BDPA Chicago is the 2nd-largest chapter in the nation, however, they are making a top-ranked effort to provide meaningful STEM-based training for young people it the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program. The SITES program teaches 5th through 12th grade students to create web applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, MySQL, Ajax, and PHP. In addition to technical topics, BDPA Chicago students are coached in effective study habits, presentation skills, professionalism, and leadership.
The top five students in the SITES program will be invited to represent the chapter and the city in the 2015 National BDPA High School Computer Competition championship. Students are judged on participation, homework, and test scores will participate in the national competition. BDPA Chicago has produced HSCC champions in the past ... can they repeat as champions in 2015?
Hotep! BDPA Education & Technology Foundation (BETF) exists to provide financial support for BDPA. We share information about fundraising, funding sources and BDPA programs on this blog. The postings on this site are my own and don’t necessarily represent BDPA’s positions, strategies or opinions.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
SITES Team (Chicago, 2015)
Labels:
2015 BDPA Conference,
BDPA Chicago,
SITES
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
BDPA iRadio Show: July 28, 2015 (Bridget Baggett, Mike Williams, Sharnecia Williams)
BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to be the creator of the BDPA iRadio Show. You can listen to the archive version of the show using the widget shown in the right-hand sidebar of this blog. FREE download from the iTunes Store is also available for our listeners!
Check Out Technology Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with BDPA on BlogTalkRadio
The guest on the July 28th show:
Bridget Baggett - vice president, BDPA Charlotte - Bridget is the VP-Member Services with BDPA Charlotte chapter. In that role she is responsible for professional development, community outreach, career development and communications. Bridget will also be a presenter at the 37th annual BDPA Technology Conference being held August 19-22, 2015 in Washington DC. Her workshop is entitled, 'How Technology Has Changed the Way We Recruit & Retain IT Professionals'. The objectives of her workshop is to show the audience ways to leverage technology in the recruiting process as well as ways to gain a competitive advantage in the recruiting process. Bridgett will give a preview of her conference workshop to our BDPA iRadio Show audience.
Mike Williams - vice president, National BDPA - Mike Williams accepted appointment as National BDPA vice president in January 2014. He is the global head of information technology (IT) operations for Cigna. As a senior IT executive, his reputation has been built on developing and leading high-performing IT teams that deliver on the promise of service. As a change agent and strategist, He works with teams to define innovative and pragmatic approaches to business problems while aligning IT strategies with business objectives. He leads teams that consistently attain service delivery excellence, reduce costs, and optimize IT investments and resources. Mike is running unopposed in the upcoming National BDPA election to become the 17th national president in the 40-year history of the organization. Our iRadio Show audience will be interested to learn his vision for BDPA as we move into the next level our development. You can find Mike via Twitter: @ITMikeWilliams.
We hope you enjoy the insights and commentary on the show from each of these guests. Please take a moment to post a comment to let us know that you care!
Monday, July 27, 2015
Wal-Mart Invests in BDPA One Person at a Time
Globally known for helping people around the world save money and live better, Wal-Mart became a Silver Level Sponsor at this year’s 37th Annual BDPA Technology Conference & Career Fair, August 18-22, 2015 in Washington DC. Wal-Mart agreed to be the primary funding source for 25 college scholarships for the high-performing teams in this year's National BDPA High School Computer Competition.
To become a BDPA partner or sponsor like Wal-Mart or to learn more about the BDPA National Technology Conference in Washington, D.C. as well as sponsorship opportunities, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email at corpsales@bdpa.org or 301-584-3135 x108.
“It is with contributions such as this that we introduced tens of thousands of students to careers in the Information Technology industry. As we celebrate BDPA's 40th Anniversary, we look forward to continued support from Wal-Mart and other interested sponsors as we literally move students ‘from the classroom to the boardroom’," said BDPA co-founder Earl Pace.Wal-Mart’s investment in BDPA exposes African American youths and professionals to sustaining careers in Information Technology. This year’s generous contribution helps BDPA to strengthen their infrastructure through attendance at the annual Awards Gala and providing scholarships to help students improve their quality of life. Wal-Mart promotes a culture of integrity and provides resources to educate and empower associates to make ethical decisions. With fiscal year 2015 net sales of $482.2 billion, Wal-Mart employs 2.2 million associates worldwide.
Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. BDPA has 46 chapters across the United States and is the largest African American Information Technology Association in the country. BDPA continues to fulfill its mission and work to bridge the digital divide by providing career growth opportunities for its members.Earl Pace added, "BDPA is very appreciative of this support from Wal-Mart. The students benefiting from this contribution to The Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship Fund will continue BDPA's active participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through its High School Computer Competition, Information Technology Showcase for high school and college students, as well as Youth Technology Conferences.”
Earl Pace, Jr.
To become a BDPA partner or sponsor like Wal-Mart or to learn more about the BDPA National Technology Conference in Washington, D.C. as well as sponsorship opportunities, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email at corpsales@bdpa.org or 301-584-3135 x108.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
SITES Team (Charlotte, 2015)
BDPA Charlotte chapter has been working its Student IT Education & Scholarship (SITES) program very hard in 2015. The chapter has introduced middle school and high school students to the concepts of information technology and professional development. Students participate in training sessions that entail creating dynamic web sites using ASP.Net and use of common HTML tags for text formatting. An emphasis has been placed on the .NetC programming language for implementing application logic and connecting to external resources such as databases. Professional development includes business etiquette, speech and exploration of careers in technology.
This is a photo of students engaged in the Saturday computer camp offered by BDPA Charlotte chapter:
secure online donation today!
This is a photo of students engaged in the Saturday computer camp offered by BDPA Charlotte chapter:
secure online donation today!
Labels:
BDPA Charlotte,
SITES
Friday, July 24, 2015
BDPA Cincinnati Welcomes New Marketing Department Director – Shelton Graves
Shelton Graves |
"BDPA Cincinnati has experienced significant growth in the past year. As marketing director I want to continue to facilitate this growth by leveraging different mediums to market BDPA,” says Shelton Graves. “Not only do we want to increase chapter involvement, we also want to raise awareness about our other community initiatives with digital professionals in the area.”In his new role, Shelton works with a team of volunteer to coordinate the marketing and public relations efforts for BDPA Cincinnati chapter. This department will implement a marketing campaign that includes a written strategic marketing plan that promotes the chapter’s programs, scholarships and services. Also, the department will create a uniformity of approach, design and strategy that will enable a stronger “branding” for the organization overall.
“We look forward to having Shelton join the dynamic and hard working volunteers on the Cincinnati chapter board. Shelton brings a high level of professionalism, commitment, and passion to supporting the mission of BDPA,” says BDPA Cincinnati chapter president Dalric Webb. “Shelton strengthens the team in filling this critical role within the organization and has already taken ownership of the metrics associated with this position.”BDPA Cincinnati chapter is the largest chapter in the nation. The chapter meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at Brown Mackie College (1011 Glendale Milford Road; Cincinnati OH 45215).
Labels:
BDPA Cincinnati,
Board of directors,
Shelton Graves
Thursday, July 23, 2015
BlueCross BlueShield of Michigan Supports BDPA Awards Gala
We are pleased that BlueCross BlueShield of Michigan (BCBSM) agreed to purchase a table at the 2015 Awards Gala to support remarkable BDPA students, volunteers and corporate sponsors!
BCBSM's commitment to Michigan is what differentiates it from other health insurance companies doing business in the state. That mission has never changed. With more than 7,000 employees, BCBSM is the largest health insurance company in Michigan. They offer an exciting work environment with a diverse group of employees.
Every year, BDPA hosts its Annual Awards Gala celebration to honor individuals and corporations who have made outstanding contributions to advance the careers of African Americans in the technology industry 'from the classroom to the boardroom'. Over $100,000 in college scholarship funding is announced during this annual event going to high school and college students from all over the nation. This year the annual gala is sponsored by Cigna and Johnson & Johnson.
To become a BDPA partner or sponsor like BCBSM or to learn more about the BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC, please contact the BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (301.584-3135 x108).
BCBSM's commitment to Michigan is what differentiates it from other health insurance companies doing business in the state. That mission has never changed. With more than 7,000 employees, BCBSM is the largest health insurance company in Michigan. They offer an exciting work environment with a diverse group of employees.
Every year, BDPA hosts its Annual Awards Gala celebration to honor individuals and corporations who have made outstanding contributions to advance the careers of African Americans in the technology industry 'from the classroom to the boardroom'. Over $100,000 in college scholarship funding is announced during this annual event going to high school and college students from all over the nation. This year the annual gala is sponsored by Cigna and Johnson & Johnson.
To become a BDPA partner or sponsor like BCBSM or to learn more about the BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC, please contact the BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (301.584-3135 x108).
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Message from National BDPA President (July 2015)
Pamela Mathews |
- Our 2015 Annual Technology Conference & Career Fair, which will include celebration of our 40th Anniversary;
- Launch of the Brand rejuvenation campaign;
- Enhancing Member Benefit Value through increased industry partnership; and
- Annual Technology Conference & Career Fair site selection for 2016-2017.
In the March and April updates, I announced that we had solidified our partnership with CompTIA. As a reminder, CompTIA is a non-profit association that advances the global interests of IT professionals and channel organizations. It enables them to be more successful with industry-leading IT certifications and IT business credentials, IT education, resources and the ability to connect with like-minded, leading IT industry experts. Please visit their website, www.comptia.org, for more information about their industry leading programs and certifications.
What does this partnership mean for you?
• Active BDPA members are entitled to a 40% - 50% discount on CompTIA certification exams such as A+, Network+, Security+, among others. You must be current with your membership dues. Any member wishing to take advantage of this remarkable benefit may email the National Office at info@bdpa.org.
• Complimentary registration to the CompTIA ChannelCon annual industry conference. This fantastic networking and educational conference will take place Aug 3-5, 2015 at Hilton Chicago. BDPA will be hosting the Welcome Reception on Sunday, August 2 at 7:00 pm. All BDPA members (active or inactive) are welcome to attend both the reception or conference. Please register using this unique discount registration link - https://www.comptia.org/channelcon/registration/registration-form?pc=StaffBDPA
• Complimentary individual membership to CompTIA and discount channel partner membership. Get access to valuable industry research, networking events and training by becoming a member of CompTIA http://offers.comptia.org/bdpa/
• During the National BDPA Annual Conference, CompTIA has agreed to provide a handful of training workshops to BDPA members. This is another great reason to register ASAP for the conference. This complimentary training is a valuable member service benefit and I highly encourage you to take advantage of this special opportunity. More details will be in the Conference agenda.
We are less than 30 days out from our 2015 Annual Technology Conference & Career Fair. To ensure we are able to deliver and execute a great Conference, please be mindful of the following:
- Chapter Presidents must register their delegates no later than August 8. Please refer to the email sent by the Election and By-Laws Committee on July 6 to complete this process; and
- Register for the Conference as soon as possible. This will help us manage expenses and ensure that we are adequately prepared to accommodate you in terms of lodging, meals, etc.
- Make your hotel reservation today - https://resweb.passkey.com/go/BDPA2015CONFERENCE
Sincerely,
Pamela L. Mathews, president
National BDPA
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Interview With BDPA Vice President Michael Wulf
Labels:
BDPA Kansas City,
BDPA Midwest Region,
Michael Wulf,
video
Monday, July 20, 2015
Cox Enterprises Renews Sponsorship of BDPA
Cox Enterprises agreed to renew its sponsorship of BDPA for the fourth year in a row! The company purchased lifetime membership for its chief information officer, invested in the 37th annual BDPA Technology Conference and became one of the largest investors in the Student IT Education & Scholarship (SITES) program in Atlanta.
Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of more than $17 billion and approximately 50,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms). The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, Savings.com and Valpak.
Our hope is that this sponsorship commitment by Cox Enterprises will encourage a number of the 50,000 employees to join BDPA.
Please contact BDPA by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (301.584-3135, x108) if you would like to learn more about the benefits of becoming a corporate sponsor.
Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of more than $17 billion and approximately 50,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms). The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, Savings.com and Valpak.
Our hope is that this sponsorship commitment by Cox Enterprises will encourage a number of the 50,000 employees to join BDPA.
Please contact BDPA by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (301.584-3135, x108) if you would like to learn more about the benefits of becoming a corporate sponsor.
Labels:
BDPA Atlanta,
corporate sponsor,
Cox Enterprises
Sunday, July 19, 2015
BDPA Joins CompTIA ChannelCon (August 3-5, 2015)
We have some exciting news. National BDPA has partnered with CompTIA.
CompTIA is a non-profit association that advances the global interests of IT professionals and channel organizations. It enables them to be more successful with industry-leading IT certifications and IT business credentials, IT education, resources and the ability to connect with like-minded, leading IT industry experts.
What does this partnership mean for you? 100% complimentary registration to the CompTIA ChannelCon annual industry conference. This fantastic networking and educational conference will take place August 3-5, 2015 at Hilton Chicago in Chicago, IL. All BDPA members (active or inactive) are welcome to attend the conference. Please register today!
BDPA will be hosting the Conference Welcome Reception on Sunday, August 2nd at 7pm and we welcome your presence.
In addition, active BDPA members are entitled to at least a 40% discount on CompTIA certification exams such as A+, Network+, Security+, among others. You must be current with your membership dues. Any member wishing to take advantage of this remarkable benefit may email the National Office at info@bdpa.org. Last but not least, there is complimentary individual membership to CompTIA and discounted channel partner membership.
Get access to valuable industry research, networking events and training by becoming a member of CompTIA.
CompTIA is a non-profit association that advances the global interests of IT professionals and channel organizations. It enables them to be more successful with industry-leading IT certifications and IT business credentials, IT education, resources and the ability to connect with like-minded, leading IT industry experts.
What does this partnership mean for you? 100% complimentary registration to the CompTIA ChannelCon annual industry conference. This fantastic networking and educational conference will take place August 3-5, 2015 at Hilton Chicago in Chicago, IL. All BDPA members (active or inactive) are welcome to attend the conference. Please register today!
BDPA will be hosting the Conference Welcome Reception on Sunday, August 2nd at 7pm and we welcome your presence.
In addition, active BDPA members are entitled to at least a 40% discount on CompTIA certification exams such as A+, Network+, Security+, among others. You must be current with your membership dues. Any member wishing to take advantage of this remarkable benefit may email the National Office at info@bdpa.org. Last but not least, there is complimentary individual membership to CompTIA and discounted channel partner membership.
Get access to valuable industry research, networking events and training by becoming a member of CompTIA.
Labels:
ChannelCon Conference,
CompTIA
Thursday, July 16, 2015
36-Year History of BDPA Conference Themes
Please enjoy this documentation of the 36-year history of BDPA Conference themes and locations:
- 2015, Evolution of IT: Embracing the Digital Future, Washington, DC
- 2014, Race to Innovate, Indianapolis, IN
- 2013, Diverse Opportunities in the Age of Convergence Washington, DC
- 2012, Transforming the IT Professional, Baltimore, MD
- 2011, Ignite, Inspire & Empower: The GPS of Future Technologists, Chicago, IL
- 2010, Access for All, Philadelphia, PA
- 2009, Challenges for Today; Strategies for Tomorrow, Raleigh, NC
- 2008, Harnessing Emerging Technologies to Advance IT Careers, Atlanta, GA
- 2007, Global Strategy for the IT Professional, Washington, DC
- 2006, Picturing the Future of Information Technology, Los Angeles, CA
- 2005, Driving Innovation, Bringing Value and Embracing Change, Detroit, MI
- 2004, BDPA: Securing Our Future Through Technology, Dallas, TX
- 2003, Information Technology: From the Classroom to the Boardroom, Philadelphia, PA
- 2002, Changing the Culture of IT: From Access to Ownership, Orlando, FL
- 2001, Empowering the Nation Through Information, Chicago, IL
- 2000, Taking IT to the Net: From High-Tops to High-Tech, Washington, DC
- 1999, Closing the Gap in Information Technology, Atlanta, GA
- 1998, Unveiling the Magic of Emerging Technologies, Orlando, FL
- 1997, Looking at Tomorrow, Today, Houston, TX
- 1996, Building World Class Skills for Information Technology, Atlanta, GA
- 1995, Linking Business, Education and Technology, Philadelphia, PA
- 1994, Unleashing the Power of a Creative People, Cleveland, OH
- 1993, Cultivating Tomorrow's Leaders in the Heart of America, Kansas City, MO
- 1992, Shaping the Information Technology Professional: Current and Future, Detroit, MI
- 1991, BDPA Getting to the Core of Technology, New York, NY
- 1990, Education and Technology Bonding for Excellence, Washington, DC
- 1989, Ideas in the Making, Los Angeles, CA
- 1988, Growth and Success by Designs, Chicago, IL
- 1987, A Bridge to Success, New Orleans, LA [photo to the right shows young Earl Pace, Norman Mays and others at 1987 conference]
- 1986, Securing Your Professional Future, Atlanta, GA
- 1985, A Decade of Professional Growth, Philadelphia, PA
- 1984, Information Processing: A Vote for the Future, Cleveland, OH
- 1983, Rise to the Challenge, Newark, NJ
- 1982, Entrepreneurship: A Successful Attitude, Detroit, MI
- 1981, Growth Through Professional Association, Philadelphia, PA
- 1980, A New Era of Minority Involvement in Data Processing, Washington, DC
- 1979, The Role of the Black Technical Organization, Washington, DC
My Conference Memories: I've attended 23 of these conferences. I remember being blown away by the massive gathering of African American IT professionals when I attended my first national conference in Chicago (1988). I was amazed at the passion and energy displayed at the national BDPA board of directors meeting. I met Vivian Wilson at this meeting. Vivian is one of the best people that I've ever known and I am grateful to have served as her national BDPA vice president when she was the National BDPA president.
My favorite conference was the one held in Detroit (2005). It was my final year as national president. My mom and oldest daughter both were in attendance ... and we were able to bring together many of the past national presidents for recognition at the Awards Gala. Yep ... that was my favorite BDPA conference!
How many of these conferences have you attended? What is your favorite memory from these past four decades of national BDPA conferences?
Labels:
BDPA conference,
BDPA history,
popular posts
Monday, July 13, 2015
Hewlett-Packard Celebrates Six Years of BDPA Platinum Level Sponsorship
Hewlett-Packard (HP) made a Platinum level sponsor commitment to BDPA for the sixth year in a row. The major part of the sponsorship will be seen at the 37th annual BDPA Technology Conference being held August 18-21, 2015 in Washington DC. HP makes 'IT' matter. Since 1939, HP has been a leader in technology and corporate culture, inspiring innovators and entrepreneurs around the globe. Driving innovation through diversity and inclusion, HP’s commitment to those principles is key to their foundation as HP’s global community of employees is one of their greatest strengths.
Jeff Henderson, HP Executive Director stated, "National BDPA provides an environment for our youth to explore the realm of possibility when it comes to careers, challenges and opportunities in science and technology. I have seen firsthand how this type of environment instills confidence and fosters creativity. The students participating in BDPA today are investments in the IT professionals of tomorrow that will fuel innovation and drive business outcomes. HP is proud to support an organization that places such a high value on education and development of IT professionals."HP’s Platinum Level Sponsorship investment includes new HP laptops or tablets to every member of the championship High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team; Thirty (30) 13”+ laptops for HSCC; (30) Monitors for HSCC; 10” tablets; Intel Sponsored HP Performance-Optimized Datacenter (POD); (30) Wired Mice for HSCC; Five (5) new printers for conference operations support, and much more.
Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. BDPA focuses on nurturing and developing future IT leaders in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and digital technology fields. BDPA has 40 chapters across the United States and is the largest African American Information Technology Association in the country. BDPA continues to fulfill its mission and work to bridge the digital divide by providing career growth opportunities for its members.Robert Gavin, HP Business Consultant said, "As an HP employee, it is an honor to partner with National BDPA. Their commitment to advancing youth in technology, as well as providing opportunities to network with professionals in the IT Industry throughout the country speaks volumes about the character of the organization. BDPA fosters an environment of education, hands-on learning and growth within the information technology industry for all its youth and adult members. For us (HP), the bar has been set high. We remain a Corporate Sponsoring leader at the Platinum level as the sole provider of computer hardware for their Annual Technology Conference.”
Robert Gavin
To become a BDPA partner or sponsor like HP or to learn more about the BDPA Technology Conference in Washington, D.C. as well as sponsorship opportunities, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email at corpsales@bdpa.org or 301.584-3135 x108.National BDPA President Pamela Mathews states, "It's a privilege to have a partnership with HP and we don't take it for granted. We appreciate the resources provided by HP. This allows BDPA to continue our mission of advancing careers from the classroom to the boardroom."
Pamela Mathews
Labels:
2015 BDPA Conference,
corporate sponsor,
HP
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Message from BDPA Cincinnati Chapter President (July 2015)
Dalric Webb |
We want to welcome those of you who took advantage of the opportunity to renew your BDPA membership for FREE last month! National BDPA president Pamela Sexton allowed any lapsed member a chance to renew their membership for a full year at no cost. Over 60 people took her up on the offer and our chapter retains its title as the LARGEST BDPA CHAPTER IN THE NATION for the third month in a row! Please make a special effort to come out and engage with your fellow chapter members at upcoming program meetings or social events.
We are ROLLING through the summer months and your BDPA chapter volunteers are sweating profusely with the efforts at delivering value to you, our members. How you ask? I’m glad you asked! Let me articulate the ways your volunteers are demonstrating a nice return on investment (ROI).
2015 Computer Camp Students |
But perhaps that doesn’t do it for you?
Kevin Murray and Dalric |
Well how about giving back? There are over 25 volunteer board positions within our chapter structure. Each board position plays a critical role in delivering value to our members, our youth and our local community. There are a few vacancies on the board and several volunteering opportunities that do not fill a board seat. Would investing about four (4) hours a month into such a worthwhile cause seem a good investment of your time and energy? Being a part of a powerful and growing team of digital technology professionals that have a strategic plan to improve the number of diverse individuals in the digital technology fields, how is that for a cause you can get behind and run with?
Dr. Tyra Oldham |
Check out our entire calendar of events. Register to attend any of our events. Keep an eye out for the announcement of our Annual Education Banquet in a few months! We need you there in support! Also, please share your input and feedback on these events and any others you would like to see or participate in. We value your opinion and recommendations.
That’s all I have for now. I’m excited about how well the chapter is doing in executing to our strategic plan laid out by the board last year. We have a strong team that can only get stronger with your active participation. Thank you to all the volunteers who have stepped forward and continue to give just a little bit of time that adds up to the chapter making big things happen! You are all AWESOME and I am proud to be a part of this team.
Looking forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!
Sincerely,
Dalric Webb, President
BDPA Cincinnati Chapter
Labels:
BDPA Cincinnati,
Dalric Webb,
message from president
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