Computer Science Collaboration Project

The Computer Science Collaboration Project (CSCP) is offering mini-grant funding as an incentive for collaborative projects to efficiently increase the participation of African American K-12 youth in computer science. These mini-grants are designed to build collaboration between participants from K-12 settings, community-based organizations, higher education, and industry to encourage African American youth to explore and/or pursue computer science educational programs and careers. In addition to awarding mini-grants, CSCP activities include in-person and online collaboration opportunities, dissemination of exemplary practices via a website, webinars, and professional development events.

• Mini-Grant Amounts: The mini-grants are considered seed funding and are not intended to fully fund on-going projects. There are two funding levels: 1) up to $1,000 and 2) $1,000 to $5,000. Collaborating partners can be from K-12 settings, community-based organizations, higher education, and industry.
• Use of Mini-Grant Funds: Funds must be used for direct programming needs for projects that occur within the period of April 2, 2012 to October 31, 2012. Allowable uses of funds are: essential project/activity supplies, transportation for participants, food for events/meetings, and stipends. Funds cannot be used for expenses such as, but not limited to, alcoholic beverages, indirect charges/administrative overhead, capital expenditures and computer hardware (servers, desktops, laptops, etc.). Expenses must be detailed in the project budget.
• Cost-Sharing: When cost-sharing (e.g., with a corporate partner or school districts) assess what your partner(s) can contribute and the in-kind donations that can be obtained to ensure that you provide an accurate and detailed budget projection and funding request on the application form. The total amount of contact hours with youth will also be taken into consideration. The higher the amount of funding requested, the higher amount of contact hours will be expected.

Project activities must occur between April 2, 2012 and October 31, 2012.

SITES Testimonials from BDPA Twin Cities Chapter

Please take a moment to listen to these wonderful testimonials from young students that participated in the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program hosted by the BDPA Twin Cities chapter. The interviews took place during the chapter's recent awards banquet.






The students interviewed in this video include:

1. Unknown
2. Cedric Cyrus, Jr. (Como High School)
3. D Ephraim (University of Minnesota)
4. Ken King
5. Jorian Wulf (St. Paul Central High School)

Powerful statements from some remarkable young people! Don't you agree?

Message from Atlanta Chapter President-Elect

BDPA Atlanta chapter president-elect Derrick Brown welcomes new volunteers and members to the community outreach and collegiate liaison teams that he is leading this year.





BDPA Atlanta chapter is one of the first to seek out a foothold on YouTube as a platform to reach out to current and future members. Will it be long before other chapters follow this 'best practice'?

I encourage you to subscribe to the YouTube channel created by Derrick.

Grant Award: Sempra Energy Foundation ($5,000)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) teamed up with BDPA Los Angeles chapter to submit a grant proposal to the Sempra Energy Foundation. We are pleased to report that our grant proposal was approved and a $5,000 check has been received in support of the BDPA programs and services offered in Southern California.

Angela White-Parker (c)

Sempra Energy employee Angela White-Parker, who is also a past president of the BDPA Los Angeles chapter, was our 'internal champion' on this funding effort.

Sempra Energy Foundation executive director Beatriz Young wrote,

---

Dear Wayne,

On behalf of the Sempra Energy Foundation, I'm pleased to enclose a contribution in the amount of $5,000 in support of the Student Information Technology Education and Scholarship (SITES) program in Los Angeles, CA. The Sempra Energy Foundation is proud to support this program. Please continue to work with Carolyn Williams to coordinate the details surrounding our support of this program in partnership with your organization.

We are pleased to join you in this worthwhile cause.

Best Regards,
Beatriz Palomino Young, executive director
Sempra Energy Foundation

---

BDPA Los Angeles chapter president John Malonson and the chapter's BETF liaison David Malonson have been a pleasure to work with over the past weeks and months. They aggressively seek out funding opportunities in concert with BETF and as such it is a pleasure to be able to report on this 'success story' in their fundraising efforts.

Generation Google Scholarship

The Generation Google Scholarship is currently being offered to graduating high school seniors from an underrepresented group in computer science. Specifically, this scholarship is being offered to enable “aspiring computer scientists to excel in technology and become active role models and leaders in the field.” Winners will receive either $10,000 each year for up to four years! In other words, this scholarship is renewable, and can be worth as much as $40,000! [SOURCE]

To be fully eligible, applicants must plan on being full-time students at a university in the US or Canada for the 2012-2013 school year. Students must be planning to go into a baccalaureate Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related program. Applicants should exemplify leadership and demonstrate a commitment to and passion for computer science and technology through involvement in their community. In addition to this, applicants should have a strong record of academic achievement, be from an underrepresented group in computer science (African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Female, or a Person with a Disability) and should demonstrate financial need.

To apply, fill out the online application. The application involves the completed online form (includes contact information, intended university, leadership information), academic transcripts (from your high school), two letters of reference, three essays (200 words each), and three short answer questions.

This scholarship application is due on February 20, 2012. For more information (esp. about how one goes about renewing the scholarship), check out Google’s page for the Generation Google Scholarship, and direct all questions to generationgoogle@google.com. Good luck!

This Week in BDPA (Feb 5-11)

BDPA is a strong offering of programs in 45 cities around the nation. Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the centralized BDPA calendar :

• Feb 8: New York - Networking, 'Meet & Greet'
  
• Feb 9-11: Washington DC - Conference, 'ITSMF & HITEC Symposium & Awards'
• Feb 10: Washington DC - Banquet, '8th Annual IT Executive Achievement Awards'
• Feb 11: Philadelphia - Workshop, 'Career Triage'
• Feb 11: Cincinnati - SITES, 'Youth Technology Seminar Series, Week #6'
• Feb 11: New Jersey - SITES, 'HSCC & SITES Kick-Off'

Please let us know of other BDPA events that we may have missed. You can always find BDPA programs, services or networking activity online at places such as:

• BDPA Facebook Group
• BDPA Foundation Facebook Page
• BDPA LinkedIn Network Group.

BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry. Our hope is that you find reasons to provide tax-deductible support to our Causes, our HSCC Scholarship Funds or Your Causes!

We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the centralized BDPA Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events!

Message from Richmond Chapter HSCC Coordinator

Candace Johnson-Hamlin

Greetings,

BDPA Richmond chapter is pleased to announce the start of its Annual High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Program. The goal of this exciting training and competition is to increase youth interest in Information Technology. The chapter is now recruiting rising 9th to 12th grade students to enroll in its Youth Technology HSCC Program.

The program provides an environment where high school students have an opportunity to compete on an academic level and showcase their technical skills and creativity. Selected students receive several weeks of introductory and advanced training in computer technologies such as HTML, ASP.NET, and relational databases. Students also gain essential skills such as presentation delivery and teamwork.

At the conclusion of the program, selected students will represent BDPA Richmond in the National High School Computer Competition, which will be held at the National BDPA Conference on August 1-4, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. The competition team will enjoy an all-expense paid trip to the conference with an opportunity to win college scholarships.

BDPA Richmond Computer Camp (2012)

View more documents from BDPA Foundation

If you are interested in having your students participate in our program please forward this information on to all of your technology teachers so that they can direct students to our program. If you have any questions or need additional information, email me or give me a call at (804) 432-3465. Also, feel free to attend our kickoff program on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at ECPI College of Technology located at 4305 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA, at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Sincerely,
Candace Johnson-Hamlin, HSCC Coordinator
BDPA Richmond Chapter

BDPA IT Corps

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) seeks to find the funding to support the BDPA IT Corps.  BDPA IT Corps aims to broaden the experience and professional preparation of its student and member participants through technology-based problem solving and cultural exchange between communities in the United States and other developing nations.

This is truly a global initiative for BDPA -- think of it as a 'Peace Corps' opportunity for the information technology (IT) professional.


Here are 10 good reasons for you to get engaged with BDPA IT Corps:

1. Communities in the United States and Africa need what you know!
2. Community service is at the center of IT Corps student activity.
3. Getting to know their peers will enhance our students' understanding of different cultures and those experiences will greatly enrich their personal and professional lives.
4. IT is the common thread for global communication.  BDPA membership contains some of the world's most talented IT professionals.
5. Relationship-building is important to mutual respect, assistance and future entrepreneurial ventures.
6. Similar to the Peace Corps, the IT Corps' participants will uniquely serve as technology ambassadors while interacting with their peer group students in other developing nations.
7. The IT Corps offers international experience for its participating students.
8. The IT Corps serves in direct support of BDPA's stated mission which is to improve communities and develop the skill of our student and professional members.
9. The world of business operates today as a global economy and the IT Corps places BDPA in the global IT area.
10. With a stellar reputation for success for over 35 years in the United States, the presence of BDPA on a global stage is a natural part of its growth and development.

I encourage all BETF-Blog readers to learn more about the BDPA IT Corps.  In fact, we need your help to raise funds for this global initiative.





Isn't it time for you to get involved in an international venture?  Reach out to the IT Corps leadership by email (bdpaitcorps@gmail.com) or phone (216.245-5212).

What are your thoughts about this global initiative?

Newsletter: BDPA Washington DC (Feb 2012)

Newsletter: BDPA Washington DC (Feb 2012)

View more documents from BDPA Foundation

Message from Columbus Chapter President

Welcome to all who are new to BDPA in Columbus, Ohio.

BDPA Columbus Chapter is a technology organization that pride ourselves in supporting young professionals, seasoned professionals and professionals in transition. We are especially proud of our student computer programs which will be starting up in March for both high school and middle school students. This includes virtual reality, .NET programming, database skills, graphic design and technology research and presentation.

We promote community service for both our adult and student members. We have regular Information Exchanges where a technology or business related topic is discussed as well as recruiters' site.

Our focus this year is retention; not only to build our membership but to retain our members by spending quality time together as a group and give back to the community and our kids collaboratively. Often times our students receive scholarship money.

I hope I have peaked your interest in becoming a part of BDPA Columbus or sponsoring our initiatives. We want YOU!!! Interested? Excited? If so, please contact me through this site or send me a message at president@bdpacolumbus.org.

Deborah Smedley, president
BDPA Columbus Chapter

Another BDPA Birthday Wish on Facebook - Teresa Williams (Atlanta)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) encourages you to use your birthday to change the world! We all get things we don’t need for our birthdays, why not use this special occasion to raise money for a cause you really care about? This feature allows any Facebook user to create a Birthday Wish and ask their friends to donate to the cause of their choice as a birthday present.

We've seen the following folks making BETF birthday wishes on Facebook:

Teresa Williams

1. Wayne Hicks (Jan 30) 
2. Teresa Williams (Feb 9) * NEW *
3. Henry Wiggins (Feb 14)
4. Chris Parchman (Feb 21) 
5. Julius Clark (Mar 11) 
6. Jeri Tolliver (Apr 2) 
7. Liz Hicks (Jun 25)
8. Raven Stevenson (Jun 26)
9. Janice Watson (Jul 5)
10. George Brooks (Jul 8) 
11. Philena Rush (Nov 3)

I would love to see us have a birthday wish for all 365 days of the year! Are you a Facebook user? If so, Will you be next to be added to the above list? Just click here to 'make it so'!

Message from National BDPA President

Monique Berry

Dear Members,

This is a very exciting time to be a member of BDPA. As we continue to increase the value proposition for you, we are focused on accomplishing three main goals in the coming year:

1. Helping YOU to set yourself up for success
2. Helping YOU to land (or keep) a new job
3. Helping YOU to feel secure and well-connected as a professional at the top of your game

On February 18th, we kick off Career Triage© a live webinar series. If your career is in the emergency room, you need Career Triage©. This is a fast-paced/action provoking 21st Century look at how to revive a stalled career presented by career coach Janice Coleman, president/CEO of Janice Coleman Corporation (formerly with Right Management, the world leader in career transition services)

Career Triage© includes:

• Resume Rescue© - tips on strengthening your resume to market yourself more effectively
• Interview Infusion© - strategies on effective interviewing skills
• Networking Nutrition© - techniques on developing and leveraging relationships for job seekers

Next month we kick off our Winter Regional Leadership Conference with an executive reception for local small businesses, secondary and post secondary educators and administrators, executives, officials and corporate sponsors. We want to introduce BDPA and the National Technology Conference to the local community BEFORE we arrive in Baltimore in August. Our goal is to garner the support, sponsorship, and participation of the local community in an effort to have a successful conference with local participation. The weekend will continue with the National Board of Directors Meeting and Leadership Training Workshops. All chapter officers and members are encouraged to attend. Registration information will be posted on the national calendar soon.

The BDPA chapters in Greater Birmingham, Hampton Roads, Hartford and Houston chapters are prepped and positioned to be back on line soon. Vice President of Membership Management Chad White and the Regional directors are working diligently with the local leadership to assist as needed.

This is Black History month and chapters across the country will conduct various Black Family Technology Awareness Week activities from Sunday, February 12 through Sunday, February 19. Check your chapter calendar for local events near you. I will host a BFTAW activity with the Philadelphia Chapter at the Black Engineer of the Year Award Conference on Saturday, February 19th at the Philadelphia Marriott.

I am looking forward to BDPA reaching greater heights in advancing African Americans in the information technology industry. I know that each and every one of you will do your share by volunteering at the chapter, regional or national levels, donating to the scholarship fund and encouraging your peers to join this great organization.

Please read my blog to learn more about BDPA.

Warm wishes,
Monique Berry, president
National BDPA

Top 10 BDPA Chapters (Membership, Feb 2012)

We are pleased to see that BDPA membership numbers have grown since our first update of the year in January 2012.  One reason for the membership growth is the substantially increased level of communication that is coming from our national and regional leadership.  The leaders are focused on delivery of programs and services that advance the careers of African Americans in the IT industry.

Membership is the lifeblood of any organization. The 45 BDPA chapters in BDPA-nation average 28 members (up one from Jan 2012).

BDPA Chicago chapter remains the largest chapter in the nation for the 58th month in a row. The chapter membership grew over the past month as it celebrated with its annual awards banquet. Perhaps it is time for all of BDPA to figure out what they are doing in Chicago to recruit and retain members?!

The top ten chapters in terms of membership as of February 2012 are:

1. Chicago, Midwest Region
2. Atlanta, South Region
3. Philadelphia, North Region
4. Cincinnati, Midwest Region
5. New York, North Region
6. New Jersey, North Region
7. Dallas, South Region
8. Los Angeles, West Region
9. Charlotte, South Region
10. Washington DC, North Region

We now have two chapters -- BDPA Chicago and BDPA Atlanta -- are in the BDPA Century Club with at least 100 members.

Leave a comment if your chapter isn't listed above. We're happy to tell you where your BDPA chapter is ranked if you want. In the meantime, we would love to know why did you join BDPA? Why do you renew your membership in BDPA each year? Perhaps you can share the answer to either of those questions in the COMMENTS area.

BDPA iRadio Show Interview: Teresa Williams (BDPA South Region Vice President)

BDPA iRadio Show host Franne McNeal interviewed BDPA South Region vice president Teresa Williams on December 13, 2011.





National BDPA will transition into a regional governance model in 2012. Teresa is the first-ever South Region Vice President. Teresa has over 20 years of Information Technology and professional experience including the implementation and management of business software solutions. She has worked in various industries as a Programmer, LAN Administrator, Application Manager and Project Manager. She served as BDPA Atlanta chapter president in 2008-2009. The chapter had remarkable growth in terms of membership and programs under her leadership.

The BDPA iRadio Show is sponsored by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation. This particular video clip was put together by BETF volunteers LaTisha Redding and Michele Ortmann.

Real Talk Webinar: Building and Growing a Stronger BDPA Atlanta Chapter

Our blog readers have had a chance to meet the incoming BDPA Atlanta chapter president Felicia Jones. She has surrounded herself with a powerful leadership team that plans to take BDPA Atlanta chapter to a new level in the coming year.

Recently the chapter conducted its first webinar of the year. It was an opportunity for everyone to meet the leadership team and receive a heads-up on some of the 2012 initiatives. There was great dialogue, insightful testimonials, and a lot of useful information.



Real Talk - Meet the 2012 Atlanta BDPA Leadership!
Audience URL: http://www.anymeeting.com/bdpaatlanta/E959D888814E


BDPA Atlanta chapter member Mike Williams was recently featured on the BDPA iRadio Show. Mike is the BDPA South Region director. He shared his insights on how his experience with BDPA Atlanta influenced his decision to become a regional officer.



BDPA iRadio Show - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bdpa/2012/01/11/bdpa-iradio-january-10-2012

2011 Atlanta HSCC Team

Here are a variety of ways that you can stay connected with the BDPA Atlanta chapter!

• Follow us on Twitter
• Like us on Facebook
• Join us on LinkedIn Network
• Join us on our YahooGroup
• Support our HSCC Scholarship Fund

For further information contact:
BDPA Atlanta Chapter
Phone: (404) 441-5571

This Week in BDPA (Jan 29 - Feb 4)

BDPA has 45 chapters around the nation. You can always find programs, services or networking activity on our BDPA Facebook Group or BDPA Foundation Facebook Page or BDPA LinkedIn Network Group. BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry.

Our hope is that you find reasons to provide tax-deductible support to our Causes, our HSCC Scholarship Funds or Your Causes!

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

• Feb 4: Cincinnati - SITES, 'Youth Technology Seminar Series, Week #5'
  
• Feb 4: Philadelphia - Workshop, 'Job Search 101, Back to Basics'
  

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.

Message from Columbus Chapter President

Deborah Smedley

Hello Everyone,

I can't believe that it is 2012 already. We have so much to do this year. We are in the planning stages for our Student Programs (Programs in addition to HSCC), Project Management Team, 2012 Information Exchange Line-Ups, Community Service Initiatives, College Collaborations, Redesigning the BDPA Columbus Website, 2012 Member Meetings and Special Events. That is a lot to accomplish but we are excited to do so.

We are in need of volunteers to help with our student programs, become a member of our Website Team, help to project manage our initiatives or help plan events.

• If you are interested in knowing more about the BDPA Columbus Chapter and want to become a member, please send me a message.
• If you are already a member and not involved, make 2012 the year you give back - Get Involved.
• If you are interested in how you can help, please send me a message.

I look forward to a great year!

Thanks,
Deborah Smedley, president
BDPA Columbus Chapter

Crowdrise Online Fundraisers Support BDPA Programs and Scholarships

There are a growing number of BDPA members that are supporting fundraising projects on Crowdrise.   These members include:

Cliff Samuels, Jr.

1. Barbara Allen - Midwest Region VP-Elect, Cleveland  
2. Markus Beamer - chapter president, Charlotte
3. Sylvia Calhoun -  SITES coordinator, Cleveland 
4. Glenda Chappell - chapter VP-Finance, Baton Rouge
5. Rosalyn Covington - chapter president, Triangle (Raleigh-Durham, NC)
6. Kai Dupe - member, Dallas 
7. Monica Ellis-Gorham - member, Philadelphia
8. Jan Fleury - supporter, Baton Rouge  
9. Eileen Gadsden - chapter president, Philadelphia
10. Steve Gutter - chapter VP-Strategy & Planning, Cincinnati 
11. Anthony Hall - member, Cleveland
12. Elizabeth Hicks - past chapter president, Los Angeles 
13. Wayne Hicks - executive director, BETF
14. Carter Hill - past chapter president, Atlanta 
15. Mike Holman - member, New York 
16. Toni Love - past chapter president, St. Louis
17. Patrick Nelson - past chapter president, Cincinnati
18. Kevin Robinson - member, Charlotte 
19. Philena Rush - member, Columbus
20. Cliff Samuels, Jr. - member, Detroit *NEW*
21. Deborah Smedley - chapter president, Columbus
22. Stacy Stewart - chapter president, Dallas
23. Jamilah Talton - member, Philadelphia 
24. Michael Tyson - chapter president, Baltimore
25. Douglas Watts - member, Atlanta 
26. Hayward West - past chapter president, Philadelphia
27. Michael & Elizabeth Wulf - members, Twin Cities 

Have you checked out this fundraising platform for your BDPA chapter?    Have you created your own profile on Crowdrise like the folks above?

Communities of Color Find More Prominent Role Within Philanthropy Sector

As the U.S. population shifts, with ethnic and racial groups growing faster than the overall American population, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has found the face of philanthropy is rapidly changing to become as diverse as the country’s population. The new report, “Cultures of Giving: Energizing and Expanding Philanthropy by and for Communities of Color” commissioned by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, with major funding by the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, shows how philanthropy is evolving, with some of the most significant growth stemming from identity-based philanthropy -- a growing movement to spark philanthropic giving from a community on behalf of a community, where “community” is defined by race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.

This report explores current shifts within the philanthropy sector and showcases key learnings, best practices and successful models to promote and enhance philanthropy and giving among communities of color. Among these learnings, the report reveals several factors catalyzing the current evolution of philanthropy:

1. The face of philanthropy is rapidly changing to become as ethnically, culturally and socioeconomically diverse as our country’s population.
2. Collective power, action and resources exist within communities of color that conventional philanthropy has not fully recognized, embraced and partnered with to bring about change.
3. Understanding and supporting this emerging area of philanthropy are becoming increasingly essential for any foundation, funder or donor who wants to drive social change.

This report shares WKKF’s journey so that others might learn from both their successes and mistakes, and it challenges fellow funders to consider new ways to collaborate with and advance the impact of identity-based philanthropy: by providing seed support and other forms of assistance, by embracing identity-based funds as critical partners in the sector and forging stronger connections within communities of color and with other philanthropic leaders, by diversifying the leadership of mainstream philanthropy to reflect changing demographics and by shifting practices to reflect what communities of color are teaching about the future of giving and how funders can positively impact the country’s most vulnerable children and families.

The report is also intended to inspire everyday givers ... no matter their background ... to embrace their power as philanthropists.

The New Mobile Giver and the Story Behind Millions in Donations by Text for Haiti

A new kind of charitable giver is emerging in the mobile age. A report underwritten by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has found that this donor is younger and more likely to be African American or Latino than traditional donors. Moreover, new donors often use their mobile phones to make contributions through text messaging that is inspired by moving and sometimes distressing stories about people in crisis.

Read the full Council on Foundations article.