2013 Monsanto Scholar: Alex Marcellus (University of Purdue)

Alex Marcellus is a freshman studying engineering with a minor in computer science at Purdue University. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Alex is a winner of the 1st Annual Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students awarded during the 2013 BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC.

When asked to share his thoughts on winning the scholarship, Alex wrote,

“I am very grateful to have received the 2013 Monsanto Scholarship administered by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation. This scholarship allows me to pursue my educational goals at a university renowned for both its research and its connections to industry. I plan to spend my career giving back to the communities that have made my educational success possible, especially the agricultural industry as it faces unprecedented technological opportunity through this century and beyond.

BDPA has set an example to me of the difference that Computer Science and Information Technology professionals can make in a rapidly changing global marketplace. The opportunities that BDPA offers to youth, including their youth camps and scholarships, are trend setting and one of the most powerful tools that we have to combat the STEM deficiency that is currently impacting America’s productivity and global competitiveness.

I was first involved in BDPA through my application for this Monsanto Scholarship. I have always been passionate about using data analysis to drive better business outcomes, and agriculture is one of the industrial verticals where these business benefits can be most clearly realized. BDPA and Monsanto both help provide the technically skilled workforce needed to implement the technologies and information systems to make these dreams a reality. I am truly grateful to the BDPA for giving me the opportunity to further my studies of engineering, mathematics, and computing at Purdue University and plan to stay involved with the organization in the future.”

Alex interned two summers ago on the Service Desk for Kao USA, helping them to support over 500 users. He interned last summer for GE Aviation working in their IT Department supporting the roll out of new software and an ERP implementation in the United States.

He is a new member of our BDPA Cincinnati chapter. Alex completed a stellar high school career at Summit Country Day School where he was the salutatorian while graduating with a astronomical 4.752 grade point average. His scholarship essay was entitled, 'How Information Technology Impacts Agriculture'. Alex is a young man who deserves to be known as a 'future face of technology'.

BETF Announces Winners of 1st Annual Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students

Some companies talk the talk about promoting STEM-based advancement for BDPA student members. They talk about wanting to create the workforce of the future by supporting BDPA programs, scholarships and services.

Other companies walk the walk.

Monsanto Company walks the walk. Monsanto is a BDPA Bronze sponsor with a focused executive leadership team that is fully committed to the BDPA vision of advancing the careers of people of color in the information technology industry from the classroom to the boardroom.

One example of that commitment became obvious when Monsanto agreed to provide college scholarship funding for the first annual Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students. The company partnered with the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) to provide $10,000 in annual scholarships to students with an interest in pursuing or continuing a 4 year academic program related to information technology.

In 2013, we are proud to announce the first-ever Monsanto Scholars ... each of whom will receive a $2,500 scholarships to assist with their studies.

1. Della Anjeh is an incoming freshman at Pomona College. She is a member of our BDPA St. Louis chapter and participated in 2011 and 2012 on the chapter's High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team. She trained for six weeks in the summer of 2011 at Monsanto world headquarters office in preparation for the 2011 National BDPA HSCC Championship. Her scholarship application included an essay entitled, 'Communication, Knowledge and Innovation: Outcomes of Technological Advancement in Agriculture'. Della is a remarkable young woman and truly deserves to be known as a 'future face of technology'. Follow Della on Twitter: @DellzBells.



2. Jala Cruz is a junior at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis majoring in Informatics. She is a long-time member of our BDPA Indianapolis chapter. This is not the first that that BETF has provided college scholarship funding to Jala. She recently shared her story on the BDPA iRadio Show. I think the aspects of Jala's journey that gives us the most pleasure is her entrepreneurial efforts as the owner and publisher of her own teen magazine. Her scholarship essay was entitled, 'The Pursuit of Agricultural Technology'. Follow Jala on Twitter: @JalaCruz.


  
3. Alex Marcellus is an incoming freshman at Purdue University where he plans to major in engineering and computer science He is a new member of our BDPA Cincinnati chapter. Alex completed a stellar high school career at Summit Country Day School where he was the salutatorian while graduating with a astronomical 4.752 grade point average. His scholarship essay was entitled, 'How Information Technology Impacts Agriculture' This is another young man who deserves to be known as a 'future face of technology'.

Monsanto Company is making a statement with these three BDPA scholars. The company is showing that they want to be part of the solution. They aren't satisfied with just talking about it ... they want to do something about it. I wish that others in Corporate America will do the same! We would love to give out more college scholarships to BDPA students in 2014. What say u?

Global Agricultural Giant Monsanto Partners with BDPA

Monsanto was recently honored as one of FORTUNE Magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. Of course, we think it is equally significant to note that Monsanto is one of the eleven 'corporations' to earn the 2013 Epsilon Award, denoting the 'Best Companies for Blacks In Technology'. Monsanto recently announced its Bronze Level corporate sponsorship of BDPA programs, scholarships and services nationally with an emphasis on the STEM-related work being done by the BDPA St. Louis chapter.

Craig Brown

"It is my honor to work with the Monsanto family and continue to grow and cultivate BDPA and the Monsanto partnership," stated Dr. Craig Brown, National BDPA Vice President. "In addition, I look forward to transforming our partnership into a ‘tradition’ where Monsanto employees and the members of its surrounding communities can continue to benefit from BDPA local chapter activities and the BDPA National Conference, year in and year out."

Monsanto’s commitment to preserving agriculture and improving lives is built on their challenge, "To meeting the needs today, while preserving the planet for tomorrow." Fully committed to Sustainable Agriculture, Fighting Rural Hunger, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, Human Rights, Corporate Giving, America's Farmers, and Youth and Education, Monsanto is recognized as one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens’ by CR Magazine, The Scientist 2010 Best Places to Work, and the Diversity Inc Top 50 Companies for Diversity. Globally, Monsanto employs over 21,000 workers in 66 countries at 404 different facilities.

Vincent Shorter

"My relationship with BDPA over the past three years has been both personally and professionally rewarding,” said Vincent Shorter, Monsanto IT director. “I am proud that Monsanto has continued its commitment to BDPA for over nine years. Whether sponsoring the local High School Computer Competition, presentations at the national conference, helping grow the local St. Louis chapter or offering $10,000 in scholarships, Monsanto has stepped up to the challenge. Now is the time to take advantage of the growth in IT and to leverage BDPA to increase opportunities for everyone from the classroom to the boardroom."

The sponsorship also includes $10,000 funding for the 1st annual Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students. This will provide scholarships to four young people who plan to study a STEM-related curriculum in college. The winners of this scholarship will be announced at the 35th annual BDPA Technology Conference on August 14-17, 2013 in Washington DC.

Wayne Hicks

Wayne Hicks, BETF executive director said, "My vision is for BDPA to award full-ride 4-year college scholarships to our young people interested in pursuing STEM careers. Monsanto moves us closer to that goal with the four college scholarships that they have funded with their 2013 sponsorship. Well done!"

BDPA is recognized nationally as a global member-focused technology organization with over 45 active chapters in the United States. BDPA continues to stand as a leader in delivering 21st century technological programs, college scholarships, mentoring, support and services for youth and adult IT professionals. For more information on 35th Annual National BDPA Technology Conference, contact Wayne Hicks, Director, BDPA Corporate Sales Department, corpsales@bdpa.org, (301) 584-3135.

BDPA Corporate Epsilon Award Winners: Top 11 Companies for Blacks In Technology

BDPA will recognize several of America’s corporate giants and accomplished individuals at this year’s 35th Annual BDPA Technology Conference and Career Fair, August 14-17, 2013, at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington DC. BDPA created the Epsilon Award to recognize and celebrate key contributions and accomplishments of its members and supporters.

National BDPA Corporate Epsilon Awards recognizing corporate achievement are awarded to corporations who have demonstrated a commitment to people and an understanding that fostering a culture of diversity has a bottom line business case value. Each year, National BDPA surveys Fortune 1000 companies to make an assessment of their internal workplace and career development climate using the following rating categories:

• Tenure, Promotions and Terminations
• Leadership Development and Advancement programs
• Supplier Diversity programs
• Community Outreach programs

This year, National BDPA is pleased and honored to recognize eleven (11) corporations with the Corporate Epsilon Award. These corporations are finalists for 'The Top Company For Blacks in Technology' award that will be announced on Saturday, August 17th during the Awards Gala:

1. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
2. Health Care Service Corporation
3. HP
4. Intel
5. Johnson & Johnson (2012 Winner!)
6. Merck
7. Monsanto
8. State Farm Insurance
9. Wal-Mart
10. WellPoint
11. Wells Fargo

BDPA is recognized nationally as a global member-focused technology organization with over 45 active chapters in the United States. BDPA continues to stand as a leader in delivering 21st century technological programs, college scholarships, mentoring, support and services for youth and adult information technology professionals. Contact Wayne Hicks, Director, BDPA Corporate Sales Department by phone (301.584-3135) or email (corpsales@bdpa.org) if you need more information on BDPA sponsorship program.

Overview: BDPA College Scholarships

The BDPA strategy is to bring college students into the professional chapters on the local level as opposed to creating ‘college chapters’. Part of that strategy includes an aggressive delivery of college scholarships to deserving BDPA high school students.

There are a number of college scholarship programs in place:

1. Bank of America Scholarship for BDPA Students - These scholarships are administered by BETF.  There have been six Bank of America scholars over the years.
2. Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship – These scholarships are administered by BETF. They are awarded to high-performing students in the annual BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championships. Bemley scholars can be found in scores of colleges around the nation.
3. Eli Lilly Scholarships for BDPA Students – These scholarships are administered by BETF. They are awarded to students around the nation who show a desire to make a difference in the IT industry over the course of their college and professional careers. Eli Lilly & Company began funding these scholarships in 2008.
4. Johnson & Johnson Scholarships for BDPA Students - These scholarships are administered by BDPA. They are provided to winners of the annual BDPA IT Showcase as well as all-around excellent HSCC students.
5. Monsanto Scholarships for BDPA Students - This scholarship initiated in 2013 and given to four students (2 nationally and 2 from St. Louis) 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.
6. Oracle Scholarships for BDPA Students – These scholarships are administered by BDPA. They are awarded to deserving students selected by local chapters. Over $150,000 has been awarded to Oracle scholars over the past three years.

We are grateful to Creating IT Futures Foundation for its support of the Bemley Scholarships. The funding for that college scholarship comes primarily from BDPA members and supporters. You can make a secure online donation in a number of ways that include:

• Crowdrise
• Facebook Causes
• Your Debit or Credit Card

Finally, we would love to talk with other corporations or nonprofit organizations about creating STEM-related college scholarships that can be administered by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation. Just reach out to us via email, scholarships@betf.org.

Monsanto Increases Its Investment in BDPA as a Bronze Level Sponsor

Vincent Shorter

Great news to report today! Monsanto renewed its Bronze Level corporate sponsorship this week. The company is a long-time BDPA sponsor ... and they have done some truly breakthrough work in support of the BDPA St Louis chapter High School Computer Competition (HSCC) training over the past few years ... resulting in a silver medal for that team at the 2012 National BDPA HSCC championships.

"It is my honor to work with the Monsanto family and continue to grow and cultivate BDPA and Monsanto partnership," said National BDPA vice president Dr. Craig Brown. "I look forward to transforming our partnership into a tradition when Monsanto employees and the members of its surrounding communities can continue to benefit from BDPA local chapter activities and the BDPA National Conference, year in and year out."

Monsanto will have an active presence at the 35th annual BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC on August 14-17, 2013, including a booth at the career fair and a table at the Awards Gala. The company also plans to leverage the BDPA Job Board to increase the number of qualified IT professionals of color for career opportunities at Monsanto.

Best of all, the company agreed to fund four (4) college scholarships for young people in St. Louis and around the nation. BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) plans to announce the brand-new Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students within the next week or so.



Somebody use the COMMENTS feature to share some love with our friends at Monsanto ... especially the 'corporate champion' within the company - Vincent Shorter! Vincent named it in the video ... and now Monsanto is claiming it as well!