Thursday, June 30, 2011

HSCC Testimonial: Darryl Davis (Atlanta, 2008-2010)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation awarded over $347,000 in college scholarships since 1999. One of our scholars is Darryl Davis. Darryl earned a Jesse Bemley Scholarship as a result of the high performance by him and his BDPA Atlanta teammates during the 2008 National High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Championship.

Darryl shared his thoughts on BDPA with us in the following testimonial:

My experience with BDPA has been an emotionally, physically and mentally trying experience for each of the three years I was actively apart of the program. To this day I am amazed at how much I’ve changed since being a young, naive freshman to a mature high school graduate. I went into the program not knowing anything about programming, public speaking or teamwork, but each of those skills grew in me over the three years.


When I began BDPA I honestly did not know what I was in for. Now, I am happy I stuck it out. Not only did I gain knowledge from the program, but I also gained friends and family that I feel will be a part of my life for a long time. Coach Wes took me under his wing and treated me like one of his own. He set goals and expectations for not only me, but all my teammates, too. We felt obligated to meet said commitments no matter how extensive or daunting they were. I remember going to the Regionals during my first year of the program and Coach Wes kept telling us that the Regionals were just a learning experience to see how Nationals would be. In short he did not want us to get our hopes up too high, but the Atlanta Chapter practically got first place. Later that year we went to Nationals, in our home town, and received fifth place in the whole country. We made ourselves, and the whole Atlanta chapter, proud.

The second year was a rough year for everyone on the team. I can honestly say that I was not putting my all into the program, and I apologize for that. We went to Nationals and did very bad. It was not a good feeling. I felt as if I was just wasting not only my time but everyone in the Atlanta chapter that donated their time and resources into me. I decided to come back to the program next year with an entirely new outlook.

On the first day of the program Coach Wes told us that if we did not perform like we wanted to go to Nationals, then we wouldn’t be going. He also said that no one has a guaranteed spot on the team. Over the months of classes he repeatedly stated, “We still haven’t bought those plane tickets yet.” He used this to motivate us to put out Nationals quality work. When summer began, training for Nationals kicked into high gear. I was busy working on my PHP coding just about six days a week. If I was not at Impact Church learning the ins and outs of databases or creating an application with Mr. Andre, I was over Coach Wes’s house working on coding National problems. We went into the national competition focused and armed with all the knowledge to be successful during the competition. Although we did not win, my team and I were happy with our performance, not only because it was a huge step up from last year’s performance, but because we knew the material we needed, and in a sense that was comforting.

This program helped instill responsibility in me, without it I know for certain I would be a totally different person.

We look for great things over the coming years from Darryl. You can help us support other young people interested in STEM-based knowledge by making a secure online donation to our college scholarship fund in support of Atlanta chapter.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Take Five: Monica Ellis-Gorham (Philadelphia)

Monica Ellis-Gorham is a dedicated volunteer with our BDPA Philadelphia chapter. She has worked hard to support efforts such as TECHie Camp and the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program.

It was recently pointed out to us that Monica is a 'Member on the Move'. She recently won election to serve as president of Peirce College’s ITSA-ACM Student Chapter.

Monica agreed to participate in our 'Take Five' interview series:

  1. How did you get involved with BDPA? - I was at my first ITSA meeting at Peirce College back in September of 2010. Professor Richard Tillies talked about various IT organizations, including BDPA. I went to the national and local websites when I got home that night. After being online for several hours absorbing information, I decided to join. I wanted to be part of an organization that I could somehow contribute to make a difference in as well as be a part of an organization where I could grow personally and professionally. Three weeks later I attended my first program meeting. It was one of the Recruiter Roundtable meeting the chapter hosts. No one knew who I was but I wanted to jump in and help any way that I could. As time went on, I began learning more about the SITES Program and I was asked if I would be interested in helping out in the role of Assistant Coordinator and the rest is history.
  2. What is the most rewarding aspect of working with BDPA? - The most rewarding aspect of working with BDPA is working to promote the organization and what it has to offer for professionals, college and high school students and now hopefully middle school and elementary students through TECHie Camps. It is rewarding to know what BDPA stands for and me being a part of organization, introducing the program to more people and working with the SITES program is making a difference.
  3. You were recently elected president of the ACM student chapter at Peirce College. Do you see future collaboration between BDPA & ACM? - When I decided to run for President, I thought about how it would be nice to be able to have events where ITSA ACM and BDPA that would bring both groups together. I have not figured out how or what yet but when I do, hopefully we can then put something together for BDPA and ACM Nationally.
  4. What /would future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA's STEM-based training? - Being that I am fairly new to BDPA and still learning what all BDPA's STEM-based programs have to offer, I am not quite sure what I would like to see in the future. What I do know is that I am committed to BDPA and STEM-based programs and I will help any way I can to move the program forward to help it benefit as many students as possible.
  5. Any advice for people considering donation to BETF? - I would strongly encourage them to donate to the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF). I would encourage them to donate by explaining the programs that BETF support and showing how having the programs benefit our communities. I would also encourage them to visit a BETF supported program so they can see for themselves what the program is about and what it has to offer.

Monica proves the point that a person can make a difference right away if they set their mind to do so. Share some BDPA-Love with Monica using the POST REPLY feature on this blog!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

BDPA iRadio Show - June 28, 2011

The BDPA iRadio Show creates a vibrant communications platform that speaks to all BDPA stakeholders.  We were blessed to have creativity from the show's host (Franne McNeal) and one of the scheduled guests (Renetta English)!


Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio

Renetta English - is the BDPA New York chapter president.  She shared 'best practices' from her chapter.   Her insights were remarkable and anyone who is involved in BDPA needs to take a moment to listen to what Renetta had to say.  Renetta is truly a remarkable chapter president!

Two other BDPA chapter presidents called into the show to share their insights as well.  BDPA Charlotte chapter president Julius Clark turned the discussion to the issue of members who are unemployed or under-employed.  He was looking for success stories where BDPA helped a member with his or her career.

BDPA New Jersey chapter president Goldie Bonney informed the audience of the Families In Technology Day activities hosted each year.   This year the chapter was able to raffle over 60 refurbished laptop computers to families in attendance.
    Our host for this show is Franne McNeal.  The technical advisor is John Malonson.  The show is sponsored by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation.

    Feel free to use the POST REPLY option below if you have questions or suggestions re: the BDPA iRadio Show!

    Monday, June 27, 2011

    HSCC Testimonial: James Gadsden (Philadelphia, 2007-2009)

    BDPA Philadelphia chapter has been part of the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program for over 20 years. Over 100 high school students have gone through the program. One of those students is James Gadsden. James was part of the Philadelphia chapter teams that competed for the National BDPA HSCC Championship in 2007 (Washington DC), 2008 (Atlanta) and 2009 (Raleigh).

    James shared his thoughts on BDPA with us:

    My time in the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) program as a student was an amazing experience. I can definitely say that I've grown from being involved in the program. When I first began the program, I was very shy and reserved and nervous about the entire aspect of the program and eventually, the competition.

    I became more and more comfortable with the various aspects of the program and more confident in myself after my first year.

    The second and third years that I spent in the program were my favorite. I learned so much and was able to incorporate what I learned from the program into my other endeavors like school and work.

    I returned to BDPA Philadelphia chapter to serve as an assistant HSCC coordinator after I graduated from high school. I helped prepare the students for the competition. I am grateful for everything that the mentors, coordinators and guests have taught me throughout the years.

    James has a powerful BDPA legacy. His aunt, Eileen Gadsden, will be BDPA Philadelphia chapter president in 2011-2012. BDPA Education and Technology Foundation is working to see that the future students from BDPA Philadelphia chapter earn a college scholarship. Our hope is that you will help us 'make it so'.

    Sunday, June 26, 2011

    The BDPA Insider - June 26, 2011


    The BDPA Insider - June 26, 2011

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

    In this issue: 
    Trene Long-Reed
    1. BDPA iRadio Show - June 28, 2011 
    2. BDPA Names Five IT Heavyweights as Honorary Conference Chairs 
    3. BDPA Students Demonstrate STEM Skills at BDPA Southeast Regional HSCC
    4. Bemley Scholar Trene Long-Reed Heads to University of West Georgia 
    5. CIO Magazine: The 6 Hottest New Jobs in IT
    6. Game-changing tool for entrepreneurs coming soon 
    7. Get Inky With It
    8. HSCC Testimonial: 2009 BDPA Chicago High School Competition Team (VIDEO) 
    9. LinkedIn For Co-eds 
    10. National BDPA Call to Action!
    11. Temple University, 6/9/2011 (Howard James) 
    12. Technology & My International Midnight Presentation

      HSCC Testimonial: 2009 BDPA Chicago High School Competition Team (VIDEO)

      This is a remarkable video pulled together by BDPA Chicago education director Deborah De Vaughn. It provides some remarkable insights from the five young people that represented Chicago at the 2009 National BDPA High School Computer Competition Championship held in Raleigh NC.





      We are very proud of Courtney Elzy, Joseph Huggins, Kenneth McCune, Carlton Means and Lee Reed. In fact, these young people have inspired us to create a college scholarship fund for future BDPA Chicago students!

      Saturday, June 25, 2011

      Bemley Scholar Trene Long-Reed Heads to University of West Georgia

      Trene Long-Reed earned a Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship because of her performance as a member of the BDPA Atlanta High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team that did so well at the 2008 national BDPA HSCC Championship. She is using her Bemley Scholarship to help defray her costs for attending the University of West Georgia where she plans to earn a 'pre-medicine' degree.

      We asked Trene to share her thoughts on BDPA:

      My name is Trene Long-Reed and I am a proud member of the BDPA Atlanta chapter since 2008. This program has allowed me various opportunities and experiences that I know I would have never received if I didn’t join. BDPA is like a second family to me. Not only did they teach me how to code computers, but they also taught me management, communication, and much more.

      Since being in this program I am now able to speak in front of large crowds and I learned how to take charge and complete different types of projects. BDPA has taught me how to network with diverse people from all over the country. I learned so much from this program. I know that all the experience I have received from this program will definitely help me in the future.

      Thanks to Coach Wes Williams and the entire BDPA Atlanta High School Computer Competition (HSCC) volunteers. They have truly done a fantastic job educating high school students about technology. If there was an award for HSCC Program of the Year, they would win it hands down.

      BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud of Trene. We are hopeful that she will find ways to stay connected with BDPA for the remainder of her career.

      Our hope is that BETF will be able to continue giving out these Bemley Scholarships ... but, we need your help to do so. Won't you consider making a secure online donation to support our scholarship efforts?

      Friday, June 24, 2011

      Letter of Inquiry: IBM Community Gives (BDPA Chicago)

      BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) and BDPA Chicago chapter member Curtis Cade partnered an effort to obtain funding to support the chapter's programs. BETF submitted a letter of inquiry to the IBM community affairs leadership in Chicago under the company's IBM Community Gives program.

      We anticipate that we'll have an answer for our Chicago-based funding request in the very near future. However, you don't have to wait. If you believe in what BETF or BDPA Chicago chapter are doing then you are encouraged to make a secure online donation right away!

      Thursday, June 23, 2011

      BDPA Students Demonstrate STEM Skills at BDPA Southeast Regional High School Computer Competition

      The BDPA Southeastern Regional High School Computer Competition (HSCC) was held on Saturday, June 18th, at IT-oLogy, a local sponsor of the event. BDPA Greater Columbia chapter hosted the event with participants arriving in South Carolina from as far away as Atlanta, Charlotte and Raleigh/Durham. The regional HSCC championship is a warm-up for the national HSCC championship held August 3-6, 2011 at the National BDPA Technology Conference in Chicago.

      BDPA is an internationally recognized organization of IT professionals whose goals include preparing young people who are interested in becoming the next generation of 'Information Technology Thought Leaders' in academia and Corporate America. The regional and national HSCC championships are part of the BDPA science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pipeline summarized in its motto, 'From the Classroom to the Boardroom'.

      Each year BDPA chapters across the country offer website and database design classes to middle and high-school students. In addition to technical subjects, students are also exposed to soft skills training, current technology topics and speakers from various professions.

      At the national level, BDPA hosts a computer competition at its annual conference and each chapter is invited to bring a five-member team to compete. Winners at the national level are rewarded with scholarships and sponsor-donated items, up to and including laptop computers.

      For students who are not on competition teams, the National BDPA Technology Conference holds a Youth Technology Camp where students attend seminars and hands-on workshops on technology, entrepreneurship and soft skills topics offered by leaders in their fields. The X-Box competition workshops are always a favorite.

      This year’s BDPA Southeast Regional HSCC featured 38 students, representing 19 middle and high schools from Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina plus over 30 instructors, chaperones, parents and spectators. The competition consisted of a written test, oral team round-robin test and a web/database design problem – all timed.

      BDPA Atlanta Wins 1st Place
      Winners of the 2011 SE Regional HSCC:
      1. BDPA Atlanta
      2. BDPA Triangle
      3. BDPA Greater Columbia
      4. BDPA Charlotte
      For more information about the BDPA Southeast Regional HSCC you can contact BDPA Greater Columbia chapter president Phyllis Coleman at (803) 414-2461.

      Tuesday, June 21, 2011

      Letter of Inquiry: Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences (National BDPA)

      Charles Simonyi
      The Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences is a 501(c)(3) private foundation which distributes funds to worthy organizations that demonstrate excellence in the arts, sciences and education. Grant proposals are accepted only after invitation by the foundation.

      BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) worked with national BDPA vice president Paulette Johnson-Davis on a letter of inquiry to the Simonyi Fund. We asked them for permission to submit a $25,000 grant proposal to fund the organization's annual IT Showcase and the High School Computer Competition.

      Wish us luck!

      Letter of Inquiry: The Wallace Foundation (National BDPA)

      The Wallace Foundation does some truly remarkable work in making high-quality out-of-school time learning opportunities available to many more children. Ordinarily, they only identify and evaluate prospective grantees through the issuance of Requests for Proposals or other careful screening processes. Unsolicited proposals are rarely funded.

      'Rarely' doesn't mean 'Never'.
      BDPA Education and Technology Foundation decided to go for the long-shot! We submitted a letter of inquiry to The Wallace Foundation in which we asked for funding to support the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program taking place around the nation.

      Wish us luck!

      Monday, June 20, 2011

      BDPA Names Five IT Heavyweights as Honorary Conference Chairs

      LaVerne Council
      There are some heavy-hitters in the information technology industry who plan to serve in a leadership capacity for the upcoming BDPA Technology Conference.  BDPA announced the following executives as Honorary Conference Chairs:
      1. LaVerne Council, Corporate Vice President and CIO, Johnson & Johnson
      2. Marc Di Francisco, President and CEO, Premier Event Management
      3. Brian Hedberg, Chief Information Officer, Health Care Service Corporation
      4.  Trudy McKnight, Executive Director, Small Business Partnership Programs, U.S. Public Sector, HP
      5. David Weick, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer, McDonald's 
      The Honorary Chair takes a leadership role in promoting the conference and provides resources to assist with the execution of a successful conference.
      "BDPA is excited to recognize this year's honorary chairs for the 2011 National Conference”, said National BDPA President, Yvette Graham.
      The conference theme, 'Ignite, Inspire and Empower: The GPS of Future Technologists', is both timely and appropriate given the state of our economy and the number of individuals who are still seeking employment. BDPA remains committed to excellence as it continues to serve as a catalyst for professional growth and technical development.

      The 2011 National BDPA Technology Conference to be held in Chicago, IL on August 3-6, at the Hilton Chicago Hotel, provides a total information technology experience for high school and college students, information technology professionals, entrepreneurs, IT senior managers, corporations, academia, government agencies and the research community.

      The Honorary Chairs accepted their roles, in part, because of the value-packed slate of offerings given by field experts. These seminars, plenary sessions and workshops exemplify BDPA's commitment to provide state of the art training, professional growth and technical development, entrepreneurial opportunity, technical resource offerings, and access to leading edge technology to its members, corporate supporters, and the community.

      This blog plans to be in Chicago for the entire conference. How about you?

      Sunday, June 19, 2011

      Grant Declination: Rockwell Collins Charitable Corporation (BDPA Los Angeles)

      BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) was informed by Rockwell Collins Charitable Corporation that our grant proposal seeking $3,000 funding on behalf of BDPA Los Angeles chapter was turned down.

      The declination note read as follows:

      Wayne,

      My apologies for the delay in informing you of your grant status.

      Unfortunately, we are not able to support the request. We have reduced the number of employees in the Orange Co. area, and that coupled with limited resources influenced our decision.

      Thanks for your patience and all the best as you deliver the SITES program.

      Cindy Dietz, Executive Director
      Rockwell Collins Charitable Corp.
      phone: 319.295.7444
      fax: 319.295.9374

      We will continue to seek out funding for BDPA Los Angeles chapter. You can help us overcome our disappointment by making a secure online donation to the Brandon Gardner Memorial Scholarship Fund ... a fund that provides college scholarships to high school students that perform well in the STEM-based training provided by BDPA Los Angeles chapter.

      The BDPA Insider - June 19, 2011

      Saturday, June 18, 2011

      Grant Recipient: BDPA Richmond ($1,500)

      Richmond HSCC Team (2010)
      BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) approved a $1,500 grant disbursement to BDPA Richmond chapter. BDPA Richmond chapter requested the funds to offset expenses of their 2011 high school computer competition (HSCC) program.

      This is the third grant disbursement ... for a total of $6,000 ... provided to BDPA Richmond chapter this year. BDPA Richmond worked aggressively with BETF over the past few years to raise funds from grant proposals and individual giving. The chapter's hard fundraising work has been very successful.

      We look forward to a great performance by the BDPA Richmond team at the 26th annual national HSCC championship that takes place later this year in Chicago.

      Friday, June 17, 2011

      Grant Proposal: Whirlpool Foundation (National BDPA)

      National BDPA president-elect Monique Berry pointed us to the Whirlpool Foundation. At her request we submitted a $25,350 grant proposal to Whirlpool Foundation seeking support for the BDPA IT Showcase and the national Student Information Technology & Scholarship (SITES) program.

      IT Showcase Student
      The Whirlpool Foundation contributes to the global social concerns found in its home communities through grants, volunteerism and leadership. The contribution of these resources will enable Whirlpool to express and demonstrate its spirit of social responsibility by investing back into the very communities that drive its success.

      Whirlpool Foundation makes grants to IRS-certified nonprofit organizations in communities where Whirlpool Corporation operates. Typically, the Foundation makes only one grant to a single program in each year. Company operations are in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

      The Whirlpool Foundation point of contact is:


      Candy Garman, Coordinator
      Whirlpool Foundation
      2000 North M-63, MD 3106
      Benton Harbor, MI 49022
      Phone: (269) 923-5580
      Fax: (269) 925-0154


      We are hopeful that Whirlpool Foundation will smile favorably on our funding request!

      Thursday, June 16, 2011

      Grant Proposal: Research In Motion (National BDPA)

      BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) submitted a grant proposal to Research In Motion (RIM). We are asking them to fund part of our Student Information Technology & Scholarship (SITES) program. BDPA created the SITES program to teach advanced computer science and community responsibility to students from historically disadvantaged communities.

      An important component of our SITES program is the Youth Technology Camp (YTC). The YTC provides interactive, hands-on workshops, seminars, and activities for high school students seeking to gain valuable exposure in leading edge technology topics. BDPA recognizes that to close the gap of computer and technology literacy, minority youth must participate and compete in today’s digital economy. Otherwise, our youth run the risk of being obsolete in the 21st century workforce.

      The SITES curriculum is developed and taught by volunteer professionals with computer science and IT backgrounds. YTC is held in conjunction with the annual National BDPA Technology Conference. The YTC is a three-day event held from 8:00am-5:00pm Wednesday thru Friday. On Friday, the camp will take an offsite tour to a high tech company or university to introduce the students to new skills that will empower them to take control of their future.

      National BDPA will train 100 students in the 2012 YTC being held in Baltimore, MD. Students are not required to have prior computer training before entering the program. Half of the students will come from cities across the nation. The remaining 50 students come from Baltimore-area schools.

      We are hopeful that RIM will smile favorably on our funding request.

      Tuesday, June 14, 2011

      BDPA iRadio Show - June 14, 2011

      BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) successfully produced its first Internet radio show! BETF is extremely grateful to Franne McNeal who served as the host of the BDPA iRadio Show. Franne was able to smoothly handle all of the challenges of bringing the BDPA message out to an international audience via BlogTalkRadio.

      Our plan is to produce BDPA iRadio Show on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. We hope that you will support our efforts. Here is the first show for your enjoyment!


      Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio


      The guests on the June 14th show were:

      Julius Clark & Wayne Hicks
      Wayne Hicksexecutive director, BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (Twitter: BDPA) - focused on the evolution of BDPA and BETF over the past 35 years.   Gave life to the 'classroom to the boardroom' tagline by sharing story of BDPA member Stephanie Lampkin Brown who has gone from being a high school student learning about computers through BDPA to now being an IT professional with one of the largest technology corporations in the world.
       
      Julius Clark: information security officer, Wells Fargo (Twitter: JuliusClark) - shared his passion for information security as well as some insights on steps that we should take to avoid being hacked.  You can learn more from his blog, Clark Thought Leadership.
        Clifford Clarke
      Clifford Clarke: president, C2 IT Advisors - discussed the technological revolution and its impact on employment in the IT industry.  Invited listeners to be part of the BDPA Entrepreneurial Fireside Chat taking place on June 15th.
        John Malonson: chapter president, BDPA Los Angeles (Twitter: Malonson) - shared some tangible 'best practices' on chapter administration, youth education, strategic alliances, chapter website development and marketing program meetings.   There is a ton of information and referrals in this section of the program.
      John Malonson
       Please share your feedback on the BDPA iRadio Show.  Any questions or comments on the information provided in this week's show?  What did you like?   What would you like to see added, deleted or revised in future shows?   Who would you like to hear as a guest on future shows?   What topics would you like to see covered on future shows?

      We can only get better if we hear from you!   What say u?

      Grant Proposal: Comerica Charitable Foundation (BDPA Dallas)

      BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) submitted a grant proposal to the Comerica Charitable Foundation earlier this month. We've asked them for $5,000 funding to support the science, technology, education and mathematics (STEM) programs hosted by BDPA Dallas chapter.

      Our hope is that you will show some BDPA-love for our Dallas-area young people while we wait to hear back from Comerica!

      IRS Ends Exemption for 275,000 Nonprofits

      The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been very vocal about the fact that they intended to revoke the tax exemption for any nonprofit organization if they didn't meet legal requirements to file annual tax forms.

      The IRS was true to their word.

      Over 275,000 nonprofit organizations were placed on the agency's Automatic Revocation of Exemption List last month. [SOURCE]

      The Urban Institute’s National Center for Charitable Statistics analyzed the list of delinquent nonprofit filers that the IRS released last year. Roughly 90 percent of them had never filed a tax return suggesting that they had never raised $25,000 in a year.

      About one-quarter of them got tax exemptions before 1980 and may have gone out of business without telling the IRS.

      The nonprofit sector was reduced about 17% by this action ... there are now about 1.3 million charities, trade associations, membership groups and labor unions.

      The IRS isn’t done trimming its list of officially registered nonprofits. Moving forward, the tax agency plans every month to release the names of groups that fail to file their paperwork.

      Monday, June 13, 2011

      BDPA Midwest Regional High School Computer Competition Showcase Young Superstars in Science and Technology

      In the new global economy, America needs a workforce with the knowledge and skills to compete. A new workforce of problem solvers, innovators and inventors who are self-reliant and able to think logically is one of the crucial foundations that drive innovation capacity in the nation. A key to developing these skills is strengthening science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competencies in every student and worker.

      BDPA stepped up to the challenge by hosting a BDPA Midwest Regional High School Computer Competition (HSCC) and IT Showcase held at Cincinnati State Technical College on June 11, 2011. Students from Cincinnati, Columbus, Detroit and Los Angeles gathered for an opportunity to compete in oral exams, written tests, presentations and web-based design/programming projects.

      Conference participants were inspired by the opening remarks given by Cincinnati State president O'Dell Owens and BDPA Cincinnati chapter president Wanda Gray.

      Two students from Detroit, Austin Little (University Academy HS) and Daniel Rothchild (Pioneer HS), demonstrated excellence throughout the event to take home the gold medal for their first-place performance.

      The silver medal went to Cincinnati students: Hadiya Harrigan (Xavier HS), Christian Johnson (Mason HS) and Curtis Mimes (Taft HS).

      The bronze medal went to a team of three students that participated via Skype from Los Angeles: Pooja Chebolu (California Academy of Math and Science), Akindele Davies (California Academy of Math and Science) and August Robinson (Hamilton HS).

      Cincinnati Bell chief information officer Kevin Murray visited the regional competition to personally observe the work being done by the students. He noted that one of the high school students on the Cincinnati team recently accepted a summer internship within the Cincinnati Bell information technology department. He is looking for an opportunity to create a collaborative experience in the coming weeks and months between BDPA, Cincinnati Bell and Taft Information Technology High School.

      Many of the students in this weekend's regional HSCC championship will have opportunity to travel to Chicago later this summer for the 26th annual National BDPA HSCC Championship in an effort to dethrone the 4-time defending HSCC champions from Rochester, Minnesota.


      Another inspiring aspect of the event was the BDPA IT Showcase. This event aspires to create young people with skills and interest in pursuing STEM-based Ph.D. degrees after they graduate from college. There are too few people of African descent getting doctoral degrees in computer science and other STEM-based curriculum. BDPA hopes to create a pipeline of such academic superstars with its BDPA IT Showcase.

      The four Cincinnati-based students who participated in the IT Showcase were: Jahaan Maiden (University of Cincinnati), Li-Ara Jackson (Mason HS), Landon Jackson (Mason HS) and Tariq Maiden (University of Cincinnati). These young people gave detailed presentations on a variety of topics including: 'History and Current Uses of GPS', 'Virtual Reality in Second Life' and 'How Global Processing Units Have Changed the World'.

      BDPA Columbus chapter member Ricardo Wilkins shared his thoughts on the event on his blog. He also took time to record some comments from participants in the event.





      The parents, volunteers, judges and sponsors were inspired by the performance of all the students who traveled by highways and cyberspace to participate in the BDPA Midwest Regional HSCC and IT Showcase. The hard work put in by Joseph Parker (Procter & Gamble) and his planning committee paid off in a major way.

      BDPA is committed to prepare our children for careers in science and engineering much begin long before they are of college age. BDPA has a number of programs that enrich the pre-college STEM curriculum in the nation’s K-12 school systems, and encourage young students to take the requisite courses for careers in those fields. While the lack of preparation crosses all demographics, it is particularly acute in under-served communities.

      We encourage you to find a way to support BDPA programs as either a volunteer or donor. Please contact BDPA Education and Technology Foundation executive director Wayne Hicks on (513) 284-4968 if you have questions or wish to discuss further.

      Are Blacks More Likely Than Whites to Support Causes Online?

      BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) has established a number of online fundraisers via social networks in the past few years. As such we were intrigued by a new survey that claims ethnicity is a factor in how people perceive charitable and political causes they encounter on social networks and whether they go on to get involved with those causes.  [SOURCE]

      Out of 2,000 participants in the survey, 30 percent of Black adults and 39 percent of Hispanics said they were more likely to support online causes rather than causes they encountered offline; 24 percent of whites said the same.

      The study was released by Georgetown University’s Center for Social Impact Communication and Ogilvy PR, a public-relations company.

      While most of the survey participants said they believed they could make a difference by supporting a charitable or political cause, African Americans and Hispanics were more optimistic about the effectiveness of using online networks to do so. When asked if tools like Facebook, Twitter, and blogs could help spread the word about a cause, 58 percent of Blacks and 51 percent of Hispanics agreed, compared with 34 percent of whites.

      In addition, more Blacks and Hispanics said Facebook and other social-networking sites made it easier to support a cause: 62 percent and 64 percent, respectively, compared with 54 percent of whites.

      Whites are also less likely to use Twitter in general. According to a telephone survey of 2,277 adults conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International, 25 percent of black and 19 percent of Hispanic Internet users say they use Twitter, compared with just 9 percent of white Internet users. What’s more, one in ten Black Internet users now visit Twitter on a typical day, compared with 3 percent of whites and 5 percent of Hispanics.

      Yet despite the emphasis placed on social media, blogs and social networking sites are still second to more traditional information sources like television, newspapers, and personal relationships. Likewise, people were more likely to donate money or talk about a social issue than post it to a blog or Facebook, the Georgetown study found.

      What the study shows us over all is not to put all your eggs into the social-media basket,” says Julie Dixon, deputy director at the Georgetown Center. Instead, organizations should tailor their communications strategy based on the how their audience is likely to engage.

      Our hope is that those of you who support the STEM-based programs that BDPA implements on local, regional and national level will find a way to visit and support our online fundraising efforts. Here is where you can find BDPA in various social networks:
      1. Click and Pledge: Donor designates how funds are used
      2. Crowdrise: BDPA IT Corps
      3. Crowdrise: Various local chapter college scholarships
      4. Facebook: BDPA Charlotte HSCC program
      5. Facebook: BDPA IT Corps
      6. Facebook: BDPA Los Angeles HSCC program
      7. Facebook: BETF Endowment Fund
      8. Facebook: Jesse Bemley Scholarship
      9. YourCause.com: Donor designates how funds are used
      What is your take on the survey findings?

      Sunday, June 12, 2011

      Drug Companies Drive 2010 Corporate Philanthropy

      Drug companies helped drive an almost 18 percent increase in corporate philanthropy last year as they gave away medicine to poor Americans still struggling in a rough economy. [SOURCE]

      The Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy poll of 110 companies found they gave $13 billion in cash and products last year as the United States began to emerge from recession.

      While 40 percent of the 110 companies -- polled annually for the past four years -- boosted their giving last year by more than 10 percent, another 17 percent decreased their giving by more than 10 percent compared to 2009.

      Read the full Reuters article.

      The BDPA Insider - June 12, 2011


       
      Stan Washington
      The BDPA Insider - June 12, 2011

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

      In this issue:

      1. 12 Dumb User Mistakes That Will Get You Hacked 
      2. 2011 Best Companies for Blacks in Technology
      3. BDPA Member-Get-A-Member Drive - Grand Prize is an Apple iPad
      4. BDPA Midwest Regional HSCC & IT Showcase 
      5. Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students, Deadline: July 1, 2011
      6. Take Five: Stan Washington (BDPA Chicago)
      Which of these stories will you be talking about this week?

      Saturday, June 11, 2011

      Sprint Nextel Local Grant Program

      Sprint Nextel
      Sprint Local Grant Program
      Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations in and around Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver and New York City working to promote a meaningful impact in at least one of the following focus areas: youth development; arts and culture; and environmental stewardship.
      Amount: $25,000
      Purpose of Grant: To support programs in the areas of youth development, arts and culture, and environmental stewardship
      Deadline: Nominations for the 2011 Sprint Local Grant Program will be accepted between 9 a.m. CDT on Monday, June 13, 2011, and 5 p.m. CDT on July 29, 2011

      Friday, June 10, 2011

      Grant Proposal: Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities (BDPA Dallas)

      BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) partnered with BDPA Dallas chapter on a grant proposal that we submitted this month to the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities. We hope that the Smith Charities will support our STEM education efforts in Dallas -- including the pilot TECHie Camp program for elementary and middle school students.

      Wish us luck!

      In fact, you can do more than just wish us luck if you are so inclined.

      Thursday, June 9, 2011

      Take Five: Stan Washington (BDPA Chicago)


      Entrepreneurs are a key stakeholder group for BDPA on both a local and national level. BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) would love to see more IT entrepreneurs taking a philanthropic interest in BDPA programs and scholarships. As such, we were very happy to learn that Stan Washington agreed to chair BDPA's Entrepreneur Advisory Group.

      This special interest group assists BDPA entrepreneurs with programs, policies and opportunities that will allow them to continue to grow both in knowledge and influence. We have a wide-range of entrepreneurs within BDPA ... from those who are in the annual Black Enterprise Top 100 list to those who were forced into business ownership as a result of downsizing or outsourcing in the IT industry.

      We were pleased that the Entrepreneur Advisory Group chair, Stan Washington, agreed to participate in our 'Take Five' interview series.

      Stan Washington
      1. How did you get involved with BDPA? -  A friend of mine introduced me to BDPA years ago. As Senior Director of Technology and Operations for a $21 Billion portion of McDonald’s Corporation I knew about BDPA and told many people about the group, but did not personally participate. What a mistake! There is a need for mentoring and BDPA is a great place to meet people who face the same struggles I have been blessed to overcome in my 25 year stint in technology.
      2. What do you see as the biggest benefit of your BDPA membership? - As a career coach I develop plans for executive development. I tell those who want to take on a more “senior” leadership role to execute “Mentor Mondays.” In other words set aside time to mentor someone. BDPA is a rich environment that has the potential to grow people and help them reach their career goals.
      3. What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? -  As an executive I was always looking for emerging trends. I unfortunately see a negative trend of African Americans reaching high ranks and staying in those positions. We have a tendency to “scatter” when troubled times come about. I would like to see more career development that is not focused on “self” rather “overall group development.”
      4. What would you like entrepreneurs to know about BDPA? -  Entrepreneurs are always interested in helping and we are focused in growing our businesses. I always look for the one or two individuals that I can mentor to grow their potential because they can get to know me and they become my ambassadors to grow my business. I believe in “growth by giving.”
      5. Any advice for people considering a donation to BETF? -  Speaking of giving, as an entrepreneur the greatest measure of success is where you put your money. I give to some very specific faith based organizations and it makes my business that much better. If the members of BDPA are not into giving I would urge them to research BETF and faith based organizations to understand how to bring someone else “up.” As I said before it’s about “growth by giving.” The more time, talent and treasure a person shares the more growth they will experience.

      Our hope is that Stan will be able to do good things for BDPA entrepreneurs. What would you like to ask Stan?