High School Computer Competition (HSCC)

OUR GOALS
The Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) High School Computer Competition program (HSCC) has an intensive training curriculum for 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. The purpose of this exciting annual competition is to increase minority youth interest in information technology and to help facilitate the emergence of minorities into the Information Technology field. Selected students receive several months of introductory and advanced computer technology training in preparation for the competition.

Students learn to develop solutions to realistic business and industry problems using a web technology programming language such as the Microsoft .NET or JAVA. Additionally, students will learn to utilize HTML, JavaScript, SQL, relational database management systems and a variety of other internet and computer-related technology. Students will also gain essentials skills such as presentation delivery, communication, and teamwork.

To accomplish our goals, we recognized the need to have classes for at least 5 - 6 months (from February to August). Classes are held on Saturdays from 9:00am to 2:00pm. In July and August, classes will be held on Sundays as needed. This is a rigorous program and students must have the ability to balance HSCC with regular school work. Students are responsible for weekly homework assignments.

Student Enrollment Criteria

• Currently in the 8th - 12th grade
• Student interview with HSCC staff
• Parent or guardian interview with HSCC staff
• Complete HSCC registration form
• $100 registration fee; no cost for training

Results
For the last three years, the Washington, DC students placed in the top three at National Computer Competition. Last year, the students placed 2nd in National HSCC winning $10,000 in scholarship funds. Our students have won a grand total of $22,500 in scholarships over the last three years. This year we will continue to prepare students to win more scholarships.

We continue to receive positive feedback from parents that our program has made a tremendous impact on their children. The student return rate for our program continues to increase.

THE FINAL Three to FIVE
This year, the competition will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina at the BDPA National Conference. The competition team to represent Washington, DC will be made up of three to five students but the other students will be eligible to participate in the Youth Technology Camp. The competition team will enjoy an all expense paid trip to the conference. All students will be allowed to participate in the Student Youth Technology Camp and all other planned student activities. The competition team will compete with other chapter teams throughout the United States developing a web application, computer theory oral and written competition. The top five teams will win college scholarships, computer hardware and software.

The way to select students for competition team is through evaluating their performance. We have created a list of seven criteria that will be given a score. These scores determine which students are prepared for the national competition.

The selection of the competition team is based on the evaluation of each student on the following eight performance criteria:

The following is a list of criteria used to evaluation your performance and readiness for the competition:

• Willing to learn*
• Attendance
• Behavior
• Team work
• Quizzes & Exams
• Projects
• Homework assignments
• Presentation skills