HSCC Testimonial: Julia Josefina Berg (Boston)

Originally Posted: Dec 13, 2008

There are times when BDPA leaders begin to doubt the sanity of our involvement in a volunteer organization. We give our time, talent and energy and we wonder if our efforts are making a difference.

That is the reason that BETF continues to seek out and share these High School Computer Competition (HSCC) testimonials. Sometimes we simply need to reminders about the impact of BDPA programs directly from our HSCC students.

Here is one that lifted my spirits from Julia Josefina Berg. She is currently a senior at Worcester Polytechnic Institute who is very active as webmaster for the school's Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) chapter. She was a member of the HSCC team trained by BDPA Boston chapter in 2004. She shares her thoughts on the impact that the HSCC training and competition had on her life. I hope you enjoy her testimonial as much as I did:

---

"You have eight hours to create an online DVD rental store. You will be judged on teamwork, solution elegance, unique Graphic User Interface (GUI), and the completeness of the application. You may use your choice of Sun Microsystems Java Technology, Microsoft ASP, Open Source Software PHP, or Microsoft.NET, as your database technology. READY..SET..GO!"

The doors were closed and locked shut. Suddenly there I was...a tiny Latina from Boston in a large, strange, hotel ballroom in Dallas, Texas. The room was packed with adolescents, separated by state into small groups and assigned to computer stations. Even after six months of Information Technology (IT) training, I knew my knowledge from school courses and my creativity were about to be pushed to the
limits.

I remember looking around the table and the adrenaline rush that streamed through my body. Never had I been so proud of my peers and myself. There we were - the first team from Boston in over ten years. Yet we were not only representing Massachusetts, but also our own native countries, Chile and Pakistan. As the three finalists, we battled our way through programming boot camp and won our regional competition to gain a spot for the national contest. The long Saturday classes, the trip across the nation, the individual quiz bowl, and now the eight-hour programming contest! This was actually fun for me - what once was overwhelming was now a natural routine. Fingers typing, ideas flowing, this was what I was meant to do.

The first time I learned of Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) I was a high school freshman and was thrilled to have IT training with other motivated teenagers. Yet I never expected my mentors and teammates to become like family. I had attended class expecting to be an outcast, the same frustrating sensation I often met in the computer classroom. Despite living in a diverse community, I constantly found myself the sole racial minority and the only girl. Here at the competition I was not the only one who had felt lonely in her endeavors. We had all come out on top, the underdog role only motivating us to work harder.

At the national conference I had the honor of meeting Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to venture into space, and a role model for women in technology worldwide. Her words have stayed with me ever since. She said, "I had to learn very early not to limit myself due to others' limited imagination."

That is what BDPA helped me to realize: where you are from and the culture you are raised in has a lasting impact in establishing your identity, but should not limit your success. Dr.Jemison taught me that you could both keep your ethnic pride, as well as make your mark in this world. BDPA was about more than striving for equality in the IT field, but aiming for the top.

And... Time! Suddenly it was all over. The eight hours of grueling mental stimulation had knocked me out like no other experience. Depleted, I removed my sore fingers and wrists from the keyboard and fell back in my chair. The scene itself was spectacular; hundreds of minority adolescents brought together for a common goal - to show the world that we were the future IT leaders.

I left that Texas ballroom with the confidence to succeed. For the last four years I have dedicated myself to fulfilling my own dreams. I started a web design company and have worked with major organizations such as the Museum of Science and Intel Computer Clubhouse, a global organization that gives minority children the opportunity to learn computer technology. I hope to guide them like BDPA guided me, by following the trails blazed by influential pioneers like Mae Jemison. Why not go for it?

---

Please take a moment to share your COMMENTS with Julia about her remembrances. Afterwards take a moment to think about ways that you can help BDPA create more love for technology in young people. How can you help?

Message from Greater Tampa Bay Chapter President

Next Thursday is our final meeting of the year -- and what a year it has been! Here are a few highlights:

• Partnerships with Computer Mentors Group, Lives Under Construction, Univ of South Florida, the US Air Force Academy and Upward Bound


• First Annual Golf Charity Event with Computer Mentors


• At-Risk Youth: Student Computer, Biz and Life Skills Training (15 students)


• Three Students Participated in Annual High School Computer Competition


• First Annual Greater Tampa Bay Youth Awards Breakfast (30+ students given certificates or plaques)


• Initiated ACT, SAT College Prep Training led by Manish K.


• Helped members find consulting, part time & full-time jobs during the tough economic downturn

For our final meeting we will outline strategic plan for 2010 and highlight key dates. We will need assistance for:

1. Training midschool and high school students in computer tech, health and fitness, biz and career/life skills each Saturday morning from 9 to 12:00 noon (can alternate instructors so each of us would only have to train 1 or 2 times per month)


2. March Golf Charity Event - Need volunteers to help with planning and operations the day of the event as well as players for the tournament
   
3. ACT, SAT College Prep - Need volunteers to assist with online and some face-to-face training/mentorship for at-risk high school students

Finally, we sent out the following email to students and parents of college bound students:

BDPA & Computer Mentors Group Partner with US Air Force Academy and Air Force ROTC for College Scholarships (DEADLINE: 28 FEB 2010)

Dear Students and Parents:

First, I want to thank you for supporting Computer Mentors Group and BDPA and making 2009 an unqualified success even in the midst of the challenging economic recession. And it looks like we are finally seeing positive economic signs and the return of jobs. Now to the matter of college opportunities.

Earler in the year, we mentioned to many of the parents and students that there are amazing scholarship opportunities worth pursuing, but you need to remain active and move fast. We have an arrangement with Academy Admissions (US Air Force Academy (USAFA) / ROTC / Prep School) to support our Greater Tampa Bay Area students who wish to pursue college. Open enrollment for USAFA begins online now.

Here's what you need to do to get started:

Go to http://www.academyadmissions.com/, type Summer Seminar in the Search window (top right), and then click the link click here half way down the page. The summer seminar program allows you to visit USAFA first hand and tour the campus in Colorado Springs, CO.

Window Closes: 28 Feb 2010 (DEADLINE!!)

--
Kind regards,
Frank Shines, president
BDPA Greater Tampa Bay
Mobile: (813) 454-5325
Skype: FShines

BDPA Cleveland Chapter Honors 2009 SITES Participants

BDPA Cleveland Chapter Honors 2009 SITES Participants. This 3-part video was taken at Community Meeting hosted on 11/17/2009 by BDPA Cleveland chapter. This 3-part video features an introduction by the chapter president (Ken Wilson) as well as an overview of the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program by the chapter coordinator (Sylvia Calhoun). Please note that the Oracle Scholarship is discussed in the 3rd video.


Part 1-of-3



Part 2-of-3



Part 3-of-3


Video Credit: Henry Ford

Conversations with Octavia Butler

Octavia Butler (1947-2006) is one of my favorite authors. Her work was unique and provided an afrocentric view of science fiction. I'm pleased to see that many of her interviews from 1980 until just before her sudden death in 2006 have been gathered together into a book, 'Conversations with Octavia Butler'.

I plan to read this book.




Are you a science fiction fan? If so, what are your views on Octavia Butler and her works?

HSCC Testimonial * Nick Akogyeram (2005)

Originally Posted: 12/10/2007

We are very excited to share these HSCC testimonials with BETF-Blog Readers. One of our most successful HSCC programs is located in Rochester, MN. We are proud to share another testimonial from Nicolas Akogyeram, a HSCC alumni member from BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter. Nick wrote:

---

My first experience with Computer Science and Information Technology came in my sophomore year of high school. I was part of the BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter from 2004 to 2006. My parents wanted my brother and me to join this extracurricular activity after Mr. Francis Aning, a family friend and the president of the Southern Minnesota chapter at the time, mentioned it to them. We were not particularly excited about giving up our Saturday mornings to do more work in addition to our school work. I just remember my parents telling me (often times repeatedly) how much of a good opportunity this class could be for us. They always taught us to be open-minded and to try new things. So I decided that I was going to give computer programming a change.

After attending the first class, my brother and I met some teenagers from other area schools that we knew and some that we didn’t know so well. There were so many people that were thrilled, energized, excited, and any other synonym that one could think of, about BDPA and computer programming that it was hard not to be so as well. There were a lot of volunteers that helped to set up, teach, and provide rides for us students. The parents of students also got involved by providing food for our break time. I began to genuinely enjoy the class and made many friends that I may not have met under normal circumstances. Our chapter became very close, similar to a large family.

The computer programming class was not just about fun and games. We were taught computer languages that professionals and computer science majors learn in college. It was difficult material, but the teachers made it fun and easy to learn. The classes and months went by quickly, almost without my noticing. Then in June, the Southern Minnesota chapter held a test to decide which students would be on the High School Computer Competition team that would compete at the competition. I wasn’t nervous about taking the exam because the class had become a pleasant experience for me, so I just took the exam without any worries. And to my surprise, I was selected to be one of the five students to represent our chapter at the 2005 National Conference held in Detroit. I became excited and nervous at the same time. Three of the students on the team had already had experience at the High School Computer Competition (two second place finishes in 2003 and 2004) and were eager to improve on the prior successful finishes. There was pressure to perform well.

In the summer of 2005 we went through "boot camp" as we affectionately called it. We spent countless hours of our summer vacation practicing various skills such as computer programming, problem solving, professionalism and proper presentation etiquette. Some meetings were extensive and seemed to never come to end, but our camaraderie helped to get us through the lengthy sessions.

We were so well prepared and eager to show our newly acquired skills at the High School Computer Competition. When we arrived at Detroit, it was unbelievable to see so many people of African American descent, but more importantly that were inspired and working hard to do well. I was used to being one of few who strived for excellence; often teased and feeling the need to hide my talents to fit in with the social norm. Seeing that many young African Americans that held academics as a high priority and could still have a good time was something that I had not experienced in my life. It was refreshing and I suddenly felt I wanted to show the world everything that I had learned in the past year. Our team spent the final nights before the competition practicing everything that we had learned and honing our skills.

The competition consisted of three parts, a written test, a web-site assignment, and a presentation to judges. We did well on the written test achieving the highest composite score of the teams competing. Then we had seven hours to build a web-site for college students to order Personal Computers, laptops, and accessories online. It was challenging problem that took us the full seven hours to complete. At the end of the presentation part and the competition, my friends and I felt content with our performance and could do nothing but leave the decision up to the judges. The banquet that evening seemed to last forever, and of course the program had the presentation of the winners of the High School Computer Competition as the very last event. Our chapter impatiently awaited the announcement of the winners.

Just before they announced that we had won first place, the announcer said a quote from Angi Porter, one of my teammates. It was fitting seeing as she had been on the team for the past three years and won tenth place and second place twice. She worked extremely hard to get us over the hump and win first place. Everyone was so proud of us including ourselves. We were able to enjoy the first place finish and relax that evening.

I participated in the Youth Computer Training Program the following year but I did not attend the conference in Los Angeles. My overall experience was priceless and I am so thankful for the friends and skills that I obtained from BDPA. I would not trade it for anything, and I will testify to everyone that they should try new things because one will never know what one is capable of. I am now attending Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland studying Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. I would encourage anyone to join BDPA to get same experience I had.

Finally I would like to say thank you to Mr. Aning and my parents for getting me involved in BDPA, my brother, Mr. Doug Porter, Angi Porter, Kathryn Wiseman, Matthew Mayweathers, and Lauren Pemberton (my teammates and friends), the rest of the YCTP students and all of the teachers and volunteers for their support. Our achievement is an example that God rewards those who work hard to accomplish their goals.

---

Do we have any of the parents, students or members of our BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter who want to weigh in by using the POST A COMMENT feature?

American Charities May Not Have a Happy Holiday

American charities have weathered a significant drop in giving this year, and while they're hoping for a holiday miracle, a recent survey shows they will probably see a decrease in year-end generosity.

In light of the economic downturn, only 38 percent of Americans say they are more likely to give a charitable gift as a holiday present this year, compared to 49 percent last year, according to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive to be released Monday.

Some of the biggest U.S. charities say they are budgeting for a disappointing Christmas.

Read the full Associated Press story here.

National Computer Science Education Week

The U.S. House of Representatives recently designated December 6–12, 2009 as Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) in recognition of the transformative role of computing and necessity of rigorous computer science education at all levels.

The CSEdWeek website launches the week of Dec. 6 to be a hub for computer science education resources and social networking.

The development of CSEdWeek is a joint effort led by Association of Computer Machinery with the cooperation and deep involvement of the Computer Science Teachers Association, the Computing Research Association, the National Center for Women & Information Technology, the Anita Borg Institute, the National Science Foundation, Google, Intel, and Microsoft.

Gates Foundation Commits $12.9M to College Technology

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation wants to help community colleges use technology to improve and go beyond basic online classes.

The $12.9 million in grants the foundation recently announced will support a variety of programs — from supporting teachers to using social media and creating virtual-learning labs.

The foundation's leader of its college program says they are targeting the best new ideas for improving learning opportunities for low-income young adults. The grants will focus on science and math and affect colleges across the nation.

In addition to making online and digital classes better, the foundation wants to help create new networking tools and education games to make learning interactive, enjoyable and relevant.

Take Five: Rod Flakes (Boston Metrowest)

Rod Flakes became president of BDPA Boston chapter in October 2008. He is an IT operations manager for the Department of Mental Health in Massachusetts. He was kind enough to participate in our Take Five interview series:

---

1. How did you get involved in working with BDPA? - I have known many of the members of the local Boston chapter through working at Digital Equipment Corporation. About three years ago I went to one of their program meetings and was impressed with the possibilities. Last year I joined and also became chapter president.
   
   
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of working with BDPA? - I am impressed with the mission, goals, and objectives of the organization. I especially like working with college students as they consider future career choices.
3. Tell us about a defining moment in your life? - About two weeks after I arrived on Howard’s campus, four girls were killed in the 16th Street Baptist church bombing in Birmingham. Being from Birmingham and having just graduated from high school that June, I knew Denise McNair’s mother. Cynthia Wesley went to my high school. The impact of this event is still with me today. I dedicated myself then to be the best I could be in memory of those whose lives were cut short in the struggle. This sustained me as I pursued and received my Engineering degrees, and various professional jobs.
4. Who is your hero and why? - I don’t have heroes or a hero. I believe everyone is blessed with a God given gift and talent.
5. Any advice for people considering donation to BETF? - The donation to BETF is worthwhile because it contributes to the positive motivation of our youth to pursue professional careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematical (STEM) environment. When you consider contributing to BETF in whatever amount, it is cheaper then what ignorance, idleness, and lack of motivation cost.

---

BDPA is blessed to have leaders with the experience to take us to the next level. What did you learn from Rod's Take Five interview?

Community Foundations Saw a 27% Drop in Asset Value

Community foundations suffered steep investment losses last year, ending a five-year streak of positive returns and damaging their purchasing power, according to a new report from the Council on Foundations, an organization that represents grant makers.

A survey of 200 council members found a median return of -27 percent for community-foundation investments in 2008. The dismal performance brought down the industry’s median return over the 20 years ending last year to 7.9 percent.

Assuming a 5.5 percent spending rate, and taking into account the period’s average annual inflation of 2.8 percent, community foundations have fallen short of the returns needed to maintain their purchasing power, the report says.

Read the rest of the Chronicle of Philanthropy article

Sam Walton Community Scholarship

Each operating Wal-Mart Store, SAM'S CLUB and Walmart's grocery stores are eligible to award one $3,000 scholarships to qualifying local high school seniors.

Students must be graduating high school seniors and must not be an Associate of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., or be the child/dependent of an Associate of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. This award is used for the student's freshman year tuition, books, fees and on-campus room and board at an approved, accredited U.S. college or university. [Read More]

Sam Walton Community Scholarship $3,000 (one-time, non-renewable)

Message from Boston Chapter President

Our November 10th program meeting speaker, Tom Ermolovich, was a big hit as our posted photos show. Tom’s topic of “Can you educate someone to be an entrepreneur” was very interesting and informative. We are confirming speakers and topics for next year and will announce them shortly.

Our next chapter meeting will be December 14th. We will cover where the chapter is and where we are planning to go. We have lots of progress to report on our Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) with various organizations, Chapter Finances, Chapter Membership and BDPA Demographic update.

We have lots to be thankful for as we enter the holiday seasons. I wish everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. May God bless and keep you.

In closing, I am asking everyone to:

• Renew your membership
  
• Join our chapter
  
• Volunteer to help with our programs and events
  
• Encourage more corporate sponsors

I hope to meet everyone soon!

Regards,
Rod Flakes, president
BDPA Boston Chapter

Big Nonprofits Predict 9% Drop in Donations

The nation’s largest nonprofits, including prominent universities, hospitals, and foundations, are expecting a 9 percent decrease in donations in 2009, according to a survey by the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

It’s the steepest drop the publication has reported in the 17 years it has surveyed the 400 largest charities in the country.

While many of these groups, from the United Way and the Salvation Army to Harvard University, saw fund-raising increases in 2008, their donors had not yet felt the full force of the economic downturn and the stock market’s dive, according to the survey. Many are expecting far leaner times through 2010.

"These are the most successful charities. If they are going to see a decline of 9 percent, the smaller, scrappier charities that don’t have all that going for them are going to be having a much harder time," said Stacy Palmer, editor of the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Read full Boston Globe story.

Message from Orlando Chapter President

Greetings, as we enter this final month of 2009 we want to thank you for coming out to the program meetings or joining us via the Live Meeting webinars. BDPA Orlando chapter exists to be a value added resource for YOU and to deliver services and programs which YOU desire and want. We need YOU to TELL US what YOU WANT for 2010 so that we can work to provide that to YOU.

Review of 2009 BDPA Orlando Chapter Program Meetings.

• January: Career Development & Successful Job Hunting Strategies


• February: Smith Center Black History Event


• March: Change and Release Management Process Based on ITIL Methodology


• April: How to use Social Media to Promote Your Business


• June: Joomla Website Development Presentation


• August: National BDPA Conference Highlights


• October: Information Security for Small Business


• December: Inside Windows 7 with Microsoft

Please tell us what you want for 2010. What topics interests you? What member services do you want us to provide? What can we do to help you be successful in your career or in your business? We are in need of volunteers for Saturday workshops and training. Do you have 2 hours to spare on Saturday mornings? Do you want to offer your time to mentor? Do you need a mentor?

Please give us your input as well as any questions.

Send them to: info@bdpaorlando.org

We want to introduce to you the new National BDPA leadership that will be taking over the reins on January 1, 2010. This new National Executive Committee (NEC) is looking to provide great services to our members. You will come to see an increase in the number of membership services and benefits. You will see more mentoring, internship, scholarships, job opportunities, small business technology workshops, regional and National conferences and much more.

I encourage you to JOIN BDPA TODAY!

The annual membership dues for Full Members is $75 thru December 31, it will increase to $100 on January 1, 2010. Student Membership rate is $15.

2010-2012 National BDPA Leadership Team

• Yvette Graham, National President
  
• Monique Berry, President-Elect
  
• Charles Moore, Vice President (Finance)
  
• Paulette Johnson-Davis, Vice President (Members Services)
  
• Curtis Jenkins, Vice President (Strategy & Planning)
  
• Donald Brown, Chief Information Officer
  
• Monica Bowe, Outside Director
  
• William Flowers, Outside Director
  
• Milt Haynes, Outside Director
  
• Donald French, Executive Director
  
• Earl Pace, BDPA Founder

As always, this is your newsletter so if there is something that you would like to share like an article or know of any job opportunities for BDPA Orlando members please forward them to: info@bdpaorlando.org

Thank you,
Pablo More
BDPA Orlando President
Mobile (617) 283-2051

2010 HSCC Textbook: Schaum's Outline Principles of Computer Science

BDPA will train over 800 students this year as part of our Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program. Click here if you are interested in reviewing the recommended training topics documentation. The file contains the topics that will be covered in the Oral and Written quizzes.

The main textbook that will be used is Schaum's Outline Principles of Computer Science. Please let us know if you want to provide funds to purchase 1 or more books to be donated to chapter in your area. There are other books and resources shared in the training documentation.

Post a comment if you have questions or want to pledge funding. You can also reach out to Danna Sturdivant (National SITES Coordinator) on (800) 727-2372 for any questions about the training materials.

Message from Philadelphia Chapter President

BDPA Philadelphia is the 3rd largest chapter in the nation. BDPA Philadelphia's excellence in community service, financial management and professional development can be seen in the gleam from the back-to-back-to-back 'Chapter of the Year' awards earned in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The woman in charge of this powerful chapter is Monique Berry. Here is the message she shared with chapter stakeholders this month:

---

Heading into the Holiday Season provides us an opportunity to reflect on the positive things we have experienced during the past year and prepare for the New Year with even bigger goals and aspirations. It is time to feel grateful for our health and family and to be thankful for the many things we take for granted. The Holidays also give us a chance to recharge and assess the true meaning and purpose of our lives.

I am very proud of the BDPA Philadelphia Chapter and our members. I am thankful for the achievements of our Executive Board and dedicated members who worked hard to serve our chapter.

BDPA Philadelphia continues to close the Digital Divide by helping the community maintain an awareness of the value of computer technology. We also continued our Student Information Technology Education and Scholarship (SITES) program success by giving area students over $6,000 in scholarships.

I would like to continue giving scholarships to deserving students in the future and need your support to make my hope a reality. Please purchase a ticket or an ad for the Scholarship Gala this Saturday. If you can't attend you can still make a donation in a denomination of your choice.

As you look back on 2009, you can take pride in your financial contribution to our students, and what you have accomplished personally and professionally.

As you set your New Year's resolutions, consider putting your involvement in BDPA high on that list. The benefits you will reap include professional development, networking and social opportunities, and simply making our profession better, which in my mind is priceless!

On behalf of the Philadelphia's Executive Board, corporate partners (CIGNA, Merck, Deloitte, Johnson & Johnson) and all of our volunteers, I wish you and yours a joyous and a very safe holiday season.

Regards,
Monique Berry, President
BDPA Philadelphia Chapter
president@bdpaphilly.org

Letter of Inquiry * Franklin and Catherine Johnson Foundation

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) partnered with BDPA Bay Area chapter on a letter of inquiry to the Franklin and Charles Johnson Foundation. We asked for permission to submit a $2,500 grant proposal for their funding consideration.

Tarah Evans is the executive director of the Johnson Foundation. Our request was forwarded to her via LinkedIn Network. She responded,

"I am happy to review some information about the program, but want to let you know that we do not accept unsolicited proposals. We are a very small family foundation, and do the majority of our grant-making in the local (East Palo Alto) area. But saying that, I am happy to read an executive summary of the program and look into whether or not it might be a fit for us."

We are hopeful that our Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program in northern California will be a fit for them! For that matter, we hope that our SITES program is a fit for you ... please consider making a secure online donation in support of our SITES Endowment Fund.

This Week in BDPA (Nov 29 - Dec 5)

BDPA has 45 chapters around the nation. You can always find programs, services or networking activity here or here. BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry.

Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the centralized BDPA calendar :

• Dec 3: National - Webinar, 'Calling All Introverts: How to Increase Your Impact in an Extrovert World'


• Dec 4: Baton Rouge - Networking, 'Holiday Social'


• Dec 5: Detroit - Meeting, 'Kickoff: High School Computer Competition'


• Dec 5: Philadelphia - Networking, '4th Annual Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser'


• Dec 5: Atlanta - Networking, 'Annual Holiday Party'

We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the centralized BDPA Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events! Please let us know of other BDPA events that we may have missed. Most importantly, let us know if you plan to attend any BDPA events this week.

Finally, I hope that those of you with a Facebook account will support BETF in the Chase Community Giving campaign.

Twitter Presents a Chance for Savvy Charities to Reach More People

Late one Friday afternoon this fall, Matt Flannery, the co-founder of Kiva.org, posted a message on Twitter: "It seems like my Twitter account is getting attacked by spam. 500 new followers a minute. Anyone else experiencing this?"

In fact, a small group of people who use Twitter to talk about philanthropy had also been inundated with followers. But the reason for the instant increase wasn't anything as spurious as a spam attack. All the people who suddenly attracted new followers had just been added to Twitter's official "suggested users" list of people worth following. Traditionally, Twitter's suggestions have included celebrities like Al Gore, Shaquille O'Neal, and Oprah Winfrey, so adding the likes of Matt Flannery and other stars of the philanthropy world represents a big shift.

Read the rest of the Chronicle of Philanthropy article here.

HSCC Testimonial: Bogdan Pomerlyan (2001)

Originally Posted: 11/29/2007

BETF-Blog Readers, have you enjoyed reading the testimonials of young men and women who competed in our national high school computer competition over the past 20+ years? I think it is important for you to see the human faces behind our BETF fundraising efforts.

At the end of the day, BETF is measured by our success as a fundraising mechanism that provides these young people with increased educational opportunities that focus on information technology and with increased scholarships so that they can attend post-secondary colleges, universities or vocational-technical schools.

Some of you are long-time members of BDPA. Have you thought about what BDPA volunteers are doing each day around the country in our 45 chapters? If so, don't you think it is time for you to make a donation or to include us in your United Way or CFC payroll deductions?

Anyhow, we are blessed to have a young man who represented his city of Charlotte, NC in the 2001 national high school computer competition. His name is Bogdan Pomerlyan and here are his words:

---

Early on in high school I spent most of my time learning the ins and outs of desktop publishing applications. I excelled in that and decided to expand into networking because our school was starting a new set of classes in that direction. I did well in networking and enjoyed it, but there was one more field that I wanted to try before graduating from high school. That was application and web programming. The problem was that my class load was already packed and I didn’t have the resources to learn the material at home. It wasn’t until a friend invited me to join him at a BDPA meeting and I started attending regularly that I was able to explore the programming world.

It was even better than taking a class on the subject though because we had real-world professionals that taught us. The environment was relaxed and you were able to learn at your own pace. We met in sophisticated "classrooms" that were owned by the companies we dreamed of one day working for which honestly made the whole experience very inspirational; then there was the National High School Computer Competition in Chicago. Although our chapter did not win, I will never forget and will always treasure the experience. Ultimately, BDPA exposed me to the field I later decided would be my starting career. For that I will always be grateful to those that sacrificed their time and money.

---

Bogdan is a success story. He is now a software developer at Wachovia Bank. It is not a coincidence that Wachovia, a strong BDPA corporate sponsor, made Bogdan a first-round draft pick in their information technology department!

BETF-Blog Readers, we need you to POST A COMMENT below to share some love with Bogdan and the other young HSCC alumni that you are meeting on this blog. Can you help us out?