Happy Fourth, Everyone

BDPA Joins with President Obama’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to Deliver President’s Volunteer Service Award

BDPA announced today that they have teamed up with the White House to become a Certifying Organization for the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD, a national program recognizing Americans who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service. Established in 2003, the AWARD was created by President George W. Bush to give Presidential recognition to individuals, families, and groups who meet requirements for volunteer service, measured by the number of service hours performed over twelve months. [SOURCE]

BDPA is one of many organizations that have joined forces to deliver the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD and honor the volunteers who strengthen our nation. As a Certifying Organization for the AWARD, BDPA is responsible for verifying service hours, nominating potential recipients, and delivering the AWARD.

Monique Berry

“We are extremely proud to recognize our most outstanding volunteers with the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD,” said Monique Berry, BDPA President. “BDPA volunteers are role models in our community, donating their time, energy and talent to advance computer technology across the nation. The AWARD is our way of thanking these volunteers and inspiring everyone in our community to make volunteering a central part of their lives,” she added.

The AWARD is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, the group that helps to foster and encourage a culture of volunteer service and civic participation among Americans. The program is chaired by two-time Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs. The Council is composed of leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofit, volunteer service organizations, and community volunteering.

BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and the late David Wimberly as an answer to minimal African American representation in the technology field. Today, BDPA is a nationally recognized technology-focused organization with 46 active chapters in the United States. They boast a diverse and varied membership, including programmers, analysts, engineers, managers, instructors, students, and entrepreneurs.

The PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD is within reach, even for those who have never volunteered before.

Monique Berry, BDPA President states, “There are so many ways to contribute, and every volunteer hour makes a difference in improving the quality of life for others. BDPA encourages everyone to get involved and to bring along your family, friends and neighbors. Together, we can strengthen America – one hour at a time.”

For more information about volunteering with BDPA, contact Zenia Lofton at vpms@bdpa.org or call BDPA on (301) 584-3135.

Will BDPA Inspire the Next Generation of STEM Professionals?

We have heard the call by President Barack Obama to improve STEM education so that America can 'win the future'. Many of local BDPA chapters have developed strong Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) programs to support the K-12 students in our communities. And interestingly, although many parents (50%) would like to see their children pursue a STEM career, only 24% are extremely willing to spend extra money helping their children be successful in their math and science classes.

The United States will have more than 1.2 million job openings in STEM-related fields by 2018, and there will be a significant shortage of qualified college graduates to fill them. A Microsoft STEM Survey reveals the motivation for students who select a STEM path to secure their own futures.

• More than half (57%) of STEM college students said that before going to college, a teacher or class sparked their interested in STEM; especially true of female students (68%)
• Nearly four in five STEM college students said they decided to study STEM in high school or earlier (78%)
• 68% said they want a good salary
• 66% said it’s the job potential
• 68% said they find their degree program subjects intellectually stimulating and challenging

What do you think? Is BDPA up to this new challenge? Are *YOU* willing to step forward and make a difference?

President Obama Creates STEM Master Teacher Corps

President Barack Obama has made it clear that American education system needs to substantially improve the performance of our young people in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) if we hope to 'win the future'. As he has said repeatedly, efforts to improve STEM education are “going to make more of a difference in determining how well we do as a country than just about anything else that we do here.”


Today, the Obama Administration announced the President’s plan to create a national STEM Master Teacher Corps. The STEM Master Teacher Corps will begin in 50 locations across the country, each with 50 exceptional STEM educators. Over the next four years the Corps will expand to include 10,000 of the best STEM teachers in the nation. In joining the STEM Master Teachers Corps, these educators will make a commitment to champion the cause of STEM education in their respective communities, and will receive additional resources to mentor math and science teachers, inspire students, and help their communities grow.

Read the full story on the White House blog.

BDPA Member Michael Wulf Awarded Presidential Volunteer Service Award

We are pleased to announce that President Barack Obama recently awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award to BDPA Twin Cities chapter member Michael Wulf in recognition of his dedication and time commitment to community service in 2011.

The Presidential Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard – measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period.

I'm fairly certain that Michael Wulf will be in the BDPA Hall of Fame when it is eventually built. Bro. Wulf trained over 100 high school students ... including his two sons, Justin and Jordan ... in the past few years as part of the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program. A number of the young people shared their testimonials in this video:





In fact, there are over 60 young people in the chapter's SITES program right now in 2012! The most beautiful thing is that students from prior years serve as 'junior instructors' responsible for preparing and delivering curriculum to less experienced students.

Use the COMMENTS section to share some BDPA-Love with Michael!

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!

Obama's Weekly Address: Strengthening the American Education System

President Obama explains that states will have greater flexibility to find innovative ways of improving the education system, so that we can raise standards in our classrooms and prepare the next generation to succeed in the global economy.







I think that President Obama is absolutely correct when he talks about the need for us to significantly improve our educational system if America ever hopes to 'win the future'. It is disappointing to hear the Republican presidential candidates talking about abolishing the Department of Education. Don't they understand that our nation's future is tied to the improved competitiveness and education of our young people?

We can't control what others can do. We can control what we do. One way that you can help is to support BDPA chapters that are volunteering to provide STEM-based education for our K-12 students. Another way you can help is to make a small donation towards the college scholarships that BDPA gives out to high school students. If not you, who? If not now, when?

Weekly Address: Winning the Future at Intel

The President speaks from the Intel campus in Oregon about educating our kids for the jobs of tomorrow so we can make sure America wins the future.

Wayne & BDPA Cincy Students

I agree with President Obama about our nation's future. I look at the young people that I come into contact with via the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) and I recognize that we have the ability and talent in our own community to create the positive future of our dreams. I'm trying to raise college scholarship money for these young people.

What are your thoughts on this week's message from our president?

Are Black Folks Listening to Obama?

Todd Q. Adams

Todd Q. Adams is a long-time BDPA Cleveland chapter member. He is also a sustainable communities strategist with a focus on public interest projects in the areas of Smart Grid, public safety, transportation, education, and Health IT. He shared a strong message for all African American information technology (IT) professionals ... including those of us in BDPA. I encourage you to read and consider what Todd has to say. Use the COMMENTS option at the end of this blog post to share your thoughts.

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During the recent State of the Union address, President Obama stressed the importance of education and TECHNOLOGICAL innovation. As he has done numerous times in prior speeches, he stressed the importance of a Smart Grid, additional research funding for technological innovation, and universal broadband availability.

I have found, even among IT professionals, very few Black folks that have read the President's National Broadband Plan. This plan outlines an economic development strategy for America that focuses on Energy Management, Health Care, Smart Grid and Education. Physical infrastructure (fiber, wireless, 4G, etc.), increased broadband access in under-served areas (yes, much of this is us), and policy are all part of the three-legged stool. It seems to me that we are just walking past the stool and viewing it like a museum.

Does it even resonate with us that billions of economic stimulus dollars have been targeted for technology infrastructure development, Health Information Technology, and digital literacy training? As a Black man working actively working in the broadband and Smart Grid arenas, I can tell you that the ship set sail, and we are standing at the dock with luggage. It pains me to be among less than 50 Black folk at conferences of over 10,000. I literally see more Korean vendors at Smart Grid conferences than I do Black folks. I see deals get done, policy staged, and partnerships brokered constantly. Yet, Black technology professionals still give me the deer-in-headlights look when I mention Smart Grid, broadband, interoperable communications, etc.

Since we are the technology leaders of America, we have to do more. Official positions relative to policy, case studies, advocacy, strategic partnership development to name just a few. The National Broadband plan essentially establishes a strategy for America's transition into the new economic reality. Is it an accident that Cisco, IBM, and Google are spending astronomical amounts of money in the Healthcare and Smart Grid areas? Colleges are changing the curriculum. Laws and policies have been changed. Even climate change and environmental justice are linked to all of this, but that is another discussion.

Obama even stated during his speech that the job market of our parents is dead and gone! Was anyone listening? We have to get moving yesterday. I cannot stress the urgency enough. Please note that this is stated in a spirit of love and passion - not judgment.

Please read the National Broadband plan at http://www.broadband.gov/plan/

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You've read what he has to say. What say u?

Presidential Awardees for Math and Science Teaching Honored in Washington DC

This year’s recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence for Mathematics and Science Teaching were feted earlier this month during their four-day visit to Washington, DC, where they participated in professional development activities, traveled to Capitol Hill and enjoyed a special White House ceremony in their honor. The 52 science teachers and 51 math teachers from grades 7-12, also received a $10,000 award.

• Read more about the PAEMST week in Washington, D.C.
• Read the White House press release and learn more about the program and winners
• Meet this year's Presidential Awardees for Excellence for Mathematics and Science Teaching

How great would it be to have math and science teachers associated with the BDPA Student IT Education & Scholarship (SITES) program being honored by the President next year?!? Do you know any math or science teachers in your local school who should be recognized in the future for their efforts?

Can BDPA IT Showcase Winners Join White House Science Fair Next Year?

Last month, President Obama hosted the first ever White House Science Fair, bringing together middle school and high school students from around the country and their award winning science, engineering and technology projects. The White House Science Fair was a part of the President’s Educate to Innovate initiative to move American students from the middle to the top of the pack in science and math achievement over the next decade.

Check out this behind the scenes video from the White House Science Fair, including Bill Nye the Science Guy and hosts of the show Mythbusters Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage.





How cool would it be for the winners of the high school division of the BDPA IT Showcase to be able to participate in the 2011 White House Science Fair? Anyone know how we can 'make it so'?

2010 Presidential Citizens Medal

Today, the President will present the 2010 Citizens Medal to 13 winners from across the country.   How cool would it be to see Dr. Jesse Bemley nominated for this award in 2011?





The recipients of the 2010 Citizens Medal are:

Roberta Diaz Brinton
Los Angeles, CA

Roberta Diaz Brinton has devoted her time and talents to improving science and technology education for Los Angeles students. As Director of the University of Southern California’s Science, Technology and Research (STAR) Program, Brinton has opened the doors of opportunity for thousands of disadvantaged and minority inner-city youth. Brinton receives the Citizens Medal for encouraging America’s next generations to reach for the stars.

Daisy M. Brooks
Chicago, IL

When a pregnant teenager with no place to stay arrived at her door, Daisy Brooks welcomed the young woman in. What followed was a lifelong commitment to helping many of North Chicago’s young mothers and their infants. Brooks opened Daisy's Resource and Developmental Center to serve as a dormitory, school, and catalyst for young women to improve their lives. Brooks receives the Citizens Medal for offering guidance and support to young women across Chicago.

Betty Kwan Chinn
Eureka, CA

Touched by childhood tragedy, Betty Chinn brings hope to those who have fallen on hard times. Left homeless as a child in China, Chinn became mute. When she came to America, she found both her voice and her mission: aiding those without shelter on our own shores. Today, Chinn provides meals twice a day as expressions of gratitude to a welcoming nation. Chinn receives the Citizens Medal for renewing America’s promise by serving those in need.

Cynthia M. Church
Wilmington, DE

Cynthia Church turned a personal battle with cancer into a force for progress and change. Dismayed by the lack of resources for women of color with breast cancer, Church founded Sisters on a Mission, Inc, an African-American breast cancer support network in Delaware. Church receives the Citizens Medal for confronting the scourge of this terrible disease and working to halt its spread.

Susan Retik Ger
Needham, MA

Susan Retik Ger understands the importance of empowering women touched by personal tragedy. After losing her husband on September 11, 2001, she found cause in educating and training Afghan widows and their children. Her strength of spirit has healed hearts, fostering mutual understanding and brightening our common future. Retik Ger receives the Citizens Medal for advancing women’s rights and demonstrating the power of America’s ideals.

Mary K. Hoodhood
Grand Rapids, MI

Physical limitations have not hindered Mary K. Hoodhood’s determination to strengthen her community. Though a car accident left her paralyzed, Hoodhood began volunteering to feed the hungry through her local Meals on Wheels program. In 2001, Hoodhood founded Kids’ Food Basket which provides meals to thousands of children in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. Hoodhood receives the Citizens Medal for her remarkable efforts to nourish our nation’s children.

Kimberly McGuiness
Cave Spring, GA

Parent and advocate, Kimberly McGuiness has been a true champion for deaf students. Her persistent letters, phone calls, and visits to state legislators helped spur the passage of Georgia’s Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights. She has led workshops, counseled parents, and changed lives, raising awareness and support for deaf education. McGuiness receives the Citizens Medal for demonstrating the results one citizen can achieve for an entire community.

Jorge Muñoz
New York City, NY

Jorge Muñoz recognizes that we all have a stake in one another. By giving his time, energy, and resources to feeding the hungry, he has demonstrated the enduring American values of sacrifice and kindness. Muñoz receives the Citizens Medal for his service and dedication to creating a more hopeful tomorrow for the less fortunate among us.

Lisa Nigro
Chicago, IL

Beginning with a wagon full of coffee and sandwiches, Lisa Nigro’s mission to aid those living on the streets of Chicago has inspired us all. Her wagon gave way to a restaurant for homeless men and women, expanding with partner organizations to provide housing, job training, and vital support to Chicagoans affected by poverty. Nigro receives the Citizens Medal for her tireless service to her fellow citizens.

MaryAnn Phillips
Star Valley Ranch, WY

Caring for America’s injured service members, MaryAnn Phillips embodies strength and grace. An American citizen living in Germany, Phillips volunteers with Soldiers Angels at Landstuhl Air Force Base. She spends countless hours at the bedsides of our wounded warriors and their families, caring for them, encouraging them, and grieving with them. Phillips receives the Citizens Medal for putting her patriotism into action on behalf of our troops and our nation.

Elizabeth Cushman Titus Putnam
Shaftsbury, VT

Devoted to preserving our nation’s public lands, Elizabeth Cushman Titus Putnam has inspired thousands of America’s youth to protect our natural bounty. Her vision to offer land restoration and maintenance service opportunities became a reality with the birth of the Student Conservation Association. Putnam receives the Citizens Medal for helping ensure that our nation’s treasured public lands are enjoyed by future generations.

Myrtle Faye Rumph
Inglewood, CA

For decades, Myrtle Faye Rumph has lent her talent and compassion to impacting the lives of at-risk youth. Her commitment to reducing gun and gang violence in her community has steered countless young people away from dangerous habits, and altered the course of their futures. Rumph receives the Citizens Medal for replacing violence and despair with a beacon of hope and humanity.

Geo. J. Weiss, Jr.
Marine, MN

George Weiss, Jr., a veteran of World War II and the United States Marine Corps, reflects our nation’s generous and selfless heart. In 1979, he founded the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad, which today consists of more than 125 volunteers who have performed final military honors for more than 55,000 deceased veterans. Weiss receives the Citizens Medal for his extraordinary service to our nation’s veterans and their families.

Happy Birthday President Barack Obama

Since his historic election, President Obama has been inundated with a barrage of venomous criticism. From the first cries calling for the failure of his administration by Vitter and Limbaugh to the media critique of his handling of the BP oil spill, his critics are unequivocal in telling us that he can do no right.

An overwhelming number of Americans elected President Obama and millions still support him, but too many of us do so silently. If the progressive agenda we elected the President to achieve is to be successful, we must help the President achieve it. We cannot allow the media to report from negative positions without challenge. Just as others demonstrate their hatred and disrespect of President Obama, we must actively demonstrate our support.

We call on ALL who support President Obama to take action.  Today ... on August 4th ... the President’s birthday, we ask those who support him to wear any campaign item from the Presidential election as a demonstration of our ongoing support. Bring out your old campaign paraphernalia.

If you don’t have caps, buttons or tee shirts, wear a red, white, and blue tri-color ribbon or clothing on August 4th. If nothing else, this simple demonstration of support for our President will provide a counteraction to the negativity that spews forth daily. We can do this. YES WE CAN. YES WE WILL.

Social Media Branding in the Age of Obama (Eric Hamilton)

There are going to be over 50 tremendous workshops at the 32nd annual BDPA Technology Conference in Philadelphia on July 28-31, 2010. One of those workshops is being presented by Involver client services manager Eric Hamilton.  His workshop is entitled Social Media Branding in the Age of Obama.   The workshop is scheduled for Friday, July 30th at 1:30 PM.

Eric Hamilton is an internet and web development veteran with over 20 years of technology work experience.  Currently, Eric works for Involver which is a social media technology company. Involver’s technology powers over 70,000 Facebook fan pages and over 130 million Facebook fan experiences.

Eric is the author of “Social Media Branding in the Age of Obama”. This book is a social media guide which gives social media strategies for small businesses and personal development.





Eric's workshop is inspired by the 2008 presidential campaign when Barack Obama made history by not only becoming the United States' first African American President, but by using social media technology to get elected. Never has a presidential candidate used the internet and social media so effectively. President Barack Obama used social media web sites such as Facebook, LinkedIN, Twitter, Myspace, Blogger, BlogTalk Radio, YouTube and other web sites as a cohesive, collective social juggernaut. Never in the history of human civilization has the common man been able to control his media perception and catapult himself on to the big stage in this manner.

The agenda for Eric's workshop is as follows:

Social Media Branding in the Age of Obama

View more presentations from Wayne Hicks.

I plan on attending this workshop! How about you? Anyhow, Eric is available to answer any questions you might have in advance of the actual workshop in Philadelphia. What would you like to ask him?

Barack Obama Speaks to High Schoolers in Michigan

President Obama spoke about the importance of personal responsibility and giving back to the community as he delivered the commencement address at Kalamazoo Central High School in Kalamazoo, MI. The school was the winner of the 2010 Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge.



How cool would it be for BDPA to be engaged with high schools in their area that compete for the Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge next year?

Yeah, Mama, He's Black All Right.

Will Obama's Urban School Grants Create Opportunities for BDPA Entrepreneurs?

According to the U.S. Department of Education, President Obama has recently announced $900 million in grants as a part of his 2011 budget to help improve student achievement at 5,000 of the nation's lowest-performing schools. Most, if not all, of the schools are in urban areas.

The budget includes a $100-million program aimed at increasing college-level, dual-credit and other accelerated courses in schools, allowing students to earn a high-school diploma and an associate's degree simultaneously.

What does this mean for BDPA entrepreneurs and business owners?

This means that local businesses that sell educational services and products can benefit too. The grant money will be allocated in many ways, such as to hire tutors, to buy educational software and materials, to upgrade old technology (computers, etc), to hire local motivational speakers, to hire scholarship experts and college consultants, and more.

The grant money may even be used to hire interior decorators and architects to make the schools look more modern. Do your research, and find out if there are schools in your area that will receive assistance from the grants. If so, find out what the schools' needs are and position yourself to offer relevant services. There will, no doubt, be many contracting and purchasing opportunities in the near future.

Here is a listing of other 2010 business grant opportunities that you might find useful.

Do Any of the Outstanding Science, Math, Engineering Teachers or Mentors Support BDPA?

Did you see where President Barack Obama named more than 100 science, math, and engineering teachers and mentors as recipients of two prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence? I wonder if any of these educators are aware of the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program implemented by BDPA in 45 cities around the nation?

Anyhow, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, awarded each year to individuals or organizations, recognizes the crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science or engineering and who belong to minorities that are underrepresented in those fields. By offering their time, encouragement and expertise to these students, mentors help ensure that the next generation of scientists and engineers will better reflect the diversity of the United States.

Candidates for the Presidential Mentoring Award are nominated by colleagues, administrators, and students from their home institutions. The mentoring can involve students at any grade level from elementary through graduate school. In addition to being honored at the White House, recipients receive awards of $10,000 to advance their mentoring efforts.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to the best pre-college-level science and math teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level. Each year the award alternates, going either to science and math teachers in grades K through 6 (as it did in 2009) or to those teaching in grades 7 through 12.

"There is no higher calling than furthering the educational advancement of our nation’s young people and encouraging and inspiring our next generation of leaders," President Obama said. "These awards represent a heartfelt salute of appreciation to a remarkable group of individuals who have devoted their lives and careers to helping others and in doing so have helped us all."

The individuals and organizations receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring in 2009 are:

• Frank T. Bayliss Jr., San Francisco State University, CA
• Laura Lynne J. Bottomley, North Carolina State University, NC
• Goldie S. Byrd, North Carolina A&T State University, NC
• Suzzette F. Chopin, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, TX
• Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, University of Central Florida , FL
• Patricia A. DeLeon, University of Delaware, DE
• Nancy L. Elwess, SUNY College, Plattsburgh, NY
• Benjamin C. Flores, University of Texas, El Paso, TX
• Susan M. Kauzlarich, University of California, Davis, CA
• Philip Kutzko, University of Iowa, IA
• Cato T. Laurencin, University of Virginia, VA
• Jerzy R. Leszczynski, Jackson State University, MS
• Mary Anne Nelson, University of New Mexico, NM
• Steven B. Oppenheimer, California State University, Northridge, CA
• Stacy Phelps, Chief Executive Officer, The American Indian Institute for Innovation, SD
• Ashanti Johnson, University of South Florida and Institute for Broadening Participation, FL
• Kennedy J. Reed, Lawrence Livermore Natl. Lab. and the University of California, CA
• Kenneth S. Sajwan, Savannah State University, GA
• Richard N. Zare, Stanford University, CA
• Leadership Alliance, Providence, RI
• Maria Mitchell Association, Nantucket, MA
• Project Exploration, Chicago, IL

The individuals receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2009 are:

• Vickie Ahlstrom, Lehi, UT
• Charles Bertsch, Polson, MT
• Mary Black, Dubuque, IA
• Georgia Boatman, Kennewick, WA
• Michele Brees, SeaTac, WA
• Stacie Broden, Southbury, CT
• James Brown, Albany, NY
• Sharon Brown, Middle River, MD
• Jane Callery, East Hartford, CT
• Susan Carter, University City, MO
• Cary Cermak-Rudolf, Roseburg, OR
• Melissa Collins, Memphis, TN
• Kathleen Conroy, Charlotte, NC
• Zan Coonce, Reno, NV
• Jo Anne Deshon, Newark, DE
• Jeri Doane, Edmond, OK
• Kari Dombrovski, Saint Cloud, MN
• Keri Dowdy, Mayfield, KY
• Christa Duthie-Fox, Charlotte, VT
• Candy Ellard, Austin, TX
• Amy Ellis, Starkville, MS
• Gay Lynn Erb, Caldwell, ID
• Kathryn Eyolfson, Aurora, CO
• Diana Fesmire, Alamogordo, NM
• Erin Flynn, Roslindale, MA
• Karen Fredricks, Newark, DE
• Christi Fricks, Anderson, SC
• Sharon Hall, Maineville, OH
• Lana Hansen, Centennial, CO
• Angela Hansen Cook, Fargo, ND
• Michelle Harris, Anita, IA
• Sherry Helus, Wamego, KS
• Kathleen Hill, Whitefish, MT
• Rebecca Holden, Chattanooga, TN
• Laura Ann Hulsebus, Eagle River, AK
• David Ireland, Rapid City, SD
• Dana Islas, Tucson, AZ
• Haley James, Toney, AL
• Kristen Jarboe, Frankfort, KY
• Linda Kehr, Klamath Falls, OR
• Sandra Kelish, Fredericksburg, VA
• Barbara Kelley, Grapevine, TX
• Rebecca Kitts, Pierre, SD
• Amy Knerr, Carmel, IN
• Susan Kunze, Bishop, CA
• Anne Magaha, Rydal, PA
• Mildred Marin-Torres, Yauco, PR
• Loreen McMains, Omaha, NE
• Mary Beth Meggett, Charleston, SC
• Teresa Minogue, Canterbury, NH
• Patricia Morgan, Norman, OK
• Kimberly Mueller, Lumberton, NJ
• Susan Naylor, Parkersburg, WV
• Karen Nesbit, Franklin, WI
• Cathleen Newton, White River Junction, VT
• Jennifer Norford, Charlotte Amalie, VI
• Monica Norwood, Little Rock, AR
• Suzanne O'Brien, Macomb, MI
• Halley Page, Athens, GA
• Sally Pellegrin, Cleveland, OH
• Carrie Persing, Chester, VA
• Jon Phillips, Waterford, MI
• Suzanne Pilon, Hilton, NY
• Sara Rebecca Pittard, Ormond Beach, FL
• Susan Poage, Berkeley Heights, NJ
• Kendra Pullen, Shreveport, LA
• Amy Radden, Evansville, WY
• Charles Reynes, Castro Valley, CA
• Debra Reynolds, Baton Rouge, LA
• Kamilla Riek, Saint Louis, MO
• Jennifer Rising, Lake Forest, IL
• Natalie Robinson, Pleasant Grove, UT
• Patia Rountree, Brooklet, GA
• Regina Scott, Franklin, IN
• Deborah Seaver, Milford, MA
• Wendy Shelden, Rockledge, FL
• Cheryl Silcox, White Mountain, AK
• Jeanette Simmons, Pontotoc, MS
• Kimberly Spencer, Yarmouth, ME
• Barbara Stoflet, Minnetonka, MN
• Melinda Storey, Mountain Brook, AL
• Carol Swink Wooten, Raleigh, NC
• DeAnn Swofford, Gardner, KS
• Liane Tanigawa, Aiea, HI
• Pamela Thompson, Madison, ME
• Nola Wilkinson, Decatur, IL
• Seanyelle Yagi, Honolulu, HI

Do you know any of these educators or mentors honored last year? If not, we have a chance to make a difference ... the deadline for nominating an educator in your city to receive this award is still a few months away!

Who Has Inspired You?

How cool would it be for a BDPA member or BETF donor to become a nominee for the 2010 Presidential Citizens Medal? For over 40 years, the President of the United States has awarded the Citizens Medal -- the second highest civilian honor in our nation -- to Americans who have "performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens."

Now for the 2010 Citizen's Medal, the White House is inviting the American public to nominate candidates that President Obama should consider for the Presidential Citizens Medal -- truly making this an honor of, by, and for the American people.




Who has inspired you? Whose selfless dedication to service has touched your life or the lives of others? Click here to nominate someone for the 2010 Citizens Medal.

Barack Obama Challenges BDPA: 'Educate to Innovate'

President Obama has launched an “Educate to Innovate” campaign to improve the participation and performance of America’s students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This campaign will include efforts not only from the Federal Government but also from leading companies, foundations (e.g., BDPA Education and Technology Foundation), non-profits (e.g., BDPA), and science and engineering societies to work with young people across America to excel in science and math.

As part of the campaign, this Administration hopes to do a series of events, announcements and other activities that build upon the President’s “call to action” and address the key components of national priority.

Why This is Important

We have many great schools, excellent teachers, and successful students in America. But there are also troubling signs that, overall, our students should be doing better in math and science.

• In the 2006 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) comparison, American students ranked 21st out of 30 in science literacy among students from developed countries, and 25th out of 30 in math literacy.
• On the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) math tests, 4th graders showed no signs of progress for the first time in many years, and 8th graders tallied only modest evidence of progress. We are not advancing as we must.

What We Must Do

Through “Educate to Innovate” and other efforts, we must:

• Increase STEM literacy so that all students can learn deeply and think critically in science, math, engineering, and technology.
• Move American students from the middle of the pack to top in the next decade.
• Expand STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women and girls.

The First Steps

America is already stepping forward to meet these challenges. As part of the “Educate to Innovate” effort, five major public-private partnerships are harnessing the power of media, interactive games, hands-on learning, and community volunteers to reach millions of students over the next four years, inspiring them to be the next generation of inventors and innovators.

• Time-Warner Cable, Discovery Communications, Sesame Street, and other partners will get the message to kids and students about the wonder of invention and discovery.
• National Lab Day will help build communities of support around teachers across the country, culminating in a day of civic participation.
• National STEM design competitions will develop game options to engage kids in scientific inquiry and challenging designs.
• Five leading business and thought leaders (Sally Ride, Craig Barrett, Ursula Burns, Glen Britt, and Antonio Perez) will head an effort to increase private and philanthropic involvement in support of STEM teaching and learning.

Admittedly, my blog title is not entirely accurate. President Obama laid out a challenge to all students, teachers, parents, corporations, organizations and communities. He wasn't speaking directly to BDPA...

However, the question begs to be answered...

...what is BDPA going to do in response to our president's call for action. What SPECIFIC action will BDPA take to 'educate to innovate'?

What say u?