I support BETF because there are so few organizations that are successful at bringing technology to young people in under served communities. I'll also admit that working in BETF has had a huge impact on my career. Joseph Joubert said "To teach is to learn twice". I have strengthened my understanding of technology by sharing what I know with students that are hungry to learn it. Working in BETF also gives me hope for the future. The young people I have the privilege to work with are phenomenal. Every year I admit to them that when I was 16 there was no way you could get me to give up 30 Saturdays to hang out with a bunch of geeks nose down in computer code. But these kids do it and they love to doing! Not only do they give up their Saturdays, most give up a copious number of hours during the week in preparation for class on Saturday. It will not be long before a former BDPA student develops the next killer app!
It is because of BETF (BDPA Education Training Foundation), EIN: 52-1806848, that students (high school and college), many of whom have no access to data processing equipment, are exposed to and become familiar with programming and managing computers and related products. BETF is the financial arm for 45 BDPA (Black Data Processing Associates) chapters that creates various training sessions throughout the year for students. These sessions are funded through budgeting and soliciting for and managing contributions from individuals, businesses and corporations. BETF also manages procuring I.T. products at affordable vendor reduced pricing for equipping BDPA chapters for teaching information technology to students in preparation for computer competitions. I am the BETF/TechSoup Coordinate who manages ordering those discounted I.T. products through TechSoup, a non-profit organization that is a repository of discounted products donated by vendors.
The culmination of these efforts occurs during BDPA's annual convention where BDPA chapter students compete for prizes that include scholarships to colleges and universities. A mission is to position students on the road in the "STEM"(science, technology, engineering and math) vehicle for travel from the "classroom to the boardroom". Testimonials from BETF student alumni that has benefited from this program can be sourced at www.betf.org.
The goal of BDPA is to help people from the classroom to the boardroom. The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation is a vital element of accomplishing that goal. My son has benefitted from the training and experience of the High School Computer Competition, which includes the opportunity to participate in the national competition. This would not be possible without the funds raised by this foundation.
The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation has provided students with the opportunity to experience life skills and technology exposure and training consistently for year. Without this far reaching arm of The Black Data Processing Associates, there would have been a limit to the number of students who benefit from the funds being raised to ensure students the opportunity to attend college and be provided corporate exposure and mentorship from adults who volunteer their time to better their communities through technology.
Annette Yates,
Former President of BDPA-Richmond - Current BDPA-Richmond member
Current Chairman of the Board of the National Sales Network - Phoenix Chapter