STEMworks is the latest initiative in efforts by Change the Equation to mobilize the business community to improve the quality of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning in the United States. The STEMworks database was developed to help business leaders and other funders identify and support programs that boost STEM interest and learning. Any STEM learning program that serves PK-12 students and teachers, in or out of school, may apply for inclusion in the database.
Apply by September 15, 2012, for inclusion by November 1, 2012.
Apply by October 15, 2012, for inclusion by December 1, 2012.
Apply by November 15, 2012, for inclusion by January 15, 2013.
The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) plans to submit the national Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program into this database for posterity.
The initial numbers are indelible: 8:46 a.m. and 9:02 a.m. Time the burning towers stood: 56 minutes and 102 minutes. Time they took to fall: 12 seconds. From there, they ripple out.
Total number killed in attacks: 2,819
Number of WTC companies that lost people: 60
Number of nations whose citizens were killed in attacks: 115
Ratio of men to women who died: 3:1
Bodies found "intact": 289
Body parts found: 19,858
Number of families who got no remains: 1,717
Number of people who lost a spouse or partner in the attacks: 1,609
Estimated number of children who lost a parent: 3,051
BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is engaged in discussions about a new strategic alliance that would allow us to place personal computers and Internet access into the homes of many of the students that participate in our Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program.
It turns out that Redemtech, a world leader in IT Asset Disposition, joined with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski and Connect2Compete (C2C) to launch PC Pledge 100, a nationwide campaign to close the digital divide through corporate donations of used computers. Redemtech kicked off the drive by pledging 200 computers to the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and an additional 100 computers for nonprofits focused on digital literacy.
C2C is a $4 billion public-private initiative, launched by the FCC in December 2011 to narrow the digital divide by providing free digital literacy training, discounted high-speed Internet and low-cost computers for low-income Americans. Redemtech is the exclusive provider of Good PCSM refurbished computers, complete with Genuine Microsoft software, warranty, technical support and free shipping to all eligible families. Redemtech additionally provides free asset recovery and recycling at end of life to ensure responsible disposal and mitigate corporate donors from environmental liability.
Through PC Pledge 100, businesses and other organizations can donate 100 or more computers to provide much-needed technology for low-income Americans who participate in C2C. Companies interested in donating can visit Redemtech.com/PCPledge. BDPA has over 90 corporate sponsors ... many of whom may want to participate in this program.
“While a home computer is essential to full participation in today’s society, more than 60 million U.S. homes lack a PC,” said Jill Vaské, Redemtech executive vice president. “Through PC Pledge 100, the business community can help C2C participants enjoy a better education, a brighter future and a world of possibilities.”
More than 17 million used-but-still-useful corporate PCs in the U.S. go to waste annually due to premature disposal or storage. While this equipment may be outdated by corporate standards, it remains useful to low-income families that need computers but cannot afford new technology.
“I am so pleased by Redemtech’s announcement today that it is launching a PC Pledge Drive to encourage computer donations,” said Genachowski. “This effort will help ensure that more Americans get affordable computers so they can get online and become full participants in our digital economy and culture.”
Giving ROI: Streamlined Donation Process Helps Businesses Reap Returns on Donations
With more than a decade of experience in refurbishing and redeploying large volumes of corporate, Redemtech is uniquely qualified to provide the refurbishment and deployment services to support C2C. The company’s Serious Good® initiative streamlines the donation process for businesses and other organizations. Microsoft plays a key role in the program through its Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) program that enables large refurbishers like Redemtech to supply PCs preinstalled with genuine Microsoft software at only a nominal cost to schools, nonprofit organizations and other specially approved recipients. This essential software has a retail value of approximately $500 – and adds tremendous value to the C2C computers.
“Microsoft recognizes the importance of technology access for under-served communities and supports Redemtech and Connect2Compete through our program that provides low-cost Windows and Office for disadvantaged groups. Redemtech is one of the largest members of this program and consistently develops innovative ways to reach new users of technology,” said Sean Nicholson, worldwide manager for Microsoft Registered Refurbisher program.
When corporations fund the refurbishment of donated PCs, they can realize a Giving ROI of $5 - $7 for every dollar invested, as documented in the Redemtech white paper “Giving: The Most Strategic IT Asset Disposition.” A leading analyst firm wrote last year that “Redemtech Re-writes the Rules on IT Equipment Donation” with Serious Good. The program is up and running. The question on the table is whether this is a program that would be of interest to BDPA at the local, regional or national interest.
This blog tries to document the evolution and history of BDPA whenever possible. We hope that we can be a repository of information about the organization well into the next millennium.
We thought that you might be interested to learn the story behind the current BDPA logo. We asked BDPA Chicago past president Ricky Penick (@RCPenick) to share the story with us. Here is what Ricky had to say:
At the stroke of midnight, January 1, 2000, the twenty first century began. That is, according to some. Others believe it began exactly one year later. What is not disputed is that it marked the beginning of my term as president of BDPA Chicago Chapter.
My chapter members had spent the last nine years preparing me for the job and my mandate was very clear. My predecessor, Milt Haynes, had left the chapter in great shape when he moved into his new role as national president elect and we wanted to help the national organization while continuing to build our chapter which was, had been, and remains the largest chapter of BDPA. One way that we could do that was to host the 2001 national BDPA conference.
As a new member of the National Board of Directors, I volunteered to become the National Director of Organization Development under the auspices of National Vice President (Strategy and Planning)Donna McKay. In that role, I was tasked with two major issues: the name of the organization and the logo.
Although the name was constantly being debated from the time I joined BDPA in 1991, I chose a simple and straight forward approach to the issue. I conducted a survey of one, our founder, Earl Pace. I only had one question. “Do you think that we need to change our name?” Of course, the short answer was "no", but he went on to explain that from the beginning, it had been anticipated that the organization would be referred to by its acronym, BDPA rather than the formal legal name, Black Data Processing Associates. Since every single one of those words is controversial to somebody, let’s leave that for a separate discussion. Earl’s answer was good enough for me so
I went back to my battle to stop us from using the awful tag line, “Information Technology Thought Leaders”. Earl had also pointed out that it had also been anticipated that multiple tag lines would be used with our acronym. Thank goodness for that.
The logo was a different kind of issue. The original logo was a stylized tape reel. I don’t really know whether it was actually the original logo or who designed it, but it was the logo when I joined and I thought it was pretty cool. Sometime in the 90s, it was decided that the technology professionals of the day were no longer familiar with tape reels so an attempt was made to modernize the logo by adding a CD (I know, some of you are going “Oh, so that’s what that was.” and some of you are asking “What’s a CD?”. Welcome to the future).
Back in Chicago, our Corporate Advisory Council (CAC) was busy working with our chapter leadership on planning for our conference and how the chapter would participate and support the national organization. When I reported on my national responsibilities, someone suggested that the chapter give the national organization the gift of a new logo at the 2001 national BDPA conference.
As luck would have it, Bill Dunn of Dunn Solution Group (then known as Dunn Systems) announced that his company had recently acquired a graphic design firm and he volunteered their services to work with me to design a new logo. This was indeed fortuitous because graphic design is not in my skill set.
My criteria were simple and straight forward, at least to me. I asked for a design that was non-literal, so that it wouldn’t be made obsolete by changes in technology. It had to suggest “technology”, “association”, “boldness”, and “freshness”. The designers presented dozens of sketches. I made the initial selections based solely upon visceral response. Then we discussed each remaining selection and narrowed them down to three finalists to be presented to the CAC for a final recommendation, although all three would be presented to the National Board of Directors for the final choice of the new organizational logo. I decided that each should be rendered in red, black, and green.
As it happens, the logo that was recommended by the CAC and which eventually became the official logo of BDPA was my first and only choice among those designs that were commissioned. That was a good thing, because the approval took the better part of two years and would never have happened if I had been ambivalent. It was a lesson in consensus building and all of the strengths and weaknesses of the leadership structure of the organization came to the fore during this process. At some point I had to call upon all of my experience with decision support, project management, negotiation, facilitation, and more than a little anger management, but it eventually happened.
Along the way, there were those wanted “none of the above”, those who thought that because they weren’t around at the beginning of the process that everyone should start over, and those who didn’t want it because Chicago offered it. There were even some who thought that red, black, and green were too “militant”. Oh for crying out loud…
Eventually, the logo was approved and adopted. I tried to disseminate usage guidelines and a style book but I didn’t want to be too “corporate” about it. You have to leave some room for innovation. My favorite “deviation” to date is a black oxford shirt with black on black logo. Unfortunately, they sold out before I could get my hands on one.
Every few months I hear from some new kid who earnestly informs me that the “problem” with BDPA is marketing and we need to start with a new name and a new logo. Don’t be mad. I’m not laughing AT you, kid. More power to you. Go for it.
The number one question that I have been asked about the logo is “But what does it mean?”. My answer to that is it means whatever you want it to mean (and remind me not to invite you to the Museum of Contemporary Art). I can tell you what it means to me; “E Pluribus Unum-- From many, one”.
Asante sana to Ricky for sharing this story!Perhaps you would care to share what the current BDPA logo means to you?
Deborah has a combined experience of over thirty years as a human capital developer. She spent 23 years serving as a corporate trainer and team leader both internationally and domestically. For the last seven years she has been a successful business owner. Her goal is to help leaders improve their collaborative style when leading others in order to achieve the level of influential leadership that is so needed in today's challenging workplace. She is a published author with book called, Choose To Lead. She is a powerful advocate for the Executive Protégé Program between BDPA and the Information Technology Senior Management Forum.
How did you get involved with BDPA? - In 2004 I joined the BDPA Career Coach group and soon became the lead coach. We have offered workshops, resume reviews, and career coaching services over the years. Although the group is no longer in existence, I have found tremendous value in continuing to serve as a coach and workshop presenter to the BDPA membership.
What do you see as the biggest benefit of your BDPA membership? - I have been afforded the opportunity to help people realize their goals by becoming a recognized, valued and trusted partner at all levels within the organization.
What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? - I would like to see BDPA truly become the premier association for IT career professionals by implementing a 3 year strategic plan that strengthens every chapter in the areas of membership and financial stability. A regional linking of thriving chapters will allow the national voice of the organization to be a greater hiring resource for corporate partners.
What would you like Corporate America to know about BDPA? - BDPA is a great resource for sourcing talented IT professionals who have a passion for demonstrating innovative and insightful solutions to business challenges.
Any advice for people considering donation to BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF)? - A BETF contribution allows the organization to support, mold and shape the minds of young people who are hungry for an opportunity.
Deborah can be found in a number of cyberspace locations including her own blog, Facebook and Twitter. Reach out and let her know what you think of her 'Take Five' interview answers!
How often have we heard the statement that 'BDPA is the best-kept secret in the Information Technology industry' or 'BDPA is the best-kept secret in the Black community'. I've noticed that BDPA Atlanta chapter has stepped up their marketing over the past year and as a result the chapter is one of the fastest-growing in the nation.
I reached out to BDPA Atlanta chapter presidentFelicia Jones with this question:
If you had to share insights into the 'best practices' of marketing experienced by your BDPA Atlanta chapter this year ... what would they be? What are the top 2-3 things that you would suggest for other local chapter leaders to think about or do in their efforts to raise the level of marketing and awareness of BDPA in the other 44 chapter cities around the nation?
Her answer provides a road-map for all of us in BDPA:
Social media; the #1 marketing tool...period! From FB to LinkedIn to Twitter and all the other tools, you can reach millions of people in an instance. With today's technology & devices, people are always connected and plugged in. Atlanta was already using social media, but we had to come up with attention grabbers & catch phrases that would get people's attention to make them want to know more.
Website; current with substance. Using social media to market your chapter is meaningless if you don't have a website, but a website with info, events, programs, etc. If you don't have one for your local chapter, use Nationals; every chapter has the capability to create a site within national's website. Atlanta had to update our website; the look, the feel, the info. We needed to tell a story and have people wanting to learn more about the organization and to also want to be a part of it. You must have events listed even if you are sharing events from another chapter (like webinars) or partnering with another organization on their event.
Email Communication; tried & true. Email is the best form of communication to send out detailed information, but watch the frequency of emails, you don't want to be categorized as spam. Atlanta changed the look of our emails to incorporate better graphics, catch phrases & the frequency for which we sent out the info. We actually have people responding to the emails with great comments! We send out an email at the beginning of the month that summarizes all the upcoming events for that month, as the date gets closer to the event, we send out another email.
Word of Mouth; the best form of communication. If you are providing great programs & quality events, people will begin to talk and spread the word for you. Atlanta introduced several new programs for its members along with having several networking events. There were several new faces & they said they heard about us from a friend, friend of a friend, co-worker, etc.
Within all of those four avenues of marketing, we had to change our look and approach. We had to be creative and come up with new marketing material such as video. You can write, tweet, blast, and list as much info as you like, but there's nothing better than actually seeing/hearing someone give a testimonial, tell a story or provide info so we got creative with video. We have our own YouTube channel where you can view our Real Talk Series, The Speaker Behind the Topic, testimonial videos, interviews of our HSCC students & instructors, and much, much more.
What are your thoughts on Felicia's marketing tips? Do you have other 'best practices' about marketing of BDPA programs that you want to share with us?
Soulclap to Black Digerati for pointing out an important part of the Digital Revolution that has been left untold. Technology historian John William Templeton shares OURstory in the form of a documentary called 'Freedom Riders'. This documentary chronicles prominent African American Silicon Valley technologists from the 1950s and 1960s.
Roy Clay Sr., Dr. Frank Green and the late Ron Jones were inducted into the Silicon Valley Engineering Council Hall of Fame in 2003. This video shows these men being honored earlier this year for their accomplishments in an exhibit (created by John William Templeton) at the Palo Alto City Hall.
Props to Black Digerati and Bro. Templeton for sharing the soul of technology with us. Are there other aspects of OURstory that have been left out of his-story?
