Professional Development for Students
Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation of Leaders
Emerging Professionals Programs
At BPACF it is our mission to connect students with training, mentorship, and access to not only position themselves to enter fulfilling careers, but to propel them to thrive in all that they do. Our student programming is focused on providing insight, information, and inspiration to our next generation of leaders.
We empower students through our Emerging Professionals Programming that includes: (click on the + icon to learn more)
BPACF Scholarship Program
Application Period: January-March
BPACF provides scholarships and professional development support to a cohort of 40 college (2-year and 4-year) students each year. Scholarships are $1,500 per student for the academic year, and participants may attend the college/institution of their choice. Scholarships are renewable up to 4 times until graduation. BPACF Scholars are given priority for access to BPACF’s Career Connect Internship Program. Program participants will also receive career advisement, professional development training, and mentoring from executives in specific fields. Email blasts are provided to scholars with additional opportunities, information, and advice. Priority is given to students with financial needs, based on family size and annual income as well as to students who are “first-generation” college students. The formal definition of a first-generation college student is a student whose parent(s) did not complete a four-year college degree.
BPACF College to Career Series
This a series of workshops/symposiums that encourage local youth towards a commitment to college completion, academic success, and career exploration. The series also enables scholars to meet one another and top executives from Northeast Ohio and learn more about their career paths.
The series currently includes the following events:
- BPACF Professional Soft Skills Boot Camp: half-day workshop on how to successfully find and prepare for summer internships/employment, with a focus on soft-skill development.
- BPACF Scholars Send Off – The School Year Kick Off: A gather at a unique (and fun) venue for local minority scholars, to celebrate the start of the college school year.
- BPACF Winter Symposium – The Mid-Year Mixer: A half-day event for local minority scholars, to “check-in” with one another, participate in a presentation, and talk with speed mentors from their areas of interest.
Sign up for the Emerging Professionals Mailing List to get notices of opportunities
BPACF Career Connect Internship Program
Career Connect is a workforce development initiative of BPACF to enhance career opportunities for youth/young adult Black and Brown students up to age 24. This program has two tracks:
BPACF Summer Interns (4-6 students per summer)
1)Individuals selected to participate in this unique program are matched with a host organization for 8 weeks in the summer in an internship closely aligned with their college major. We provide a scholarship stipend for 200 hours of participation. Program participants are immersed in a mini-internship and also receive innovative professional development support, and mentoring from local executives, BPACF board members, and volunteers. Local black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and community-focused non-profits partner with BPACF, to acquire support students during their summer experience.
External Placement Support for BPACF Scholars and other Students
2) We support students by sharing internship opportunities from our Corporate partners and Emerging Professionals Champions. Priority for assistance is given to BPACF Scholars. Email blasts of internship opportunities will be shared with students who sign up for email blasts.