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They`re kids with minds for computing!
They`re kids with minds for computing!
INDIANAPOLIS (WITI) -- They may have been part of the only inexperienced team -- but eight Milwaukee students demonstrated their computer skills in a national competition in Indianapolis this past weekend, and they came away with the national championship! Now, with one event under their belt, they are ready for more!
This group of students is being recognized for their tenacity, courage and skill.
The students are part of the Milwaukee chapter of "Black Data Processing Associates" -- or BDPA, which held its national high school computer competition in Indianapolis this past weekend.
"The competition, it was a little intimidating. There was a lot of people to talk to and do all this other stuff and see how far they got as well, but it was fun too to actually do the project," Makyle McIntyre said.
Before making the trek to Indiana, these students -- along with parents and instructors, gave up five hours most Saturdays between January and July to learn the different aspects of information technology. BDPA adult members are professionals in the computer science and IT fields.
"I believe there's an opportunity to build a pipeline that represents African-Americans in IT and BDPA is the organization that can help us build a diverse and inclusive workforce," Norman Fleming, MillerCoors Senior Director of Enterprise Business Solutions said.
This was the first year the young local chapter sent students to the competition. In fact, the group was the only inexperienced team, but 15-year-old Daijah Kennedy says they took the challenge.
"We did good. I did good. Our team did good," Kennedy said.
"We didn't get last in our first year, and we just started learning this, so we beat a couple competent teams," McIntyre said.
Out of 19 teams, this group of students beat five experienced teams. These eight students are envisioning bright futures for themselves, in part because they've already gotten a taste of it.
"The reality for all of us is that we become who we are because of the experiences that we have," Sandra Scott, BDPA Vice President of Membership Services said.
CLICK HERE to access more information on BDPA.