National Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA)

BDPA is an international organization with a diverse membership of professionals and students at all levels in the fields of information technology, computer science and related S.T.E.M fields. Members are actively engaged in serving the community through outreach and charting the future of the IT industry.

Our Successes:

• BDPA co-founder Earl Pace is inducted into the CompTIA IT Hall of Fame. More..
• BDPA is celebrating its 40th year anniversary in 2015 location: Washington, DC More...
• BDPA is the largest professional technology organization for Blacks/ African Americans and other minorities in the United States.
• BDPA has grown to 45 chapters across the United States, which provides a safe environment for minorities in IT to network with other IT professionals, gain exclusive boardroom leadership experience at the local chapter & national levels, and strengthening the skills necessary to advancing in their respective IT careers.
• BDPA has become a critical pipeline of diverse talent for employers across all industries requiring qualified Information Technology professionals in the United States. 
• BDPA trains 800 to 1200 high school students across the nation every year in computer programming and web development; BDPA has trained more students to write code than any other non-profit organization in the United States since 1986; period.
• BDPA has an awesome scholarship program which is generously supported through sponsorships, and offers over $100,000 annually in cash awards to high school and college students.
• BDPA amasses the most significant accumulation of minority IT professionals in the United States at its annual National Technology Conference.

Our History

Founded as the Black Data Processing Associates in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly (Photo not available), BDPA was created to bring underrepresented minorities together who were working in the information technology and computer science field for the purpose of professional development and academic enrichment.

Our Mission

BDPA is a global member focused technology organization that delivers programs and services for the professional well-being of its stakeholders.

Our Vision

Be a powerful advocate for our stakeholders' interests within the global technology industry.

BDPA Strategic Priorities

1. Operational Cleanup – Fiscally sound practices and improved productivity.
2. Transformational Change – Organizationally aligned for significant membership growth.
3. Value Proposition – A premier provider of programs and service for all stakeholders.

What Does BDPA Offer?
Since 1975, BDPA has been a champion for the next generation of IT leadership. As an organization of highly respected Information and Technology professionals BDPA offers a unique opportunity to connect with others to share knowledge amongst a community of peers through:

Annual National BDPA Technology Conference - For the past 35 years, BDPA Conferences have provided opportunities for innovators to get the knowledge, access, and resources that are critical to stay on top. Click here to see a list of past National BDPA Conferences.

Local Chapter Events - With over 40 chapters nationwide, IT professionals are able to meet face to face and network.

Continuing Education & Professional Development (Events) - Cutting edge technologies and certifications. Webinars and articles that speak to best practices and the latest trends in Information technology. Online tools and publications: Professional Publications, Job Board, Diversity/Careers Magazine, bdpatoday and BDPA iRadio.

Academic Scholarships and Mentoring - For students and professionals Scholarships made available through the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF). BETF is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity.

Career Opportunities - As a member you have access to the latest job announcements, have your resume seen by recruiters as a part of our member database. Connections are made at every BDPA Conference and online. Attend the Career Fair Expo and meet representatives from sponsoring corporations, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and graduate schools, to learn about the latest technologies and career options in the STEM fields. And much more!

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities - BDPA's Corporate Sponsorship Program develops formal alliances with corporate America that enables us to succeed in our mission. We collaborate with our corporate partners in four key areas:

Recruitment:
Our recruiting resources reach all levels of a national pool of qualified information technology professionals to support your efforts to maintain a diverse workforce. Employers click here to post a job.

Retention:
Our career development services enhance the technical and professional skills of your current and future minority IT professionals to accelerate their value to your company. Click here to learn about our prestigious Corporate Eplison and Best Companies for Blacks in Technology Award Programs.

Community Outreach:
We foster partnerships with our sponsors to build their recognition within the community through activities that help close the digital divide, and increase community proficiency using technology.

Supplier Diversity:
We provide networking opportunities to share expertise and creating business opportunities between our sponsors and BDPA's entrepreneur members.

The BDPA Corporate Sponsorship Program offers corporations an opportunity to partner with BDPA to meet corporate goals and objectives for recruiting, employee development, and philanthropic endeavors. Please click here for more information on corporate sponsorship opportunities.

Community Outreach - National BDPA Student Programs - Student Information Technology Education and Scholarship (SITES) & National High School Computer Competitions (HSCC) and Youth Technology Camp (YTC) - African American students are only awarded three percent of all Computer Science & Engineering related degrees. The BDPA HSCC program is standing in that gap and has become a pipeline for future Computer Science & Engineering students. Designed to introduce Middle School and High School Students to concepts of Information Technology and Business Acumen. Students will have the opportunity to participate in training sessions on compete on a national level for scholarships. Please click here to read HSCC student testimonials. Professionals who love to give back to their communities by volunteering their time can be recognized via the Presidents Volunteer Service Awards.

Opportunities for leadership - Be a part of the leadership team shaping the future of the organization.
Social Network Communities - BDPA has a Social Networking Community of over 70,000+ IT industry connections.

Join BDPA!
Be part of a national movement and make a difference in the lives of African American information technology professionals as we work together to create the changes needed for diverse work environments and supportive communities.

So the next time someone asks, Where are the Blacks in Information Technology? Where are the Blacks In Technology? Where are Information Technology Thought Leaders? Where are the Blacks In STEM? Where are the Black Digital Leaders of the future? Tell them they are all in BDPA!

Advantages of BDPA Membership
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BDPA National Headquarters:

9500 Arena Drive
Suite 106
Largo, Maryland 20774
Office Number (301) 584-3135
Office Fax (301) 560-8300
info@bdpa.org

Source: http://www.bdpa.org/

Black Girls Code

BlackGirlsCode is devoted to showing the world that black girls can code, and do so much more. By reaching out to the community through workshops and after school programs, BlackGirlsCode introduces computer coding lessons to young girls from underrepresented communities in programming languages such as Scratch or Ruby on Rails. BlackGirlsCode has set out to prove to the world that girls of every color have the skills to become the programmers of tomorrow. By promoting classes and programs we hope to grow the number of women of color working in technology and give underprivileged girls a chance to become the masters of their technological worlds.

BlackGirlsCode is proud to say we’ve completed our first year as an organization, during which time we had the honor of bringing technology and entertainment to many wonderful young girls of color. By teaching the girls programming and game design, we hope to have started the lifelong process of developing in them a true love for technology and the self-confidence that comes from understanding the greatest tools of the 21st century.

And though we at BlackGirlsCode cannot overstate our happiness with the results of our classes, this is just the first step in seeking to bridge the digital divide. The digital divide, or the gap between those with regular, effective access to digital technology and those without, is becoming an increasingly critical problem in society. As more and more information becomes electronic, the inability to get online can leave entire communities at an extremely dangerous disadvantage.

Sadly, San Francisco’s digital divide falls along the same racial and social fault lines that characterize so many of society’s issues. White households are twice as likely to have home Internet access as African American houses. Bayview Hunters Point, Crocker Amazon, Chinatown, Visitacion Valley, and the Tenderloin have significantly lower rates of home technology use than the rest of the city. Sixty-six percent of Latinos report having a home computer, as opposed to 88 percent of Caucasians.

Through community outreach programs such as workshops and after school programs, we introduce underprivileged girls to basic programming skills in languages like Scratch and Ruby on Rails. Introducing young black girls to these skills gives them an introduction to today’s computer technology, an essential tool for surviving in the 21st century. The skills they acquire through the programs give these young women a chance at well-paying professions with prestigious companies, as well as the ability to enter into the field as an entrepreneurs and leaders of technology.

“Imagine. Build. Create.” has always been our motto at BlackGirlsCode. The digital divide is steadily eroding, but if we want to create truly universal access to technology, San Francisco needs to come together as a community.  Imagine a world where everyone is given the tools to succeed, and then help us build ways for everyone to access information and create a new age of women of color in technology.  

Source: http://www.blackgirlscode.com

Dream Big Inc

Atlanta-based Dream Big was founded in 2003 by husband and wife team, Michael and Doretha White Dream Big is dedicated to assisting students in grades 8 - 12 as well as college students as they transition into the next phase of independence.

Drawing on over a combined 27 years of first-hand experience in the field of education in the areas of teaching, coaching, mentoring, human resources, professional learning, administration/supervision, and consulting, Michael and Doretha possess a unique, sincere understanding of the needs and complexities of today’s youth. Knowing that exposing students to real life scenarios; challenging them to think outside the box; and encouraging them to make choices based on their future instead of “right now” gratifications, allows students the freedom to discover how resourceful they are and shatter the chains of mediocrity and complacency.

The objective of Dream Big is to provide education support services to minority and underrepresented students all across the US., ultimately becoming the number one source for college preparatory workshops, seminars, publications, individualized coaching, and college tours. You can help us reach this goal!
As a non-profit organization, Dream Big is at the forefront of educating, empowering, and equipping young people to set extraordinary personal goals, operate with high moral and ethical standards, and perform with unprecedented professional excellence. By partnering with various social and community organizations, Dream Big endeavors to cultivate partnerships to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s youth. Our Programs/Services:

• College Club Program (8th – 12th - rising 9th)
• Successmaker Seminars (8th – 12th)
• College Campus Tours (8th – 12th)
• Senior Class Trips (12th)
• Individualized Education/Career
• Coaching (8th – College)

The vision of Dream Big is to provide education support services to minority and underrepresented students across the United States; ultimately becoming the number one source for college preparatory workshops, seminars, publications, individualized coaching, and college tours.

The mission of Dream Big is to encourage, educate, empower, and equip students with the necessary information, skills, and habits that will prepare them for success in college, career, family, and community life.

Motto: Your Destiny Begins With A Dream

Source: http://www.dreambig-inc.com

Geoffrey Canada

In his 20-plus years with Harlem Children's Zone, Inc., Geoffrey Canada has become nationally recognized for his pioneering work helping children and families in Harlem and as a passionate advocate for education reform.

Joining the organization in 1983, Mr. Canada became the President and Chief Executive Officer of Harlem Children's Zone in 1990. The New York Times Magazine called the agency's work, "one of the most ambitious social experiments of our time." In October 2005, Mr. Canada was named one of "America's Best Leaders" by U.S. News and World Report.

A new approach

In 1997, the agency launched the Harlem Children's Zone Project, which targets a specific geographic area in Central Harlem with a comprehensive range of services. The Zone Project today covers 100 blocks and aims to serve over 10,000 children.

The New York Times Magazine said the Zone Project "combines educational, social and medical services. It starts at birth and follows children to college. It meshes those services into an interlocking web, and then it drops that web over an entire neighborhood....The objective is to create a safety net woven so tightly that children in the neighborhood just can't slip through."

A national model

The work of Mr. Canada and HCZ has become a national model and has been the subject of many profiles in the media. Their work has been featured on "60 Minutes," "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "The Today Show," "Black in America 2," "This American Life," "Good Morning America," "Nightline," "The Charlie Rose Show," as well in articles in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Daily News, USA Today and Newsday.
Mr. Canada grew up in the South Bronx in a poor, sometimes-violent neighborhood. Despite his troubled surroundings, Mr. Canada was able to succeed academically, receiving a bachelor of arts degree from Bowdoin College and a master's degree in education from the Harvard School of Education. After graduating from Harvard, Mr. Canada decided to work to help children who, like himself, were disadvantaged by their lives in poor, embattled neighborhoods.

Writings

Drawing upon his own childhood experiences and at the Harlem Children's Zone, Mr. Canada has written two books: "Fist Stick Knife Gun: A Personal History of Violence in America," published in 1995 by Beacon Press, and "Reaching Up for Manhood: Transforming the Lives of Boys in America," published in 1998 by Beacon Press. In its review of "Fist Stick Knife Gun," Publishers Weekly, "a more powerful depiction of the tragic life of urban children and a more compelling plea to end ‘America's war against itself' cannot be imagined." In September 2010, a new graphic novel version of "Fist Stick Knife Gun" was released.

For his years of work advocating for children and families in some of America's most devastated communities, Mr. Canada was a recipient of the first Heinz Award in 1994. In 2004, he was given the Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education and Child Magazine's Children's Champion Award. In 2009, he received the Independent Sector's John W. Gardner Leadership Award. He was named to Time Magazine's "Time 100" list of the world's most-influential people in 2011.

He has also received the Heroes of the Year Award from the Robin Hood Foundation, The Jefferson Award for Public Service, the Spirit of the City Award from the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the Brennan Legacy Award from New York University and the Common Good Award from Bowdoin College. He has received honorary degrees from Harvard University, Bowdoin College, Williams College, John Jay College, Bank Street College and Meadville Lombard Theological Seminary.

Teaching martial arts

A third-degree black belt, Mr. Canada is also the founder (in 1983) of the Chang Moo Kwan Martial Arts School. Despite his busy schedule as head of HCZ, he continues to teach the principles of Tae Kwon Do to community youth along with anti-violence and conflict-resolution techniques.

In 2006, Mr. Canada was selected by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg as co-chair of The Commission on Economic Opportunity, which was asked to formulate a plan to significantly reduce poverty. In 2007, he was appointed co-chair of New York State Governor's Children's Cabinet Advisory Board.

Mr. Canada is also the East Coast Regional Coordinator for the Black Community Crusade for Children. The Crusade is a nationwide effort to make saving black children the top priority in the black community. This initiative is coordinated by Marian Wright Edelman and the Children's Defense Fund.

Mr. Canada joined Harlem Children's Zone, Inc. (then called the Rheedlen Foundation) in 1983, as Education Director. Prior to that, he worked as Director of the Robert White School, a private day school for troubled inner-city youth in Boston.

The National Book Award-winning author Jonathan Kozol called Mr. Canada, "One of the few authentic heroes of New York and one of the best friends children have, or ever will have, in our nation."

Source: http://www.hcz.org/about-us/about-geoffrey-canada/144

The Black Reel Awards

The Black Reel Awards annually spotlights the best African-American performances in theatrical, independent and television films. Founded in 2000 under the leadership of Tim Gordon and Sabrina McNeal and based in the Nation’s Capital, The Black Reel Awards were created to annually honor African-Americans in the medium of film.

Originally conceived as a vehicle to recognize African-American achievement in Hollywood, the awards have been expanded to include cinematic achievement on the small screen as well as the independent filmmaking community.

During its first two years (2000-2001), The Black Reel Awards were presented online on film website, Reel Images Magazine. The show has been held at several sites in Washington, DC with the most recent ceremonies broadcast online on Blog Talk Radio.

In April 2004, The Foundation for Advancement of African-Americans in Film (The Foundation) was created to provide educational opportunities to the next generation of studio executives through its two member programs, Reel Kids and the Producer’s Institute. It is the desire of the Foundation that our programs will help train the studio executives and filmmakers that will continue to shape the images of people of color well into the 21st century.

The Black Reel Awards are annually held in February to provide an additional opportunity to spotlight African-American film achievement during the industry’s busiest and most profitable season. Since 2000, the Black Reel Awards have bestowed over 500 nominations and honored over 175 actors, filmmakers and films that continue to celebrate and salute the rich African-American cinematic heritage.

Special honors have been bestowed on Jamie Foxx (Vanguard Award), films City of God and Amandla: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony (Foreign Film and Foreign Documentary), and special sponsor awards for our inaugural sponsors Chartered Health, Amtrak and Integrated Urban Solutions.

With the assistance of the Foundation and its growing list of corporate partners, The Black Reel Awards continues its mission to ensure that the “reel images” of people of color continues to expand in future generations.

Source: http://blackreelawards.wordpress.com/

Black Web Media

Black Web Media was founded in 2007 with Black Web 2.0 as it’s flagship property.  We are a New Media company that caters to a highly influential, tech savvy, targeted multicultural audience. Black Web Media’s main business includes producing and distributing digital content and bringing influencers together.  Across-the-board our advertiser brand partnership executions are always:

Innovative: We believe real innovation and creative destruction can only come from thought diversity, we go above an beyond banner ads for our brand partners;

Engaging and Interactive: We value engaging conversations and so does our audience, in fact they are more engaged in branded content than in editorial content;

Influential and Exclusive: We weed out all the noise and clutter and connect our partners with the real influencers in the verticals we serve;

Quality not Quantity: In everything we do we believe in quality over quantity.  We reach our audience authentically and organically via long-tail content that appeals to them.

Black Web Media is different than any other media company that serves our audience.  We are the only company in the Multi-cultural vertical to offer engaging, interactive, digital content solutions to brands wanting to reach our targeted demographics.

Source: http://www.blackwebmedia.net

NewMe Accelerator

NewME (short for New Media Entrepreneurship) started in 2010 with a conference in Washington DC that gathered some of the brightest minority led start-ups, seasoned business leaders, venture capital stakeholders and key government officials from the SBA, FCC, and NTIA (DOC). Our goals were to:

Foster ideas and best practices to provide minority entrepreneurs with opportunities and platforms to freely explore, create, and innovate in ways that will spur new growth and participation in the free market;
Formulate an action plan to increase the number of successful minority new media ventures; and
Develop a policy framework for advancing and stimulating the growth and sustainability of minority new media start-ups.

Bring a confluence of individuals together to move the Internet economy in a more diverse and inclusive direction.

We learned so much from the day and a half conference! By bringing together these individuals we were able to hear from entrepreneurs, the venture capital community, and government to try create real solutions. The NewME Accelerator is a product of that gathering and launched Spring 2011 in Silicon Valley.

And now for the WHY….

Only 1% of Internet start-ups founders are African-American and we want to….

• Increase exposure to talent,
• Connect founders to access of early stage capital,
• Provide mentorship from qualified individuals,
• Collaborate and build successful companies in the heart of Silicon Valley,
• And most importantly, we want to…

MAKE HISTORY

It’s not going to be easy (but nothing is) and the life-cycle starts here.

Source: http://www.newmeaccelerator.com/

Shawn Carter Foundation

The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation was conceived of in 2002 and officially established as a 501(c)3 public charity in 2003 by Shawn & Gloria Carter. With an original vision and mission to help any individual facing socio-economic hardships further his or her education at institutions of higher learning, Shawn and Gloria Carter kicked off the Foundation’s efforts by awarding one student with full college tuition in 2002. From 2003-2005 the Foundation provided 50 scholarships to students in 50 different states yearly. In 2006, in addition to providing scholarship awards to a growing number of students in need, the Foundation launched the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation College Tours. Since the Foundation’s inception, over 750 students have received awards totaling over $1.1 million dollars. The Foundation is currently on the precipice of growth and is reviewing its current grant-making priorities as it plans for expansion as the Shawn Carter Foundation.

CEO’s BIO

Ms. Carter is currently the CEO of the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation. The Foundation was established by her and her son Shawn Carter after her retirement. The Foundation was essentially formed because Ms. Carter wanted to create “something that would enhance the future of our young people.” The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation is unique in that it offers scholarships to single mothers, children who attend alternative schools, students who have earned a GED, students with grade point averages of 2.0 and students who have previously been incarcerated, etc. but desire a higher educational opportunity. This group is generally not the recipients of college scholarships and is typically ignored by the Board of Education. The Shawn Carter Foundation offers scholarship opportunities to any under-served student across the United States who desires a higher education. One of the key questions asked by the Foundation when students apply for a scholarship is: What are your plans to give back to the community?”.

Ms Carter has also organized and sponsored the Christmas Toy Give-Away for:

• Marcy Children Day Care Center
• The Marcy Children
• Antioch Baptist Church
• LGBT Service Center
• The Children’s Hospital at Downstate Medical Center ( Brooklyn, New York)
• Calvary Baptist Church (East Orange, New Jersey)

In 2009 The Wall Street Alpha’s Charitable Foundation Inc. awarded her the “Think Black Award” for her community service to youth for building social and intellectual equity for our youth.

In 2009 Ms. Carter was presented with the “Tohma Faulkner Woman of Distinction Award” by Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn New York for her dedication to community service.

In 2007, The New York City Council’s office commended Ms. Gloria Carter for her work in serving as CEO of the Foundation and its tireless work with youth and her continued work with toy drives, her post Hurricane Katrina efforts in New Orleans and Houston and her work with various other community based organizations.

In 2005, the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapter, Zeta Amicae of the Newark and Oranges congratulated Ms. Carter for her commitment to the community.

Chief of Staff’s BIO

Ms. Archer has been with the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation from its inception. She is a lifelong community and social activist and has spent her adult life working to better the quality of life for the most vulnerable members of the community. Speaking for those who have little or no voice and advocating for the hopeless and disenfranchised. Her work has included:

• Tenant Organizer and Assoc. Pres.
• P.T.A President
• Pres. of Community School Board
• Dir. Antioch Development Corp.
• Development of On-Site Mentoring Ministry for Girls at Antioch Baptist Church (Brooklyn)
• Dir. Of Youth Advisory Council at Antioch Baptist Church (Brooklyn)

Ms. Archer is a retired manager of Verizon Corporation. She holds a B.S. in Management and Sales from SUNY Empire State College and is a 2012 candidate for an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from NYACK College.

Ms. Archer believes “to whom much is given, much is required.”

Source: http://www.shawncartersf.com/

Magic Johnson Foundation

The Magic Johnson Foundation, founded by Earvin “Magic” Johnson in 1991, works to develop programs and support community-based organizations that address the educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities. It is recognized as a nonprofit public charity under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Founder, Earvin Johnson’s motto is, “we are the communities we serve”, and his charitable activities as well as his business ventures are guided by the power and principle of continually focusing on representing and serving ethnically diverse, socio-economically challenged urban communities.

Since its inception in 1991, the Magic Johnson Foundation has had a significant, impact towards positively changing the face of urban, minority communities. Our programs and services are dedicated to harvesting an affirmative affect on community revitalization by eliminating negative cultural barriers; advancing economic and social equality by engaging minorities in every aspect of their communities; increasing academic and innovative achievement; raising HIV/AIDS awareness, treatment and prevention; the creation of positive emerging leaders; and promoting collaboration and alliance among all sectors of the community (businesses, educational institutions, legislative, community and faith-based organizations, and policymakers).

Our widespread outreach strategies and advocacy efforts are extensive in engaging countless individuals through enduring public address and national media exposure to raise civic awareness and provide solutions to pressing social issues. MJF’s integrated for and non-profit endeavors create unique and comprehensive contributions to our municipal service areas. MJF recognizes that minority leaders face special challenges in bridging the generations economic and education gaps, and traditional political factions that exist within the community. As a minority owned and operated organization, we are in the unique position of understanding these valuable communities, have long-standing relationships with them, and continue to be motivated to serve them in order to increase the quality of life for these vibrant, yet often neglected neighborhoods.

• The Magic Johnson Foundation has improved its rating on Charity Navigator to Three (four star rating)
• In 2011 the Magic Johnson Foundation will celebrate their 20th anniversary
• To date the Taylor Michaels Scholarship program has provided over 300 youth with resources and support
• By year’s end 2010 our Community Empowerment Centers will have impacted over 245,000 disadvantaged youth
• CECs have provided programs and transitioned over 450 families from subsidized housing to home ownership
• CECs have provided over 1,500 youth and young adults with GEDs
• CECs have improved the academic performance of over 6,000 youth
• Through the “I Stand with Magic” campaign over 89,000 people have signed up in the online campaign fight against HIV/AIDS
• Through the "I Stand with Magic" campaign, the Magic Johnson Foundation has provided free HIV/AIDS testing to more than 38,000 Americans in 16 major cities. Additionally, the program has educated nearly 280,000 people about HIV, risk factors associated with the disease and the importance of HIV testing
• Since 2003 our partnership with AIDs Healthcare Clinics has tested over, 3,750 adults and identified positive results for over 1000 testers
• The Magic Johnson Foundation Annual Kid’s Mardi Gras started in 1997 has hosted over 16,500 disadvantaged urban youth
• The Magic Johnson Foundation Annual Holiday Party has hosted over 45,000 youth and distributed over 300,000 toys since 1994

Our 2010 Annual Report reflects our evolution over 20 years, as a Foundation that initially awarded grants to HIV/AIDS organizations to the present, as a Foundation that has grown tremendously in quality and in reputation.  While an annual report gives us great perspective in relation to the fruits of our labor from the past year, overall achievement is paramount to the Foundation.  In 2010 we achieved several significant milestones and transformative support for which we are deeply gratified and appreciative including:

•   A nomination by President William J. Clinton for the prestigious 2011 Conrad Hilton Foundation Humanitarian Award;
•   Forged a White House relationship to support its National AIDS HIV/AIDS strategy and HIV/AIDS initiatives;
•   Committed $384,000 scholarships to Taylor Michaels scholars;
•   Launched, Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program Alumni Association;
•   Awarding of $200,000 grant for online learning scholarships to the Grockit Academy; to improve academic performance in the core academic areas of math, literacy and language arts along with a test prep program;
•   The empowerment of 16 communities, reaching over 60,000 residents with a virtual classroom and mobile technology to share resources, information and ideas;
•   Equipping three Community Empowerment Centers with interactive connected classroom technology; New York, New Orleans, and Bladensburg in partnership with Best Buy.
•   A third party evaluation by The Measurement Group, to improve and document the impact of the Foundation’s programs.

We invite you to view our 2010 Annual Report and learn more about our work and achievements over the past year, and those that supported us along the way.

Source: http://www.magicjohnson.com/

"Smokin" Joe Frazier Foundation

The "Smokin" Joe Frazier Foundation is a newly established national Non-Profit Organization, its endeavor is to produce "Life Champions" through capacity of building grants for organizations that have activities, programs, and services that result in true change in the quality of life for urban youth and families through community commitment, collaboration, and partnership.

    The Values governing the "Smokin" Joe Frazier Foundation will champion the cause, which encourages inner city youth and their families to become "Life Champions."

The purpose of the "Smokin" Joe Frazier Foundation is:

1. To encourage, solicit, receive and administer gifts and requests of property and funds for scientific, educational and charitable purposes, all for the advancement of all urban youth and family organizations.
2. To take and hold either absolutely or entrust for any of said objectives and purposes, funds and property of all kinds, subject to any limitations or conditions imposed by law or the instrument under which received.
3. To sell, lease, convey and dispose of any such property and to invest and reinvest any proceeds and other funds, and to deal with and expend the principal and income for any purposes authorized.

Source: http://www.tomdisher.com/frazier/index.html

Jay-Z Throws A Carnival For College Kids' Scholarships

On Thursday night, Jay-Z hosted a carnival at the Hudson River Park pier for his Shawn Carter Foundation. But it wasn't all Ferris wheels and funnel cakes — unfortunately Momofuku doesn't make those. The event was called Making the Ordinary Extraordinary, and it sought to raise funds for college scholarships.


Jay and his mother, Gloria Carter, started the foundation in 2002 to help those facing socioeconomic difficulties further their education at institutions of higher learning. The foundation started with one student earning a full ride through college and grew to offer 50 scholarships to students in 50 different states annually from 2003 to 2005. More than 750 students have been awarded scholarships totaling in excess of $1.1 million, and nearly 500 kids have taken part in the foundation's college tours — some even rode the bus with Jay's mom.


MTV News caught up with Mr. Carter at the event, where he said the evening was about having fun while raising money for a good cause. Jay said two of the worst things in life are a waste of talent and a person who applies him- or herself but is unable to advance due to financial hardship. He hoped this foundation would help ease such burdens and assist people in recognizing their potential.


"Just providing opportunity and seeing what people do with that opportunity. If you want to go further and you want to further your education, just giving someone that extra little push [so] that maybe you'll turn out to be someone special," Jay said.


"My mom has been running this for a number of years," said Jay. "My mom gets on the bus and takes the kids and takes them to their orientations and she's been riding around the college. It's a real grassroots thing that she's been doing on her own, and I'm just really trying to help her expand it so we can help more people. It started out as a Brooklyn thing, and then it started as a New York thing, and now hopefully we can take it to a worldwide thing."


Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1671783/jay-z-foundation-carnival-shawn-carter.jhtml

Call Me Mister Scholarship Program

To all Education Majors, Cheyney University Students, Faculty, Staff, Family and Alumni:
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is now accepting applications for the Graduate and Undergraduate Call Me MISTER Program.

The Call Me MISTER Program is a national teacher leadership program that not only prepares you for a successful career as an elementary teacher but also provides you with resources that will place you in a position to effectively impact the lives of children.

If you are interested in teaching at the elementary school level and a Cheyney University Undergraduate Student, Graduate Student or Graduate, please apply immediately. The deadline to submit applications for this upcoming Fall 2009 semester is Friday, June 5, 2009.

The Call ME MISTER Program is a teacher leadership program that will not only pay for your tuition, room, board, books, stipend and technology fees but also will pay for your attendance at educational conferences and PRAXIS I and II preparation /examination.

The Graduate Call Me MISTER Student will serve on staff and be allowed to participate /attend various education conferences in the Field of Teacher Education and attend weekly leadership meetings.

The Undergraduate MISTER will be required to attend weekly leadership meetings, Praxis Preparation Workshops and attend various education conferences in the Field of Teacher Education.

If you are interested, please make sure that you are accepted into Cheyney University. All students must complete FAFSA Form (Federal Assistance for Student Aid) in order to qualify for the scholarship grant.

If you are interested in teaching at the elementary school level and a Cheyney University Undergraduate Student, Graduate Student or Graduate, please apply.

*Due to the high interest in the Call Me MISTER program, a new email account has been added. Please email callmemister@cheyney.edu for more information and questions on the Call Me MISTER program at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.