The Kedrick Scribner Foundation Inc., a United States nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Nigerians through sustainable initiatives, is inviting Dr. Tyrone D. Taborn, Publisher and Chairman of Career Communications Group Inc., to Nigeria. Dr. Taborn’s visit aims to explore the possibility of establishing a STEM conference inspired by the prestigious BEYA STEM Conference, which focuses on creating career opportunities in technology and engineering for Nigerians.
In conjunction with this initiative, the Kedrick Scribner Foundation recently celebrated the successful conclusion of Widow’s Mite 5.0: “Widow’s Rejoice,” held on January 18, 2025, at the Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja. The theme “Widow’s Rejoice” encapsulated the event’s purpose: celebrating resilience and providing essential support. Over 300 widows received care packages containing 25 kg of rice, spices, vegetable oil, and other provisions, ensuring their sustenance for months. Attendees were warmly greeted and given a chance to share their stories, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.
Dr. Kedrick Scribner, Founder and CEO of The Kedrick Scribner Foundation Inc., engaged personally with attendees, offering hugs, handshakes, and heartfelt prayers. He made the rounds at every table, taking pictures, sharing moments of joy, and waving to all the widows and orphans present. His genuine compassion and tears of joy were a testament to the Foundation’s dedication to uplifting the lives of widows and orphans of Nigeria’s Fallen Heroes.
The Kedrick Scribner Foundation has long been instrumental in supporting the widows of The Fallen Heroes Of The Nigerian Police Force. The upcoming Widow’s Mite 6.0 event, scheduled for June 27-29, 2025, aims to renew health insurance for 700 widows and extend coverage to an additional 300 widows and orphans. This event will also feature a seminar on mental health, family dynamics, strokes, and heart health.
In January 2024, Dr. Scribner inaugurated a FREE Vocational Training Center at HEKAN Church, Mounted Troops Barracks, Ikeja, Lagos. This center offers free 6 to 12 month training in ICT, tailoring, fashion design, and bead-making, benefiting over 700 individuals, with 500 currently enrolled in ongoing programs.
Dr. Taborn’s visit, planned for March 12-19, 2025, will include venue tours and discussions on launching a STEM conference modeled after the BEYA STEM Conference and Women of Color STEM Conference. This initiative seeks to connect Nigerians with prominent companies such as Actalent, Lockheed Martin, Medtronic, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Boston Scientific, which are eager to tap into global talent. The proposed conference would offer Nigerians a unique opportunity to engage with top employers through career fairs, seminars, and recruitment events.
Historically, the BEYA STEM DTX™ Conference has served as a key platform for students, professionals, and employers in the STEM fields to connect and celebrate excellence. Featuring extensive career fairs and training sessions, it has successfully placed thousands of engineers and scientists in the workforce. Establishing a similar initiative in Nigeria could unlock unprecedented career and development opportunities for aspiring professionals.
The potential establishment of a BEYA-style STEM conference in Nigeria marks a significant step in connecting Nigerian talent with international employment opportunities and educational prospects abroad. This initiative aligns with global efforts to diversify the STEM industry and empower underrepresented communities through education, mentorship, and career placement.
Military.com Report and Pastor Mark Burns’ Input
Dr. Kedrick Scribner expressed his enthusiasm for the conference, stating, “Nigeria is a land brimming with untapped talent, and I believe it deserves a world-class platform to showcase and cultivate that talent. Bringing the BEYA-style STEM conference to Nigeria is more than just an event—it’s about opening doors, providing opportunities, and transforming lives.”
With over 25 years of involvement with the BEYA STEM Conference, Dr. Scribner has witnessed its profound impact on fostering STEM excellence. He noted, “BEYA embodies the essence of ‘Becoming Everything You Are,’ which is vital for uplifting underrepresented communities.”
Pastor Mark Burns, who delivered the keynote speech “Power To Transform Our Society” at the 2025 BEYA Stars & Stripes Award Ceremony, also emphasized the importance of STEM education. He highlighted the Trump administration’s commitment to restoring funding for BEYA, recognizing its critical role in national security and technological advancement.
Recently, Military.com reported on challenges faced by the BEYA STEM Conference following funding cuts and decreased military recruitment efforts. Pastor Burns, a prominent White House surrogate, attended the conference and engaged with students and recruiters, pledging support for expanding BEYA’s reach.
HBCU Deans and the Expansion of BEYA to Africa
Victor R. McCrary, Jr., Vice President for Research and Professor of Chemistry at the University of the District of Columbia, emphasized the importance of BEYA in attracting talent for the defense industrial base. Over 30 HBCU Deans of Engineering attended the conference, underscoring HBCUs’ vital role in producing top STEM talent.
Olakunle Arowolo, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Actalent, highlighted the potential for expanding the BEYA-style STEM conference to Africa, particularly Nigeria. He stated, “Bringing the BEYA-style STEM conference to Africa would enhance opportunities for STEM talent to integrate into engineering and science-based industries.”
Dr. Tyrone Taborn stressed the importance of prioritizing skilled professionals in STEM fields, reflecting the need for employers to provide access, opportunity, and skill-building for top talent.
African engineers will lead in energy, fintech, minerals, and cybersecurity at the proposed STEM Conference, connecting American companies with Nigerian talent.
For more information on the Kedrick Scribner Foundation Inc. and its ongoing initiatives, visit kedrickscribnerfoundation.org. To learn more about Career Communications Group and the BEYA STEM Conference, visit blackengineer.com and ccgmag.com.
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