Eleanor Wilson Will Use Her Eli Lilly Scholarship at Carnegie Mellon University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Eli Lilly awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to four (4) students. One of those students is Eleanor Wilson from O'Fallon, MO.

Studying Information Systems at Carnegie Mellon University with a minor in Global Systems Management has aided Eleanor Wilson in the discovery of her passion for technology. Over the past three years, she has taken every opportunity available to explore different technology industries. Starting off in human computer interaction where she was able to research how artificial intelligence can be used to address social disparities in education. Inspired by how technology can help people, she turned to technology consulting at EY for the past two years. She immersed herself in the financial services sector and was able to gain experience in anti-money laundering and risk assurance.

Eleanor Wilson * Eli Lilly Scholar

Overall, the best part about her work experiences is that Eleanor has been able to apply her skills each time in a new industry. Eleanor is always looking for opportunities to grow and improve her skills. As she finishes off her senior year, she looks forward towards securing a full time job and will go to graduate school to focus on cybersecurity.

We asked Eleanor to share her thoughts on BDPA:

"I was first exposed to the technology industry from family members in the field. In high school, I started to take more computer classes and each time was always surprised by the lack of diversity. Entering Carnegie Mellon, I had expected to meet a broader range of people in my industry. Indeed, I ended up meeting a broader group, however I still found myself being the only Black woman in my graduating class for my major, Information Systems. After hearing about BDPA from a friend earlier this year, I was eager to join. Being exposed to an entire network of people in the technology industry that I share similar backgrounds with has been refreshing and inspiring. I hope to get more active with the BDPA in the future and continue to be an advocate for Black involvement in technology."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student as a winner of the Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students. We look forward to supporting Eleanor's career as she seeks to advance her career in the technology industry!

Jasmine Stone Uses Her Eli Lilly Scholarship at Yale University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Eli Lilly awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to four (4) students. One of those students is Jasmine Stone from Austin, TX. Jasmine will use the scholarship to support her study of computer science at Yale University.

Jasmine Stone * Eli Lilly Scholar

Jasmine interned for Google as an Engineering Practicum Intern over Summer 2017. In Summer 2016, she worked as a Lab Assistant at Janelia, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute focused on neuroscience research. She was involved in neuroscience research in Drs. Alex Huk and Larry Cormack's research lab at UT Austin from 2014-2016. She aspires to either work in the tech industry or go to graduate school to get a PhD in computational neuroscience after she finishes her undergraduate years.

We asked Jasmine to share her thoughts about BDPA:

I joined BDPA in late 2016. Since then it has been a source of information and opportunities for me. Through BDPA I have gained opportunities for scholarships, conferences and showcases. I have shared these opportunities with others at my school and in my other organizations in order to widen the community that BDPA can benefit.

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student as a winner of the Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students. We look forward to supporting Jasmine's career as she seeks to advance her career in the technology industry!

Deja Lindsey Uses Her Eli Lilly Scholarship at Georgetown University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Eli Lilly awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to three (3) students. One of those students is senior Deja Lindsey from Chicago, IL, who will use the scholarship to support her study of computer science and sociology at Georgetown University. She has been involved with BDPA since her freshman year of college, and by attending chapter events and national conferences, she has secured a summer internship and made lifelong connections.

On campus, she is a member of the Georgetown Cheerleading Team and works as a technology specialist. She is also a recent inductee of the Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society and the current president of Georgetown’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers.

Deja Lindsey * Eli Lilly Scholar

Besides technology, she is extremely passionate about giving back to her community and spends most of her free time volunteering with elementary school students in the DC Public School system and working with Girls Got IT!, a program she founded that works to introduce young, underprivileged girls to technology. She aspires to work as a technologist that creates or improves applications to better the lives of humans around the world.

We asked Deja to share her thoughts on BDPA:

"Being a member of Black Data Processing Associates has had a great impact on my personal and career development. From membership in the BDPA I was able to network and make connections with employees from Johnson and Johnson, JPMorgan Chase, and Eli Lilly and Company, all of which I have spent summers interning. Last year’s national conference in Atlanta actually showed me a new potential career path that I plan to pursue in my post-grad endeavors."

Deja Lindsey * IT Showcase Winner

"This year’s national conference specifically has meant the most to me. Not only did I participate as a Youth Technology Camp workshop presenter, I also competed in the IT Showcase and won first place! While this conference was much busier for me than any of my past conferences, it challenged me in a variety of ways and helped me make many new professional connections. Being a member of BDPA has exposed me to more Black IT professionals, empowering me to continue my path into the information technology career field. My most memorable moment in BDPA is winning the IT Showcase because I worked very hard throughout the school year and summer and it was very rewarding to see my hard work pay off."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student as a winner of the Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students. We look forward to supporting Deja's career as she seeks to advance her career in the technology industry!

Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students (Due: June 2, 2017)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation is proud to open up the application period for any graduating high school student or current college student interested in the 11th Annual Eli Lilly and Company Scholarship for BDPA Students!

The purpose of the Lilly/BDPA Scholarship is to recognize outstanding minority students, with an interest in information technology, who make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential, and make an impact on their communities through service to others.

Lilly/BDPA Scholars will be awarded a $2.500 scholarship that may be used to pursue an information technology focused degree at an accredited four-year college or university of their choice. The Lilly/BDPA Scholarship may be used to supplement benefits from the college or university a student plans to attend and fellowships from other foundations or organizations. Students may use the scholarship to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other college-related expenses.

Scholarship winners will be selected based on the application, essay, and letters of recommendation.

To be eligible for Lilly/BDPA Scholarship, each applicant must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• Be a member of BDPA
• Be a graduating high school senior or current college student in good standing at the time of their application.
• Be pursuing a degree in information systems, computer science, computer engineering, or a computer science related discipline.
• Demonstrate academic achievement (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0)
• Exhibit leadership ability through academic or civic involvement and participate in community service activities

Complete application packet must include the following:

1. Application Form
2. Current official sealed transcript (for high school applicants, your transcript MUST include your senior year grades)
3. 500-word essay on “Why Information Technology is Important and How it Has Changed Our Day-to-Day Lives”
4. Two signed letters of recommendation
5. Passport-sized photo

Click here to download application!

Scholarships will be awarded only to students who fully meet the scholarship requirements. All application materials must be RECEIVED by June 2, 2017 in order to be eligible.  Incomplete, e-mailed or faxed applications will not be considered!

We will announce the three (3) winners of the Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students during the 2017 National BDPA Technology Conference in Indianapolis.   We are very proud of our past Lilly/BDPA scholarship winners:

Cameron Hughes (2013 Scholar)

1. 2007, Daniel Puente (University of Texas)
2. 2007, Christian West (Northwestern University)
3. 2008, Khalia Braswell (North Carolina State University)
4. 2008, Lee Reed (University of Michigan)
5. 2009, Hung Vo (Georgia Institute of Technology)
6. 2009, Carrine Johnson (Palos Verdes Peninsula High School)
7. 2010, Leslie Vasquez (Pike High School)
8. 2010, Gerardo Dominguez (Chicago State University)
9. 2011, Jala Cruz (North Central High School)
10. 2011, Adwait Walimbe (John Marshall High School)
11. 2012, Allen Warner (Valdosta State University)

    

    Dylan Gunn (2014 Scholar)

12. 2013, Risa Christopher (Indiana University)
13. 2013, Cameron Hughes (University of California, San Diego)
14. 2014: Pooja Chebolu (University of Southern California);
15. 2014: Dylan Gunn (North Carolina A&T)
16. 2015: Chelsea Carter (Kettering University)
17. 2015: Deeneva Nikerle (Temple University)
18. 2016: Lauren Ravenell (Ball State University) 
19. 2016: Adrienne Nelson (Florida A&M University)   
20. 2016: Andre Garner (University of Illinois)

Do you know any high school or college kids looking to study in a technology-based field during college? Can they use a $2,500 scholarship? If so, you need to share this information with them right away!

Any questions?

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."

---

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

Chelsea Carter Earns 2015 Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students

Chelsea Carter

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) worked closely with Eli Lilly & Company to confirm Chelsea Carter as a winner of the 9th annual Eli Lilly & Company Scholarship for BDPA students. Chelsea is a wonderful person to win this prestigious scholarship.

Carter is a graduating senior of North Farmington High School who currently attends Kettering University in Flint, MI. Her goal is to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering and double minor in business and data security. After graduate school, she plans to establish a non-profit entitled 'Futuristic Innovators'. Students will discover intriguing ways to connect with math and science for real life application.

Chelsea received the 2014 Kettering University Technology Award, which acknowledges high school juniors of high academic achievement in science, technology, engineering, math or business. She was also a participant in the Kettering University's AIM (Academically Interested Minds) Program, a five-week summer program where she ranked academically in the top-tier of participating engineering students. She was selected one of thirty-five from 300 applicants.

She graduated with a 3.54 GPA, was president of the Spanish Club, had membership in twenty other clubs/organizations, three sports, two internships, 800 hours of community service, and seventy awards/commendations. They include: President’s Volunteer Service Award, Governor Rick Snyder - Volunteer Service Award, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow - Outstanding Volunteer Award, House of Representatives - Volunteer Efforts Award, and others.

Congratulations to Chelsea!

College Scholarships Offered by BDPA

The BDPA strategy is to bring college students into the professional chapters on the local level as opposed to creating ‘college chapters’. One strategy in place is the aggressive delivery of college scholarships to deserving BDPA high school students. There are a number of college scholarship programs in place:

1. BlueCross BlueShield Scholarship for BDPA Students - These scholarships are administered by BETF. Some BCBS Scholarships are reserved for BDPA Chicago and BDPA Dallas chapters. The rest are available nationally. This scholarship began in 2014.
   
   

2. Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship – These scholarships are administered by BETF. They are awarded to high-performing students in the annual BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championships. Bemley scholars can be found in scores of colleges around the nation.
   
   

3. Eli Lilly Scholarships for BDPA Students – These scholarships are administered by BETF. They are awarded to students around the nation who show a desire to make a difference in the IT industry over the course of their college and professional careers. Eli Lilly & Company began funding these scholarships in 2008.
   
   

4. Human Capital Logistics Scholarships for BDPA Students – These scholarships are administered by BETF. This scholarship awards outstanding BDPA Greater Columbia student members, with an interest in information technology, who make significant contributions to society. This scholarship began in 2014.
   
   
5. Johnson & Johnson Scholarships for BDPA Students - These scholarships are administered by BDPA. They are provided to winners of the annual BDPA IT Showcase as well as all-around excellent HSCC students.
   
   
6. Monsanto Scholarships for BDPA Students – These scholarships are administered by BETF. Some Monsanto Scholarships are reserved for BDPA St. Louis chapter. The rest are available nationally. This scholarship began in 2013.
   
   

7. Oracle Scholarships for BDPA Students – These scholarships are administered by BDPA. They are awarded to deserving students selected by local chapters. Over $150,000 has been awarded to Oracle scholars over the past three years.
   
   

8. State Farm Scholarships – These scholarships are administered by BDPA. BDPA is pleased to have substantial State Farm funding to pilot its 1st Annual BDPA Mobility Application Showcase this year in Indianapolis. This scholarship began in 2014.

BDPA Foundation Announces 2014 Eli Lilly Scholarship Winners

The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF), in coordination with Eli Lilly and Company, is pleased to announce the winner of the 8th annual Eli Lilly and Company Scholarship for BDPA Students. The two winners this year are Pooja Chebolu, incoming freshman at University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) and Dylan  Gunn, junior at North Carolina A&T (Cincinnati, OH).


The purpose of the Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students is to recognize outstanding minority students, with an interest in information technology, who make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential, and make an impact on their communities through service to others.

“We are committed to supporting programs that provide opportunities for young people to explore and enhance their careers in science and technology. Education is so vital in creating the professionals who will contribute to the discovery of innovative medicines of the future,” said Janice Chavers, Director, HR and Diversity Communications, Eli Lilly and Company.

Pooja is a long-term member of our BDPA Los Angeles chapter.  She competed for a number of years as part of the chapter's High School Computer Competition ... winning two Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarships.  This is her first time winning the Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students!  Part of the application process is an essay that answers the question 'Why is Information Technology Important'.  Pooja's essay focused on the various facets of the web.  As she says, the "web connects more than machines, it connects people".  Click here for the full text of her winning essay.

"I am beyond thrilled to be named a recipient of the Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students! BDPA has certainly enabled me to appreciate the sheer depth of IT through its programming courses, but in alleviating the financial burden of paying for college with its scholarship programs, this organization has forged unparalleled opportunities and truly inspired me to use computing to benefit contemporary society. I couldn't be more thankful!"

Dylan is a long-time member of our BDPA Cincinnati chapter. His essay focused on the impact of technology on the lives of his generation, Generation Y.  Click here for the full text of his winning essay.

"These past two years have been full of ups & downs, but a roller coaster wouldn't be fun if it were just a straight line going full speed. It's true what they say, the absence of evidence isn't the evidence of absence. I received a phone call that made me cry because I thought the evidence to receive such a scholarship wasn't there. They chose me for me, not a GPA alone. Talk about breaking chains!"

Previous Eli Lilly scholars were:

1. 2007, Daniel Puente (University of Texas)
2. 2007, Christian West (Northwestern University)
3. 2008, Khalia Braswell (North Carolina State University)
4. 2008, Lee Reed (University of Michigan)
5. 2009, Hung Vo (Georgia Institute of Technology)
6. 2009, Carrine Johnson (Palos Verdes Peninsula High School)
7. 2010, Leslie Vasquez (Pike High School)
8. 2010, Gerardo Dominguez (Chicago State University)
9. 2011, Jala Cruz (North Central High School)
10. 2011, Adwait Walimbe (John Marshall High School)
11. 2012, Allen Warner (Valdosta State University)
12. 2013, Risa Christopher (Indiana University)
13. 2013, Cameron Hughes (University of California, San Diego)

Cincinnati Students Earn $15,625 in STEM Scholarships at BDPA Conference

BDPA Cincinnati chapter, led by chapter president Dalric Webb (GE), sent a contingent of seven high school and college students to the 36th annual BDPA Technology Conference earlier this month in Indianapolis. Those students participated in a variety of STEM-based competitions that including a high school computer competition (HSCC), IT showcase and mobile application showcase. These young people came home from the conference with $15,625 in college scholarships!

The chapter trained 14 students at Cincinnati State Technical College in a computer camp that met for 4-5 hours each Saturday for the first six months of the year.  The computer camp was led by volunteer instructors Deborah Prince (xpedx) and Frank Hill (Hiltronics Computer Associates).

L-R: Dalric Webb, Yaw Asante, Jon Carr, Wayne Hicks,
Austin Murph, Deborah Prince, Hasani Harrigan, Frank Hill

Four high school students were selected to compete as part of the chapter's national HSCC team in a comprehensive 3-part competition (oral, written and 7-hour coding).  The The four HSCC students are: Yaw Asante (Walnut Hills High School), Jon Carr (St. Xavier High School), Hasani Harrigan (Seven Hills High School) and Austin Murph (Seven Hills High School). These four students earned a 5th place finish (out of 46 eligible teams) during two days of the competition. Each of these students earned a $500 Jesse Bemley Scholarship as a result of their high performance.

Hasani Harrigan added to his college scholarship booty by earning a $3,125 college scholarship from Oracle. The Oracle Corporation Scholarship goes to student members pursuing careers in engineering, computer and information science, computer engineering or mathematics. Hasani is a very deserving young man who has been engaged in STEM-training from BDPA over the past three years.

Dylan Gunn is a college student member who left Cincinnati to attend North Carolina A&T University. Dylan won a $5,000 Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students. The scholarship recognizes outstanding minority students, with an interest in information technology, who make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential, and make an impact on their communities through service to others.

Another remarkable talent who shined brightly during this annual technology conference was Itobore Odje (University of Cincinnati). Itobore participated in the 1st annual BDPA Mobile Application Showcase and came away with the silver medal as well as a $5,500 college scholarship funded by State Farm.

BDPA plans to honor each of these students ... including BDPA IT Showcase participant Brian Pulliam (Sinclair Community College) ... at its 18th annual BDPA Education Banquet on Sunday, October 4, 2014 at Receptions in Fairfield, Ohio. We encourage you to join us for this wonderful event in which we have a chance to celebrate the positive accomplishments of students and volunteers in our community!

Related articles

• Cincinnati Students Prepare to Compete at National BDPA STEM-based Championships
• HSCC Student Spotlight: BDPA Cincinnati
• BDPA and Eli Lilly Offer $2,500 Scholarship to Minority Students

Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students (Deadline: June 30, 2014)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation is proud to open up the application period for any graduating high school student or current college student interested in the 8th Annual Eli Lilly and Company Scholarship for BDPA Students!

The purpose of the Lilly/BDPA Scholarship is to recognize outstanding minority students, with an interest in information technology, who make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential, and make an impact on their communities through service to others.

Lilly/BDPA Scholars will be awarded a one-time $5,000 scholarship that may be used to pursue an information technology focused degree at an accredited four-year college or university of their choice. The Lilly/BDPA Scholarship may be used to supplement benefits from the college or university a student plans to attend and fellowships from other foundations or organizations. Students may use the scholarship to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other college-related expenses.

Scholarship winners will be selected based on the application, essay, and letters of recommendation.

To be eligible for Lilly/BDPA Scholarship, each applicant must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• Be a member of BDPA
• Be a graduating high school senior or current college student in good standing at the time of their application.
• Demonstrate academic achievement (minimum GPA of 3.0)
• Exhibit leadership ability through academic or civic involvement and participate in community service activities

Complete application packet must include the following:

1. Application Form
2. Current official sealed transcript
3. 500-word essay on “Why Information Technology is Important”
4. Two signed letters of recommendation
5. Passport-sized photo

Click here to download application!

Scholarships will be awarded only to students who fully meet the scholarship requirements. All application materials must be POSTMARKED by June 30, 2014 in order to be eligible.  Incomplete, e-mailed or faxed applications will not be considered!

We will announce the two winners of the Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students during the 2014 National BDPA Technology Conference in Indianapolis.   We are very proud of our past Lilly/BDPA scholarship winners:

Cameron Hughes (2013 Scholar)

1. 2007, Daniel Puente (University of Texas)
2. 2007, Christian West (Northwestern University)
3. 2008, Khalia Braswell (North Carolina State University)
4. 2008, Lee Reed (University of Michigan)
5. 2009, Hung Vo (Georgia Institute of Technology)
6. 2009, Carrine Johnson (Palos Verdes Peninsula High School)
7. 2010, Leslie Vasquez (Pike High School)
8. 2010, Gerardo Dominguez (Chicago State University)
9. 2011, Jala Cruz (North Central High School)
10. 2011, Adwait Walimbe (John Marshall High School)
11. 2012, Allen Warner (Valdosta State University)
12. 2013, Risa Christopher (Indiana University)
13. 2013, Cameron Hughes (University of California, San Diego)

Do you know any high school or college kids looking to study in a technology-based field during college? Can they use a $5,000 scholarship? If so, you need to share this information with them right away!

Any questions?

BDPA Foundation Announces 2013 Eli Lilly Scholarship Winners

The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF), in coordination with Eli Lilly and Company, is pleased to announce the winner of the 7th annual Eli Lilly and Company Scholarship for BDPA Students. The two winners this year are Cameron Hughes, incoming freshman at University of California, San Diego (Detroit, MI) and Risa Christopher, incoming freshman at Indiana University (Munster, IN).



The purpose of the Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students is to recognize outstanding minority students, with an interest in information technology, who make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential, and make an impact on their communities through service to others.

“We appreciate Eli Lilly and Company for the investment that it continues to make in our BDPA student members,” said Wayne Hicks, BETF Executive Director. “The BDPA Foundation is pleased to work with Eli Lilly to help cultivate these future leaders. Our hope is that other corporations will contact us for similar scholarship opportunities”

Part of the application process is an essay that answers the question 'Why is Information Technology Important'.  Risa's essay focused on the pervasiveness of education, as well as on they plan she has to combine her personal passion for healthcare and information technology with a degree in Health Informatics.  Click here for the full text of her winning essay.

Cameron Hughes

Cameron is a long-time BDPA member.  He was part of the past few national High School Computer Competition teams trained by our BDPA chapter in Detroit, MI.  Cameron has a genuine passion for computer programming.  His essay focused on the impact of technology on both every day and his life personally. Click here for the full text of his winning essay.

Previous Eli Lilly scholars were:

1. 2007, Daniel Puente (University of Texas)
2. 2007, Christian West (Northwestern University)
3. 2008, Khalia Braswell (North Carolina State University)
4. 2008, Lee Reed (University of Michigan)
5. 2009, Hung Vo (Georgia Institute of Technology)
6. 2009, Carrine Johnson (Palos Verdes Peninsula High School)
7. 2010, Leslie Vasquez (Pike High School)
8. 2010, Gerardo Dominguez (Chicago State University)
9. 2011, Jala Cruz (North Central High School)
10. 2011, Adwait Walimbe (John Marshall High School)
11. 2012, Allen Warner (Valdosta State University)

BDPA and Eli Lilly Offer $2,500 College Scholarships for Minority STEM Students

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation is proud to open up the application period for any graduating high school student or current college student interested in the 7th Annual Eli Lilly and Company Scholarship for BDPA Students!

The purpose of the Lilly/BDPA Scholarship is to recognize outstanding minority students, with an interest in information technology, who make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential, and make an impact on their communities through service to others.

Lilly/BDPA Scholars will be awarded a one-time $2,500 scholarship that may be used to pursue an information technology focused degree at an accredited four-year college or university of their choice. The Lilly/BDPA Scholarship may be used to supplement benefits from the college or university a student plans to attend and fellowships from other foundations or organizations. Students may use the scholarship to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other college-related expenses.

Scholarship winners will be selected based on the application, essay, and letters of recommendation.

To be eligible for Lilly/BDPA Scholarship, each applicant must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• Be a member of BDPA
• Be a graduating high school senior or current college student in good standing at the time of their application.
• Demonstrate academic achievement (minimum GPA of 3.0)
• Exhibit leadership ability through academic or civic involvement and participate in community service activities

Complete application packet must include the following:

1. Application Form
2. Current transcript
3. 500-word essay on “Why Information Technology is Important”
4. Two letters of recommendation

Click here to download application!

Scholarships will be awarded only to students who fully meet the scholarship requirements. All application materials must be RECEIVED on or before July 1, 2013 in order to be eligible. Incomplete, e-mailed or faxed applications will not be considered!

We will announce the Lilly/BDPA scholarship winners during the 2013 National BDPA Technology Conference in Philadelphia, PA.   We are very proud of our past Lilly/BDPA scholarship winners:

1. 2007, Daniel Puente (University of Texas)
2. 2007, Christian West (Northwestern University)
3. 2008, Khalia Braswell (North Carolina State University)
4. 2008, Lee Reed (University of Michigan)
5. 2009, Hung Vo (Georgia Institute of Technology)
6. 2009, Carrine Johnson (Palos Verdes Peninsula High School)
7. 2010, Leslie Vasquez (Pike High School)
8. 2010, Gerardo Dominguez (Chicago State University)
9. 2011, Jala Cruz (North Central High School)
10. 2011, Adwait Walimbe (John Marshall High School)
11. 2012, Allen Warner (Valdosta State University)

Do you know any high school or college kids looking to study in a technology-based field during college? Can they use a $2,500 scholarship? If so, you need to share this information with them right away!

Any questions?

Congratulations to BETF College Scholarship Winners (2011)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) has given out almost $400,000 in college scholarships over the years.  Chris Johnson is chair of the BDPA Foundation Scholarship Committee. He shared an update with the Foundation's board of directors on recent scholarship funds sent to post-secondary educational institutions around the country on the behalf of deserving BDPA student members:

• $3,000 to Matthew Clark, Detroit chapter (Lawrence Technological University)
• $10,500 to Yaa Kwansa, Southern Minnesota chapter (Washington University of St. Louis)
• $4,500 to Titus Thomas, Washington DC chapter (Bowie State University University)
• $1,500 to Kenneth McCune, Chicago chapter (Southern Illinois University)
• $500 to Nia Love, Atlanta chapter (Valdosta State University)
• $3,000 to Lauren Pemberton, Southern Minnesota chapter (Rice University)
• $500 to Trene Long-Reed, Atlanta chapter (University of West Georgia)
• $1,500 to Courtney Elzy, Chicago chapter (Illinois State University)
• $2,500 to Adwait Walimbe, Southern Minnesota chapter (University of Minnesota)
• $2,500 to Jala Cruz, Indianapolis chapter (Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis)
• $2,000 to Jerron Jamerson, Charlotte chapter (Winston-Salem State University)

Brothers and sisters ... we need your help! Please consider making a tax-deductible pledge to the Bemley Scholarship Fund. Just COMMENT on this post with the amount of your pledge. We'll take it from there.

Or ... you can make an online donation!

BDPA Foundation Announces 2011 Eli Lilly Scholarship Winners

The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF), in coordination with Eli Lilly and Company, is pleased to announce the winner of the fifth annual Eli Lilly and Company Scholarship for BDPA Students. The two winners this year are Jala Cruz, a graduating senior at North Central High School (Indianapolis, IN) and Adwait Walimbe, a rising senior at John Marshall High School (Rochester, MN).



The purpose of the Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students is to recognize outstanding minority students, with an interest in information technology, who make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential, and make an impact on their communities through service to others.

“We appreciate Eli Lilly and Company for the investment that it continues to make in our BDPA student members,” said Wayne Hicks, BETF Executive Director. “The BDPA Foundation is pleased to work with Eli Lilly to help cultivate these future leaders. Our hope is that other corporations will contact us for similar scholarship opportunities”

Part of the application process is an essay that answers the question 'Why is Information Technology Important'.  Jala's essay focused on the many ways that technology is used to improve our lives.  Click here for the full text of her winning essay.

Adwait is a long-time BDPA member.  He was part of the past few national High School Computer Competition championship teams trained by our BDPA chapter in Rochester, MN.  His essay focused on the impact of technology on both entrepreneurial start-ups and off-shore outsourcing. Click here for the full text of his winning essay.

Previous Eli Lilly scholars were:

• 2010 - Leslie Vasquez (Pike High School) and Gerado Dominguez (Chicago State University)
• 2009 - Carrine Johnson (Palos Verdes Peninsula High School) and Hung Vo (Georgia Tech University)
• 2008 - Khalia Braswell (North Carolina State University) and Christian West (Northwestern University)
• 2007 - Daniel Puente (Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center School of Business and Management) and Lee Reed (University of Michigan)

Three-Time BDPA Scholarship Winner: Hung Vo (Georgia Institute of Technology)

Hung Vo is a young man who understands the value of his BDPA student membership. He joined BDPA Atlanta chapter in 2008. Since that time he earned three (3) scholarships from BDPA to support his college education at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The scholarships earned by Hung are:

1. BDPA-Oracle Scholarship, 2011
2. BDPA-Oracle Scholarship, 2010
3. Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students, 2009

Hung shared his BDPA testimonial with us back in 2009. He updates the story today:

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I was first introduced to BDPA and its High School Computer Competition (HSCC) program while a senior in high school in 2008. The program initially attracted me because it gave me a chance to learn computer skills like HTML, ASP, SQL, MYSQL, and other technologies. By the time I graduated from the program 10 months later, I was able create HTML website that pulls data from a MYSQL database using SQL and ASP.

Hung Vo (2nd from right)

Hard skills weren’t the only things I learned. Through the interactions with other students and instructors, I developed my communication, interpersonal, and dare I say leadership skill as well. Even though they were volunteers, the instructors I had like Coach Wes, Mr. Maurice, and Ms. Williams were talented and passionate. They care about us and wanted us to really grow. Even though I worked part time every Friday night and Saturday evening, I was never too tired for BDPA every Saturday morning. BDPA was like a second family to me.

I now have graduated from high school and am currently attending the Georgia Institute of Technology. I got more out of BDPA than just the technical skills. I got an idea – that I was capable of succeeding. The confidence that I gained from BDPA has really propelled me while in college. I am involved with student organizations, community service groups, and currently am co-opting in a global company. BDPA provided me the push that I needed to begin the journey of success that I will continue walking toward no matter the challenges – never looking back except to help those that come behind me.

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Hung is a young man that makes all of BDPA proud with his accomplishments. We look forward to seeing how his career progresses as he completes his studies.

In the meantime, we can use help from you as we try to raise college scholarship funding for other BDPA Atlanta chapter students. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation.

If not you, who? If not now, when?