BDPA Announces Oracle as a Silver Level Sponsorship

BDPA announces Oracle as a proud Silver Level Sponsor of their 2017 Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair, July 26-29 at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. With more than 420,000 customers, 115,000 employees, and operations in more than 145 countries, Oracle offers a comprehensive and integrated array of applications, databases, servers, storage, and cloud technologies to empower modern business.

David Ortiz and 2016 Scholarship Winners

David Ortiz, Oracle Senior Diversity Oracle is proud to sponsor BDPA and supports its efforts to champion the next generation of IT leaders. We believe that a talented, diverse and inclusive workforce with a broad range of experiences drives creativity, productivity, innovation and business success."
and Inclusion consultant stated, "

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

Mike Williams

National BDPA President Mike A. Williams said, “We are again honored to have Oracle support BDPA as a Silver Level Sponsor. Oracle is one of the world's leading software companies and a consistent advocate of diversity in the workforce." Oracle's business spans the globe and the diversity of Oracle’s U.S. workforce reflects their customers, partners, suppliers, and the communities in which they live and work."

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

Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students * Deadline 7/1/2017

Oracle knows talented individuals drive success, and they are willing to encourage positive workforce development through organizations such as BDPA. As such, Oracle made decision to offer the 9^th Annual Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students again this year. The scholarship application period goes through July 1, 2017. The winning scholars will be announced at the 2017 Scholarship Breakfast July 28^th, 2017 at 8:30 AM.

These scholarships are available to high school students (grade 12), community college students and undergraduate college students. The student must be studying in STEM-related curriculum. The student must be a BDPA member in good standing on or before the July 1^st deadline. BDPA student membership is $25 annually.

Past Oracle scholars were helped by this funding as well as the BDPA programs and services made available to them at the local chapter level. Do you know a high school or college student (or their parents!) who could benefit from this information? If so, please share this message with them right away. Don't procrastinate ... the application is ready and available for immediate download

Oracle Continues to Deliver on College Scholarship Commitment to BDPA

Globally listed by Forbes as one of the world's most valuable brands as well as one of America's best employers, Oracle is continuing its tradition of Silver level sponsorship of BDPA at this year’s 37th Annual BDPA Technology Conference, August 18-22 in Washington, D.C.

Headquartered in Redwood City, California and founded in 1977, Oracle offers software for mobile computing; database and middle-ware software that runs and manages business applications for midsize businesses and large enterprises; and Java, a software development language. Oracle also provides applications software such as human capital and talent management, customer experience, customer relationship management, financial management and governance.

Traci Wade

Traci Wade, Oracle Senior Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, gladly reported that, "Oracle is honored to have had a long standing relationship with BDPA to provide scholarships to deserving students focusing on degrees in Computer Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Our scholarships assist with providing the financial support to continue education for what we hope will be future employees and leaders at Oracle."

Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. BDPA has 46 chapters across the United States and is the largest African American information technology association in the country. BDPA continues to fulfill its mission and work to bridge the digital divide by providing career growth opportunities for its members.

“We are honored to secure Oracle’s endorsement of our STEM program,” said National BDPA president Pamela Mathews. “We look forward to working closely with Oracle again this year in advancing careers from the classroom to the boardroom.”

To become a BDPA partner or sponsor like Oracle or to learn more about the National BDPA Technology Conference in Washington, D.C. as well as sponsorship opportunities, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email at corpsales@bdpa.org or 301-584-3135 x108.

Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students

Apply on or before Tuesday
July 29, 2014

National BDPA 2014 ORACLE Scholarship Program

►        http://www.bdpa.org/?page=Scholarships         

Overview:  BDPA scholarship program, generously supported through sponsorships, offers over $100,000 annually in cash awards for qualified students and BDPA Members.

National BDPA currently offers scholarships to those studying technology related curricula at institutions of higher learning. National BDPA also sponsors scholarships to promote professionalism and the advancement of careers for technology professionals.

Discover more through National BDPA, local BDPA Chapters, bdpatoday, and BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) to learn about the variety of ways National BDPA and Industry partners support access to education and professional development opportunities.

Other scholarships available to BDPA members are offered via BETF. Select below to visit your link to their landing page for other scholarships:

►    http://www.betf.org/scholarships/scholarships.shtml   

 Who Should Apply : 

Students majoring in or pursuing careers in Engineering, Computer and Information Science, Computer Engineering or Mathematics.

Oracle Scholarship Winner: Sherron Howard (Delaware State University)

Oracle and BDPA award annual college scholarships to deserving high school, community college or undergraduate students who study STEM-related curriculum. One of the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students winners is Sherron Howard.

Sherron wrote, "I really appreciate being chosen to receive this scholarship. It will truly help me with my schooling. Again thank you for picking me to receive this scholarship."

Sherron will use this college scholarship to defray costs as a biology major at Delaware State University. BDPA is proud to recognize Isoke Cullins with the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students!

Oracle Scholarship Winner: Hadiya Harrigan (BDPA Cincinnati)

Oracle and BDPA award annual college scholarships to deserving high school, community college or undergraduate students who study STEM-related curriculum. One of the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students winners is Hadiya Harrigan. Hadiya competed in the 2011, 2012 and 2013 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championships as a member of the team trained by BDPA Cincinnati chapter.  She is currently a senior at Seven Hills Upper School in Cincinnati, Ohio.


Hadiya will use this Oracle scholarship to defray costs for her to attend the post-secondary school of her choice next year. BDPA is proud to recognize Hadiya Harrigan with the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students!

Oracle Scholarship Winner: Isoke Cullins (Fordham University)

Oracle and BDPA award annual college scholarships to deserving high school, community college or undergraduate students who study STEM-related curriculum. One of the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students winners is Isoke Cullins. Isoke graduated earlier this year from the King Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science, an alternative high school of the Los Angeles Unified School District.


Isoke will use this college scholarship to defray costs for her to attend the Fordham University at Lincoln Center to study visual arts with an architecture concentration. BDPA is proud to recognize Isoke Cullins with the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students!

Oracle Scholarship Winner: Terry Atwater III (Hampton University)

Oracle and BDPA award annual college scholarships to deserving high school, community college or undergraduate students who study STEM-related curriculum. One of the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students winners is Terry 'Tré' Atwater III. Tré is the son of LaVenta and Terry Atwater II and is a June 2013 graduate of Summit Country Day School in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Tré’s high school activities included Diversity and Inclusion (club), Model APEC, Varsity Track, Varsity Soccer, Varsity Football, Mock Trial (Attorney), NAACP Youth Council, awarded “Mr. Beautillion” during the Beautillion Militaire program sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta, “Impact 21” by United Way, Freshman Mentor, and Jack and Jill of America.

Tré has received numerous academic and athletic awards during his high school career. In soccer alone, he has received over 20 first or second place trophies from multiple competitive tournaments. He is also a decorated orator receiving numerous honors. Tré placed nationally at the NAACP’s ACT-SO competition for his speaking ability and also, he was named Mr. Congeniality for his oratory skills, as well as winning Jack and Jill’s regional oratorical completion multiple times. Recently, Delta Sigma Theta named him “Mr. Beautillion” during his participation in the 2013 Beautillion Militaire program. His academic awards include being inducted into the National Society of High School Scholars, as well as being awarded scholarships from Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, and Kappa Alpha Psi. Tré also received the Hampton Scholars Scholarship from Hampton University.

Tré Atwater is currently a freshman at Hampton University and he plans to major in chemical engineering. BDPA is proud to recognize Tré Atwater with the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students!

Oracle Scholarship Winner: Anthony Coleman (BDPA Greater Columbia)

Oracle senior diversity consultant Traci Wade announced the winners of the 5th annual Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students during the 2013 BDPA Awards Gala. One of those winners is BDPA Greater Columbia student member Anthony Coleman.

Anthony is a senior at Dutch Fork High School with a STEM course concentration in computer science. He has been a member of the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team trained by BDPA Greater Columbia chapter for the past three years. He was the HSCC team captain this year! Anthony is already making plans to participate in the 2014 BDPA Technology Conference as a participant in the BDPA IT Showcase.

Anthony is also involved in the Junior League of Greater Columbia leadership program and serves as a student liaison for his school district Cyber Saturday Technology event. BDPA is very proud to recognize Anthony as a 'future face of technology'!

Oracle Scholarship Winner: Brandi Taylor (BDPA Greater Columbia)

Oracle senior diversity consultant Traci Wade announced the winners of the 5th annual Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students during the 2013 BDPA Awards Gala. One of those winners is BDPA Greater Columbia student member Brandi Taylor.

Brandi is the proud daughter of Jessie and Yvette Taylor. She is currently a 10th grade student at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Brandi participates in many extracurricular activities including, Track, Girls Scouts, National Beta Club, National BDPA and her local church. She has won numerous awards such as, National Junior Scholar (2009-2010) and Academic Excellence (2010-2011).

Brandi is a two-time participant in the BDPA IT Showcase. Her IT Showcase research and presentation was entitled, 'Penetrating the Cloud: Exploration of Cloud Computing.'  Brandi’s current career plan after high school is to become a Nurse. Her ultimate motto is “I can do anything if I put my mind to it.”

Global Database Giant Oracle Partners with BDPA

Globally known as a leader in hardware and software systems, Oracle agreed to support the National BDPA at this year’s 35th Annual BDPA Technology Conference and Career Fair, August 14-17, 2013, at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington DC. The Silver Level sponsorship includes $30,000 in college scholarships for deserving BDPA students all over the country. Oracle was named 'Corporation of the Year' by BDPA in 2012.

"We are delighted to have the continued support of Oracle as a BDPA partner. As the premier association of Black Information Technology professionals, this 35th annual conference provides an ideal venue to showcase Oracle's commitment to workforce diversity," stated Monique Berry, National BDPA President.

Traci Wade and Monique Berry

With more than 390,000 customers—including 100 of the Fortune 100—and with deployments across a wide variety of industries in more than 145 countries around the globe, Oracle offers an optimized and fully integrated stack of business hardware and software systems. Oracle provides its customers with hardware and software engineered to work together—integrated from disk to applications─that meet their business needs and solve their business problems. And Oracle continues to innovate and to lead the industry, with a focus on solving the problems of the customers who rely on their technology.

Traci Wade, Oracle Diversity Consultant said, "Oracle is honored to have a long standing partnership with BDPA to provide scholarship donations to scholars who are pursuing their goals to achieve degrees in the STEM fields."

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, contact Wayne Hicks, Director, BDPA Corporate Sales Department, corpsales@bdpa.org, (301) 584-3135.

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.

Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students (Deadline: July 17, 2013)

Oracle knows talented individuals drive success, and they are willing to encourage positive workforce development through organizations such as BDPA. As such, Oracle made decision to offer the 5th Annual Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students again this year. The scholarship application period goes through July 17, 2013. The winning scholars will be announced at the 2013 BDPA Technology Conference.

These scholarships are available to high school students (grade 11-12), community college students and undergraduate college students. The student must be studying in STEM-related curriculum. The student must be a BDPA member in good standing on or before the July 17 deadline. BDPA student membership is $25 annually.

Past Oracle scholars were helped by this funding as well as the BDPA programs and services made available to them at the local chapter level. Do you know a high school or college student (or their parents!) who could benefit from this information? If so, please share this message with them right away. Don't procrastinate ... the application is ready and available for immediate download.

Oracle Scholarships for BDPA Students (2013) from Wayne Hicks

Oracle Scholarship Winner in Baton Rouge

BDPA recently announced that 11 students from around the nation were BDPA/Oracle Scholarship winners this year. Melvin Givens, a BDPA Baton Rouge student member, is one of those scholarship winners.

Melvin Givens

Melvin is an active participant in the BDPA Baton Rouge computer training class. In fact, during the summer of 2010, he became one of the youngest people in the state of Louisiana to to earn his A+ Certification as a Computer Technician.

Melvin began on his list of impressive achievements at a young age. He began playing soccer at age 7, and continues to do so. At age 8, he won the state wrestling championship. He received multiple football awards during his school football career, which began in 2nd grade and continued until he opted to retire after his junior year to focus more on academics.

Melvin has been quite busy academically, as well. In the 8th grade, he was presented the Student of the Year award at Crestworth Middle School in Baton Rouge. He is a member of the National Honor Society, has been presented the Most Outstanding Award in Algebra II, the Most Outstanding Award in Advanced Math I, an Engineering Award, and maintains a 4.3 GPA. Earlier this year, he earned the honor of 'valedictorian' of his senior class at Scotlandville Magnet High School.

While keeping busy with sports and academics, Melvin has not neglected his community. He is a member of the Team Spirit at school, a group whose goal is to assist in the prevention of underage drinking, the use of drugs, impaired driving, and violence on campus. He is an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Explorer, which allows him to assist paramedics in providing medical services, and volunteered at the Helouin Veterinarian Clinic during the summer of 2010.

Melvin does currently have unfinished business. In addition to facing graduation and a valedictorian speech, Melvin has been recommended for Louisiana State University’s La-STEM Research Scholars Program. The purpose of this program is to examine those factors which contribute to the success of high ability students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics areas. He is currently awaiting news of his acceptance.

And, finally (for now), Melvin is a member of Scotlandville Magnet High School’s Moon Buggy Team. The team created a two-member vehicle to be used in NASA’s moon buggy competition. This is a competition in which high school and college students across the country build two-man vehicles to use on an obstacle course provided by NASA that is supposed to simulate the moon. The main point of the competition is to see which team can complete the course the fastest. High school and college participants are separated into two categories and each vehicle must be operated by a male and female. He leaves for NASA on March 30, 2011 with his team for this, his second, competition. We wish them luck!

As you can see, Melvin keeps busy and excels at all he does. It is the belief of BDPA Baton Rouge chapter that he is very deserving of this $5000 BDPA/Oracle scholarship. Melvin, though his plate is full, is a very committed member of BDPA. He attended last year’s conference in Philadelphia, and is making plans to go to Chicago this year. Melvin is one of BDPA’s bright and shining stars, and we are very proud of him!

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NOTE: You can help us raise college scholarship money for Melvin and other students in our BDPA Baton Rouge chapter by clicking here --> http://www.crowdrise.com/BDPABatonRouge!

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?

2011 BDPA-Oracle Scholarship Winners

BDPA is proud to announce the winners of the BDPA Oracle Scholarship. The winners will each receive up to $5,000 stipend to further their education in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) related field of undergraduate study.

The following are the 2011 scholarship recipients, including their BDPA chapter affiliation:

1. Hung Vo (Atlanta) - Georgia Institute of Technology
2. Melvin Givens (Baton Rouge) - College: TBD
3. Charles Kim (Central Illinois) - College: TBD
4. Jerron Jamerson (Charlotte) - College: TBD
5. Megan Lenoir (Chicago) - College: TBD
6. George Martinez (Chicago) - College: TBD
7. Ebony Scales (Chicago) - College: TBD
8. Mark Thomas (Chicago) - College: TBD
9. Ashaki Scott (Chicago) - College: TBD
10. Francisco Nunez (Washington DC) - Morehouse College
11. Emmanuel Taylor Jr. (Washington DC) - College: TBD

This is the second year in a row in which Oracle has made the commitment to provide scholarship funds for deserving BDPA students.  BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is working hard to ensure that scholarship funds continue to flow in for Jesse Bemley Scholarships, Eli Lilly Scholarships, CESM's IT-ology Scholarship and a variety of local chapter HSCC scholarships.

Oracle Scholarship Winner in New York

BDPA New York High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team member Alan Rosales was awarded $2,778 in scholarship funding from Oracle Corporation to pursue his degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Rochester. The scholarship was presented to him in 2010.

BDPA New York chapter past president Judaea Lane wrote, "Alan is truly a humble and wonderful person."

In addition to being humble and wonderful it is obvious that the young squire has some skills! He was named 2010 Salutatorian upon his graduation from Medgar Evers College Preparatory School in New York.

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) recently acknowledged Alan as a recipient of the Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship that he earned for his performance at the 2009 National BDPA High School Computer Competition championship held in Raleigh, North Carolina.

You can learn more about BDPA New York chapter here.

Oracle Scholarship Winners in BDPA Atlanta Chapter

BDPA Atlanta High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team members Trene Long-Reed and Hung Vo were each awarded $1,389 in scholarship funding from Oracle Corporation to pursue degrees in the fields of science and technology. The scholarships were presented to each of the students at the chapter's 2009 annual awards banquet.

Hung plans to use his scholarship for his continued studies at Georgia Tech University.  Trene will use her scholarship to offset the expense needed to attend college once she graduates from Redan High School.

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation remembers the talents of both youngsters.  BETF provided an Eli Lilly Scholarship to Hung in 2009 and we are holding a Bemley Scholarship (earned in 2008) for Trene.

You can learn more about BDPA Atlanta chapter here.