Wal-Mart Invests in BDPA One Person at a Time

Globally known for helping people around the world save money and live better, Wal-Mart became a Silver Level Sponsor at this year’s 37th Annual BDPA Technology Conference & Career Fair, August 18-22, 2015 in Washington DC. Wal-Mart agreed to be the primary funding source for 25 college scholarships for the high-performing teams in this year's National BDPA High School Computer Competition.

“It is with contributions such as this that we introduced tens of thousands of students to careers in the Information Technology industry. As we celebrate BDPA's 40th Anniversary, we look forward to continued support from Wal-Mart and other interested sponsors as we literally move students ‘from the classroom to the boardroom’," said BDPA co-founder Earl Pace.

Wal-Mart’s investment in BDPA exposes African American youths and professionals to sustaining careers in Information Technology. This year’s generous contribution helps BDPA to strengthen their infrastructure through attendance at the annual Awards Gala and providing scholarships to help students improve their quality of life. Wal-Mart promotes a culture of integrity and provides resources to educate and empower associates to make ethical decisions. With fiscal year 2015 net sales of $482.2 billion, Wal-Mart employs 2.2 million associates worldwide.

Earl Pace, Jr.

Earl Pace added, "BDPA is very appreciative of this support from Wal-Mart. The students benefiting from this contribution to The Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship Fund will continue BDPA's active participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through its High School Computer Competition, Information Technology Showcase for high school and college students, as well as Youth Technology Conferences.”

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.

To become a BDPA partner or sponsor like Wal-Mart or to learn more about the BDPA National 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.

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.

Walmart Makes Bronze Level Sponsorship Commitment to BDPA

Built on the principles of leadership through service, Walmart recently joined the growing list of Bronze Level Corporate Sponsors at this year’s 35th Annual National BDPA Technology Conference and Career Fair on August 14-17, 2013 in Washington DC.

"We're proud to be part of the annual BDPA Conference," said Fumbi Chima, Walmart Vice President of International Integrations. "We know that supporting STEM programs and careers in science, technology, engineering and math help prepare young professionals for exciting opportunities and challenging careers."

Committed to quality products, innovative thinking, creative leadership, and sustainability, Walmart’s global reputation of community goodwill continues to be built on trust, confidence, and reliability. Every day, Walmart helps over 200 million customers improve their quality of life by saving them money at 10,700 stores in 27 different countries. In FY’13, Walmart reached $466 billion in record sales.

"We are excited to have Walmart as a partner this year. Not only will their contribution support the conference programs, it will help BDPA maintain our education and outreach programs to advance STEM careers," said Monique Berry, National BDPA president.

As a global member-focused technology organization with 46 active chapters in the United States, BDPA continues to stand as a leader in delivering 21st century technological programs, college scholarships, mentoring and services for youth and adult Information Technology professionals. BDPA is honored to partner with a world class organization such as Walmart.

For more information on the BDPA Corporate Sponsorship program, contact BDPA Corporate Sales Department director Wayne Hicks by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (513.284-4968).