LARGO, Maryland—The BDPA Education & Technology Foundation’s (BETF) Scholarships Program supports the development of the best and brightest future information technology (IT) professionals worldwide through learning opportunities. This quarter, college students and rising high school seniors, may apply for financial aid and mentorship from top information technology industry leaders before July 21, 2024.

BDPA established its scholarship program to stimulate the interest of young people in the fields of science and technology, areas where youth from underserved communities are seriously underrepresented. These scholarships assist students in obtaining degrees from accredited institutions of high learning in the fields of computer science, mathematics, and information technology-related fields.

2024 BETF Corporate Scholarship Program

 BDPA’s Corporate Scholarship Requirements for our mission partners, follow.

• Proven academic performance – minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Currently enrolled in a STEM-related major (with emphasis on Information Technology).
• Bachelors or Masters in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Info Technology Related Discipline
• Past recipients of this scholarship are not eligible to apply
• Diverse background
• Eligible to work in the USA
• US Citizen or permanent resident of USA
• Graduating High School Senior / or College Student
• Applications must be received on or before July 21, 2024
  

Tips for students applying for the BETF Corporate Scholarship:

Before submitting applications, the Association highly recommends applicants allow someone to review applications.

• Set aside the necessary time to review and proofread your application, essay response, resume and other documents. The application should be filled out in its entirety, free from any grammatical errors.
• Ensure that you are putting forth your best effort to represent yourself well. Applications are reviewed by representatives from each Corporation who are seeking individuals that stand out above the rest.
• Letters of Recommendation should be professional and submitted on letterhead from corporations, schools, or associations such as BDPA. Acceptable formats include MS Word, PDF, or Google Docs.  
  

BETF Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship

The program is open to any student who participates in one of BDPA’s Student Information Technology & Scholarship (SITES) programs. This program enriches the educational opportunities for our students in an after-school program of technology training with a focus on low- and moderate-income communities.  BDPA Student Membership (bdpa.org) is required.

BDPA established the SITES program to teach advanced computer science and community responsibility to students from historically disadvantaged communities. The program seeks to empower our next generation of technology leaders who continue to drive society’s digital revolutions and shape global futures.

The centerpiece of SITES is our High School Computer Competition (HSCC). BDPA started the HSCC program in 1986 when we observed the growing need for youth of color to possess basic computer skills. The HSCC program was our effort to bridge the ‘digital divide’ before the term was widely known. BDPA recognizes that to close the gap in 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 America’s workforce.

The SITES program is an intellectually challenging program that builds self-esteem through the mastery of applied computer science. A foundation for academic and career success is created. SITES trains our youth to use technology as a vehicle to learn skills and concepts beyond the technology itself. In essence, it bridges the gap between the long-term educational approach in the classroom and the short-term skills experience of the workplace.

BDPA has trained thousands of students since the program’s inception. Following the successful completion of the program, numerous SITES scholars continue to hone technological skills in accredited degree-granting colleges or universities. Tech scholarships foster innovation while providing financial assistance to deserving student members who have a vision to contribute to our rapidly emerging computing fields and demonstrate a very strong passion for technology.

About BDPA

Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, BDPA has enabled the upward mobility of African Americans, minorities, and underserved communities across Information Technology (IT) and STEM fields since 1975. Through its professional and industrial networks of local community chapters in major cities across the United States, BDPA has been at the forefront of promoting community engagements while embracing a very strong tech-inclusion agenda within our IT profession for nearly 50 years.

BDPA has been a community leader and industry pioneer in technology and STEM training for IT professionals and high school students since 1986. This year, the Association launches BDPACON24, its 46^th annual technology conference, in Atlanta from July 31^st to August 3^rd, 2024, as BDPACON25 will soon mark the Association’s Golden Anniversary next year.

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