Progress Energy Corporate Grant Program

The Progress Energy Corporate Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations that benefit company communities in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina where Progress Energy employees and customers live and work.

Most corporate grants focus on education, economic development, and the environment, although requests for other important community issues are considered. Grants, which range from $200 to $10,000, support programs that are relatively small in scope and serve a single community or a few counties. (Progress Energy Foundation grants support programs that are typically larger in scope and serve multiple regions or an entire state.)

Requests for corporate grants may be submitted throughout the year. Visit the company's website for online application information.

SunTrust United Way Campaign

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation is grateful to Ruffin Bell for his payroll pledge through the SunTrust United Way Campaign. Ruffin asked that his donation be used to support the BDPA Richmond chapter programs and services.

Our hope is that other SunTrust employees will follow Ruffin's example!

The BDPA Insider - August 28, 2011

 

The BDPA Insider - August 28, 2011

What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!

In this issue:

1. BDPA Detroit HSCC Team (2011)
2. Chronicles of an IT Job Seeker - The Pierson Method
3. Help Launch a Student’s Future. Become a Making It Count Speaker.
4. Job Seekers Forum - August 29, 7:30 pm Central
5. Message from Hampton Roads Chapter President
6. National BDPA Election Results (2012-2013)
7. Pieces of Gold in Those Job Postings
8. Take Five: Allison Haymore (BDPA Hampton Roads)

BDPA St. Louis HSCC Team (2011)

BDPA St. Louis chapter's High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team arrived in Chicago with high expectations. The chapter finished in 5th place during last year's 2010 National BDPA HSCC Championship ... and two students from that team were back again for the 2011 championship run.

The members of the team included: John Austin, Della Anjeh, Jacke Nobbe and Christina Miller.

The students trained at a variety of locations during the year including Computer Village, Clyde Miller Academy and Visitation Academy.

BDPA iRadio Show - Conference Workshop Presenters (August 28, 2011)

You may have missed the special edition of the BDPA iRadio Show on August 28, 2011. The show featured three presenters from the 2011 BDPA Technology Conference held last month in Chicago. We are glad to share the insights from the national conference with those of our readers who were unable to attend in person.

The creative vision for this iRadio Show special edition was Franne McNeal.  Franne is doing a remarkable job creating a repository of BDPA stories via the Internet radio show.

Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio

We have provided a link to their presentation materials below.

Jambey Clinkscales, Capabilites and Program Manager (HP)

Member: BDPA New York Chapter
Topic: The Value of the Cloud in the Business Technology Ecology

Edward Clark, Enterprise Architect (Microsoft)

Member: BDPA Chicago Chapter
Topic: SharePoint 2010, Enterprise Collaboration

Michael Davis, Director (Macquarium Intelligent Communications)
Member: BDPA Atlanta Chapter

Topic: Creating Business Value Through User Experience

Take Five: Allison Aheart (BDPA Hampton Roads)

Allison Aheart is a BDPA leader with vision. She was the founder of a BDPA student chapter when she attended college in Virginia. Currently she serves as the BDPA Hampton Roads chapter president. She was a nominee for the National BDPA Vice President vacancy earlier this month. Although she didn't win the election I think it is fair to say that we will be seeing more of Allison in the coming months and years!

We asked her to become part of the Take Five interview series. Here is what Allison had to say:

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1. How did you get involved with BDPA? - I became involved with BDPA as a college student. I was an IT major at Virginia Commonwealth University and wanted to align myself with like minded peers. I was able to get great advice regarding which IT courses and professors where the best. Additionally, in volunteering for BDPA at a career fair (BDPA had an information table setup) I was able to secure employment several months before graduating.
2. What is your favorite part of working with BDPA? - My favorite part of working with BDPA is spreading the word about the organization. The most rewarding part is seeing our adult and student members reach their IT and professional goals by participating in our programs and training courses.
3. What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? - I would like to see BDPA embrace the future of digital technology, which we are currently doing through internet television and radio.
4. Why should someone pay $100 membership dues to join BDPA? A person should pay $100 for a membership which gives them access to a network of minority professionals, various local and regional programs that enhance technical and professional abilities. There is also help for entrepreneurs and job seekers through seminars and workshops.
5. Any advice for people considering a donation to BETF? - Give, because the future of OUR kids matter. The youth in minority communities are falling behind because they don't have immediate access to technology. Our youth need positive outlets to technical workshops and training courses. BETF funds our SITES/STEM programs, which helps our youth become involved.

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Please share some BDPA-Love with Allison!

Message from Hampton Roads Chapter President

Allison Aheart didn't win the election for National BDPA Vice President ... however, she demonstrated her skills, talents and aspirations in this nomination speech. I hope that she stays on board as a strong chapter president taking BDPA Hampton Roads chapter to unreached heights in 2012 and beyond...

BDPA iRadio Show - Youth Technology Camp Students (August 25, 2011)

BDPA iRadio Show host Franne McNeal hosted a Special Edition of the Internet radio show that featured student participants in the 2011 BDPA Youth Technology Camp (YTC) held last month in Chicago. This annual event provides interactive, hands-on workshops, seminars, and activities for students seeking to gain valuable exposure in leading edge technology topics. This event gives students the opportunity to network with young entrepreneurs and other youth from around the country who are pursuing academic and professional futures in the computer technology industry.

Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio

The BDPA iRadio Show guests on this YTC Special Edition (in alpha order) included:

1. Melvin Givens, Freshman (College) (Baton Rouge Chapter)
2. Melcon Jevonte Hinds, 7th grade (Southern Minnesota Chapter)
3. Christopher Hoffler, 8th grade (Charlotte Chapter)
4. Jamesetta James, YTC Coordinator (Greater Columbia Chapter)
5. Angelo Jaramillo, 11th grade (Southern Minnesota Chapter)
6. Antrell McGee, 11th grade (New Jersey Chapter)
7. Drake Plummer, 10th grade (Greater Columbia Chapter)
8. Brandi Taylor, 10th grade (Greater Columbia Chapter)
9. John Westley Thomas, Jr., 11th grade (Baton Rouge Chapter)
10. Kyle Williams, 12th Grade (Chicago Chapter)

The goal is to have 100 students registered for YTC each year. It appears that momentum is building for the event and we should have a large turnout again at the 2012 YTC in Baltimore next year!

United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation is grateful to Philips Healthcare employee Danna Sturdivant for her payroll pledge via the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. Danna serves as the national coordinator for the annual BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC).

BETF provides an annual scholarship -- the Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship -- to the highest-performing students at the annual HSCC championship. Danna asked that we apply her personal donation to the Bemley Scholarship Fund.

Our hope is that others who support the HSCC program will consider making a payroll pledge via United Way or other employee giving campaigns to support the Bemley Scholarship Fund!

BDPA Detroit HSCC Team (2011)

Wayne Askew, Daniel Rothchild and Austin Little are the three young squires trained by BDPA Detroit chapter to participate in the 2011 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Championship held in Chicago, IL. They took home the silver medal!

National BDPA Election Results (2012-2013)

National BDPA conducted its bi-annual elections earlier this month.  Here are election results for the organization's board of directors. The two-year terms of the newly elected board members will begin January 1, 2012. Election results for the National BDPA Board of Directors are as follows.
 

Craig Brown National Vice President	Loraine Stewart National Vice President, Finance
Teresa Williams  Regional Vice President, South	Mike Williams Regional Director, South
Frederick Smith, Jr. Regional Vice President, North	Coram Rimes Regional Director, North
Barbara Allen Regional Vice President, Midwest	Theonnie Shields Regional Director, Midwest

These newly-elected officers will join with other soon-to-be appointed officers under the leadership of our incoming National BDPA President Monique Berry.  All of BDPA-Nation wishes the very best to each of these brothers and sisters for stepping up to serve as regional and national leaders for our organization. Our plan is to be the wind beneath their wings over the coming two years!

Help Launch a Student’s Future. Become a Making It Count Speaker.

Do you enjoy public speaking? Are you interested in helping students succeed in high school, college and beyond? Do you think you have what it takes to empower and entertain? If the answer to these questions is “yes,” then becoming a speaker for Making It Count might be perfect for you!

Making It Count Programs, a division of Monster Worldwide, is the largest public speaking force in the country, and has been providing live, in-school success presentations to more than 2.5 million high school and college students each year since 1998. Their presentations provide students with valuable information on how to succeed in high school, college and career, in an “edutaining” format that includes interactive on-stage activities and audience participation.

Making It Count speakers are provided with comprehensive, professional speaker training in order to be certified to deliver its programs. Once certified, speakers are hired as independent contractors and, on average, deliver approximately 10-15 presentations per semester, based on speaker ability and the needs of Making It Count’s clients.

Because many of these presentations are delivered during specific parts of the academic year, their speaker needs will vary. Monster.com currently is currently speakers to deliver its programs for high school juniors and seniors, Making Your College Search Count and Making College & Career Count. These presentations provide students with information on how to make the most of the college search process and how to make a successful transition from high school to college or career.

Here is a video with more information:






If this sounds like an opportunity you’d like to explore, click here to find out more information, as well as sample videos of Making It Count speakers in action and details on how to apply.  Please use "Source Code: BDPA11" when you apply!

Payroll Pledges: Wells Fargo Community Support and United Way Campaign

BDPA Education and Technology (BETF) is pleased to report that our organization has been designated to receive charitable contributions through the Wells Fargo 2010 Community Support and United Campaign.

Pledges were made by Reva Chamblis (Twin Cities) and Erica Frazier (Charlotte) in support of BDPA programs hosted by their local BDPA chapter.

Our hope is that other members of the Wells Fargo team will consider making payroll pledge to BETF in the future. For now, we hope you will join us in thanking Reva and Erica for their generous support!

Conn Memorial Foundation

Established over fifty years ago by businessman and philanthropist Fred K. Conn, the Conn Memorial Foundation seeks to continue the founder's legacy of compassion and giving to those in need in our community. The Foundation focuses on the most vulnerable of our citizens, our children.

The Foundation supports nonprofit social service and educational programs that serve at-risk children and their families in Hillsborough County.

Organizations which provide support to at-risk children and their families may submit a one page letter of intent for consideration. Applications are issued only upon invitation by the Grant Committee based on review of the letters of intent.

Letters of Intent Deadlines - January 1st for spring cycle and June 1st for fall cycle.

Funding Selection Criteria

• Compatibility with Foundation’s Mission
• Board & Staff Management Expertise
• Fiscal Management
• Long Range Planning/Collaborative Efforts
• Program Need/Evaluation
• Clear Goals and Objectives
• Office/Site Visits
• Availability of Funds/Interest

The Conn Memorial Foundation does more than make grants. They offer their knowledge and experience to the community, organizations, and individuals in an attempt to grow the capacity of the nonprofit sector. Their investment in training and education of their partner agencies' boards and staffs is central to meeting their mission of service. Together they hope to change the world.

BDPA Twin Cities HSCC Team (2011)

These are members of the 2011 HSCC team trained by BDPA Twin Cities chapter. This team earned Jesse Bemley Scholarships due to their 5th place finish at the 2011 National BDPA HSCC Championship held in Chicago IL.

The members of the team are shown in the above photo (L-R): Cedric Cyrus (Como HS), Samantha Spears (Woodbury HS), Jorian Wulf (St. Paul Central HS) and Douglas Callahan (St. Paul Central HS).

BDPA Twin Cities has built a strong student training program. It's free and available to all students with a true passion for technology. The program continues to expand offerings serving a variety of educational levels (beginning to advanced). Students become comfortable with 'being nerdy'. There are a number of HSCC alumni who come back to participate in the Saturday computer camps. The chapter's program earned funding this year from the American Honda Foundation!

The BDPA Insider - August 21, 2011

 
The BDPA Insider - August 21, 2011

What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!

In this issue:

1. BDPA Cincinnati Students Shine at 2011 BDPA Conference in Chicago
2. BDPA Middle Tennessee HSCC Team (2011)
3. BDPA Southern Minnesota HSCC Team (2011)
4. BDPA Twin Cities HSCC Team (2011)
5. Fundraising Tip: How To Bring More Donors To Your Cause
6. Job Seekers Forum - August 29, 7:30 pm Central
7. NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing
8. Review: 2011 BDPA Youth Technology Camp

Wal-Mart Foundation

The Wal-Mart Foundation strives to provide opportunities that improve the lives of individuals in their communities including their customers and associates. Through financial contributions, in-kind donations and volunteerism, the Wal-Mart Foundation supports initiatives focused on enhancing opportunities in our four main focus areas:

1. Education
2. Workforce Development / Economic Opportunity
3. Environmental Sustainability
4. Health and Wellness

The Wal-Mart Foundation has a particular interest in supporting the following populations: veterans and military families, traditionally underserved groups, individuals with disabilities and people impacted by natural disasters.

In all of their giving efforts, Wal-Mart strives to meet the unmet needs of underserved populations and support organizations that give individuals access to a better life. Wal-Mart believes in operating globally and giving back locally. They encourage associates to support programs that make a positive difference in their communities through volunteer efforts and financial contributions. Wal-Mart involve associates in determining how Wal-Mart Foundation dollars are used to support causes that are important to them.

Wal-Mart Stores and Sam’s Clubs can recommend grants of up to $5,000 to local nonprofit organizations. To learn more about requesting a grant through these programs, please first review the Wal-Mart Store and Sam’s Club Giving Guidelines and then contact the Community Involvement Coordinator at the Wal-Mart Store or Sam’s Club facility nearest you. This is an opportunity open to multiple chapters. BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) will work with any local BDPA chapter once they identify contact information for a specific Wal-Mart Store in their area.

National BDPA may also want to consider partnering with BETF on a grant proposal seeking up to $250,000. The Wal-Mart Foundation’s National Giving Program awards grants of $250,000 and above to nonprofit organizations implementing programs at multiple sites across the country. The Foundation may award grants through the National Giving Program which support the replication of a particularly innovative local or regional initiative at other sites around the country. National nonprofit organizations interested in applying for funding must first submit a letter of inquiry (LOI) that briefly outlines the program, the unmet need it addresses, the intended outcomes, the constituencies served, and the organization’s capacity to carry out the work.

Here are the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about this funding opportunity.

BDPA Southern Minnesota HSCC Team (2011)

These are the smiling faces of the 2011 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Champions. The team hails from Rochester, MN. The gentleman in the middle is Zack Garbow. Zack has been training the BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter HSCC teams for the past decade or so. His teams have now won 6 out of 7 national HSCC championships ... and 5 in a row!  Zack shared his HSCC insights on the August 9th episode of the BDPA iRadio Show.

Please meet your 2011 National BDPA HSCC Champions (L-R): Hassan Hassan (Century HS), Daniel Sheppard (Minnesota Virtual Academy), Zack Garbow (coach), Sharon Singh, Adwait Walimbe (John Marshall HS) and Zakaria Ahmed (Mayo HS).

Each of these young people earned a Jesse Bemley Scholarship (partially funded by the Creating IT Futures Foundation).

BDPA Cincinnati Students Shine at 2011 BDPA Conference in Chicago

HSCC Team & Founder Earl Pace

Stock market gyrations, debt ceiling debates and the worries over the upcoming Cincinnati Bengals football season have dominated local headlines in recent weeks. Few in our city were focused on the remarkable achievements of Cincinnati-area high school students in a national computer programming competition, or appreciate the training it takes to excel in this intellectual effort.

So the 13th-place finish of Cincinnati's team (out of 45 BDPA chapters) in the National High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Championship sponsored by BDPA (Black Data Processing Associates) didn't draw a lot of attention. But the four team members went through a comprehensive training program with the local BDPA chapter before they pitted their skills against other teams at the national BDPA technology conference in Chicago.

Twenty-four students began training in January as part of the local chapter's computer camp. The students are recruited through local public and private high schools. Sponsorship from Christ Cathedral Church, Cincinnati Bell Wireless and Procter & Gamble provided the reference materials and meals for the training sessions.

The students met every Saturday at Cincinnati State Technical College, and BDPA members drilled them in programming skills. Twelve moved on to phase two of the training to which the previous year's attendees were invited. Six made the final cut and participated in a June regional competition.

BDPA Cincinnati IT Showcase Participants

Four high school students went on to the national competition: Hadiya Harrigan (Xavier HS), Christian Johnson (Mason HS), Curtis Mimes (Taft HS) and Bikram Sapkota (Taft HS). Another four Cincinnati-area students -- Landon Jackson (Mason HS), Li-Ara Jackson (Mason HS), Jahaan Maiden (University of Cincinnati) and Tariq Maiden (Mason HS) -- participated in the 9th annual BDPA IT Showcase in Chicago during the national conference.

The training is part of a comprehensive BDPA program, called SITES (Student Information Technology Education and Scholarship program). including the Youth Technology Seminar Series and a student internship program. HSCC student Curtis Mimes held a summer internship with Cincinnati Bell Wireless.

Wanda Gray

BDPA Cincinnati chapter president Wanda Gray noted, "BDPA believes that our youth will make a difference in the information technology industry of the future. We have HIGH expectations for each of the students in our SITES program."

BDPA Cincinnati plans to honor the students, volunteers and sponsors that supported its efforts. They will be honored Sept. 17 at the 16th Annual Education Banquet at the Wyoming Civic Center. Proceeds will underwrite BDPA scholarships and youth programs.

For more info, call BDPA on (513) 956-0636 or e-mail Banquet@bdpa-cincy.org.

Review: 2011 BDPA Youth Technology Camp

National BDPA Youth Technology Camp (YTC) coordinator Jamesetta James and her team provided a comprehensive program of hands-on activities and workshops for about 100 middle- and high-school students during the national BDPA conference held earlier this month. Jamesetta has high expectations for BDPA youth. As she wrote,

"I fully expect young IT professionals and entrepreneurs to emerge from this conference. Let me tell you why:

• I believe that younger minds learn faster then older minds and are better equipped to adapt to changing environments, such as in the realm of information technology.
• I believe that youth are better positioned to take risks and embrace new innovative technologies and methodologies.
• I believe that maturity comes with experience, not with a degree. The sooner youth are exposed to new and challenging experiences and responsibilities, the sooner they will mature into responsible, productive individuals."

The 13th annual YTC had some new and unique elements that included a graphics design contest and X-Box gaming contest. There were over 40 students in a hands-on workshop entitled Sole Plus Design with Converse Shoes. The objective of the workshop was to provide hands-on techniques using Photo Shop to create a unique fusion of artistic expression that will be applied to Converse canvas sneakers.

Each team created a unique name for their design group and only students that were not members of a design group were allowed to vote. The student designs were voted on by their peers. 

The design team with the winning graphic was called TAG. TAG team members were all from our BDPA Twin Cities chapter - Dakari Davison, Dallyn Davison, Daze Davison, Elisha Phillip, and Michael Quick. 

Photo of the winning team was taken by the conference photographer, Rodney Wright. Each team member will receive a pair of Converse shoes displaying the original design. Also, additional pairs of Converse sneakers bearing the original design will be donated to a local Chicago women and children’s shelter on September 17th, 2011. Mr. Brian Miller (Sole Plus Design) and BDPA Chicago chapter president Pam Sexton will deliver the Converse shoes to the shelter.

Secondly, the winners for the  2 XBOX competitions are: Dallyn Davison (Twin Cities) for NBA Live and Daniel Dyer (Richmond) for Call of Duty Black OPS. In addition to the gift packs they received from the Microsoft Store located in Oak Brook, IL, they will also be receiving prizes from the Play N Trade, the Lansing location. Bernard Key (Key Link Technologies) will be coordinating the delivery of these prizes to our winners.

Also, the members of the winning team for the Project Management for Teens workshop were: Tyra Foulks (Gr Columbia), Michael James (Gr Columbia), Curtis Jenkins (Richmond), Erica Mayberry (Twin Cities), Samantha Spears (Twin Cities) and Keautishay Young (Chicago).

The objective of the Project Management for Teens workshop, conducted by William Smith, was to take students through the four phases that is required to complete a project: defining, planning, implementing and finalization. Students were given a project in which they were to complete in a team and later present their project to their peers. At the end of this workshop, each student was equipped with the basic project management skill where they can build upon and utilized in their school assignments and also include on their resume.

Lastly, the winners of the Network and Student Mock Interview workshop are: Farida Labaran (Chicago) and Kyle Williams (Chicago). They each received prizes awarded by our Interviewing for Success workshop presenter, Debra Farmer. The junior and senior high school students were given an assignment to network with at least 3 professionals and gather specific information outlined in the Interviewing for Success workshop. Points were awarded to each completed networking sheet turned in by the student. On Friday, each junior and senior student were taken through a mock interview where pre-determined questions were asked by our very own BDPA professionals. The students were given a score of 1 through 4 for each question asked based on their responses.

Much love to YTC coordinator Jamesetta James and the others who have grown this program into such a powerful experience for our young people! Well done!

Fundraising Tip: How To Bring More Donors To Your Cause

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is convinced that our cause is a worthy one. After all, if our nation is to win the future then STEM-based programs like we have in 45 cities around the nation are a key component. As such, our challenge is getting IT professionals and other African Americans to see what we're all about. How can we attract more eyeballs to our online message?

I think that the following fundraising tip provides some excellent ideas for getting more donors to check out your nonprofit organization (or local BDPA chapter).

Apply for a Google Grant

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Getting new potential supporters into your pipeline is a key concern for any nonprofit — cutting through the clutter and marketing yourself is a key component of bringing new donors to your organization. Google provides many free tools and opportunities to help nonprofits spread the word about their good work: Google Grants for online advertising, expanded YouTube channels, Google Apps software, and premium Google Earth features. And now U.S.-based nonprofits can fill out a simple application to access all of these free services at www.google.com/nonprofits as well as access tips on how to make the most of Google's software, and their new nonprofit marketplace, which lists companies that offer free or discounted services to nonprofits.

At the very least, definitely sign up for a Google Grant (www.google.com/grants). A Google Grant will get you $10,000 per month in free "AdWords" advertising, so people see your link above the other results when they search Google. It's an easy way for you to get more exposure for your cause, which is key to raising more money.

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BETF recently signed up for some of these services -- http://tinyurl.com/BDPA-Google -- and we've asked a volunteer, Diane Hampton (Chicago), to do some research on how we can best leverage these services.  We probably need to take a closer look at the Google Grant opportunity as well.   This is an idea that our CIO, Rudy Duke, may be able to examine after the current transformation of the BETF website is completed later this fall.   

This tip is inspired by Darian Heyman's new book, 'Nonprofit Management 101: A Complete and Practical Guide for Leaders and Professionals'.

Does this tip seem like one that you might use for your local chapter or nonprofit? If not, do you have a fundraising tip that you would like to share with us?

BDPA Middle Tennessee HSCC Team (2011)

These are the BDPA Middle Tennessee student members (C.J. Stewart, Marques Jackson Tabb and Xavier B. Thaxter) who participated in the national High School Computer Competition Championship during the 2011 BDPA Technology Conference in Chicago, IL. [Photo Credit: V. Charlene Christmon]

The BDPA Insider - August 14, 2011

 
The BDPA Insider - August 14, 2011

What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!

In this issue:

1. Back by popular demand! Job Seekers Forum-August 15, 2011
2. BDPA Foundation Announces 2011 Eli Lilly Scholarship Winners
3. BDPA New Jersey HSCC Team (2011)
4. BDPA New York Honored as 'Chapter of the Year'
5. Chronicles of an IT Job Seeker
6. Fundraising Tip: How To Secure Corporate Support
7. Message from Columbus Chapter President

Message from Columbus Chapter President

Deborah Smedley

Everyone,

I am writing you all to thank you for your support of our High School students that went to Chicago to compete in the National Computer Competition. They placed 3rd in the nationals. This is a record for the BDPA Columbus Chapter. All things are good through God.


We want to keep this momentum going as our chapter is currently in the spotlight and shining. What a wonderful accomplishment to be third in the nation for the national competition. Our students conducted themselves professionally, did well on the written and oral competition and their technical skills impressed the judges. I remember when the students first started out in the program, they were like full of giggles, some were shy with their heads in the clouds.

Since then they have have really grown to be strong, confident and professional people. They have also grown as the BDPA Columbus High School team. I have witnessed the bond they have as a team and that is priceless. Our instructors and Coordinator established lasting relationships with the students providing more than just instruction. They have been great role models, mentors, encouragers, advisers and provided tough love where necessary.

We are also very thankful to DeVry University for allowing the Middle and High School programs to be conducted on the Alum Creek campus. They have supported our efforts tremendously.

We are also very thankful to you all for making the competition trip happen. We were a bit worried there ... just a little ... but you all came through. So thank you again.

We will be ramping up the middle and high school program for next year. We are looking for volunteer instructors and looking for you all to help us fill the classrooms with middle and high school students.

We are planning a members meeting to give you a look at what the students experienced during the program and at competition. We are also going to be creating committees to help with fundraising for next year.

Also look for details of a picnic to honor all of our students, instructors and coordinator for their commitment and hard work.

As always thank you and God bless!! We have the best Chapter in the Nation and we are going to take the title next year.


Deborah E. Smedley, President
BDPA Columbus Chapter

Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship

The Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship provides funding to minority students enrolled in one of the technical sciences or engineering disciplines. This scholarship is available to US Citizens and individuals with Permanent Resident visas. The scholarship is not available to spouses and children of Xerox employees. Awards range from $1,000 - $10,000.

In order to apply you must meet the following qualifications:

• Are you a full-time student enrolled in a four-year institution?
• Do you have a B average or better?
• At graduation will you receive a BS, MS, or PhD in a technical science or an engineering discipline?
• Do you consider yourself Black, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Alaskan, or Hispanic?
• Do you have tuition (or tuition related) expenses not covered by scholarships/grants (excluding loans)?

(If your answer is "yes" to all questions you are eligible to apply.)

[Read Application Process]

Payroll Pledge: United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is pleased to receive payroll pledges via the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg that are being used to support programs hosted by BDPA Richmond chapter.

Have you considered making a payroll pledge to support our nonprofit efforts?

BDPA New Jersey HSCC Team (2011)

I've looked over a number of resumes in my career. However, I must admit that I enjoyed the three resumes that I received from members of the BDPA New Jersey High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team members Matthew Clark, Andrew Hall and Dakari Jones. The three young men were sharing their qualifications with many of the corporations at the BDPA career fair last week in Chicago. I see a bright future for these young men.

L-R: Antrell McGee, Dakari Jones, Matthew Parker, Eric Demetrius and David Aponte. NOT PICTURED: Demetrius Beckham

BDPA New Jersey chapter's HSCC team members performed well at the BDPA Northeast Regional HSCC Championship held earlier this summer at Bowie State University. The competition consisted of an oral exam, written exam and a problem which required the students to create a web-based programming solution.

BDPA New Jersey worked with the students on a bi-weekly basis since October 2010. An online tool was used in order to let the students do independent study in between classroom training sessions.

All of BDPA-Nation are proud of the young squires trained by BDPA New Jersey chapter.

BDPA Foundation Announces 2011 Eli Lilly Scholarship Winners

The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF), in coordination with Eli Lilly and Company, is pleased to announce the winner of the fifth annual Eli Lilly and Company Scholarship for BDPA Students. The two winners this year are Jala Cruz, a graduating senior at North Central High School (Indianapolis, IN) and Adwait Walimbe, a rising senior at John Marshall High School (Rochester, MN).



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

“We appreciate Eli Lilly and Company for the investment that it continues to make in our BDPA student members,” said Wayne Hicks, BETF Executive Director. “The BDPA Foundation is pleased to work with Eli Lilly to help cultivate these future leaders. Our hope is that other corporations will contact us for similar scholarship opportunities”

Part of the application process is an essay that answers the question 'Why is Information Technology Important'.  Jala's essay focused on the many ways that technology is used to improve our lives.  Click here for the full text of her winning essay.

Adwait is a long-time BDPA member.  He was part of the past few national High School Computer Competition championship teams trained by our BDPA chapter in Rochester, MN.  His essay focused on the impact of technology on both entrepreneurial start-ups and off-shore outsourcing. Click here for the full text of his winning essay.

Previous Eli Lilly scholars were:

• 2010 - Leslie Vasquez (Pike High School) and Gerado Dominguez (Chicago State University)
• 2009 - Carrine Johnson (Palos Verdes Peninsula High School) and Hung Vo (Georgia Tech University)
• 2008 - Khalia Braswell (North Carolina State University) and Christian West (Northwestern University)
• 2007 - Daniel Puente (Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center School of Business and Management) and Lee Reed (University of Michigan)