We understand that we will receive in answer sometime by June 2011.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Grant Proposal: Lawrence Foundation (BDPA Cleveland)
We understand that we will receive in answer sometime by June 2011.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The BDPA Insider - January 30, 2011
The BDPA Insider - January 30, 2011
What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!
In this issue:
- 5 Tips on Getting a Job When No One Wants you
- Always Begin With Self-Assessment
- BDPA Detroit TAC - IT Contest Promotes Steaming Hash
- BDPA Newsletters from Chapters Around the Country
- BDPA Today – February 2011 Online Edition
- Heartland Community College to Host BDPA Information Technology Showcase.
- HSCC Testimonial: Khalif Oliver (Richmond, 1995-1998)
- iSchool Inclusion Institute (I3) -- Deadline: March 4, 2011
- Professionals Network Digitally
- The Hot IT Skills of 2011
- The Ultimate Guide to Job Searching
- What Are Your Family Technology Goals?
- Why Are Good People Losing Their Jobs?
Click here for the latest issue of "The BDPA Insider":
Click here for "The BDPA Insider" Archives:
BDPA Corporate Opportunities Portfolio (2011)
This document provides menu of opportunities for any corporation that wishes to invest in BDPA at local, national or conference levels.
This is ideal information for corporations of ANY size ... from a sole proprietorship to a Fortune 100 company!
For more info on creating a corporate relationship with BDPA you can contact its Corporate Sales Department director Robert Gavin by email or phone (301.584-3135).
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Where Are They Now: BDPA Northern Virgina Chapter Charter Members
In December 2005, BDPA launched an official Northern Virginia chapter. The chapter is based at the McLean, VA headquarters office of founding sponsor Freddie Mac.
"Northern Virginia is Tech Central, and we are delighted that BDPA has a home in this technology corridor," BDPA past national president Wayne Hicks was quoted as saying at the time. "A diverse range of IT pros will be able to tap into new resources and networking opportunities to help advance their careers."
The photo shows the following folks attended the first BDPA NOVA chapter meeting in December 2005: Back row, from left, Ron Evans, Al Bess, Craig Robles, Mike Bruce, Earl Pace (BETF Chairman of the Board), Dwight Handon, James White, Ron McKenzie, Melanie Wyche, Scott Price and Ron Stowe. Front row, from left, Debra Langenkamp, Rory Miott, Carol Hogard, Gary Simms and Lolita Hill.
Where are they now?
Friday, January 28, 2011
iSchool Inclusion Institute (I3) -- Deadline: March 4, 2011
The Application Deadline is March 4, 2011. Applications are reviewed and accepted/declined as they are received; therefore, prospective students should consider submitting their applications as soon as possible.
Read More
Accepted students in the program will be provided travel expenses, housing, meals and will receive a stipend of $50 per day while in Pittsburgh.
Note: Community College students can also apply for this opportunity.
You can also follow us on Facebook for program updates and news: www.facebook.com/i3info
Note: Community College students can also apply for this opportunity.
You can also follow us on Facebook for program updates and news: www.facebook.com/i3info
Thursday, January 27, 2011
State Farm Insurance Community Grants
State Farm makes charitable contributions to nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, Canadian charitable organizations, educational institutions, and governmental entities.
How to request a grant -- Grant requests for local initiatives are considered by State Farm Operation Centers. Each office determines the types of grants it will fund, based on available funding. One proposal per organization per year will be considered if it meets the guidelines outlined. (This should include all of an organization's needs for a 12-month period.) All grant requests must be submitted online.
State Farm’s grant cycle is from January 2 through October 31. BDPA would need to apply under their "discretionary grant" program -- . The following types of programs are important for the community, but do not fit into the Service-Learning, Teacher Development, or Systemic Improvement categories:
- Adult literacy
- After school program
- Books
- Career Development
- Character education
- Mentoring
- Scholarships
- Tutoring
BETF operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Who wants to go first?
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Increasing Payroll Pledges for BDPA Programs
BETF looks to significantly increase the donations received from United Way offices and other payroll pledges around the country. We need volunteers in each of the 45 BDPA chapters to work our United Way Project. To date, the following chapters are actively working the Payroll Pledge Project (NOTE: all donations are totals sent over last 365 days):
- BDPA Baltimore: Michael Tyson (President)
- BDPA Charlotte: Melendee Jones (Vice-President) - Microsoft Giving Campaign ($1,156), Wells Fargo United Way Campaign ($2,805)
- BDPA Chicago: Audra Anderson (Vice-President) - Abbott Laboratories Employee Giving Campaign ($540); Allstate Giving Campaign ($1,289); AT&T United Way Employee Giving Campaign ($1,026); United Way of Metro Chicago ($460)
- BDPA Cleveland: Sylvia Calhoun (SITES Coordinator) -
- BDPA Dallas: Chris Johnson (President) - United Way of Tarrant County ($2,000)
- BDPA Detroit: Anquanette Clegg (Past-President) - United Way of Washtenaw County ($374)
- BDPA Los Angeles: John Malonson (President) - AT&T United Way Employee Giving Campaign ($75); Raytheon Charitable Giving ($950)
- BDPA Middle Tennessee: Jonica Cowan (Member) - Truist United Way ($646)
- BDPA Philadelphia: Hayward West (President) - Truist United Way ($264)
- BDPA Rhode Island: Felix Fontes (President) - Bank of America United Way Campaign ($108)
- BDPA Richmond: Jamar Arvin (Past-President) - United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg ($1,078); Bank of America United Way Campaign ($62); WellPoint Associate Giving Campaign ($728)
- BETF Endowment Fund: Wayne Hicks (Executive Director) - Allstate Giving Campaign ($97); Employee Giving Fund of Boeing ($356); JPMorgan Chase Employee Giving Campaign ($66); Microsoft Giving Campaign ($938); National Black United Fund ($2,169); Truist United Way ($440); United Way of Central Indiana ($746); Wells Fargo United Way Campaign ($650)
- BETF General Fund: Wayne Hicks (Executive Director) - Allstate Giving Campaign ($6); Employee Giving Fund of the Boeing Company ($175); JPMorgan Chase Employee Giving Campaign ($1); Microsoft Giving Campaign ($352); National Black United Fund ($165); United Way of Central Indiana ($69)
- BETF, Jessie Bemley Scholarship: Wayne Hicks (Executive Director) - Allstate Giving Campaign ($27); Employee Giving Fund of Boeing ($97), JPMorgan Chase Employee Giving Campaign ($24); Microsoft Giving Campaign ($250); National Black United Fund ($587); United Way of Central Indiana ($378); United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley ($131)
Intel in the Community
Education Grants: Intel has a strong interest in supporting K-12 and higher education, and community programs that deliver the kind of educational opportunities that all students will need to prepare themselves to succeed in the 21st century.
Community Site Grants: Intel will provide grants, donations, and philanthropic support to additional programs that improve the quality of life in its site communities. Each request will be evaluated on the basis of the services offered and the program's impact on the community, its focus on diversity and multiculturalism, its impact on the youth of our community, the cost-effectiveness of the program and its ability to be effectively measured and replicated, and the potential for Intel employee involvement.
It appears that U.S. Community Grants are available for local BDPA chapters in: Austin, Bay Area, Boston and Seattle. Are any of these chapters interested in applying for funding with Intel Corporation?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Marvin Lewis Community Fund
In addition to the programs they established, Coach Lewis wanted to make an immediate impact in the community so for first five years some of the funds raised were distributed to seven recipient organizations that Marvin truly believed in. Organizations supported included: The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati; Boys Hope Girls Hope; Minorities in Mathematics, Science and Engineering (M2SE); National Multiple Sclerosis Society; ProScan Pink Ribbon Center; Success by 6; and Youth, Incorporated.
While they still support these organizations in various ways, financially they've shifted their focus towards their own programs.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Oracle Scholarship Winner in New York
BDPA New York chapter past president Judaea Lane wrote, "Alan is truly a humble and wonderful person."
In addition to being humble and wonderful it is obvious that the young squire has some skills! He was named 2010 Salutatorian upon his graduation from Medgar Evers College Preparatory School in New York.
BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) recently acknowledged Alan as a recipient of the Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship that he earned for his performance at the 2009 National BDPA High School Computer Competition championship held in Raleigh, North Carolina.
You can learn more about BDPA New York chapter here.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The BDPA Insider - January 23, 2011
The BDPA Insider - January 23, 2011
What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!
In this issue:
- 2011 National BDPA Technology Conference Call For Presenters
- Bemley Scholar Alan Rosales Heads to University of Rochester
- HSCC Alumni Brandee Lyles Wins NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing
- Marketing Tips: SMART Phones for the 21st Century
- Message from Chicago Chapter President
- Message from New York Chapter President
- Message from Orlando Chapter President
- President Obama Recognizes Imagine Cup Winners
- Take Five: John Hoffler (Charlotte)
- The New BDPA and Our Membership Guarantee (BDPA Cleveland)
- We Can't Afford to Focus on The Basics
Click here for the latest issue of "The BDPA Insider" or you can click here for "The BDPA Insider" Archives.
HSCC Testimonial: Khalif Oliver (Richmond, 1995-1998)
We celebrate the 15th anniversary of the 1996 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Championship this year. BDPA Detroit chapter took home the gold medal that year. However, there was a scrappy team from Richmond, Virginia in the national HSCC championships that year. The members of that team were Sunday Jones, Anton Luddington, Khalif Oliver, Deneen Webster and Joi Younger. The BDPA Richmond HSCC team finished in 5th place ... the highest finish in the history of the chapter.
We asked Khalif to share his reflections on BDPA and his HSCC training. Here is what he had to say:
Wouldn't it be cool if some corporate sponsor were to host a luncheon at the 2011 National BDPA Conference for any of the HSCC alumni from 1986 (25 years ago), 1991 (20 years ago), 1996 (15 years ago), 2001 (10 years ago) or 2006 (5 years ago) who were able to make it to Chicago in August?
Khalif was in the HSCC Alumni Class of 1996 -- It would also be nice if we could locate the other members of the 1996 HSCC team from Richmond. Does anyone know where we can find Sunday Jones, Anton Luddington, Deneen Webster or Joi Younger?
In any case, it is a true pleasure to hear from Khalif Oliver. His story is one of the reasons that the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) directors work so hard to raise money for BDPA's youth education programs.
We asked Khalif to share his reflections on BDPA and his HSCC training. Here is what he had to say:
BDPA was great for me; it was one of the best things I have been involved in. I started back when we used B.A.S.I.C and Q BASIC, and was able to translate this experience to Visual BASIC and using MS Access (circa 1998). Though I got my degree in Engineering in 2004 [from Virginia Tech], the IT skills I learned in BDPA have gotten me very far. At my previous job, I recall one day my manager called me into his office and the first words out of his mouth were, "You know Access, right?" At one of my internships in college, I built a database and used VB to make a new application to house the ENTIRE computer inventory of one of the top 2 aluminum producing companies in the world, thus saving them $100,000/month. This would not have been possible without my 4 years in the HSCC.
Finishing in the top five in the High School Computer Competition was great, and also winning the national t-shirt design competition was amazing. But the biggest thing I took away from the program was the networking. Among others, I was fortunate enough to meet and get to know Earl Pace when he came to speak to BDPA Richmond and I was honored to be able to introduce him. I have always kept in contact with the people I met through BDPA, though I went into engineering and most of them kept with IT.
From 2004-2008, I was an Engineer (by title) for the U.S. Postal Service in the DC Metro Area. But a lot of my role was developing and supporting data analysis programs and IT tools for the whole company to use. An engineer with an IT background and good interpersonal skills is a dangerous commodity in working world. I have already mentioned the computer skills I have gained, and the only thing that rivals the BDPA Conference in terms of networking is my fraternity and attending the Omega Psi Phi National Conclaves.
Following my 4 years at U.S.P.S., I earned my M.B.A. [from UNC Kenan-Flagler] and I am now a consultant for The North Highland Company in Charlotte, NC. The majority of my time is spent analyzing and managing business processes, and integrating with IT technologies and capabilities. Once again my training from BDPA plays a major role in me understanding how business requirements translate into the technical aspects of banking, retail, etc. Without that foundation, the learning curve would be much steeper for me in my roles.
Specifically in BDPA I recall the 1996 HSCC championship held in Atlanta. It was my first time ever in Atlanta, and I remember the whole way down we all were excited about going to the Underground and doing some shopping! We soon realized that the conference and competition had so much more to offer than a shopping experience. I learned a ton and it was great to meet a lot of other sharp and successful Black IT experts. In summary, networking and competing with BDPA has given me a great foundation on which to stand and build myself professionally and personal. Thanks BDPA!
Wouldn't it be cool if some corporate sponsor were to host a luncheon at the 2011 National BDPA Conference for any of the HSCC alumni from 1986 (25 years ago), 1991 (20 years ago), 1996 (15 years ago), 2001 (10 years ago) or 2006 (5 years ago) who were able to make it to Chicago in August? Khalif was in the HSCC Alumni Class of 1996 -- It would also be nice if we could locate the other members of the 1996 HSCC team from Richmond. Does anyone know where we can find Sunday Jones, Anton Luddington, Deneen Webster or Joi Younger?
In any case, it is a true pleasure to hear from Khalif Oliver. His story is one of the reasons that the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) directors work so hard to raise money for BDPA's youth education programs.
What were your thoughts upon reading Khalif's reflections about BDPA?
Saturday, January 22, 2011
HSCC Alumni Brandee Lyles Wins NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing
I ended that blog post with a simple question, "Will we have any BDPA student members applying for this award this year?"
Congratulations Brandee!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Bemley Scholar Alan Rosales Heads to University of Rochester
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| Alan Rosales |
Alan used his scholarship to help defray some of the costs to attend the University of Rochester.
He took some time to share his thoughts on his experience with BDPA over the past few years.
Ever since I began my high education at Medgar Evers College Preparatory School, I knew I was interested in computers and technology. While in 9th grade, I took an introductory course in computer science. Towards the end of the first semester my teacher, Mr. Destine, told me about BDPA and a specific competition, HSCC, for high schools students who showed an interest in programming. I was definitely interested, and once I was given a full understanding of the program, I began training. Unfortunately I wasn't able to be a part of the 2007 HSCC team and complete at nationals.
But that didn't stop me from continuing to practice my programming skills. The following year, I made the 2008 HSCC team and completed at nationals in Atlanta, Georgia. I also made the team for 2009 and 2010. I remember my first HSCC experience at Atlanta, Georgia like it was yesterday. Being that it was my first competition ever, I was a little bit terrified. As lead programmer for the team, I felt that it was my responsibility to stay focus and lead the team to victory, increasing the amount of pressure on me.
During the first portion of the competition, we had to answer five multiple choice questions as a team. I remember that by working together, we were able to get all five questions correct. Since that seemed like a breeze, I began to lose some fright. The next portion of the competition was to answer as many multiple choice questions that we could individually in 15 minutes. That was a little more intense, but after practicing quiz factory, I was able to score a legitimate amount of points in order to decrease the team's ranking.
The last portion of the competition was the most challenging and most anticipated. During the last portion, each team was given roughly 7 hours to create a dynamic database-driven application. This was very intense because all we had to work with was each other's coding techniques. After 7 hours of non-stop coding it was time for us to leave the coding room. It was very intense sitting in that room due to the tension from each team's ambition to place first and from the complexity of the problem.
Once we left the room, we felt as if a weight was lifted off our shoulders; as if now, we could start breathing properly again. But the competition wasn't just yet; we still had to prepare our presentation in order to "sell" our application to the judges. Luckily, that year we were almost last, therefore we had enough time to practice our presentation. When we went back to the coding room, we did everything we could to convince the judges that our application was the best. Of course they asked questions that left us unsure of what to say, and they were able to find errors in our coding, but that is all part of the learning process. That year, the New York Chapter HSCC team came in 6th place. That was considered a major achievement for us because being that 2008 was the first time most of competed, we were still able to come in 6th place.
2008 HSCC Team from New York
For the following years we practiced even more and tried to stay on top of our game. In 2009 at Raleigh, NC we came in 5th place and in 2010 at Philadelphia, PA we came in 6th place.
Unfortunately last year was the last time I would be able to participate in HSCC. It was definitely a great experience and I am thankful that BDPA was able to come to my high school out of all the high schools in NYC. HSCC has taught me to think quickly on my feet, and has exposed me to new programming languages such as PHP, HTML, JavaScript, and MySQL. Just the opportunity of attending a national conference has taught me that even people of color can become successful by being able to listen to people's success stories.
2010 HSCC Team from New York
Because of BDPA I have been able to get many opportunities that would eventually follow me through college. For instance BDPA has given me a sense of accomplishment because how many students can actually say that they have been able to code like real programmers, that they have been able to listen to success stories, that they have been able to intern with several corporations, not many that is for sure.
I am now currently a freshman at the University of Rochester with plans to major in Biomedical Engineering while on the Pre-Med track and to possibly minor in Physics. While I was applying to the University of Rochester I mentioned on my application all of my experiences with BDPA and the opportunity that I was given to compete at the national level in a programming competition. The university was very impressed with what I had done in just a couple of years in high school. I will never forget what my acceptance letter said from the University of Rochester. My acceptance letter had mentioned that after reviewing my application and learning about my experiences with BDPA, they knew I was a perfect candidate for the class of 2014. Because of this I am truly grateful for BDPA, not only for all the opportunities it has given me, but because it serves as a form of achievement for me.
BDPA New York chapter is raising funds so that the members of their 2011 national HSCC team can each win scholarships as well. I hope that you will read the impact that BDPA had on Alan and make a decision to support the BDPA New York HSCC Scholarship Fund project.
I also hope that you will reply to this post with some 'BDPA-love' for Alan. This young man is truly demonstrating what it means when BDPA says that we advance the careers of people in the IT industry from the classroom to the boardroom!
Take Five: John Hoffler (Charlotte)
Can you tell me what Linnie Bailey, James Banks, John Hoffler, Norman Mays, Michael McCrimmon and Jimm Middleton have in common?
I'll share the answer at the end of this Take Five interview with John Hoffler.
- How did you get involved in working with BDPA? - It's hard to remember now, but I believe I was introduced to BDPA through an article in Black Enterprise. The article included the national site URL, so I searched the site for a St. Louis chapter. Once I joined BDPA I quickly became involved in the St. Louis HSCC program. Mark Grady was the chapter president and we had frequent conversations about what the chapter could do to make an impact on the St. Louis community. Mark encouraged me to run for president.
- What is the most rewarding aspect of working with BDPA? - I have often commented that when we are young we imagine that we can change the world. As we grow more mature we begin to realize that changing the world requires a broad range of skills. BDPA St. Louis was an organization that collected people with different skills and different life experiences, but the same overarching goals. We sought to make volunteering as easy and stress-free as possible, building a chapter of teachers, database administrators, project managers, programmers, and even graphic artists. We felt like we could take on any program that was sufficiently valuable. That feeling was the most rewarding aspect of working BDPA -- the feeling that we could change the world.
- Tell us about a defining moment in your life? - During my freshman year at MIT I answered a volunteer request to help the supply officer at my Navy ROTC unit. My first semester had not gone very well, both from an academic and military point of view. Only in hindsight do I see that I wasn't successful because I wasn't engaged. I believe that many people obey the rule, "the less you do, the less you want to do." Working in the supply office made ROTC a bigger part of my college life, which led me to invest more in all other facets of the ROTC program. I also got more engaged outside of ROTC. I joined the MIT Jazz Band and volunteered as a physics and math tutor with the Black Student Union. The turn-around was profound. I was a poorly ranked freshman, nearly kicked out of ROTC by an academic review board. Junior year I earned the first straight-A's in my life during what is supposed to be an MIT Physics major's most difficult semester. That feat helped me become Midshipman of the Year for Academic Excellence. The following year I was appointed Battalion Executive Officer, the second highest rank in the ROTC unit. My college experience has taught me that engagement counts - I fully engage in all endeavors and I only undertake activities that justify the time commitment associated with full engagement.
- Who is your hero and why? - I don't have the sort of personality that contemplates hero status for people.
- Any advice for people considering donation to BETF? - BDPA is a volunteer organization focused on the relationship of Information Technology and African Americans with regard to education, business, and the general community. Monetary funding is only one third of the support BDPA needs for its mission. We need experience and ideas about how BDPA can make a positive impact on the world. That's what gives your donation meaning. Finally, we need "boots on the ground" - your volunteer time gives these world-impacting ideas concrete substance. If you've given of your purse, also consider giving your mind and your hands.
John is a remarkable man. It is worth noting that his daughter was a member of the BDPA Charlotte HSCC team that competed for the 2009 national championship in Raleigh NC.
Oh yeah ... the answer to the question in the opening paragraph? Methinks that these are the only five people in BDPA's history to serve as chapter president for more than one chapter: Bailey (Washington DC and Inland Empire), Banks (Bay Area and Kansas City), Hoffler (St. Louis and Greenville), Mays (Washington DC and Cleveland) and McCrimmon (Indianapolis and Atlanta).
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Grant Declination: AEP Ohio (BDPA Columbus)
We learned last month that our request was declined because it was outside of the focused area of giving for AEP Ohio. The declination letter read as follows:
Dear Mr. Hicks,
Thank you for your recent inquiry requesting AEP Ohio to consider sponsoring the Columbus-based Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program.
Much like your inquiry, AEP Ohio receives numerous donation requests from many deserving organizations throughout the 63 counties that comprise our service territory in Ohio.
We continue our strong corporate and employee support of the many United Way organizations in our communities. However, as with many businesses and industries, the slowed economy has caused us to refocus our philanthropic activities towards areas of basic human need that include assisting our low income customers with access to affordable housing, health care and in helping our community partners feed the hungry.
With the above in mind, your request falls outside of our focused area of giving. Given that, and with our limited resources, we must regrettably decline your request.
It is our sincerest hope that your efforts prove successful and that you achieve the desired outcomes you've defined in your request.
Sincerely,
Lynette Cregge, Chairperson
AEP Ohio Contributions Committee
BETF will continue to work with BDPA Columbus chapter on future grant proposals. As always, we encourage all 45 chapters to call with any questions on how best to seek funding through the BDPA Foundation.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Message from Chicago Chapter President
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| Pamela Sexton |
I am looking forward to seeing all of you at our January events. We are making a conscious effort again to continue our mission of "Back To Basics" in 2011. Our goal is to ensure that the needs of our membership are being met.
What's new for the Chicago Chapter!
The Windy City Eclipse
As we continue our mission "Back to Basics with Focus", we would like to introduce to you our chapter newsletter, the Windy City Eclipse! The Chicago Chapter Board of Directors would like to use this newsletter to exchange news and information with our members. So, just as you will be hearing from us, we would also like to hear from you. Please don't hesitate to submit any feedback regarding the newsletter, or feel free to send news/updates for inclusion in the newsletter to: communications@bdpa-chicago.org.
Online Updates
Our chapter updates are now available online via the NEW National BDPA website! You can access the National BDPA website as usual at www.bdpa.org, then click on Chicago from the Chapters menu. Here you will find information regarding BDPA, not just for the Chicago Chapter, but nationwide. If you can't access the Chicago Chapter Home Page, and you are a paid member, please email: Fred_Patterson@hotmail.com.
22nd Annual Awards Banquet
Have you made plans to attend this exciting event? If not, why not! You Don't Want To Miss This One!!! This year we will shine the "Spotlight" on our CEO & CIO Champions who not only actively support our "From the Classroom to the Boardroom" mission, but who also visibly promote Information Technology as a driver of business success!
We'll also recognize those individuals who consistently show up as outstanding volunteers. Who will receive the Members' Choice Award, Department of the Year, or Corporate Champion of the Year? There's still time to reserve your seat and find out who the honorees will be.
It could be YOU, so please join us on:
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Reception 6:00pm
Dinner 7:00 pm
Black Tie
RSVP to attend: http://bdpa2011awardsgala.eventbrite.com. If you have questions regarding our upcoming Awards Banquet, please contact Millie Liggins on (847) 315-8926 or Sheila Marionneaux on (312) 653-3844.
Student Services
The kick-off for the High School Computer Competition Team was held in the 4th quarter of 2010 and training is now underway! Students are ramping up to compete in the Midwest Regional competition which will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio in June of this year. The National Competition, as you know, will be held here at the Chicago Hilton later this year in August.
Please support our students as they prepare for two challenging competitions in 2011. GO TEAM!
If you have suggestions, questions or concerns, please contact me at chicago_president@bdpa.org.
Pamela Sexton, president
BDPA Chicago Chapter
200 S. Wacker Drive, Ste. 1500 Chicago, IL 60606
"Back to Basics with Focus"
Grant Declination: Nationwide Insurance Foundation (BDPA Columbus)
We learned last month that our request for funding had been turned down. The declination letter was addressed to the BDPA Columbus chapter past president, and read as follows:
Dear Mr. Hillery,
Thank you for giving Nationwide Insurance Foundation the opportunity to review your application for 2011 funding. We recognize and appreciate the time and effort involved in submitting your proposal to us. I would like to commend you on the work that your organization does for the community.
Each year an increasing number of charitable organizations request our financial support, making our funding decisions difficult. Unfortunately, after much consideration, we have decided not to fund your proposal for 2011.
On behalf of the Nationwide Insurance Foundation, I wish your organization continued success. If you have any questions, please contact Jill Hile, National Insurance Foundation Manager.
Sincerely,
Chad A. Jester, President
Nationwide Insurance Foundation
We were very disappointed by this outcome. However, our BDPA Columbus chapter has a number of members who work for Nationwide Insurance. We are going to work together and try to find another way to secure funding to support the chapter. BETF has enjoyed working with Reggie Hillery over the past few years and we look forward to building a powerful partnership with the incoming chapter president Deborah Smedley.
In the meantime, we are always open to suggestions or ideas. Feel free to let us know if you have any fundraising ideas that might benefit our BDPA Columbus chapter in 2011 and beyond.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Message from Orlando Chapter President
"I.T. Workforce 2011 & Beyond: Skills in Demand"
This program meeting will focus not only on the skills that are in demand in today's IT workforce but what also trends within the industry. Also how to keep your skills current as well as position yourself to move ahead. Recently, at a recent CIO conference held here in Orlando, Florida, two common phrases that were often repeated were "Convergence" and "Collaboration". We are seeing convergence take place with consumer devices, in automobiles, household appliances and in health care. We are working smarter and being more productive via the use of new technologies that are allowing us to collaborate with partners in India, Brazil, China, and Ireland and Mexico.
We will over the course of the year, focus on "Convergence" and "Collaboration". Share best practices; explore solutions and software packages that empower you to get more work done, be more efficient, cut back on time and reduce costs.
Please join me at our next meeting on Saturday January 22th at 10:00 a.m. and let us continue this conversation.
Thank you,
Pablo More, president
BDPA Orlando
Phone: (407) 286-9681
E-Mail: info@bdpaorlando.org
Grant Declination: Delta Air Lines (BDPA Middle Tennessee)
Delta Air Lines wrote:
Dear Wayne Hicks:
Thank you for submitting a sponsorship proposal on December 26, 2010, giving Delta the opportunity to become a corporate partner of Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) Program [Nashville TN].
After careful consideration of the information provided, we are sorry to inform you that we will be declining your offer to partner with you at this time. The opportunity does not meet our current marketing or philanthropic objectives given our limited cash and barter resources.
We appreciate the opportunity, and would like to thank you for your interest in partnering with Delta. We wish you great success.
Sincerely,
The Delta Marketing Team
BETF will continue to work to find funds necessary to grow the youth education programs being offered by BDPA Middle Tennessee.
Feel free to reply to this post if you have ideas!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Message from New York Chapter President
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| Renetta English |
Today, Monday, as I reflect on the impact of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King on our country and throughout world, I remembered he was a leader in organizations like the NAACP, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Montgomery Improvement Association.
Why is this important?
Martin Luther King was a fearless leader and he realized that collective participation of members in these organizations was the only way to fight for our social and economic civil rights.
The BDPA New York Executive Board needs your collective assistance to make 2011 a successful year. We need volunteers to lead and serve on committees in the following areas: Education, Membership, Community Service and Fundraising.
Don't forget you are cordially invited to join the BDPA New York Executive at our upcoming Meet-N-Greet at Empire Hotel on January 19, 2011 between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Renetta English, President
BDPA New York Chapter
E-Mail: pres@bdpa-ny.org
Phone: (212) 802-5341
Grant Proposal: Gannett Foundation (BDPA Cleveland)
Wish us luck!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Message from National BDPA President
NOTE: This message was recently shared by our national president to corporate champions around the nation.
BDPA represents people that span “From the Classroom to the Boardroom”. The National BDPA Board of Directors consists of a team of people who represent our industry and are committed to “Taking this Organization to the Next Level”.
We are living in a time where the unemployment rate is extremely high. For that reason, this leadership team is focused on enhancing our value proposition to attract, retain, reclaim, excite and inform members by providing them with relevant programs and services to help strengthen their personal brand and enhance both their technology and leadership skills. This will position our members to be part of a strong pipeline with a wealth of knowledge to be a great asset for your company.
Our strategic direction for 2010-2011 is to transform while we are performing. We have three major pillars that we have aligned to that will allow us to take BDPA to the next level:
To learn about our National Executive Committee (NEC), please visit our website.
Yvette Graham, president
National BDPA
We are living in a time where the unemployment rate is extremely high. For that reason, this leadership team is focused on enhancing our value proposition to attract, retain, reclaim, excite and inform members by providing them with relevant programs and services to help strengthen their personal brand and enhance both their technology and leadership skills. This will position our members to be part of a strong pipeline with a wealth of knowledge to be a great asset for your company.
Our strategic direction for 2010-2011 is to transform while we are performing. We have three major pillars that we have aligned to that will allow us to take BDPA to the next level:
- Operational Transformation
- Regional Transformation and
- Technological Transformation.
To learn about our National Executive Committee (NEC), please visit our website.
Yvette Graham, president
National BDPA
The BDPA Insider - January 16, 2011
The BDPA Insider - January 16, 2011
What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!
In this issue:
- 2011 NATIONAL BDPA TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE "CALL FOR PRESENTERS"
- Blacks in Science and Technology
- Grant Approval: Microsoft ($17,910)
- IT in 2011: The State of the Employment Market
- Message from New York Chapter President
- Route 66: The Road to the 2006 National BDPA HSCC Championship
- Youngest African American Male Bio-Engineer
http://blacksgonegeek.blogspot.com/2011/01/bdpa-insider-january-16-2011.html
Click here for "The BDPA Insider" Archives:
This Week in BDPA (Jan 16-22)
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. Our hope is that you will continue to support Our Cause!
Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the centralized BDPA calendar :
Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the centralized BDPA calendar :
- Jan 18: Cleveland - Program Meeting, '2011 Chapter Plans and a Membership Guarantee'
- Jan 1: New York - Networking, 'BDPA Meet and Greet'
- Jan 20: Cincinnati - Program Meeting, 'Information Technology in the New Economy'
- Jan 22: Orlando - Program Meeting, 'IT Workforce Skills in Demand, 2011 and Beyond'
- Jan 22: Chicago - Fundraiser, 'Annual Awards Banquet'
- Jan 22: New Jersey - Networking, 'Professional Networking Mixer'
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Take Five: Jongy Howard-Calvert (So. Minnesota)
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| Originally Posted: 1/14/2010 |
Jongy Howard-Calvert is a powerful leader within BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter. She married the past chapter president, Nat Calvert, in 2002. You can find the couple working together on their business in addition to their work with BDPA.
Jongy agreed to participate in our Take Five interview series:
Share some BDPA-love with Jongy!
Jongy agreed to participate in our Take Five interview series:
- How did you get involved in working with BDPA? - I started helping out in the Youth Computer Training classroom by bringing snacks.
- What is the most rewarding aspect of working with BDPA? - Seeing the light bulbs go on for students. And seeing what they can do when they become serious about the work.
- Tell us about a defining moment in your life? -
Learning to swim in the deep end of the pool a few years ago was liberating. - Who is your hero and why? - My late mother is my hero. She made the most of her station in life and showed her children the world with few resources.
- Any advice for people considering donation to BETF? - Give what you can. It's a great investment in the future of our youth.
Share some BDPA-love with Jongy!
Grant Declination: Costco Warehouse (BDPA Chicago)
We recently learned that our request was denied by the Costco management team.
BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) will continue to seek out funding for our BDPA Chicago chapter. For example, we hope that you will consider helping BDPA Chicago raise scholarship funds if you believe in what we're doing to uplift our young people.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Message from New York Chapter President
BDPA New York is officially inviting high school and college students to participate in our 2011 Information Technology (IT Showcase) program.
The Information Technology (IT) Showcase allows student presenters to showcase their talents by presenting technology based research projects. The presentations represent advanced STEM based topics delivered by highly motivated high school and undergraduate college students. Each student researches a technology based topic and drafts a college level research paper. The students also prepare a poster or information board presenting the results of their research. The papers are submitted for presentation to corporate, educational and industry leaders. Student papers are sometimes published and the students may be invited to present at professional Technology workshops such as the TeraGrid and the National BDPA Annual Technology Conference.
BDPA Members we need you to volunteer to be mentors for our students to assist them in a variety of areas from January 2011 - August 2011.
Please view the solicitation letter from Carol Anthony, BDPA New York Director IT Showcase. All students interested in participating in the program and members that would like to be mentors should contact Carol Anthony at itshowcase@bdpa-ny.org or via phone on (212) 802-5341.
Renetta English, President
BDPA New York Chapter
Phone: (212) 802-5341
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Grant Proposal: Dell Foundation (BDPA Middle Tennessee)
Dell Foundation has a great program of matching gifts and volunteer grants. Does your organization have any Dell employees in it?
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