

"My name is Cameron Reaves and I am a freshman at Harvard University studying Computer Science and Environmental Science. I am from Duluth, GA and participated in four years of BDPA, beginning right when I started high school. I hope to combine my two interests to impact the energy/environmental sector using computing problem solving skills and technology expertise. I am currently planning to attend graduate school after college to earn a PHD, but anything can happen!

My involvement with BDPA was pivotal in my growth as a student and also my decision to pursue STEM. I have always been a big reader, so I loved literature and history (and still do). Prior to BDPA, I had no experience coding or learning about computers, so I probably would have continued down the path I was more familiar with. However, my father brought me to an introductory meeting my freshman year, and after that I joined the Atlanta Chapter and didn't look back! I am thankful for my time spent in the program and the many individuals I met. In the future, I hope to remain apart of the organization, volunteering to share its wonderful benefits to kids who were just like me.:

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student as a winner of the Bemley Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Cameron's career as he seeks to advance in the technology industry!

FCA Scholar: Gerald Curtis (South University Online)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Fiat Chrysler Automobile awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to four (4) students. One of those students is Gerald Curtis who attends South University Online.

When asked to share his thoughts on being a FCA scholar, Gerald wrote,

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Gerald Curtis

"I am 40 years old and I currently live in Warren, MI. I am a Security Site Supervisor for U.S. Security Associates, the second largest security corporation in America. I am also a current student at South University Online Piedmont Community College (very well-known for their IT, Nursing and Criminal Justice programs). I've been a member of the BDPA Detroit High School Computer Competition team since 2015. They are an excellent bunch to get to know and are a great source to have not only on my resume but to get to know as new and interesting people.

When I first learned about the BDPA, I was already in South University as an Information technology student with quite a bit of experience in computers. When I received my first invite from the BDPA HSCC team, I was hesitant at first. I thought to myself here is another group waiting for me to send them money that I don’t have to enter but as time went along I learned you never should judge a book by its cover so I researched the program and found out many talented future leaders were with them that are now doctors, lawyers and in my case the best IT professionals on the planet came from BDPA. They seemed to be the best program for using my new skills and opportunities to network with other IT professionals. What I thought would be something of another group that was just there to enhance their program turned into a life changing experience.

I can't put into words how much I grew as an IT professional, but just as a person interacting with an organization that had a family feel to it. There are a lot great outcomes about being in BDPA. You learn how to be apart of a team, have leadership skills, how to mentor others about their careers, networking skills and IT skills. I’m glad Chrysler came up with this program. It really is heaven sent that teaches a student most importantly to have confidence in themselves and their abilities. The sky is the limit.

I hope that by sharing my experiences and knowledge with other students that it will help them to see that everyone needs a good education. If you want something bad enough go after it. Shoot for your hopes and dreams, push beyond your limitations and press towards the high mark for the prize. I thank BDPA for all they have done to make this experience a great one to all the people. I send a very special thank you from my heart."

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BDPA is blessed to have such a talented technology student on board as a winner of the FCA Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Gerald's career as he seeks to advance in the technology industry!

BDPA Lands Silver Level Sponsorship From Monsanto

BDPA is honored to receive a Silver Level Sponsorship of its 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair from Monsanto, an American multinational agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation. The BDPA Technology Conference is this week, July 26-29, 2017 at the Duke Energy Convention Center, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mike Williams

Mike A. Williams, National BDPA President reports, “Monsanto continues to be one of our generous and most consistent supporters. We are thankful for their sponsorship throughout the years and look forward to partnering with them for yet another year."

Monsanto Ranks as a 2016 Top 20 Employer in Science Magazine and is named as one of the ‘Greenest Companies’ in Newsweek’s 2016 Green Rankings. Monsanto also has a Diversity Program and is committed to their ‘Empowering Women in Agriculture through Higher Education’ program.

Vincent Shorter

Vincent Shorter, Monsanto Supply Chain IT Lead said, "Personally, I am proud and honored to be working with my Monsanto colleagues to help develop and inspire the next generation of diverse IT talent. Additionally, we are very engaged in developing our internal talent through leadership opportunities working with BDPA. In keeping with BDPA's motto - 'we are advancing careers from the classroom to the boardroom'."

BDPA is the largest African American Information Technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in STEM education across the country. For almost 40 years, BDPA has fulfilled its mission by bridging the digital divide and providing career growth opportunities for its members.

Malcom Mathis

BDPA’s St. Louis Chapter President Malcom Mathis commented, "Monsanto continues to show a commitment to BDPA. We are grateful for their partnership with our high school training program and their support of employee development through involvement with BDPA."

For more details about the BDPA Technology Conference or corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

BDPA Acknowledges Bronze Level Sponsorship of McDonald's

McDonald's

IT Giant Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) proudly acknowledge the widely acclaimed 2017 Bronze Level Sponsorship from McDonald’s, a leading global food service retailer who are working hard to make tasty food with a “less is more” philosophy. McDonald’s promote diversity and inclusion and they foster an environment that values the unique values of all. McDonald’s creates opportunity, encourages diversity, offers training, facilitates teamwork and rewards achievement.

McDonald’s is committed to providing inclusive work environments, training and support. Because diversity and inclusion is a fundamental element of its culture, it permeates multiple aspects of the business. McDonald's highlight some specific company initiatives being activated at corporate and market levels to further support its holistic approach to developing its people.

Mike Williams, National BDPA President

Mike Williams, National BDPA President was quoted as saying, "We want to honor the Bronze level sponsorship of McDonald’s. We are again honored to have McDonald's as our sponsor and partner in 2017. McDonald's has been a partner and avid champion of diversity in STEM and within the workplace."

BDPA is the largest African American Information Technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across the country. BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.

For more details about the BDPA corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

Malik Saafir * 2016 Bemley Scholar (Morehouse College)

Malik Saafir

BDPA Atlanta students earned 1st place in National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championship held in August 2016. The HSCC competition comprises three components: oral testing, written testing and a programming project. Malik Saafir was a member of that team. He earned a Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship which he used at Morehouse College.

Malik is a seventeen-year-old senior at Georgia Cyber Academy. Outside of school, he is a member of the 100 Scholars Robotics Alliance (100SRA). He works with BDPA and 100SRA to lead teams that compete with other high schoolers from around the state and the country. Malik has been with the 100SRA since since his sophomore year and currently serves as the captain of two FIRST Robotics teams under its umbrella. Malik has been accepted to Morehouse College with a full ride for the fall of 2017, and plans to double major in chemical engineering and computer science. Also, he was recently named valedictorian of his high school's graduating class of 2017.

We asked Malik to provide his thoughts on BDPA and his experiences in the HSCC event:

"The most influential experience I have had so far with the BDPA was the High School Computer Competition season of 2016. The regional and national levels of the High School Computer Competitions (HSCC) took place in June and August of 2016. The HSCC is a web development competition hosted by the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA), and it involves teams of students from around the country. Of the seven students on the Atlanta team, only two were champions from the prior season. The rest of us were rookies to the program. Consequently, we had a ton of studying to do over the four months from March until the regional competition in June.

Malik Saafir (2nd-Left) and his Teammates

My team and I needed to internalize web development, computer theory, and history, all while working on our presentation and public speaking skills, so we met every Saturday for approximately four hours. We studied the various programming languages and theories that we would apply, including PHP (PHP Hypertext Preprocessor), HTML (HyperText Markup Language), and SQL (Structured Query Language). With the help and guidance of several dedicated mentors and instructors, we learned everything we needed to know and more.

By June our team was ready for its first competition of the season, the regionals in Raleigh, NC This competition was to determine which Southern teams would continue to compete in the nationals. The competition consisted of a multiple-choice test on computer theory and history, which was eye-opening to our dire need of more practice, and a web development component. The coding section entailed four hours of programming with one laptop, no Wi-Fi, and a prompt detailing the requirements. After those tiring hours of designing and coding, we presented a website with an expansive range of functions, but barely any visual appeal due to time constraints. However, the application’s functional nature, in addition to our presentation, brought the season’s first victory home to Atlanta.

Malik and his teammates are 2016 HSCC Champions!

Following our encouraging win in June, the rest of the summer was spent diligently preparing for August’s week-long conference and national competition. Being the GA team meant we were defending our title as the reigning champions on our own turf. I am proud to say that my teammates and I brought Atlanta its second consecutive national victory. Over 30 teams were present from across the country. Rather than four hours, this contest required each team to huddle around two laptops for eight hours straight. The moment the BDPA president said that the first place team “should feel right at home in Atlanta,” I realized we had won. I felt a sensation of extreme joy and pride in myself and my teammates. There are no words to describe my ecstasy as we received our trophies on the stage. This experience was instrumental in my journey from childhood to adulthood because it built my confidence in myself and my ability to lead."

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation is very proud of Malik's involvement with BDPA. I encourage everyone who support BDPA to make a donation to the Bemley Scholarship Fund.

BDPA Honors Top Four PACEsetters

Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) honored and recognized four of America’s top and talented individuals at the 38th Annual National Technology Conference Gala at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia with an Individual PACEsetter Award.

Angie Jones received top recognition in Career Achievement as an experienced professional who achieved significant career accomplishments and made contributions throughout her career.  

Jacqueline Sanders-Blackman

Jacqueline Sanders-Blackman (Technology Expresso) and Ashley Newly received the Community Service recognition for significant demonstration by meaningful results, strong partnership and collaboration with entities in the communities in which they reside.

And Stephanie Lampkin (CEO, Blendoor) received the Technology Excellence award for pioneering new or leveraging existing technology to solve a critical industry, business or technical problem.

Winners received a commemorative gift, a complimentary one-year BDPA membership and featured recognition among their peers as a BDPA Individual PACEsetter Award winner.  For more details on the BDPA corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext. 108 or corpsales@bdpa.org.

Andre Garner Earns 2016 Lilly Scholarship for University of Illinois

Andre Garner * University of Illinois

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) worked closely with Eli Lilly & Company to confirm Andre Garner as a winner of the 10th annual Eli Lilly & Company Scholarship for BDPA Students. There were three winners of this scholarship. Andre is an outstanding person to win this prestigious scholarship.

Andre Garner was asked to share his story with us. He wrote,

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"As a freshman at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I look forward to studying computer science at one of the nation’s top preparatory schools for aspiring technology innovators. In addition to my interest in gaming, I am particularly interested in helping to expand the reach of high technology to include more people and communities often left out of this exciting area.

In June of 2016, I graduated from Chicago’s Lindblom Math & Science Academy after four-years of academic and social rigor that helped to expand my knowledge of technology, math, science, language, culture and history among other areas. During my Lindblom experience, I was introduced to a diverse cross section of people and experiences. I competed in game design competitions and conferences. I was exposed to Asian, Pacific Island, Caribbean, Latin and Persian Gulf food, art and cultures. Most importantly, my interest was piqued about the vast world of possibilities beyond my home community and the world I had known my entire life.

With technology and gaming being of particular interest to me, I have intentionally sought to expand my knowledge of the unfamiliar and remain open to the limitless possibilities that might only be realized through the further globalization of technology and innovation.

With that in mind, I have served as a volunteer with a number of organizations, including a local church-based food pantry, an annual Thanksgiving food give-a-way organized by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and leveraging my technology skills in helping an organization created to honor the 100th Anniversary of the cultural movement that brought the families of both my parents to Chicago from the Deep South, The Great Migration. I also spent three years as a volunteer member of the computer maintenance and repair team overseeing technology equipment throughout the campus at my high school.

In planning for college, I sought admission to schools with strong computer science and technology programs to help me toward my goal of developing cutting-edge gaming products while working with youth in underserved communities to become proficient in coding and technology applications. My most recent summer internship experience with Chicago’s Greater Englewood Community Development Corporation’s Urban Tech Squad helped further define my desire to lead and develop engaging social and academic programs for youth.

Just a few months ago, I was encouraged by family members and mentors with the Urban Tech Squad to sign-up for a student membership with the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA). Through BDPA, I look forward to working with seasoned professionals in the technology arena to further plan both my career and my desire to develop opportunities in technology in communities throughout my home town of Chicago and other places around the world in need of illumination from the light of technology."

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Andre is a remarkable young man with great skills. BDPA looks forward to following his career as he progresses through college and on into his career!

Lauren Ravenell Earns 2016 Lilly Scholarship for Ball State University

Lauren Ravenell * Ball State University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) worked closely with Eli Lilly & Company to confirm Lauren Ravenell as a winner of the 10th annual Eli Lilly & Company Scholarship for BDPA Students. There were three winners of this scholarship. Lauren is a wonderful person to win this prestigious scholarship.

During high school Lauren was a varsity athlete in Track and Field and Golf. She was also involved in various extracurricular activities such as Student Government and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was also on the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team for BDPA Indianapolis chapter throughout her four years of high school. She graduated from Westfield High School with a 3.667 GPA and over one hundred hours of community service.

Now she is a sophomore at Ball State University, majoring in Telecommunications with a minor in Computer Science and Spanish. She finished her freshman year at Ball State on the Dean’s List. She was a member of the Black Student Association and Excellence in Leadership. She also enjoyed her time on a student-driven cooking show. This was one of her favorite experiences because Lauren was able to work behind the scenes of a production and learn from my peers as well as mentors. Now, Lauren is a participant in the PhD Pathways Mentoring Program. Upon graduation, she plans to obtain a Master’s degree in Business Administration and afterwards she will seek a PhD.

We asked for Lauren to share her thoughts on BDPA:

Lauren at the IT Showcase

"This past year I participated in the IT Showcase at the 2016 BDPA Technology Conference. In previous years I was a member of the Indianapolis Chapter HSCC Team. The transition from the high school program to the college level program created many opportunities for growth. From participating in the Showcase I was able to gain more experience in research and presentation skills. During the conference I was able to network, take more advantage of the career fair and gain interview experience. The career fair also granted me with increased opportunities for internships.

Lauren is a remarkable young woman. BDPA looks forward to following her career as she progresses through college and on into her career! You can follow Lauren on Twitter: @lauren_ravenell.

Adrienne Nelson Earns 2016 Lilly Scholarship for Florida A&M University

Adrienne Nelson (FAMU)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) worked closely with Eli Lilly & Company to confirm Adrienne Nelson as a winner of the 10th annual Eli Lilly & Company Scholarship for BDPA students. Adrienne is a wonderful person to win this prestigious scholarship.

Adrienne is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. Adrienne is a Student Ambassador for the Florida Information Technology Career Alliance where she works on projects supporting the computer science, information technology and information systems programs for Florida A&M. Additionally, Adrienne is a Learning Assistant providing instructional aid during the semester to enhance the learning process for IT students. Adrienne also serves as a 4-H Youth Camp Counselor and Adult Leader assisting 4-H officers during camp programs and encouraging youth to participate in 4-H.

We asked Adrienne to share her thoughts on BDPA,

"Being able to participate in the 2016 National BDPA Conference has been an unforgettable experience. It has cause unmeasurable growth professionally and intellectually throughout the many opportunities that this conference allowed. I not only placed in the BDPA IT Showcase for college participants but I also had the opportunity to speak with other companies for internship opportunities, leading to further networking and even interviews. I thoroughly enjoyed the conference and I look forward to attending future BDPA events."

Adrienne is a remarkable young woman. BDPA looks forward to following her career as she progresses through college and on into her career in the IT industry! You can follow Adrienne on Twitter: @AKA_Nelson

Jordan Stipp Uses His Bemley Scholarship at Stanford University

Jordan Stipp * Stanford University

Jordan Stipp earned a Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship in his senior year in high school as a member of the BDPA Central Illinois chapter. He was a member of the BDPA Central Illinois chapter team who won the bronze medal at the 2016 BDPA Technology Conference. He plans to use his Bemley Scholarship at Stanford University where he seeks to complete a major in Computer Science.

Throughout his primary and secondary educations, Jordan took an interest in technology that would eventually propel him towards participation in BDPA Central Illinois Chapter. His career goal is to become a professional software developer.

We asked Jordan to share his thoughts on BDPA.

"BDPA provides a platform for promoting the advancement of education in computer science to youth that may not have the opportunity to take advantage of elsewhere ... myself included. Some of the best memories of my final year of high school are the extensive sessions of educational coding provided by BDPA and its sponsors on Saturday mornings. Not only has my ability to develop computationally improved but also my confidence in doing so."

Jordan is a remarkable young man. BDPA looks forward to following his career as he progresses through college and on into his career as a software developer! Jordan is also an amazing dancer! Please note that the Bemley Scholarship Fund is made up of individual donations from people like yourself. Please take a moment to recognize young people like Jordan with a secure online donation!

BDPA Announces Two Mobile Application Scholarship Winners

Kareem DaSilva and Mayesha Awal win State Farm Scholarships

National BDPA announced their 2016 Student Mobile Application Showcase (MAS) Scholarship Award winners from educational institutions across the United States at their 38th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair on August 2016, at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.

The National BDPA Mobile Application Showcase, co-sponsored by McDonald's, State Farm Insurance and World Wide Technology allowed college and high school student developers the opportunity to participate in a two (2) day competition that tested their Android & iOS smartphone operating systems. The applications showcase represented three different application categories (business, personal productivity, and gaming). Monetary awards sponsored by State Farm were given to the top high school and college participants. Each participant received certificates of participation for their effort.

Tonji Zimmerman

Tonya Zimmerman is the coordinator of the Mobile Application Showcase.

"Congratulations to our 2016 Mobile Application Showcase participants & winners! I hope that this program and all of our student-focused programs has and will continue to inspire our students to become multi-language, multi-platform technologists. We look forward to next year's showcase and the participants' innovative app ideas!” exclaimed Tonji Zimmerman, MAS Coordinator.

There were two students who won the college and high school division of the showcase.   Kareem DaSilva is the winner of the College Student division.

Kareem DaSilva, the college student winner replied, "Throughout my experiences at BDPA, the Mobile Application Showcase stretched me the most, it pushed me to think, try, and succeed the hardest. Coming in 2nd place in 2015 only fueled me to build a better and more capable application. It forced me out of my comfort zone which showed me how much more I can grow and become better."

Mayesha Awal was a salutatorian from the class of 586 students at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis.   She just entered Georgetown University as a freshman seeking to major in Biochemistry and Computer Science.

High school winner Mayesha Awal said, "I have always loved computer and computer technology ever since I was young. When applications on mobile phones were new, I wanted to make my own mobile application and wondered how I would get started. When the opportunity to make a mobile app came across, I immediately jumped on the opportunity because I wanted to challenge myself to see what I was capable of doing. The process itself was a little stressful at times, but it really showed me what weaknesses and strengths I have regarding computer programming. Finding an original idea was also a difficult process as there are numerous applications on the app store. I finally decided to make a social networking app called Moda because my friends once told me that they were worried about job prospects in fashion and design. I decided to have users on Moda be able to post their designs and have designer companies be able to recruit designers based upon their talent and skills. I also gained an appreciation for app development because I realized that it takes a great deal of patience, organization, and dedication to design a mobile app. I want to further enhance my application by adding more functionalities to my app and release it in various app stores."

For more details on the BDPA corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext. 108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

Zion Emanuel Uses His Bemley Scholarship at Penn State University

Zion Emanuel * Bemley Scholar

Zion Emanuel earned a Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship for his final three years of eligibility as a member of the BDPA Washington DC chapter. He attended the Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George's Community College. His scholarship earnings included winning the entire High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championship in 2014 and coming in second place in both 2015 and 2016. He plans to use his Bemley Scholarship at Penn State University where he seeks to complete a major in Information Science and Technology.

Zion is part of the National Honor Society which is a special group of high-level academic achievers. Zion is a responsible scholarly student who provides service to his community. He earned the Barack Obama Presidential Award and was part of his school's Dean's List in 2015 and 2016.


When asked to share his thoughts on being a Bemley scholar, Zion wrote,

"My name is Zion Emanuel and I am an incoming freshman at Penn State University majoring in information science and technology. Ever since my sophomore year in high school, BDPA has been an amazing part of my life as it showed me the joys of computer science and gave me the ability to spread the knowledge I gained to others.

2014 HSCC Champions from Washington DC

During my sophomore year in high school (2014), one of my classmates referred me to BDPA and I decided to join the Washington D.C. Chapter. I already had a little background in coding but I learned so much more about concepts like databases, java server pages, and styling. I made the competition team and we won first place in HSCC that year. During my junior year (2015), I helped new students in the Washington D.C. chapter learn how to code and the basics of programming. I made the competition team again in 2015 and 2016 and we placed second in HSCC.

BDPA has also influenced me outside of the Washington D.C. Chapter and HSCC. After my first year in BDPA I became so interested in the world of computer science that I began to research different programming languages to increase my arsenal. During my senior year in high school, I helped start a computer programming club at Prince Georges Community College where I helped teach college students the basics of coding.

BDPA has left a lasting impact on my life and will continue to influence me as I pursue a career as a software engineer in the future. Aside from my career, I also plan to increase the percentage of minorities in computer science. I want to spread the joy and excitement of coding and computer science to individuals who do not have the same opportunities as others. None of these achievements or goals would have been possible without the help of BDPA. I am very grateful for these opportunities and proud to be a member."

Zion is a remarkable young man. BDPA looks forward to following his career as he progresses through college and on into his career as a software engineer! Please note that the Bemley Scholarship Fund is made up of individual donations from people like yourself. Please take a moment to recognize young people like Zion with a secure online donation!

BDPA Cincinnati Chapter Competes at 2016 HSCC Championship

2016 HSCC Team

by Frank Hill

BDPA Cincinnati Chapter has trained High School students at Cincinnati State Technical College for the past 8 years.    The camp has 2 phases. Phase 1 is a 13-week program that trains area students on a variety of technical topics (Software, Robotics, 3D Printing, and Automation).

The second phases lasts 30 weeks and takes place on Saturdays. This phase prepares students for competition in a National High School Computer Competition.  Up to 10  students are trained during this phase.  The top five (5) students are selected to travel to a conference and compete for prizes and scholarships money.  Students are also eligible for scholarships based on academic and community service accomplishments.

BDPA Cincinnati chapter HSCC team traveled to Atlanta for the 38th annual BDPA Technology Conference on August 10-13, 2016. Teams participated in a 7.5 hour programming activity that required them to complete a secure, mobile responsive web site from requirements set by corporate judges. Students develop an User Interface, Middleware and Database during this period.   Students were then required to present their project to a team of judges and their code was inspected to ensure proper implementation. 

BDPA Cincinnati chapter HSCC team was Yaw Asante (Walnut Hills HS),  Jacob Koeninger (Campbell County HS),  Jalal Sylvester (Mason HS), Julian Pierre (Lakota West HS) and James Whitfield (Walnut Hill HS).  Our team placed in fifth place this year.  The team gained broad exposure to successful IT professionals and inspirational entrepreneurs.  Additionally, two BDPA Cincinnati students were recognized with $3000 scholarships from The Oracle Corporation. A total of $146,000 in scholarship money was distributed to high school and college students from all over the country.   The two winners were: Yaw Asante and Hasani Harrigan (Tuskegee University). 

Cincinnati State Technical College was also recognized at the conference as a Silver Level sponsor for ongoing support of BDPA training programs. BDPA training programs have help launch many successful young people over the years and it would not have been possible without great support from many people at Cincinnati State Technical College.

We are extremely proud and grateful for the support!!

State Farm Expands Commitment to BDPA

State Farm, an American group of insurance and financial services companies in the United States, recently expanded its commitment as a Silver Level Sponsor to the 38th Annual BDPA Technology Conference & Career Fair, August 10-13 at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta, GA. State Farm agreed to sponsor the BDPA Mobile Application Showcase for high school and college students by providing scholarships for the winning entries. The number of students competing in the showcase is expected to more than double this year.

State Farm currently ranked No. 41 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies, insures more cars and homes than any other insurer and is a leading insurer of watercraft in the United States. The driving force of the Company is comprised of more than 72,000 employees and 18,000 agents. For the past 90+ years, State Farm agents have built and maintained lasting customer relationships. Its tradition of innovation and customer commitment help keep State Farm the industry leader.

Theonnie Shields

“State Farm is proud to be a sponsor of the 2016 BDPA Mobile showcase. As we continue to grow our State Farm Systems Department in the Atlanta area, we feel it’s important to be a part of this conference,” said State Farm systems manager Theonnie Shields.

Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the technology industry. BDPA has 47 chapters across the United States and is the largest African American Information Technology Association in the country. BDPA continues to fulfill its mission and work to bridge the digital divide by providing career growth opportunities for its members.

“National BDPA is excited with the sponsorship renewal from State Farm,” says BDPA conference director Pamela Mathews. “We appreciate the scholarships to recognize our Mobile Application Showcase Winners during the upcoming national conference and your support overall. Thank you, State Farm, for your continued partnership.”

To become a BDPA partner like State Farm or to learn more about the National BDPA Technology Conference in Atlanta, as well as sponsorship opportunities, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email at corpsales@bdpa.org or301-584-3135 x108.

Grant Award: Christ Church Cathedral ($15,000)

Christ Church Cathedral

BDPA Cincinnati Chapter is pleased to announce that it won a $15,000 Christ Church Cathedral grant award for its Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program. The funds will be used to sustain the interest of disadvantaged young people in science and technology. BDPA introduces computers and basic software programming to underserved young people in the Cincinnati Public School system and local colleges and universities. 80% of the US jobs created in the next decade will require math and science skills. The average salary of STEM employees is 70% higher than all other occupations. Student interest is simply too low in science, technology, education and math (STEM) areas. 84% of middle school students say that they would rather clean their room, eat their vegetables, go to the dentist or take out the garbage than learn math or science.

BDPA will use the Christ Church Cathedral funding to respond to these troubling statistics with the SITES program that teaches advance computer science and community responsibility to students from disadvantaged communities. The centerpiece of the SITES program is the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) that is taught at the BDPA computer camp on Saturdays. BDPA is reaching out to 8th-12th graders to participate in the computer camp. Youngsters are encouraged to apply online at www.bdpa-camp.org and attend the orientation session on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Cincinnati State.

“BDPA Cincinnati Chapter is extremely grateful to Christ Church Cathedral for their $15,000 grant in support of the BDPA mission to improve the number of minorities interested and engaged in technology within greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky,” says BDPA Cincinnati chapter president Dalric Webb. “Christ Church Cathedral has been a long time supporter of the BDPA mission and through their support, the BDPA Cincinnati team of volunteers has been able to make a positive impact on engaging youth and professionals within our community to more opportunities in the technology field”.

2015 BDPA Cincinnati SITES Students

The 2016 SITES students will participate in a 30-week computer camp program and become eligible for the Brandon Berry Memorial Scholarship. Out of the program, five students will be selected to represent Cincinnati in the National BDPA HSCC championship held on August 10-13, 2016 in Atlanta, GA.

BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. For more than 25 years, BDPA Cincinnati has fulfilled its mission and worked to bridge the digital divide by providing career growth opportunities for its members. BDPA Cincinnati is the largest and fastest-growing of the 47 chapters that exist around the nation.

For more information on the SITES program or BDPA Cincinnati chapter, call (513) 549-6991 or email cincinnati@bdpa.org.

Call For Presenters * 2016 BDPA Technology Conference

BDPA Conference Audience

The primary BDPA Technology Conference audience consists of multiple levels of IT professionals, from entry-level technologists to senior level managers and corporate executives. Entrepreneurs and educators will also be in attendance. Workshop content and instruction should be geared to a level that is appropriate for the target audience.

The Youth Workshop audience will include middle and high school students. Your presentation’s objective is to enhance the students' capacity to explore and utilize emerging technology. The presentation should also inspire and empower these future professionals to embrace and effectively use Information Technology in their academic and professional careers.

Call For Presenters * 2016 BDPA Technology Conference from National BDPA

All information must be submitted online at http://www.bdpa.org/?page=Abstract by January 29, 2016.