Saturday, August 6, 2016

Amber Young Uses Fiat Chrysler Automotive Scholarship at University of Maryland

Amber Young * Michigan State University
BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Fiat Chrysler Automobile awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to four (4) students. One of those students is Amber Young of University of Maryland.

Amber recently joined our BDPA Detroit chapter. When asked to share her thoughts on being a FCA scholar, Amber wrote,
"My name is Amber Young and I am a senior at Cranbrook Kingswood School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. I am interested in a career in neuroscience. During the summer of 2015 I worked as a BDPA intern at Trinity Health Corporation in Livonia, Michigan. I worked in the IT Project Management Office supporting an electronic medical record project for St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. This internship provided me with an opportunity to learn about project management in an information technology implementation/ I also was able to meet senior management across the enterprise and physician staff at Saint Mary’s Hospital.

While attending the BDPA national conference in Washington, DC I learned about computer technology, coding and media development. I learned about future career possibilities in computer science and its growing importance in the era of technology. My favorite part of this experience was 3D printing. I learned the applications of 3D printing in engineering and biomedicine. I used TinkerCAD software to develop my own 3Ddesign of a biosensor. Biosensors are devices that detect a biological analyte by converting specific entities such as DNA and proteins into an electrical signal that can be measured in biomarkers as evidence of disease. Biosensing technology provides efficient, accurate detection of diseases and determines drug effectiveness. My experience at the conference has helped me better understand ways that technology can be used in life science."
BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented technology student on board as both a member and as winner of the FCA Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Amber's career as she seeks to advance in the technology industry!

Friday, August 5, 2016

Albert Appouh Uses Johnson & Johnson Scholarship at Rutgers University

Albert Appouh (Rutgers University)
BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to ten (10) students. One of those students is Albert Appouh of Rutgers University.

Albert recently joined our BDPA New Jersey chapter. When asked to share his thoughts on being a Johnson & Johnson scholar, Albert wrote,
I was born into a disadvantaged family in Newark, New Jersey. In my late teens, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder combined with schizophrenia and I have been institutionalized twice in my life due to these afflictions. In spite of my race, low income status, and mental disabilities, I found the best way to overcome these challenges was to immerse myself in my studies and to stay active in my community by volunteering and taking on leadership responsibilities. I maintained excellent grades throughout school, became a student leader for various extracurricular activities and volunteered regularly with organizations within my community. By taking the initiative to become a leader, and by having confidence in myself to succeed in ay endeavor I chose to take, I found that not only was I capable of being an excellent steward of resources, people and responsibility, but that I had a passion for it.

If I could be described in three words, they would be: ambitious, hard-working, and motivated. As an applied math, computer science, and economics triple major at Rutgers University with career aspirations in the IT industry, I am a very open-minded and creative person who is always eager to learn. Meeting new people and making connections fill me with such satisfaction. I am always working on improving myself in practically every aspect of my life, whether it be my personality, my leadership skills, or my etiquette. As much as I can capable of accomplishing things on my own, I work best as a team player. I always take the initiative and accept the responsibilities of in any position I’m given.
When asked about his relationship with BDPA, Albert wrote,
Being a member of Black Data Processing Associates has introduced me to a diverse network of qualified STEM professionals who can share their expertise and keep me (and other members, of course) up-to-date on business opportunities in the industry. In addition, the organization’s career development services have helped me develop and enhance my professional skills in order to increase my value in the eyes of prospective companies. Overall, being a member of BDPA has helped me learn more about technology, has improved my technical abilities, has introduced me to an experienced group of role models, and has opened doors leading to employment.
BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented technology student on board as both a member and as winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Albert's career as he seeks to advance in the technology industry!

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

BDPA iRadio Show: June 14, 2016 (Leroy White)


BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to be the creator of the BDPA iRadio Show. You can listen to the archive version of the show using the widget shown in the right-hand sidebar of this blog. FREE download from the iTunes Store is also available for our listeners!




The guest on the June 14th show:

Leroy White - President, BDPA Dayton - Leroy White is the newest BDPA chapter leader. He heads up our BDPA Dayton chapter for 2016-2017. He has been working with the Midwest regional leadership team to get his chapter up and running. The chapter is hosting its next meeting on June 25th. Leroy is an alumni of Central State University. We expect major things from BDPA Dayton chapter in the coming weeks and months.

Our audience will be enthralled by what Leroy has to say during this interview. You can follow Leroy on Twitter -- @Bridge357.



We hope you enjoy the insights and commentary on the show from each of these guests. Please take a moment to post a comment to let us know that you care!

Thursday, April 28, 2016

BDPA iRadio Show: Nekeisha Rouse (April 26, 2016)


BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to be the creator of the BDPA iRadio Show. You can listen to the archive version of the show using the widget shown in the right-hand sidebar of this blog. FREE download from the iTunes Store is also available for our listeners!




The guest on the April 26th show:

Nekeisha Rouse - VP-Membership Management, BDPA New Jersey -   She has worked in the past as the FIT Day coordinator; annual banquet; VP-Member Services; and now the VP-Membership Management.  Nekeisha shared her insights on BDPA New Jersey including the Families in Technology Day.   She described the event which has been going on for the past 13 years in New Jersey.  The event happens next month and it would be wonderful to replicate FIT Day in other locations.  One of the best things about the event is the donation of laptops to the young people who attend the event.  You can follow Nekeisha on Twitter -- @NekeishaR.



We hope you enjoy the insights and commentary on the show from each of these guests. Please take a moment to post a comment to let us know that you care!

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

BDPA iRadio Show * April 12, 2016 (Curtis Timmons)


BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to be the creator of the BDPA iRadio Show. You can listen to the archive version of the show using the widget shown in the right-hand sidebar of this blog. FREE download from the iTunes Store is also available for our listeners!




The guest on the April 12th show:

Curtis Timmons - deputy Chief Information Officer, Cleveland Metropolitan School District - Curtis Timmons is a candidate for the National VP-Finance vacancy. There are four (4) candidates for that vacancy. Curtis currently serve as the Deputy Chief Information Officer for Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The District comprises 7500 employees and 40,000 students and a $1 billion budget. He manages a staff of 50+ employees, $15+ million annual budget, and managed services contracts of $4+ million annually. Manages strategic partnerships (private and public sector organizations) and vendor performance and relations.

He is a proven business leader with 20+ years’ experience in IT strategic and operational planning, financial management, business analytics, capital and operating investment planning, IT governance, and IT service delivery. Directed organizations of up to 130 staff and 45+ contractors. Managed annual budgets of $61 million that included CAPEX to OPEX transition, capital investment prioritization using ROI, NPV and IRR valuations. Negotiated technology products and services contracts upward of $35 million. Achieved cumulative cost savings of $30 million and was awarded federal program funding of $60+ million.

Prior to joining Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Curtis served as President, TMS Consulting; Chief Technology Officer, Memphis Board of Education; Senior Manager & Manager, e-Business Services, Sara Lee Corporation; and a host of other corporate companies. He is retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 22 years as a Data Systems Officer. During his military career, his received the following awards:

• Navy & Marines Corps Meritorious Service Medal
• Navy Commendation Medal
• Navy Achievement Medal
• Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal
• Letter of Appreciation (2 awarded)

Curtis holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Systems and Information Management from Breyer State University. In addition, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Strayer University; and completing a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Strayer University.

Organizations and Affiliations
• Founder, IT Next Generation Foundation (provides scholarships for underprivileged high school students)
• CIO/CTO Leadership Council Group
• CIO Executive Council and CXO Group
• Alpha Sigma Lambda, National Honors Society
• Military Officer Associations of America
• BDPA Cleveland Chapter

You can follow Curtis on Twitter - @ccurtistimmons


We hope you enjoy the insights and commentary on the show from each of these guests. Please take a moment to post a comment to let us know that you care!

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Grant Declination * Texas Instruments Foundation (Houston)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) and BDPA Houston chapter learned that our $7,500 grant proposal was declined by the Texas Instruments Foundation. We were seeking funds for the 2016 Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program being implemented this year by the chapter.

The declination letter read as follows:

Wayne

Thank you for submitting your proposal to Texas Instruments. We enjoyed learning about your organization and your work. While we appreciate the value and importance of your mission, we regret that we are unable to fund your request for support at this time.

We would like to respond affirmatively to all requests, however, we receive far more proposals than can possibly be supported. We appreciate the thought and time that went into the development of your application, and we wish you success in accomplishing your program goals.

Sincerely,
Andy Smith, Executive Director
Texas Instruments Foundation


BETF will continue to seek out funds for our BDPA Houston chapter!

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

BDPA in Partnership with Professional Diversity Network

The Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) together with Professional Diversity Network (PDN), have partnered to create BDPA Hired. BDPA Hired is a STEM recruiting program that sources BDPA membership, candidates registered at ITDiversityCareers.com, Professional Diversity Network and other partner sites. BDPA Hired is available to BDPA sponsors and other employers interested in sourcing IT, and other candidates. 
The BDPA Hired service addresses the needs of both our members and sponsors. Making the right career connection is important to our overall initiatives and something our employer sponsors have asked about many times" said BDPA President Mike Williams. “We like this innovation and working with Professional Diversity Network will assure our sponsors of the best possible service."
BDPA Hired will source candidates based on expertise and location. It is different because BDPA Hired goes out and finds the talent and matches based on the employers must have qualifications. The program is designed to reach both passive and active job seekers.
"Professional Diversity Network is excited to support this service for BDPA members and sponsors. We have been successfully souring candidates for all professional areas and adding the BDPA membership and our access to candidates registered at the BDPA career portal ITDiversityCareers and our other partners should make BDPA Hired a valued services for all.” said PDN executive vice president Russell Esquivel.
About PDN
Professional Diversity Network develops and operates online networks tailored to provide diverse professionals in the US with access to employment opportunities. PDN’s platform supports employers that value diversity in identifying and acquiring diverse talent, and facilitating EEO-OFCCP compliance. PDN currently has over 1.5 million monthly visitors and partners with organizations like BDPA, NAACP, NAPW, ALPFA, VetJobs and many more.

About BDPA
Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. BDPA has fulfilled its mission and worked to bridge the digital divide by providing career growth opportunities for its members

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Redesigned BDPA Job Board - www.ITDiversityCareers.com

Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) the premier African American professional IT organization has launched a new state-of-the-art jobs/networking platform - www.ITDiversityCareers.com. The new site will provide career opportunities for BDPA members and is open to all IT professionals. Employers may post jobs at www.ITDiversityCareers.com to target IT/STEM candidates nationwide. Technology is being provided by Professional Diversity Network (PDN) the nation’s leading partner of diverse communities and job matching technology.
We are excited to offer this new resource to our members, sponsors and all minorities. Advancing careers in technology and promoting opportunities for minorities remains our top initiative. BDPA remains committed to excellence and providing a wide spectrum of resources to its members, corporate sponsors, businesses, educational institutions and the African American community." says Mike Williams, BDPA President.
Members and sponsors are encouraged to visit ITDiversityCareers.com to register and use the job matching resources. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email at corpsales@bdpa.org.

Founded in 1975, BDPA now has 47 chapters, making it the largest African American Information Technology Association in the country. The organization is a catalyst for professional growth and technical development for those in IT and continues to bridge the digital divide by providing training and career growth opportunities for its members.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Alex Marcellus Uses Monsanto Scholarship at Purdue University

Monsanto is a powerful BDPA sponsor. They announced four college scholarships at the 2015 National BDPA Technology Conference held in Washington DC. One of the winning scholars is Alex Marcellus, a student member of our BDPA Cincinnati chapter. He plans to use his Monsanto Scholarship at Purdue University as he studies computer engineering.

We asked Alex to share his insights on the scholarship.

Alexander Marcellus
"I am a junior studying Computer Engineering at Purdue University. I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and have lived there all of my life. I am currently majoring in Computer Engineering with a minor in Statistics. I am very grateful to have received the Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students as it 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 offer 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 the BDPA Scholarship program. 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. As a strong Monsanto partner, BDPA can 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.

I have had two internships during my time at Purdue. The first internship has been with GE Aviation working on software packages to validate models of airplane software and hardware connections. My second internship last summer was with Intel Corporation, where I was working on developing web applications to improve communication and collaboration across the country."

This is the second year that Alex won the Monsanto Scholarship. We are very proud of the work that Alex is doing at Purdue.

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Cerner Corporation Disapproved our Grant Proposal

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) and BDPA Kansas City (president, William Wells) learned that our $25,000 grant proposal has been disapproved by the community affairs folks at Cerner Corporation.

The disapproval letter read:

Thank you for thinking of Cerner Corporation as a sponsor for the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) Program. We think it’s a great program and applaud your work in the community.

With healthy communities at the foundation of our vision, Cerner believes in corporate citizenship. In keeping with our overall mission and entrepreneurial spirit, we focus our community investments on three important objectives: Health and Wellness focused on condition management; STEM Education; and economic development emphasizing life sciences.

In addition, Cerner primarily sponsors its internal philanthropic organization, the First Hand Foundation who provides direct medical funding for children when all other resources have been exhausted. Through this relationship we are limited in our ability to support other philanthropic organizations given our commitment to First Hand.

Your organization’s proposal is certainly valuable. However, because this request does not directly fit into Cerner’s core community philosophy, we are unable to participate at this time.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I wish you and your team the best of luck.

Liz Ginther
Community Relations
Cerner Corporation

We will continue to work with BDPA Kansas City chapter to obtain funding for the upcoming SITES program!

Saturday, March 19, 2016

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!





Wednesday, March 2, 2016

MillerCoors Renews Gold Level Sponsorship With BDPA



With a combined brewing heritage of over 450 years, MillerCoors is shaped by its history of strong leadership, innovation and supporting communities.  In that spirit, MillerCoors is proud to announce its Gold Level sponsorship of BDPA.  That people at MillerCoors are its most valuable asset and their impact on the MillerCoors business is visible in each statistic and accomplishment.   
Steve Canal
MillerCoors Community Affairs director Steve Canal said, "We are proud that MillerCoors was selected as the exclusive adult beverage sponsor for National BDPA corporate receptions and events. One of the key value propositions of attending the National BDPA Technology Conference is the opportunity to network with all levels of professionals, from entry-level to C-Level executives."

Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry.  BDPA has over 40 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.

Mike Williams
We are delighted that MillerCoors has chosen to continue its partnership with BDPA by renewing its sponsorship level to Gold for 2016,” said National BDPA President Mike Williams. “The BDPA and MillerCoors partnership has been a long and mutually beneficial one.”

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

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Johnson & Johnson Renews Its BDPA Sponsorship at the Gold Level

The long-term investment into BDPA by Johnson & Johnson has been ongoing for well over a decade. It continues into 2016 as Johnson & Johnson renewed its Gold Level corporate sponsorship of the 38th Annual BDPA Technology Conference in Atlanta GA. Johnson & Johnson believes in the BDPA mission of advancing the careers of African Americans in the information technology industry ‘from the classroom to the boardroom’.
Mike Williams
"BDPA is delighted that Johnson & Johnson continues to invest in our mission and our programs that support STEM learning and digital thought leadership preparedness for diverse students and professionals," said National BDPA president Mike Williams. "Johnson & Johnson has been a valued sponsor and partner for many years and we look forward to working with them again in 2016."
Johnson & Johnson agreed to underwrite a variety of activities that include the BDPA IT Showcase, college scholarships, career fair, BDPA Job Board participation and an investment in two Northeast region chapters.
Goldie Bonney
"BDPA New Jersey is extremely excited to have Johnson & Johnson as a Gold Level sponsor! We've been fortunate to have their support since 2009 and could not have imagined a better partnership for our chapter and members," said BDPA New Jersey president Goldie Bonney. "We look forward to working with Johnson & Johnson to offer various programs for our members around innovation, other cutting edge technology topics, and continuing our student programs. Our HSCC students had their second highest finish at last year's national conference in Washington, DC coming in 5th place, and we hope they are competitive and place even higher this year in Atlanta!"
Globally recognized at home and abroad as an agent of goodwill for over a billion people, Johnson & Johnson has earned a reputation as a leader in providing innovative ideas as well as products and services -- one person at a time. They are the world’s largest and most diverse medical devices, pharmaceutical and, consumer health care company. BDPA has seen the commitment by Johnson & Johnson to diversity in its workplace, marketplace and its relationships with suppliers.

Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. BDPA has fulfilled its mission and worked to bridge the digital divide by providing career growth opportunities for its members.   We encourage other corporations to follow the lead of Johnson & Johnson be reaching out to BDPA by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone!

Friday, February 26, 2016

Message from BDPA Atlanta Chapter President

BDPA Atlanta – The President’s Roundup – A Dialogue on Race

Derrick Brown
Race continues to be a point of conversation, confusion, condescension, convolution and equivocation. As our society and culture evolves so too does the conversation and concept of race. On Wednesday February 17, 2016 BDPA Atlanta continued its conversation on race with expert facilitator Tia Buckham-White of Notre International.

Why do I describe the issue of race in the fashion I just did? Because quite simply that is how race has changed over time. It has always been difficult, however as colors change, people change, ethnicity and cultures rise and combine we have begun to regard race with both simplicity and complexity in equal measure. Was he being racist? Was he not being racist? Did she really man to do that? Can you be a racist and Black? Was she subject to unconscious bias? And now we have Asians, Indians, Arabs, Africans, East Europeans, Gays, Trans, Muslims … you name it, we got it. The Diversity Wheel Turns and Rises!

Race and racism are no longer just about Black and white.

Now, just to be clear as I have done before and I will reiterate again, my perspective on race (and it is mine) is quite simple. There is only race with regard to sentience on this planet, and that is the human race. We come in all shades, shapes, and sizes. The more real differentiator is the ethnicity of our origin and the cultures that arise out of our societal structures.

That’s done.

Tia led us through a discussion of what we as African Americans have experienced in the corporate environment. She shared many of her personal experiences leading Circle Dialogues with executives at fortune 500 companies. A Circle Dialogue is a powerful tool used to generate deep personal conversation between people on difficult topics, often leveraging personal experiences and backgrounds.

One of the most powerfully illuminating stories she relayed to our membership was how in one dialogue a white female executive who many Black people thought might be racist for whatever reason revealed that she was practically raised by a Black family. Another vice president revealed how hurt he was because he could not allow his kids to visit his parents. His wife was white, his kids were white, but his parents were staunch racists and he absolutely refused to expose his children to such hate. Pause, and simply late that settle in for a moment.

Our conversation on Wednesday continued along these lines. We discussed tools that we might use in order to better manage the overt as well as subtle challenges we might encounter in the work environment. Often enough these challenges are exercises in perspective, and the clarity that can come from good dialogue that embraces positive conflict and a sincere effort to lean into discomfort can readily drive us towards a good outcome, dispelling racism and driving towards tolerance and acceptance.

BDPA Atlanta will continue these exercises with Tia Buckham-White and over the course of 2016 we will offer workshops that dig deeper into how we manage the angst, conflict and lack of opportunity that can arise from racism. This is the commitment BDPA is providing to you. A value proposition we are certain you can believe in. If you are not a member become a member today!

The Aspiring Critical Thinker,
D.S. Brown, President
BDPA Atlanta

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Yash Shirsath Uses Bemley Scholarship at University of Pennsylvania

Yash Shirsath
Yash Shirsath is on of the rare students to earn a Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship for all five years of eligibility as a member of the BDPA Atlanta chapter. His scholarship earnings included winning the entire High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championship in both 2012 and 2015.

Yash will use his Bemley Scholarship towards his education at the University of Pennsylvania.  Yash is a National Presidential Scholar and part of the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology.  As part of this selective program, Yash will receive a bachelors degree in Economics from Wharton Business School and another bachelors degree in Computer and Information Sciences from the University of Pennsylvania. He is very interested in entrepreneurship and plans to innovate in the startup space.

When asked to share his memories of the HSCC journey, Yash wrote,

"I have had the pleasure of being part of the HSCC program for five years. I came in as a timid rising 9th grader who knew nothing about the fantastical world of computing. HSCC not only gave me concrete and marketable but it also fostered a great passion within me.

2015 HSCC Champions
One of my favorite memories from HSCC that really encapsulates my experience in the program occurred right in the maelstrom of competition. We had just completed eight grueling hours of coding and we were pitching our product to a panel of judges. It had all come down to those few moments. Months of preparation and dedication. From myself. From my teammates. From my coaches.

I was in the middle of explaining the intricacies of the security features that we had encoded into the product, when it hit me. This wasn't just a competition. I could have just as easily been standing in a boardroom, talking to executives about our product. We had gained so many skills from this program that we blurred the line between student and professional. This knowledge has really propelled me throughout my career as a computer science student. When I look forward and envision all of the opportunities that lay ahead, I know that HSCC opened the door to so many of them."

Yash is a remarkable young man. BDPA looks forward to following his career as he progresses through college and on into the boardroom within Corporate America or his own company! Please note that the Bemley Scholarship Fund is made up of individual donations from people like yourself. Please take a moment to recognize young people like Yash with a secure online donation!

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

2015 Oracle Scholarships for BDPA Students

National BDPA recognized six students for its annual Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students. The six winners are:
  1. LaRae Adams (BDPA Greater Birmingham) - Tuskegee University
  2. Yaw Asante (BDPA Cincinnati)- Walnut Hills High School
  3. Rariety Monford (BDPA Cincinnati) - North Carolina A&T State University
  4. Lauren Ravenell (BDPA Indianapolis) - Ball State University
  5. Preethiya Sekar (BDPA Southern Minnesota) - Carleton College
  6. Malik Swanson (BDPA Chicago) - Chicago State University
Each of these young people earned a $3,000 college scholarship for their pursuit of a career in Engineering, Computer and Information Science, Computer Engineering or Mathematics.

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Grant Declination * Bradley Foundation (BDPA Milwaukee)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation learned today that our $10,000 letter of inquiry submitted to the Lynne and Harry Bradley Foundation has been declined. Our LOI was submitted on behalf of the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship program in Milwaukee.

The declination letter read as follows:

Dear Mr. Hicks:


I regret to inform you that the prospective proposal you describe does not fall within the Foundation's mandate and its current programmatic interests.

Thank you once again for your interest.

Sincerely,
Daniel P. Schmidt
Vice President for Program

Although we are disappointed by this response we will continue to seek out funding on behalf of our BDPA Milwaukee chapter. You can help by making a secure online donation in support of the young people being trained by this chapter.

Friday, February 5, 2016

Briana Abraham Uses Her Bemley Scholarship for Computer Science Degree at George Mason University

Briana Abraham
BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to award a Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship to BDPA Greater Columbia student member Briana Abraham.   This is the second scholarship provided to Briana in recent months.  Briana plans to use it to continue her studies at George Mason University. Briana seeks a computer science degree with a focus on cybersecurity. Her career goal is to become a reverse engineer. She worked the past two summers as a research intern at the University of South Carolina.

We asked her to share thoughts on her experience with BDPA.
"I joined BDPA during my junior year in high school, shortly after I became interested in Computer Science. BDPA gave me a space to hone my programming skills, while also allowing me to collaborate with peers who held similar interests, and who were passionate about software development. My time at BDPA has greatly increased my teamwork skills, presentation skills, networking skills, and of course my programming skills.

My most
2014 HSCC Team (Greater Columbia)
memorable moment in BDPA is during the 2014 National BDPA Technology Conference, when the awards were announced for the High School Computer Competition, and it was revealed that my team had placed second. That moment was filled with elation, joy and camaraderie. My teammates and I, were thrilled to see that the days spent together in preparation for the competition had paid off. We were shocked. The moment for me was particularly special, as prior to this venture, I had no experience with web development, and being able to contribute meaningfully to the team's success, was fulfilling.
"
This is the 30th anniversary of the High School Computer Competition.  We have given out hundreds of Bemley Scholarships over the years.   We are grateful to Best Buy Foundation and the Information Technology Senior Management Forum for providing major donations in support of the Bemley Scholarship Fund this year.   However, this is truly a scholarship fund that is supported by BDPA members and supporters.  I encourage you to make a secure online donation today!

Monday, February 1, 2016

Top 10 BDPA Chapters (Membership, January 2016)

The lifeblood of any nonprofit association is its membershipBDPA Cincinnati remains the #1 BDPA chapter in the nation for the tenth month in a row.   The chapter ... led by its new president,  Shawnda Peterson ... continues to amaze others by its consistent growth.   It will be interesting to see if the chapter can continue growing towards the next milestone of having 300 members this year.

We are very happy to see that National BDPA VP-Membership Management Mildred Allen has been asked by the current administration to stay on in her leadership role.  Her efforts have allowed BDPA to continue to grow.   She realizes that we need to work hard to keep membership growth and retention higher.

Loraine Stewart-David
BDPA Detroit had a great month in January as they grew their chapter by over 18% in that single month.  As a result  the chapter moved up in the national rankings to become the 3rd-largest in the nation.  The chapter president, Loraine Stewart-David, takes over a chapter with a powerful legacy.  Her chapter recently announced four winners (Gerald Curtis, Austin Little, Nicole Middleton and Amber Young) of the Fiat Chrysler Automobile Scholarship administered by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation.  It is no accident that active efforts within a local BDPA chapter results in more members ... more members results in more membership dues ... which makes it easier to implement more consistent and effect programs and services. How are things going in your local chapter?

BDPA believes in the management maxim -- you get what you measure.  Let us assess the numbers in order to honor those local BDPA chapters who are demonstrating success in their efforts to recruit and retain members. Congratulations to BDPA Dallas chapter for moving into this month's Top 10 list!  Let's take a look at the ten largest chapters in BDPA-Nation:
  1. Cincinnati - president, Shawnda Peterson
  2. Chicago - president, Reggie Rush 
  3. Detroit - president, Loraine Stewart-David (up 1 slot from last month)
  4. Atlanta - president, Derrick Brown (down 1 slot)
  5. Philadelphia - president, Cedric Edwards
  6. New York - president, Tyrone McKinney
  7. Indianapolis - president, Terry Morris (up 1 slot)
  8. Washington DC - president, Perry Carter (down 1 slot)
  9. Milwaukee - president, Carmen Giles
  10.  Dallas - president, Chad White (up 2 slots)
The number of chapters now belonging to the 'BDPA Century Club' currently stands at six.  The benefit of having powerful leadership is obvious when we see that Cincinnati, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, New York and Philadelphia each have over 100 members. One of the common denominators for each of these chapters is that they place a high premium on the delivery of quality programs and services to their members. These chapters work hard to ensure that there is a strong return on the $100 investment that each member makes thru annual dues.

National president Mike Williams recently touted the value that organizational re-branding has made on BDPAWhat are your thoughts about the value of BDPA membership? What can your local chapter do to improve the value-proposition for you on a personal or professional level?