Florida A&M students Jessica Herd and Najee Sanders are working to bring a chapter of the Black Executive Exchange Program (BEEP) to FAMU. Their organization’s advisor is Pamela Zachery, vice president of university affairs.
BEEP is a program designed to get students job and internship opportunities. The program is an extension of the National Urban League (NUL). The NUL is an organization designed to discourage racial discrimination against African-Americans.
The NUL also looks to create economic opportunities for minorities. BEEP has an annual conference where students meet CEOs, CFOs and presidents of different companies.
There is a BEEP chapter on the campus of most historically black colleges and universities, and an adult chapter of BEEP in Tallahassee. The chapters will work together to increase awareness about their program and promote economic growth.
To be eligible to become a member of BEEP, students must have at least a 2.8 GPA. There is no particular classification requirement, but students should have some leadership skills. The program is open to all majors. The chapter had its interest meeting Nov. 7 in the Grand Ballroom.
Najee Sanders is a graduating senior from Englewood, N.J. majoring in economics, and president of the FAMU chapter of BEEP. He said the organization looks to cultivate new leaders and inspire achievements.
“This program will give students a competitive advantage and help them get internships,” said Sanders. “Students will be able exercise talents and strengths within the chapter.”
Jessica Herd will be vice president for FAMU chapter of BEEP. Herd is a junior from Biloxi, Miss., majoring in computer information sciences. Her job will be to seek out opportunities for students and oversee the various committees within the chapter. She will also appoint chairmen to different committees in the chapter.
Robsky Theodore, a senior accounting student from Miamil. He said BEEP has helped him tremendously in his job search.
“I have met CEOs and CFOs from different companies through BEEP,” said Theodore.
The FAMU chapter of BEEP has been promoting their program all over campus. They have set up a table on The Set and made a Facebook page as well. They will have fundraising events and community service events throughout the school year