Top 10 BDPA Chapters (Membership, March 2017)

The lifeblood of any nonprofit association is its membership. We have a new chapter who leads the nation in BDPA members.... BDPA Cincinnati.   The chapter ... led by its president, Shawnda Peterson ... continues to amaze others by its consistent growth.  The chapter grew by 40 members in the past month as they continue moving towards the next milestone of having 200 members this year.

We continue to operate under the leadership of National BDPA VP-Membership Management Mildred Allen.   Her team now includes Chad White (Dallas) and Judaea Lane (Memphis).  Her efforts have allowed BDPA to continue to grow.   She realizes that we need to work hard to keep membership growth and retention higher.

Shawnda Peterson

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.  Let's take a look at the ten largest chapters in BDPA-Nation:

1. Cincinnati - president, Shawnda Peterson
2. Detroit - president, Loraine Stewart-David
3. Atlanta - president, Vincent Montgomery
   
4. Chicago - president, Reggie Rush 
5. Indianapolis - president, Delano Robinson
   
6. Philadelphia - president, Cedric Edwards
7. Milwaukee - president, Allen Baylor
8.  Washington DC - president, Perry Carter
   
9. Triangle - president, Carl Hill 
10. New York - president, Tyrone McKinney

The number of chapters now belonging to the 'BDPA Century Club' currently stands at three.  The benefit of having powerful leadership is obvious when we see that Detroit, Cincinnati and Atlanta 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 BDPA.  What 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?

BDPA Lands STEM Sponsorship from Baxter International

Globally respected as a major medical first, Baxter International contributed to BDPA’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program as a Corporate Sponsor. Baxter International is an American innovator health care company who serves patients and clinicians in more than 100 countries.

Paul Martin, Baxter CIO

“As a proud BDPA sponsor, Baxter is committed to the guidance and development of students in computer science and related STEM fields,” said Paul Martin, Baxter International CIO. “We believe that diverse talent will help us drive innovation, create trusted partnerships with customers, suppliers and community partners, and ultimately help us fulfill our mission of saving and sustaining lives worldwide,” he added.

Founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly, 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. BDPA has over 40 chapters nationwide with more than 2,500 professional and student members. BDPA offers over $100,000 scholarships annually to hundreds of high school and college students who wish to pursue STEM careers.

Reggie Rush

Reggie Rush, BDPA Chicago chapter president stated, "BDPA Chicago chapter is proud to once again thank Baxter for their continued support. BDPA knows Baxter supports people in need worldwide while strengthening the company’s business. BDPA Chicago is honored that Baxter supports our initiatives as we work to improve community knowledge and interest in the technology space. This demonstrates Baxter’s commitment and encourages employee engagement. The board, the chapter members, and the students we teach greatly appreciate the support."

For more details about the BDPA 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.

BDPA and State Farm Continue Long-Term Silver Level Sponsorship

Long term BDPA partner State Farm continues its commitment to community through their sponsorship of BDPA’s 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair from July 26-29th at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. 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 (STEM) education across the country.

National BDPA President Mike Williams said, "Through its investment in BDPA, State Farm lives up to its new slogan. They are truly 'Here to Help Life Go Right' for students in STEM. We look forward to continuing our relationship with State Farm again in 2017."

Well known for being a "good neighbor,” State Farm provides professional and personal growth opportunities and strives to be known for inclusiveness, opportunity, and development of all agents and employees (www.statefarm.com).

State Farm’s Theonnie Shields reported, “State Farm is proud to be a sponsor of the 2017 BDPA Mobile showcase. As we continue to grow our State Farm Systems Department in the Atlanta, Dallas, and the Phoenix areas, we feel it’s important to be a part of this conference.”

BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields. BDPA has over 40 chapters nationwide with more than 2,500 STEM professional and student members. BDPA offers over $100,000 scholarships annually to hundreds of high school and college students who wish to pursue STEM careers.

For more details about BDPA or the 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.

BDPA St. Louis hosts Learn to Golf and 9-Hole Scramble Event

BDPA St. Louis is hosting a Learn to Golf and 9 Hole Scramble Event on May 20, 2017. Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the game of golf or take lessons to learn the proper techniques? Then don’t miss this full-filled event which will have you enjoying the game of golf.

Learn to Golf and 9 Hole Scramble Event

You will receive tips from some accomplished players and even get an opportunity to practice what you’ve learned while playing in a 9-Hole scramble. For the Scramble, we’ll break up into teams and play the best ball. The game moves quickly and everybody plays. And the best part is that having a set of golf clubs is not required.

Registration: 8:30 AM
Lessons start: 9:00 AM
9 Hole Scramble: 11:00 AM
Tower Tee Golf; 6727 Heege Road;  St Louis, MO 63123

All proceeds go toward supporting BDPA St. Louis students for the 2017 High School Computer Competition!

Malik Saafir * 2016 Bemley Scholar (Morehouse College)

Malik Saafir

BDPA Atlanta students earned 1st place in National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championship held in August 2016. The HSCC competition comprises three components: oral testing, written testing and a programming project. Malik Saafir was a member of that team. He earned a Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship which he used at Morehouse College.

Malik is a seventeen-year-old senior at Georgia Cyber Academy. Outside of school, he is a member of the 100 Scholars Robotics Alliance (100SRA). He works with BDPA and 100SRA to lead teams that compete with other high schoolers from around the state and the country. Malik has been with the 100SRA since since his sophomore year and currently serves as the captain of two FIRST Robotics teams under its umbrella. Malik has been accepted to Morehouse College with a full ride for the fall of 2017, and plans to double major in chemical engineering and computer science. Also, he was recently named valedictorian of his high school's graduating class of 2017.

We asked Malik to provide his thoughts on BDPA and his experiences in the HSCC event:

"The most influential experience I have had so far with the BDPA was the High School Computer Competition season of 2016. The regional and national levels of the High School Computer Competitions (HSCC) took place in June and August of 2016. The HSCC is a web development competition hosted by the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA), and it involves teams of students from around the country. Of the seven students on the Atlanta team, only two were champions from the prior season. The rest of us were rookies to the program. Consequently, we had a ton of studying to do over the four months from March until the regional competition in June.

Malik Saafir (2nd-Left) and his Teammates

My team and I needed to internalize web development, computer theory, and history, all while working on our presentation and public speaking skills, so we met every Saturday for approximately four hours. We studied the various programming languages and theories that we would apply, including PHP (PHP Hypertext Preprocessor), HTML (HyperText Markup Language), and SQL (Structured Query Language). With the help and guidance of several dedicated mentors and instructors, we learned everything we needed to know and more.

By June our team was ready for its first competition of the season, the regionals in Raleigh, NC This competition was to determine which Southern teams would continue to compete in the nationals. The competition consisted of a multiple-choice test on computer theory and history, which was eye-opening to our dire need of more practice, and a web development component. The coding section entailed four hours of programming with one laptop, no Wi-Fi, and a prompt detailing the requirements. After those tiring hours of designing and coding, we presented a website with an expansive range of functions, but barely any visual appeal due to time constraints. However, the application’s functional nature, in addition to our presentation, brought the season’s first victory home to Atlanta.

Malik and his teammates are 2016 HSCC Champions!

Following our encouraging win in June, the rest of the summer was spent diligently preparing for August’s week-long conference and national competition. Being the GA team meant we were defending our title as the reigning champions on our own turf. I am proud to say that my teammates and I brought Atlanta its second consecutive national victory. Over 30 teams were present from across the country. Rather than four hours, this contest required each team to huddle around two laptops for eight hours straight. The moment the BDPA president said that the first place team “should feel right at home in Atlanta,” I realized we had won. I felt a sensation of extreme joy and pride in myself and my teammates. There are no words to describe my ecstasy as we received our trophies on the stage. This experience was instrumental in my journey from childhood to adulthood because it built my confidence in myself and my ability to lead."

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation is very proud of Malik's involvement with BDPA. I encourage everyone who support BDPA to make a donation to the Bemley Scholarship Fund.

Grant Disbursement: BDPA Dallas ($2,831)

BDPA Dallas chapter president Chad White submitted a proposal seeking fund from the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF). The chapter needed the funds to support the growth of its Student Information Technology Education and Scholarship (SITES) program and chapter events. They plan to use the fund to ensure that their students can attend the 2017 BDPA Technology Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 26-29. The remaining funds will go towards generating events the Dallas area that generate funds and growth for the Dallas Chapter.

BETF provided a $2,831 grant disbursement to BDPA Dallas chapter.

BETF would love to be supportive of all 47 chapters as they seek funding for youth education programs. Just reach out to us in accordance with the 7-step process shown on our website.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Complete application packet must include the following:

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

Click here to download application!

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

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

Cameron Hughes (2013 Scholar)

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

    

    Dylan Gunn (2014 Scholar)

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

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

Any questions?

College Students Create Music Streaming Application

Meet Omose Ogala & Daniel Nfodjo​, creators of Vizzi Music! Frustrated with the cost of music, Omose worked with his brother, Idia Ogala to get Vizzi Music off the ground. Later adding Daniel to the team, these college students are giving one of the best music experiences, but completely FREE. Now they are competing with the big dogs like Apple Music, Spotify and Pandora!

Vizzi Music can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.   We are proud to report that Daniel is a BDPA college student member. He attends University of Cincinnati and was a recipient of the Johnson & Johnson scholarship.

Let's find a way to feature this company and product at the upcoming 2017 National BDPA​ Technology Conference on July 26-29 at the Duke Energy Center!

Johnson & Johnson Scholarship (Deadline: 6/2/2017)

Johnson & Johnson is a Gold-Level Sponsor of BDPA. We are proud to offer the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship to any eligible college student!

The Johnson & Johnson Scholarship seeks to provide financial assistance to any rising sophomore or higher student at a 4-year college or university. The objective of this scholarship is to support students who are committed to their academic studies and demonstrate evidence of being a good citizen as stated in the Johnson & Johnson Credo. The criteria and eligibility for the award are detailed in the application.

Johnson & Johnson Scholarship from Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio

The Johnson & Johnson Scholarship provides up to seven (7) $2,500 one-time only scholarships for a college student with a STEM major, strong community involvement and a minimum GPA of 3.0.  The next step is yours! Do you know anyone in your chapter who might be interested in this $2,500 college scholarship? The completed application, typed essay, two letters of recommendation, official transcript and resume must be received on or before Friday, June 2, 2017.

BDPA Lands Johnson & Johnson Gold Level Sponsorship

The long-term investment into BDPA by Johnson & Johnson has been ongoing for well over a decade. It continues into 2017 as Johnson & Johnson renewed its Gold Level corporate sponsorship of the 39thAnnual BDPA Technology Conference in Cincinnati, OH. 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’.

Alex Gorsky

“Diversity & Inclusion at Johnson & Johnson is not just a commitment — it is the reality of how we live and work. Meeting the global health care challenge takes constant innovation. The best innovations can only come if Johnson & Johnson employees reflect the world’s full diversity of individuals, opinions and approaches. Only then can we continue to meet the responsibilities of our credo,” said Alex Gorsky, Chief Executive Officer.

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.

Mike A. Williams

In a recent announcement, National BDPA President Mike Williams said, “BDPA is fortunate to be partnering again with the iconic brand Johnson & Johnson to increase diversity in the workplace and prepare future Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) leaders for success.” Williams added, “Johnson & Johnson has been in the business of caring for people for more than 130 years."

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 President stated, "On behalf of BDPA New Jersey, we are grateful to have Johnson & Johnson again as a corporate sponsor. They've been a strong supporter of ours over the past several years and we are excited to continue our partnership again this year.”

Goldie Bonney

“2017 marks a 14-year milestone for our “Families in Technology Day” program which is our longest running chapter event. This program would not be as successful as it is today without the support of Johnson & Johnson. We are looking to provide our membership with more workshops, training and networking opportunities and look forward to having Johnson & Johnson actively engaged," Bonney added.

For more details about the BDPA 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.

BDPA Cincinnati Newsletter (Spring 2017)

BDPA Cincinnati Newsletter (Spring 2017) from Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio

BDPA Names the First of Its 2017 Honorary Chairs: General Colin Powell and TV Journalist Roland Martin

General Colin Powell

Information Technology Giant BDPA named General Colin Powell and TV Journalist Roland Martin as two of this year’s Honorary Chairs to its 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair to be held July 26-29, 2017, at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. BDPA’s Career Fair is free and open to the public.

“BDPA is pleased to have such dynamic and pioneering Honorary Chairs,” said Mike A. Williams, BDPA National President. “They represent our continued support and advocacy of diversity inclusion, leadership, and entrepreneurship. We are excited about working with them during the next couple of months leading up to our 2017 National Conference and Career Fair,” he added.

Honorary Chair General Colin Powell, an American statesman and retired four-star general in the United States Army, is also former U.S. Secretary of State. General Powell spoke at BDPA’s National Conference Opening Ceremony in 2015 in Washington, DC.

Roland S. Martin

Respected as a nationally syndicated columnist as well as a television and radio host, Honorary Chair Roland S. Martin, is a two-time NAACP Image Award winner and has been named as one of the 150 most influential African Americans in the United States. At past BDPA conferences, Mr. Martin has served as a speaker, emcee and Honorary Chair.

BDPA Honorary Chairs’ commitment to further expand BDPA’s Information Technology initiatives and increase diversity of African Americans in the industry led to their chairmanship appointment. For more information on BDPA’s 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair or sponsorship opportunities, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext. 108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

Wells Fargo Continues Its BDPA Bronze Level Sponsorship

Nationally recognized as one of America's most reputable investment firms with a heritage of superior client service and unparalleled capabilities, Wells Fargo recently joined a list of top corporate bronze level sponsors of BDPA’s 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair to be held July 26-29, 2017 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“We are honored to have one of the largest U.S. financial services companies in the world partnering with BDPA to advance our mission. We look forward to working with Wells Fargo in the coming months," said Mike Williams, National BDPA President.

Wells Fargo believes that its diversity makes them stronger and helps to better understand the unique needs of their clients. Wells Fargo ranks the third-largest full-service provider of retail brokerage services in the U.S. and the third-largest provider of managed accounts.

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.

For more details about the BDPA 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.

President Profile: Allen Baylor (BDPA Milwaukee)

BDPA Milwaukee chapter was chartered in May 2005. One of the major corporate sponsors for the chapter has been MillerCoors. The last two presidents in chapter history were both employed by MillerCoors. In August 2013, BDPA Milwaukee chapter was reactivated in an effort to establish a network for minority IT professionals. They are a minority Information Technology (IT) organization dedicated to developing career-minded, IT professionals through networking and education to become leaders and innovators in the IT industry. Through sponsorship and volunteerism, they strive to develop programs in the community for high school and college students, but also for IT professionals and executives.

BDPA recognize chapters across the country that are committed to developing the Information Technology talent pipeline from the 'Classroom to the Boardroom'. BDPA Milwaukee was recognized as the “2014 Comeback Chapter of the Year” for its accelerated growth and commitment to students, members and corporate sponsors. Compared to the other chapters across the nation, BDPA Milwaukee has attracted the highest percent of new members in one year.  BDPA Milwaukee Chapter sponsored local high school students in the National High School Computer Competition (HSCC).



Allen Baylor (2016-2017) took over the presidency upon the passing of Carmen Giles.

Allen Baylor, President
BDPA Milwaukee Chapter

Address: 3939 W. Highland
Milwaukee, WI 53208
(414) 207-1464

Allen Baylor

Allen is a Milwaukee native, with almost 20 years of experience in Information Technology. Allen is married to his beautiful wife, Dr. Aza Baylor, which we have two beautiful children, Amari and Niara. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He has covered areas of IT Operations including IT Security, Networking, Application Monitoring and Tier 3 High Availability Support. He also worked in Project Management as a Web Development PM. From here, he shifted the last decade of his career into the area of Quality Compliance, with a focus on IT Governance, Quality Assurance, QA Testing, Validation, with exposure to FDA Audits for IT Systems. Allen is currently working with MillerCoors as a Governance Specialist with a focus on PMO Governance Processes and Methodology.   MillerCoors has been the official beverage at our annual BDPA Technology Conference over the past few year.

Favorite Quote: “If not now, when? And if not you, why not?" - Michael Roberts

Favorite Motto: Just do it!

Please use the POST COMMENT link below to share some BDPA-Love with the president  of our BDPA Milwaukee chapter!

Is Your Company The 'Best Company for Blacks in Technology'?

BDPA offers our stakeholders in corporations, educational institutions and government agencies opportunities to network with other employers, career professionals and students in the pursuit of IT talent and services, as well as receive critical information on technology trends.

The prestigious Corporate PACEsetter Award for the Top Companies for Blacks in Technology award is presented annually during the National BDPA Technology Conference and Career Fair to the company that best demonstrates a workplace and environment that supports the advancement of African Americans in the IT industry.

Look below to see the guidelines for this corporate award:

Top Companies for Blacks in Technology ` from Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio

Come learn more about the 39th annual BDPA Technology Conference in Cincinnati, OH on July 26-29, 2017!

BDPAConnect Virtual Career Fair * March 15-16, 2017

BDPAConnect Virtual Career Fair Registration already started and companies such as Eli Lilly and Company, Johnson & Johnson, NextEra Energy and NRG have joined already. Please see the document shown below and request more information on how your organization can participate and become part of this event.

flyer-BDPAConnect Virtual Career Fair from Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio

BDPA is the largest home of African American information technology professionals in the country. We plan to connect candidates and National BDPA to fill important technology positions and promote diversity initiatives in information technology, computer science and related STEM fields.

For more info, please reach out to BDPA via email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (301.584-3135 x107).

Careers in Business Initiative Program (Deadline: 2/10/2017)

Program Objective:
The objective of the Careers in Business Initiative Program (CIBI) is to introduce diverse women who are seniors in high school to business in general and Procter & Gamble in particular. Further, the program is designed to reach the women very early, before they enter college and are pursued by other companies. All women are from local area high schools with family ties to Cincinnati.

Careers in Business Initiative Program from Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio

Application/Interview Process:
The CIBI program started in 1998/99. Each year guidance counselors at many Cincinnati Metro area high schools are personally contacted to discuss the program. After the annual contact, recruiting materials and application packages are sent to the guidance counselors who distribute the materials to diverse women who meet the following criteria:

• Seniors
• Good academic standing
• Plan to continue their education
• Express interest in the program.

Those interested complete an online application, submit their resumes and complete the online Success Drivers Assessment. A resume template is available for those who do not have a resume prepared.

If the applicant meets the minimum criteria, they are contacted to set up an initial interview. During this visit the candidates:

• Complete a full comprehensive interview
• Are coached on interview tips and resume writing skills

Candidates who successfully complete the initial processes are invited to participate in Careers Day.

Careers Day:
The daylong program provides information about the Company and career opportunities. It also provides an opportunity for the candidates to meet successful Procter & Gamble employees. Comprehensive interviews are conducted during Careers Day. Apprenticeship offers are based on the results of the final interviews.

Placement:
Apprentices can work in different functions in order to provide them with a broad view of P&G. Roles are solicited directly within the various functions providing the specific projects. Each apprentice’s skills and desires are considered when matching them with a role. The program owner places all apprentices. A work plan is in place for each apprentice before their arrival with mid-point and final evaluations held to assure expectations are being met.

Future Offers:
Each apprentice will receive a mid-point and final evaluation from her manager. Offers to return subsequent summers will be based on these evaluations and the manager’s offer recommendation. The Program Owner will make all final offer decisions.

Program Owners: Devan Woods, Senior Senior Diversity Recruiting Specialist; Sheila Neal, Senior Recruiting Specialist
Program Sponsor: Tom Lally, North America Talent Supply Recruiting Team Leader

BDPAConnect Diversity Career Fair * March 15-16, 2017

BDPA is proud to host the BDPA Connect Virtual Career Fair on March 15-16, 2017.  BDPA plans to connect candidates and companies to fill important technology positions and promote diversity initiatives in information technology, computer science and related STEM fields.

overview-BDPAVirtualCareerFair

BDPA Connect is a two-day virtual recruiting operation sponsored by BDPA, Pink Tech, VetJobs and Professional Diversity Network. Technology candidates from across the USA will be invited to search opportunities.

Chapter President Profile: Victor Montgomery (BDPA Atlanta)

Victor Montgomery

BDPA Atlanta chapter is the 3rd-largest chapter in the nation and they hosted the 2016 BDPA Technology Conference. The chapter is led by Victor Montgomery (State Farm). Victor is an innovative, forward thinking Information Technology (IT) leader, with over eleven years of IT experience. He draws upon his technical acumen as he contributes to the growth and maturity of State Farm's IT into the metro-Atlanta area.

A graduate of Illinois State University, Victor obtained his Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems in 2004. He joined State Farm in 2004 starting his career as a mainframe programmer. Victor is currently pursuing his Masters of Science in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is very excited to be a part of the Georgia community helping to move IT forward.

Victor and his wife, Malikah, have one daughter and two sons: Nailah, Victor Jr. and Benjamin.

Message from BDPA Cincinnati Chapter President

Shawnda Peterson

Good morning all!

We had a good state of the union session last night. We were able to sign up three new individuals and hopefully have three move willing to join the organization. We discussed the national conference taking place in Cincinnati, Ohio during the week of July 26 - July 29. This is the first time in the 39 years the national conference has been taking place that it has been held in Cincinnati. This is a great accomplishment not only for our city but for our local chapter.

We have several interests with the media to do stories on several of the initiatives taking place inside of our organization. I hope everyone on the board will be willing if need to help speak and discuss some of the great things were are doing in the organization and how we are preparing for the conference. I hope everyone would be able to attend this year. The cost is $350/members and $450/non-members. and it is a strong possibility that your company will pay for your conference fees. I put in the request in this morning for me and I hope you do the same. Dr. Dalric Webb will be the local representative for the conference. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to him.

Debbie Sanders on January 11, 2017 stepped up to fill the board position as the VP of Finance. I would like everyone to please congratulate her on her new position when you have a chance. Thank you so much Debbie for stepping up in 2017 and we truly appreciate all your work.

We had an open forum with the group and here are some topics the members would like to see this year. If you know anyone who could possible speak on any of the topics please reach out to Aissatou Guisse.

Potential Topics included:

BDPA Cincinnati Program Meeting

• Alexa app development 
• AWS (Amazon Web Services)
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Datalake
• DevOps - Mike Lively has volunteer to speak to the group again
• Entrepreneurship
• Internet of Things (including security)
• Linux
• Mobile application development and deployment
• Network Security
• Protecting websites from web scrapers
• Recruitment Panel - This will be our February monthly meeting
• Security

I would like a take a moment to thank all board members and members who make an effort to join the monthly meetings. I truly appreciate it. I look forward to a good 2017 and hope that we can continue some good work.

Sincerely,
Shawnda Peterson, president
BDPA Cincinnati Chapter
(513) 549-6991
Twitter: @BDPACincinnati

BDPA Cincinnati Computer Camp Orientation (2017)

Frank Hill (Cincinnati State) lead the BDPA Cincinnati Computer Camp Orientation on January 14, 2017. There were over 30 people in attendance for the orientation including four of our past High School Computer Competition (HSCC) students. BDPA Cincinnati plans to host the computer camp for the next 13 weeks thru April 8, 2017.

Here is the deck that Frank used at the orientation:

BDPA Cincinnati Computer Camp Orientation (2017) from Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio

Frank reminded the audience,

"All, for my 18th consecutive year with BDPA, I got to interact with a new group of talented students with a bright future in front of them. I personally get a lot of energy and hope for the future when I work with young students. I additionally get joy when I see them succeed in life. BDPA can't take all of the credit for this, however, I think we are a building block. Adam Goines, one of our students last year and a freshman at University of Dayton, just got his first patent. Adam's mother who is an administrator at Cincinnati State introduced me to him two years ago. He stopped by my classroom a number of times to discuss technical projects that he was working on. Last year he joined the camp and received our training. We still have discussions on how to use micro-controllers for his projects at the University of Dayton.

For many Black students, we are the next best thing to getting a "leg-up" in a ever increasing technological society. The robot revolution will be in full force within the next five years. The great discussion about how to keep traditional manufacturing jobs in the USA is futile. I say this a lot to my students at Cincinnati State. The entire world is on a path to automation and our population is behind the curve.

I see my role for my remaining time on the earth as helping people, especially young people with the transition. I encourage all of you to make that direct connection with young lives. It makes a big difference in how they turn-out in life. I had people perform that function for me and for the past 40 years, I have had a strong desire to "pay it forward". Lastly BDPA is the organization that performs this function best. I checked!"

You can help these students by making a secure online donation in support of BDPA Cincinnati! We hope you can schedule some time to visit these students over the coming Saturdays. Just click here to let us know you'll be in attendance!

BDPA College Student Overview

Earl Pace and David Wimberly founded BDPA in November 1975 as a local association. Within three years, the founders grew BDPA into a national organization with chapters in Philadelphia, Washington DC and Cleveland. Today, there are 46 chapters throughout the United States. One part of the BDPA legacy is our program for college students and college campuses. This is a program that enriches the opportunities for our students in a variety of post-secondary education institutions with a focus on low-and moderate-income communities.

31% of BDPA’s membership consists of college students. BDPA understands that its educational life cycle moves from the classroom to the boardroom. A major element of the educational life cycle resides with college students. Annual membership dues for college students are only $25 … a significant savings from the annual membership dues that adult professionals invest in BDPA membership.

BDPA established the college student program to teach advanced computer science and community responsibility to students from historically disadvantaged communities. There are four major components of our college student program that impact on the educational future of K-12 students:

1. College Scholarships
2. IT Showcase
3. Internships and Entry-Level Jobs in IT Industry
4. Mobile Application Showcase

Most of our 46 local BDPA chapters run programs that provide science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum and experiences for young people of color in community colleges, 4-year colleges and vocational schools. These training programs include a monthly program meeting hosted by each local chapter that provides remarkable information from industry professionals as well as unique networking opportunities that are not replicated anywhere else in the community.

BDPA seeks to have more students in college studying STEM-related disciplines. BDPA created the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) in 1992 for the purpose of giving college scholarships to deserving high school students. Over 200 college scholarships valued at over $469,900 have been handed out by BDPA and BETF. In addition, BDPA created two programs that feature college students - IT Showcase (2003) and Mobile Application Showcase (2014). BDPA began the process to bridge the ‘digital divide’ before the term was widely known. BDPA recognizes that to close the gap of computer and technology literacy, minority youth must participate and compete in today’s digital economy. Otherwise, our youth run the risk of being obsolete in America’s workforce.

The BDPA college student program is intellectually challenging and builds self-esteem through the mastery of applied computer science. We create a foundation for academic and career success. BDPA trains our youth to use technology as a vehicle to learn skills and concepts beyond the technology itself. In essence it bridges the gap between long-term educational approach of the classroom and short-term skills experience of the workplace.

It is worth noting that all of these BDPA programs have an added advantage in our efforts to cultivate exceptional talent – we go beyond just providing programming and STEM-based skills. BDPA also trains these young people in project management, time management, public speaking, team-building and presentation skills. In summary, they learn the fundamentals of being an IT professional and personal leadership in the workplace.

Grant Declination: Michael & Susan Dell Foundation ($5,000)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) worked with our BDPA Middle Tennessee chapter to submit a $5,000 grant proposal to the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. Our proposal was declined. The folks at the Dell Foundation wrote,

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"Thank you for visiting the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation website and for submitting your request for funding.

Unfortunately, we cannot provide financial support for your project. Your proposal has been personally reviewed by a foundation program officer and consideration has been given for your objectives, past success and future vision. However, your project and organization is not aligned with our goals and strategies at this time.

While we wish we could help every organization in the world, we have chosen to align our work around specific geographies, missions and outcomes. We believe that to be effective given our mission and principles, we must focus our resources. Your program sounds very worthwhile; however, at this time, we must regretfully decline participation in this project.

We wish you the very best with your future endeavors."

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Although we've won a $5,000 grant from the Dell Foundation in the past ... it wasn't meant to be this year. We will continue to work with BDPA Middle Tennessee chapter to find the funding that they need to send their students to the 2017 BDPA Technology Conference in Cincinnati, OH.

You can make a donation to support BDPA Middle Tennessee right now!

2015 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Rankings

2015 National HSCC Champions * BDPA Atlanta

The 2015 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championships were held in Washington DC. We had 15 teams competing in 2015. The two-day competition was fierce and we had a new champion from Atlanta! The 2014 HSCC Champion were from BDPA Atlanta and they earned HP laptops and a $2,000 Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship for attending college. They beat out the defending championship team from BDPA Washington DC and the team who placed won the silver medal at the 2014 competition from BDPA Greater Columbia.

The winning team from Atlanta included Cameron Reaves, Saket Shirsath and Yash Shirsath.

Here are the rankings for all 15 teams that competed in 2015 national HSCC championships with the scholarship winnings for each student in parenthesis:

1. Atlanta ($2,000 Bemley Scholarship for each student)
   
2. Washington DC ($1,500 scholarship)
3. Greater Columbia ($1,000 scholarship)
4. Southern Minnesota ($750 scholarship)
5. New Jersey ($500 scholarship)
6. St Louis
7. Cincinnati
8. Middle Tennessee
9. Indianapolis
10. Chicago
11. Dallas
12. Twin Cities
13. Triangle
14. New York
15. Milwaukee

Our foundation seeks to increase the number of students that receive Bemley Scholarships. To do so, we need your help. Please consider making an online donation to help us interest young people in science and technology.

Introduce Yourself

Wayne Hicks, BETF Exec Director

Hotep! My vision for the BDPA Foundation blog is simple. I want you to feel that you learn about the vibrant programs and services offered by BDPA on a global basis. I want our blog to become a welcoming and interactive place for BDPA members and supporters to come together and share information with one another. Just relax for a moment in your hectic surfing through cyberspace ... relax and enjoy the vibe of our BETF-Blog.

We hope that our voice is a worthy one in the blogosphere. The BETF-Blog strives to share information that uplifts people of African descent throughout the information technology industry. There are a number of ways that you can stay connected in a timely manner. However, we realize that it is your voice that makes us better. Please comment freely on any post that you read here in the BETF-Blog.

If you have any questions, or want to promote your chapter or your technology-based blog then you can do so right here! Just leave a 'comment' to this post.

Kwanzaa: Imani ('Faith')

Habari Gani? Imani (ee-MAH-nee)!
Day 7. January 1

To believe with all our hearts in our parents, our teachers, our leaders, our people and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
When life seems to bring nothing but a string of defeats and disappointments, we've got to have faith that something good is still in store for us. With this faith, we can forge ahead and continue to put forth our best effort. Without it, we give up and accept what comes our way, good or bad. Our precious dreams begin to seem absurdities.

It is imperative that we see ourselves as worth and deserving of a good life. There may be rejections; it may take us a while; but as long as we stay in the game, there's every chance we'll score. On the sidelines, we can only watch as others do the work and the winning.

Perhaps it is time for us to celebrate this seventh principle of the Nguzo Saba principle, 'Imani'! Perhaps it is time ... as we enter for a new year ... to step out on faith.

On this day, I will spend five minutes to relax and visualize success in achieving one of my goals.

Those are my thoughts about Imani. Please take a moment to join this online Kwanzaa celebration with me. What do you think when Imani comes to mind?