Robert R. Taylor Network (RRTN)

Robert R. Taylor Network (RRTN):

Career Communications Group, Inc (CCG)

Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA)STEM Global Competitiveness Conference

2012 ConferenceTrip Report

College Report

Philadelphia, PA

February 16-19, 2012

Version 6.0

July 20,2012

Melanie Adams, Nathaniel Porter, Darian Hendricks, and Deborah Salami

Table of Contents

Title………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..……..………....1

Table of Contents………………………………………….……………………………………………..……………..…..……....2

Background…………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………..3

Executive Summary………………………………………………………………………………….….…………………………….5

Conference Trip Overview…………………………………………………………………….……………………..…………..7

ConferenceTrip Details…………………………………………………………………………………………..……………..…8

Differences This Year……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12

Conference Trip Outcomes………………………………………………………………………………………………………13

Lessons Learned and Future Goals……………………………………………………………………………………………14

Student Feedback…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15

Chaperone Profiles…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18

Appendix………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….20

• Resumes
• Release Forms
  

Background

Robert R. Taylor Network, Inc. (RRTN) ( is a 501©3 non-profit organization based at MIT which works to develop college and high school students’ professional skills and interests in becoming technology entrepreneurs through a learn-by-doing experience. RRTN’sseeks to create cultural and economic impact through innovation, invention and entrepreneurship by underserved youth. RRTN’s mission is to increase the number of underrepresented populations in architecture, science, technology, and engineering fields, while specifically increasing the number of technology entrepreneurs and companies founded by these individuals.

TheBlack Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) STEM Global Competitiveness Conference ( organized by Career Communications Group, Inc (CCG) ( by Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Council of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Engineering Deans,US Black Engineer & Information Technologymagazine, and sponsored by Aerotek,is the premier annual business, engineering, and career fair conference recognizing the achievements of underrepresented professionals and students in the ASTEM fields, as well as leading corporations, government agencies, U.S. Armed Forces, and HBCU’sadvancing diversity in ASTEM fields. The BEYA Conferencehas been in existence for the last 25 years, held traditionally during the third weekend of February in Baltimore, MD.CCG also organizesan annual Women of Color (WOC) Conference ( in the Fall(October or November) in Dallas, TX.CCG convenes a BEYA Alumni Planning Conference in the Spring for past awardees, advisers, sponsors, and partners to assist and advise in the planning of CCG programs. CCG is the publisher ofUS Black Engineer & Information Technology (,Hispanic Engineer & Information Technology (, andWomen of Color magazines(CCG also has a 501©3non-profit organization known asTheFoundationfor Educational Development, Inc. (FEDI) ( which promotes career opportunities in engineering, science, and technology to historically underrepresented groups in STEM fields through professional and career development, educational programs, awards programs, and career placement opportunities. FEDI subsidizes student participation in the BEYA and WOC conferences as well as the Technology Access Program (TAP), a two-week technology introduction summer camp hosted by HBCU’s.

RRTN was encouraged to partner with CCG due to the following:

1.Recommendations from Black MIT alumni,

2.The number of Black MIT Alumni participants and award winners at the conferences,

3.To promote Robert R. Taylor and his Legacy,

a.First black graduate of MIT in 1892

b.His advocacy for black achievement in science and technology

c.Connection to the founding and development of Tuskegee University, a HBCU

d.Continued Legacy of Black MIT alumni connected to HBCU’s

4.The alignment of mission statements and goals, as well as programmatic synergies between the organizations

As a result, RRTN has developed an expanding partnership with CCG to increase the number of minority college and high school students attending the BEYA and WOC Conferences, especially from MIT. CCG has given special permission to high school students participating with RRTN to register as a part of the College Program at BEYA and WOC conferences. This partnership supports RRTN’s mission to develop the professional skills and exposure of underrepresented youth to ASTEM careers, the job market, skills workshops, and networking. The partnership also serves to cultivate sponsors, speakers, networks, and new program ideas for both organizations, in addition to MIT. Darian Hendricks, CEO of RRTN and MIT alumnus, is the Chair of CCG’s College Program Committee a.k.a Development Institute for Emerging Leaders (DIEL) and serves as the Campus Coordinator of RRTN/MIT for the BEYA and WOC Conferences.

Executive Summary

The Robert R. Taylor Network (RRTN), in partnership with Career Communications Group (CCG),organized another successfultrip to the 26th annual Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA)STEM Global Competitiveness Conference in Philadelphia, PA from February 16– 19, 2012.This was RRTN’s fourth trip to the BEYA Conference and the second with both college and high school students primarily from MIT and Brockton High School (BHS). The trip’s success was credited to a 100% increase in student attendance, compared to the previous trip in 2011;two job offers; positive student feedback; free admission to the Franklin Institute; and exposure of students to universities, transportation-related industries, and STEM careers and professionals. Due to the continuous success of the trip and student advocacy, Brockton High School has decided to formalize this RRTN event as an official field trip, and MIT students would like to encourage more sponsorship and participation from their institution to RRTN’s organized event. The goal for 2013’s attendance to the BEYA Conference is 40 high school students and 20 college students.

For 2012-2013, RRTN seeks to expand its partnership with CCG to include the following:

1. Attend the Women of Color (WOC) Conference in the fall with at least 2-5 students
2. Nominate students for the WOC and BEYA Student Leadership Awards
3. Encourage students to enter the CCG’s Juxtopia of Urban Learning Technology (JULT): Engineering Challenge
4. Participate in CCG’s 21st Century Genius Challenge
5. Plan a RRTN-MIT Alumni networking reception at BEYA 2013 Conference
6. Develop RRTN/MIT workshop track at BEYA 2013 Conference
7. Increase college and high school student participation at BEYA 2013 Conference
8. Cultivate additional sponsors and recruit more students for the trip earlier

The goals of the trip werefor college and high school students to experience BEYA, network, and further their professional, educational, and entrepreneurial development. Students participated in professional development workshops, met with prospective colleges and employers, networked with MIT alumni, HBCU college deans and students, as well as corporate leaders, and were mentored 1-on-1 by high-ranking military officers. The trip also served as a scouting event for RRTN to identify prospective, talented students to recruit for the RRTN Xstudio, a summer and academic year program at MIT.

This trip consisted of 34 individuals (22 high school students, 8 college students, and 4 chaperones) as compared to 21 individuals (13 high school students, 4 college students, and 4 chaperones) in 2011. Of these students, two MIT college students, a graduate and undergraduate student, received job offers at the Career Fair. They received full-time and summer internship offers from Northrop-Grumman and Chrysler Group LLC, respectively.The trip was made possible by a MIT University Transportation Center (UTC)Grant, the Harvard Cooperative Society (The COOP), CCG and its Foundation for Educational Development, Inc., the Franklin Institute, MIT/Prof. Cardinal Warde and RRTN.

RRTN was able to raise over $12,200in grants and direct/in-kind sponsorships. The expensestotaled $11,416.73. The expenses were divided between registration, transportation and meals. The Franklin Institute contributed 22 admission passes for use by students and chaperones.

The overall consensus of the students was that the conference was extremely valuable, and they would like to attend again given the opportunity. Value was determined to consist of interaction with professional leaders, networking with exceptional individuals, and developing a specific skillset for marketing one’s self.

Going forward RRTN has identified that marketing to students earlier, and co-developing a project calendar with BEYA are crucial to a smoother and more successful experience.Students have requested more pre-conference preparation workshops on resumes, interviewing, networking, and professional dress. RRTN hopes to work with MIT departments and minority student groups to recruit attendance and nominations for student leadership awards and competition. BHS has decided to approve the field trip as an official BHS event so that students receive credit for attendance, and official protocols are applied to field trips.

Conference Trip Overview

The BEYA 2012 STEM Global Competitiveness Conference trip was made possiblethrough partial fundingfroma Federal Department of Transportation Regional University Transportation Center Grant at MITto foster interest amongunderrepresentedhigh school and college students in STEM fields and careers, especially transportation-related careers. The conference is a perfect venue for students to meet diverse high-level role models and professionals in STEM disciplines and network with recruiters from leading corporations, the government, research labs, universities, and the non-profit sector. The conference was a conclusion to a two-year grant topilot asummer studio experienceto introduce high school students to the business of science, transportation-related careers, and STEM careers.

Conference Trip Details

Conference Trip Dates:

February 16-19, 2012

Conference Location:

Philadelphia Convention Center and Philadelphia Downtown Marriott, Philadelphia, PA

Conference Trip Attendees: (34)

• Chaperones (4)
• Darian Hendricks (RRTN/MIT Campus Coordinator)
• Jass Stewart (Coordinator)
• Yolanda Hinton (Coordinator)
• Claudia Canals (Parent)
• Lloyd Lamarre* (BHS Teacher Liaison) (*did not attend)
• College (8)
• Melanie Adams
• Lucia Cerci
• Megan Cherry
• Niaja Nichole Farve
• Adriel Mingo
• Nathan Porter
• PadmanieSeenanan
• Anita G Wamakima
• Darryl Williams* (*no-show)
• High School (22)

oThessa Andrade

oGabriela Andrade

oJennifer Alves

oAndreisy Borges

oAshley Castro

oJane Canals

oKimberly Contreras

oJamaelFreias

oKassandra Goncalves

oJeamelaGuilloteau

oMario Hernandez

oJoanna Joseph

oHarley Jean

oAfolabiKolawole

oAlezia Lopes

oAbigail Narcisse

oSimone Mowatty

oDeborah Salami

oMacKenzieSkeens

oTainaMetellus

oDeyzeVaz

oSmithleyVil

Conference Trip Marketing and Planning

RRTN recruited participants for the trip from both Brockton High School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Deborah Salami, Brockton High School Junior and RRTN’s 2011’s XStudio intern, coordinated the high school student recruitment, including participants of 2011 RRTN XStudio. Darian Hendricks, CEO of RRTN, coordinated the recruitment of college students by way of an e-mail campaign to MIT minority student groups, and former 2011 BEYA trip attendees. For the high school campaign, things were executed as follows:

Recruitment: Online and Verbal

• Spread information about trip & Workshop through word of mouth
• Invited students to the RRTN Workshop at BHS

Information Session: 1.5HourPresentationat BHS

• RRTN Overview/Conference overview
• Internship experience
• Applications and Waiver forms were distributed

Application Process: Student Screening

• 40 students applied (11 College , 29 High School )
• Screening process
• Based on talent, passion and interest in math, science, and STEM
• Applications were divided into accepted and waitlisted groups
• Email notifications sent out
• Individual text message and phone call follow-ups

Pre-Conference Preparation:2 Information Sessions

• Waiver and Release FormsDistributed and Collected
• Media release and emergency contact forms
• RRTN conference forms
• BEYA online form instructions
• Resume Workshop/ Trip expectations
• Resume workshop with examples
• Dress code review
• Behavioral Conduct
• Networking

Online Registration

• Each student and chaperone had to register at using pre-assigned codes from CCG
• Created Master sheet of registrants, emergency contact information, and confirmation codes
• E-mail notification containing transportation logistics, and recommended luggage
• Students were to submit resumes and waivers ahead of time, or bring them to the bus before departure

Conference Trip Schedule

Thursday night, February 16, 2012 (Depart to Philadelphia, PA)

• 9:30pm- Departure from MIT, Cambridge, MA
• 10:30pm- Departure from BHS, Brockton, MA

Friday, February 17, 2012 (Arrive in Philadelphia, Registration, Hotel Check-In, Conference Day 1, Career Fair, K-12 Program)

• 5:00AM- Arrival at Le Meridien, Philadelphia, PA
• 6:00-9:00 AM- Hotel Check-In, Conference Registration
• 9:30-11:00 AM- K-12 Program/Workshops/Career Fair
• 11:00-1:00 PM- Lunch, Career Fair
• 1:00-1:45 PM- K-12 Program
• 4:00-6:00 PM- Stars and Stripes STEM Mentoring
• 6:00-8:00 PM- Student Leadership and Scholarship Gala
• 9:00-12:00 AM- Networking Social

Saturday, February 18, 2012 (Conference Day 2, Career Fair, Franklin Institute, BEYA Gala)

• 7:30-9:30 AM- HBCU Deans Breakfast
• 9:45-11:15 AM- General Session/Seminar/Career Fair /Franklin Institute visit (High School)
• 9:45-4:45 PM- Seminars
• 10:00-4:00 PM- Career and College Fair
• 12:00-1:00 PM- Student Lunch (vouchers)
• 1:00-3:00 PM- Franklin Institute (College)
• 8:00-10:00 PM BEYA Award Gala
• 10:00-12:00 AM BEYA Gala After-party

Sunday, February 19, 2012 (Depart to Boston, MA)

• 9:00 AM- Departure from Le Meridien, Philadelphia, PA
• 3:00 PM- BHS arrival, Brockton, MA
• 4:00 PM- Arrival at MIT, Cambridge, MA

Conference Trip Sponsorship:

*In kind sponsorship of subsidized registration, meals, gala and lodging fees per student and chaperone ($200/person) + extra hotel night for Adriel Mingo. CCG subsidizes the overall cost per student and chaperone above the $200 fee.

Note: RRTN staff and chaperones contributed administrative time and personal transportation cost to coordinate and manage the event.

Conference Trip Budget:

Note: RRTN and chaperones contributed administrative time and personal transportation cost to coordinate and manage the event.

Conference Trip Differences From 2011 BEYA Trip

• Application process
• Online registration
• Resume Workshop
• Three waiver forms

• Sponsorship
• More chaperones
• Site Visit to Franklin Institute
• Students participated in K-12 programs
• Students attended workshops (professional and college workshops were combined)
• Conference was located in a different city
• Collected resumes and testimonials from all students

Conference Trip Outcomes

• A 100% increase in college student attendance, compared to the previous trip in 2011
• Two job offers from Northrop Grumman (full-time position) and Chrysler Group, LLC (summer internship) to a graduate and undergraduate student, respectively
• Exposure of students to transportation-related industries, and STEM careers and professionals
• Continued contact with professional leaders who can provide mentorship and employment opportunities
• Positive student feedback and requests to be invited to BEYA Conference 2013

Conference Trip Lessons Learned and Recommendations

• Recruitment for BEYA Conference
• Two week’s notice(January 2013) for the conference is an appropriate amount of time, since most students have finalized their schedule by that point.
• MIT minority student groups should notify their members of this opportunity, and encourage participation.
• An information session could also benefit this endeavor.
• We recommend that fundraising commence by May 2013 in order to take advantage of residual department funds or be considered for funding at the beginning of the fall semester.
• Recruitment for Women of Color Conference
• We recommend that the WOC Conference be promoted around the same time that BEYA is promoted (January 2013).
• We recommend that fundraising commence by May 2013 in order to take advantage of residual department funds or be considered for funding at the beginning of the fall semester.
• Registration Process
• The registration process for the BEYA 2012 Conference, although hectic due to the small time frame, was barely adequate.
• We recommend that the codes distributed by CCG be dispersed sooner than this year (January 2013) so that errors that arise are not so crippling.
• MIT Involvement
• Students would like to see more sponsorship and support from the Institute.
• We recommend that leaders of minority student groups request funding for members who would like to attend either the BEYA or WOC Conference.
• We recommend the reservation of classrooms for information sessions geared toward the orientation and benefits of the BEYA and WOC Conferences.

College Student Feedback and Comments

Melanie Adams, MIT Junior

I wanted to thank you for the invitation to the conference. I've gained invaluable contacts that I will be very useful in planning my next steps after MIT and during the rest of my time there. Overall, I think things went pretty smoothly. It was also a great opportunity to meet other college students outside of Boston and connect with them as well.

Megan Cherry, MIT Junior

What BEYA meant to me:The BEYA conference was a unique opportunity to for me because it was one of the first times that I had the opportunity to meet with higher ups in innovative and ground breaking organizations. At BEYA I learned about companies that I had never heard of, like Northrop Grumman and MITRE, met a CEO, and met people who would be willing to mentor me. What was even more surprising was that I did all of this while having more fun than I’ve had in some time. In addition to all of this professional networking, it was nice to be in the company of other minority students who have had a vastly different educational experience from me. I would definitely recommend this conference to all of my minority friends at MIT and I hope that I will have the opportunity to go again next year!

NiajaFarve, MIT Graduate Student

I greatly enjoyed my experience while attending BEYA 2012. As a current graduate student, my primary focus was to secure employment opportunities. While I was able to obtain a full time offer, I also was able to make new contacts and further cultivate old ones. I look forward to attending the conference in the future and would strongly encourage all students to attend and take advantage of the wealth of opportunities that the conference provides.