National Champion BDPA High School Computer Team
Sets Sights on Another Win with Help from the U of M
For release: July 28, 2004
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey

The University of Memphis' FedEx Institute of Technology (FIT) and two of its associated organizations - the Institute for Intelligent Systems and the Advanced Learning Center - have teamed up this year to host the high school computer camp of the Memphis chapter of the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA).

The Memphis chapter's computer team has been the national champion for the past three years and placed in national competitions four years ago. Now the team is facing a challenge of a different sort.

The BDPA team is hoping to defend its title at the National Championship in Dallas next month, but doesn't have enough money to attend. Members are trying to raise about $8,500 for eight students to make the trip. "We hope the community will assist this winning team in fulfilling its dream and will help direct support to the BDPA," said Eric Mathews, FedEx Institute associate director for business development.

At the championship, teams compete in programming, and they answer written and oral questions. Winners receive scholarships to universities of their choice.

The BDPA HSCC program was created to provide high school students with technological and other professional skills. The camp gives the teens a chance to learn marketable technical skills, exposes them to technology they wouldn't normally use, and provides professional training, including resume writing and presentation and interviewing skills.

Some 40 local students attend classes for five hours on Saturdays for eight months. Using state-of-the-art FedEx Institute facilities, they get hands-on training on the latest computer equipment and software. Volunteers present seminars on applying to business school and fluency in technology. "The students learn professional development skills as a break from the normal programming training they receive each week," said Mathews. "The focus is on education. All students participate in the training, even the students who are not on the team attending nationals."

Seminars at the FedEx Institute give the students a look at cutting-edge technology. "It gives them a glimpse of the future," said Mathews.

Founded in 1975, the BDPA has more than 40 active chapters across the U.S. Companies or individuals who would like to assist the team may contact Joseph Taylor III by phone at 270-3073 or via email at jtaylor@GoMBI.com

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