Rest In Peace: Malcom Mathis (BDPA St. Louis Chapter President)

We are deeply saddened to inform our BDPA membership that BDPA St Louis Chapter President, Malcom Mathis II, and his 22 month old son, Malcom Mathis III, passed away in a tragic incident. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Susan and a devoted father to his children. Malcolm was a generous and caring friend and colleague and the personification of Servant Leadership. His absence will be felt greatly.

Malcom served as BDPA St Louis Chapter President from 2016 - 2018, where he embodied BDPA beliefs and purpose, “to serve and elevate others and prepare students and young professionals today for leadership tomorrow”. Malcom also served as a member of the BDPA St. Louis Corporate Advisory Council. He generously gave his time and talents in many capacities in his community, including on the School Board for the Jennings School District.

For those who were fortunate to know Malcom well, you couldn’t help but admire how deeply he cared for his community and the people he worked with. He spent more than 6 years at the Monsanto Corporation most recently as a business architect and an active leader in the African Americans in Monsanto Network (AAIM). He was always a strong advocate for diversity in Monsanto.

A benefit account has been established at Commercial Bank for The Mathis Family. Make checks payable to The Mathis Family Benefit. This account has been verified by the Maryland Heights Police Department. This account was established to help raise funds for funeral expenses.


Contributions can be mailed to:
      Commercial Bank
      Attn: The Mathis Family Benefit
      2330 West Port Plaza Drive
      Maryland Heights, MO 63146

Jordan Brown Will Use Monsanto Scholarship at University of Missouri

Jordan Brown

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Monsanto awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to three (3) students.  One of those students is Jordan Brown from St. Louis, MO who will use the scholarship to support his study of graphic design at the University of Missouri.

We asked Jordan to share his thoughts on BDPA.

"Receiving the Monsanto/BDPA Scholarship has lessened my financial burden thus allowing me to focus on my academic pursuit in addition to balancing financial goals and academic acuity. Although my current major is Graphic Design, In the near future, I see myself with a career in the coexisting fields of Architecture and Information Technology. Currently a student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, my overall career goal is to master and educate others on the process of critical thinking and problem solving through operational systems and other conceptions in both the Information Technology and architectural fields."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student as a winner of the Monsanto Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Jordan'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.

Monsanto Scholarships for BDPA Students - Deadline: 6/15/2017

Monsanto Company is proud to partner with Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) to provide $10,000 in annual scholarships to students with an interest in pursuing or continuing a 4 year academic program related to Information Technology (IT). The Monsanto Scholarships for BDPA Students will provide four $2,500 scholarships to graduating high school or college students to assist with their studies.

The scholarships will be offered at both the national and local level:

• Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded through the National BDPA organization
• Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded through the St. Louis BDPA chapter with an emphasis on High School Computer Competition (HSCC) past or present team members

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• Be a member of BDPA
• Be a graduating high school senior or college student in good academic standing and must have at least 1 year of study left in their 4 year college program
• Demonstrate academic achievement (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
• Complete the Monsanto BDPA Scholarship application packet
• Must not be related to any employee actively working in Monsanto

Complete Monsanto BDPA Scholarship Application packet must include:

• Complete Scholarship Application Form
• Resume
• Letter of Recommendation
• Current transcript
• Essay on "How can Information Technology be used to transform Urban Agriculture?" (500 words max)

Submit your application here

All application materials must be RECEIVED on or before June 15, 2017 in order to be eligible.  Incomplete applications will not be considered!

Maya Holeman Uses Monsanto Scholarship to Study Computer Science at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Maya Holeman

Monsanto is a powerful BDPA sponsor. They awarded four college scholarships at the 2015 National BDPA Technology Conference held earlier this year in Washington DC. One of the winning scholars is Maya Holeman, a student member of our BDPA St. Louis chapter.

Maya Holeman is an incoming freshman at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana.  She is studying Software Engineering and Computer Science because she wants to learn new coding languages.  She wants to create new and different applications with the knowledge she learns in college.

"I am looking forward to the 2015 National BDPA Conference in Washington D.C. because of how much fun my teammates and I had at the 2014 conference in Indianapolis," said Maya.  "I am very thankful for joining the BDPA program during my junior year of high school because it helped me decide what major I wanted to pursue at college."

Maya attended the youth technology camp at the 2014 BDPA Technology Conference in Indianapolis, IN.  She learned about Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology during the career fair hosted by BDPA.   She represented her chapter and city as a member of the 2015 High School Computer Competition team trained by BDPA St. Louis chapter.

2015 BDPA St. Louis HSCC Team

Maya wrote, "I had very little introduction to writing up code before joining the program. Learning HTML, CSS, and PHP was a fun and educational experience with the help of our instructors in the BDPA St. Louis chapter. Most of my favorite memories are from our Tuesday night classes and when our summer project slowly came together and became a better website each week. With the knowledge this program gave me, I decided I wanted to do something like this as my career, so I decided to study Computer Science and Software Engineering."

Maya is a remarkable example of the BDPA mantra -- 'from the classroom to the boardroom'!   We are glad that she is using this college scholarship to further her career in the IT industry.   Our hope is that we will see her back at the National BDPA Technology Conference being held next year in Atlanta!

Monsanto Provides Silver Level Sponsorship for BDPA Programs and Scholarships

BDPA recently announced Monsanto, as a Silver Sponsor supporting the 37th Annual National BDPA Technology Conference and Career Fair, "Evolution of IT--Embracing the Digital Future," August 19-22, 2015 at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.

Pamela Mathews

“On behalf of the National Board of Directors and the National Executive Committee, it is my honor and privilege to welcome Monsanto as a Silver Level Sponsor for the 2015 National Conference,” Pamela Mathews, National BDPA President. “It is only possible to provide the support our members receive through relationships and sponsorships from organizations like Monsanto. The BDPA family thanks Monsanto for their support."

Monsanto is recognized globally as a sustainable agriculture company who support farmers all around the world. Monsanto focus on empowering farmers—large and small—to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. Ranked 43rd on 2015 Top 50 Companies for Diversity; Monsanto’s CEO Hugh Grant was named one of the highest rated CEOs by Glassdoor.

“For over 10 years now, Monsanto has been honored to be part of such an amazing organization. We value our relationship with BDPA and our sponsorship has allowed many high school students to be trained and compete in the High School Computer Competition, even placing 2nd in 2012,” said Vincent Shorter, Monsanto senior director. In addition he added, “We have awarded over $12,000 in scholarships to date and work closely with our local chapter on several initiatives. Monsanto employees and our community have benefited greatly from this longstanding relationship and I’m proud to be a member of both.”

Today, BDPA is the largest African American information technology association in America. For 40 years, BDPA has enabled the upward mobility of African Americans and other minorities in the Information Technology and STEM fields. Because of BDPA’s focus on students and professional members alike, we continue to support and lead the upward success of our members “from the classroom to the boardroom”.

Jerry Walker

Jerry Walker, BDPA St. Louis president said, "We are proud that Monsanto demonstrates its commitment to BDPA’s mission both nationally and at home in St. Louis. One way that Monsanto has supported BDPA in St. Louis is by providing financial support, human resources, and facilities for our local High School Computer Competition team. Monsanto’s gift of time, talent, and treasure is very much appreciated.”

To become a BDPA partner or sponsor like Monsanto or to learn more about the National BDPA Technology Conference and sponsorship opportunities, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (301.584-3135 x108).

Monsanto Moves Up to Silver Level Sponsor of BDPA

“On behalf of the National Board of Directors and the National Executive Committee, it is my honor and privilege to welcome Monsanto as a Silver Level Sponsor for the 2014 National Conference,” said Dr. Craig Brown, National BDPA president. “It is only possible to provide the support our members receive through relationships and sponsorships through organizations like Monsanto. It is my pleasure to announce this sponsorship and the BDPA family thanks Monsanto for their support,” he added. 

The 36th annual National BDPA Technology Conference is set for August 5-9, 2014.  BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. For almost 40 years, BDPA has fulfilled its mission by bridging the digital divide by providing career growth opportunities for its members.

“Today, we are 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, Engineer, and Mathematics education across the country,” Dr. Brown added.

Founded in 1901, Monsanto believers in sustainable agriculture, human rights and corporate giving and are focused on empowering farmers-large and small-to produce more from their land, while conserving more of our world’s natural resources such as water and energy. Named as one of the ‘100 Best Corporate Citizens’ by CR Magazine, Monsanto announced plans for a $400 million expansion of Chesterfield Valley Research Center, including addition of 675 jobs over the next three years. Monsanto received the ‘Gulf Guardian Award’ from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico Program for the company’s Mississippi River Watershed Partnership.

Vincent Shorter, Monsanto director said, “At Monsanto, we continue to value the relationship with BDPA. We have evolved our commitment by offering $10,000 in scholarships. Whether it’s the High School Computer Competition, working with local chapter officers to increase memberships, or supporting local events like the annual “Learn to Play Golf” event, we at Monsanto value our relationship with BDPA. We look forward to a growing relationship in which we have people walking the halls at Monsanto as a result of our relationship with BDPA.”

“Monsanto has been a momentous sponsor of the BDPA St. Louis chapter for many years. It is an honor that the organization expanded their sponsorship at the national level so more BDPA members have the opportunity to benefit from this wonderful corporation,” said Dwana Franklin-Davis, BDPA St. Louis president.

To become a sponsor like Monsanto or to learn more about BDPA’s National Conference or other sponsorship opportunities, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (301.584-3135 x108)

Related articles

• Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students (Deadline: 7/15/2014)

Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students (Deadline: 7/15/2014)

BDPA is proud to partner with Monsanto Company to provide $10,000 in annual scholarships to students with an interest in pursuing or continuing a 4 year academic program related to Information Technology. The Monsanto Scholarships for BDPA Students will provide four $2,500 scholarships to graduating high school or college students to assist with their studies.

The scholarships will be offered at both the national and local level:

• Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded through the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation.
• Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded through the BDPA St. Louis chapter with an emphasis on past or present High School Computer Competition team members.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• Be a graduating high school senior or college student in good academic standing
• Be a member of BDPA
• Complete the Monsanto BDPA Scholarship application packet
• Demonstrate academic achievement (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
• Must not be related to any employee actively working in Monsanto

Complete Monsanto BDPA Scholarship Application packet must include:

• Complete Scholarship Application Form
• Current transcript
• Essay on “How has Information Technology impacted Agriculture” (500 words max)

Download the application at http://www.betf.org/scholarships/monsanto.shtml

All application materials must be RECEIVED on or before July 15, 2014 in order to be eligible. Incomplete applications will not be considered! Monsanto will announce the scholarship winners during the 2014 National BDPA Technology Conference in Indianapolis, IN.

Past winners include Della Anjeh (Pomona College), Jala Cruz (Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis) and Alex Marcellus (Purdue University).

For more information, please contact:
BDPA Education and Technology Foundation
Phone: (513) 284-4968
Fax: (202) 318-2194
E-mail: monsanto@betf.org

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2013 Monsanto Scholar: Alex Marcellus (University of Purdue)

Alex Marcellus is a freshman studying engineering with a minor in computer science at Purdue University. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Alex is a winner of the 1st Annual Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students awarded during the 2013 BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC.

When asked to share his thoughts on winning the scholarship, Alex wrote,

“I am very grateful to have received the 2013 Monsanto Scholarship administered by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation. This scholarship allows me to pursue my educational goals at a university renowned for both its research and its connections to industry. I plan to spend my career giving back to the communities that have made my educational success possible, especially the agricultural industry as it faces unprecedented technological opportunity through this century and beyond.

BDPA has set an example to me of the difference that Computer Science and Information Technology professionals can make in a rapidly changing global marketplace. The opportunities that BDPA offers to youth, including their youth camps and scholarships, are trend setting and one of the most powerful tools that we have to combat the STEM deficiency that is currently impacting America’s productivity and global competitiveness.

I was first involved in BDPA through my application for this Monsanto Scholarship. I have always been passionate about using data analysis to drive better business outcomes, and agriculture is one of the industrial verticals where these business benefits can be most clearly realized. BDPA and Monsanto both help provide the technically skilled workforce needed to implement the technologies and information systems to make these dreams a reality. I am truly grateful to the BDPA for giving me the opportunity to further my studies of engineering, mathematics, and computing at Purdue University and plan to stay involved with the organization in the future.”

Alex interned two summers ago on the Service Desk for Kao USA, helping them to support over 500 users. He interned last summer for GE Aviation working in their IT Department supporting the roll out of new software and an ERP implementation in the United States.

He is a new member of our BDPA Cincinnati chapter. Alex completed a stellar high school career at Summit Country Day School where he was the salutatorian while graduating with a astronomical 4.752 grade point average. His scholarship essay was entitled, 'How Information Technology Impacts Agriculture'. Alex is a young man who deserves to be known as a 'future face of technology'.

BETF Announces Winners of 1st Annual Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students

Some companies talk the talk about promoting STEM-based advancement for BDPA student members. They talk about wanting to create the workforce of the future by supporting BDPA programs, scholarships and services.

Other companies walk the walk.

Monsanto Company walks the walk. Monsanto is a BDPA Bronze sponsor with a focused executive leadership team that is fully committed to the BDPA vision of advancing the careers of people of color in the information technology industry from the classroom to the boardroom.

One example of that commitment became obvious when Monsanto agreed to provide college scholarship funding for the first annual Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students. The company partnered with the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) to provide $10,000 in annual scholarships to students with an interest in pursuing or continuing a 4 year academic program related to information technology.

In 2013, we are proud to announce the first-ever Monsanto Scholars ... each of whom will receive a $2,500 scholarships to assist with their studies.

1. Della Anjeh is an incoming freshman at Pomona College. She is a member of our BDPA St. Louis chapter and participated in 2011 and 2012 on the chapter's High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team. She trained for six weeks in the summer of 2011 at Monsanto world headquarters office in preparation for the 2011 National BDPA HSCC Championship. Her scholarship application included an essay entitled, 'Communication, Knowledge and Innovation: Outcomes of Technological Advancement in Agriculture'. Della is a remarkable young woman and truly deserves to be known as a 'future face of technology'. Follow Della on Twitter: @DellzBells.



2. Jala Cruz is a junior at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis majoring in Informatics. She is a long-time member of our BDPA Indianapolis chapter. This is not the first that that BETF has provided college scholarship funding to Jala. She recently shared her story on the BDPA iRadio Show. I think the aspects of Jala's journey that gives us the most pleasure is her entrepreneurial efforts as the owner and publisher of her own teen magazine. Her scholarship essay was entitled, 'The Pursuit of Agricultural Technology'. Follow Jala on Twitter: @JalaCruz.


  
3. Alex Marcellus is an incoming freshman at Purdue University where he plans to major in engineering and computer science He is a new member of our BDPA Cincinnati chapter. Alex completed a stellar high school career at Summit Country Day School where he was the salutatorian while graduating with a astronomical 4.752 grade point average. His scholarship essay was entitled, 'How Information Technology Impacts Agriculture' This is another young man who deserves to be known as a 'future face of technology'.

Monsanto Company is making a statement with these three BDPA scholars. The company is showing that they want to be part of the solution. They aren't satisfied with just talking about it ... they want to do something about it. I wish that others in Corporate America will do the same! We would love to give out more college scholarships to BDPA students in 2014. What say u?

Global Agricultural Giant Monsanto Partners with BDPA

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

Craig Brown

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

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

Vincent Shorter

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

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

Wayne Hicks

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

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

BDPA Corporate Epsilon Award Winners: Top 11 Companies for Blacks In Technology

BDPA will recognize several of America’s corporate giants and accomplished individuals at this year’s 35th Annual BDPA Technology Conference and Career Fair, August 14-17, 2013, at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington DC. BDPA created the Epsilon Award to recognize and celebrate key contributions and accomplishments of its members and supporters.

National BDPA Corporate Epsilon Awards recognizing corporate achievement are awarded to corporations who have demonstrated a commitment to people and an understanding that fostering a culture of diversity has a bottom line business case value. Each year, National BDPA surveys Fortune 1000 companies to make an assessment of their internal workplace and career development climate using the following rating categories:

• Tenure, Promotions and Terminations
• Leadership Development and Advancement programs
• Supplier Diversity programs
• Community Outreach programs

This year, National BDPA is pleased and honored to recognize eleven (11) corporations with the Corporate Epsilon Award. These corporations are finalists for 'The Top Company For Blacks in Technology' award that will be announced on Saturday, August 17th during the Awards Gala:

1. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
2. Health Care Service Corporation
3. HP
4. Intel
5. Johnson & Johnson (2012 Winner!)
6. Merck
7. Monsanto
8. State Farm Insurance
9. Wal-Mart
10. WellPoint
11. Wells Fargo

BDPA is recognized nationally as a global member-focused technology organization with over 45 active chapters in the United States. BDPA continues to stand as a leader in delivering 21st century technological programs, college scholarships, mentoring, support and services for youth and adult information technology professionals. Contact Wayne Hicks, Director, BDPA Corporate Sales Department by phone (301.584-3135) or email (corpsales@bdpa.org) if you need more information on BDPA sponsorship program.

Overview: BDPA College Scholarships

The BDPA strategy is to bring college students into the professional chapters on the local level as opposed to creating ‘college chapters’. Part of that strategy includes an aggressive delivery of college scholarships to deserving BDPA high school students.

There are a number of college scholarship programs in place:

1. Bank of America Scholarship for BDPA Students - These scholarships are administered by BETF.  There have been six Bank of America scholars over the years.
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. 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.
5. Monsanto Scholarships for BDPA Students - This scholarship initiated in 2013 and given to four students (2 nationally and 2 from St. Louis) 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.
6. 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.

We are grateful to Creating IT Futures Foundation for its support of the Bemley Scholarships. The funding for that college scholarship comes primarily from BDPA members and supporters. You can make a secure online donation in a number of ways that include:

• Crowdrise
• Facebook Causes
• Your Debit or Credit Card

Finally, we would love to talk with other corporations or nonprofit organizations about creating STEM-related college scholarships that can be administered by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation. Just reach out to us via email, scholarships@betf.org.

Monsanto Increases Its Investment in BDPA as a Bronze Level Sponsor

Vincent Shorter

Great news to report today! Monsanto renewed its Bronze Level corporate sponsorship this week. The company is a long-time BDPA sponsor ... and they have done some truly breakthrough work in support of the BDPA St Louis chapter High School Computer Competition (HSCC) training over the past few years ... resulting in a silver medal for that team at the 2012 National BDPA HSCC championships.

"It is my honor to work with the Monsanto family and continue to grow and cultivate BDPA and Monsanto partnership," said National BDPA vice president Dr. Craig Brown. "I look forward to transforming our partnership into a tradition when Monsanto employees and the members of its surrounding communities can continue to benefit from BDPA local chapter activities and the BDPA National Conference, year in and year out."

Monsanto will have an active presence at the 35th annual BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC on August 14-17, 2013, including a booth at the career fair and a table at the Awards Gala. The company also plans to leverage the BDPA Job Board to increase the number of qualified IT professionals of color for career opportunities at Monsanto.

Best of all, the company agreed to fund four (4) college scholarships for young people in St. Louis and around the nation. BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) plans to announce the brand-new Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students within the next week or so.



Somebody use the COMMENTS feature to share some love with our friends at Monsanto ... especially the 'corporate champion' within the company - Vincent Shorter! Vincent named it in the video ... and now Monsanto is claiming it as well!