BETF Scholarships

Apply for Scholarships

BDPA Education & Technology Foundation’s Scholarships Program supports development of the best and brightest future information technology professionals worldwide through learning opportunities.

We established our 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. Our scholarships assist students in obtaining degrees from accredited institutions of high learning in the fields of computer science, mathematics and information technology related field.

BETF Corporate Scholarship Program

 The 2024 BETF Corporate Scholarship program not opened yet. Please check back in the Spring of 2024

Corporate Scholarship Requirements

  • 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

Tips for students applying for the BETF Corporate Scholarship Application:

  • 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. Acceptable formats include MS Word, PDF or Google Docs. Note: Screenshots from social media pages are not acceptable forms of letters of recommendation.

     

  • Prior to submitting your application, we highly recommend that you allow someone that you trust reviews the application with you.

BETF Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship

The program is open to any student that participates in one our BDPA 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 established the SITES program to teach advanced computer science and community responsibility to students from historically disadvantaged communities. 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 of 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. We create a foundation for academic and career success. 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 long-term educational approach of the classroom and short-term skills experience of the workplace.

BDPA has trained thousands of students since the programs’ inception. Following successful completion of the program, numerous SITES scholars continue to hone their technological skills in accredited degree-granting college or university