Black Data Processing Associates

Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) is an American non-profit organization that serves the professional well-being of African Americans and other minorities working within technology.[1] BDPA provides resources that support the professional growth and technical development of minority individuals in the information technology industry. Through education and leadership, BDPA promotes innovation, business skills, and professional development. The organization has over 50 chapters throughout the United States. BDPA National headquarters is located in Largo, Maryland.[2]

This article is about the professional organization. For the chemical compound BDPA, see Koelsch radical.
Black Data Processing Associates
Founded1975
FounderEarl A. Pace Jr.
Focus"Advancing Careers From the Classroom to the Boardroom."
Area served
United States
Key people
Leadership
Websitebdpa.org

History

BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl A. Pace Jr. and David Wimberly after the two met in Philadelphia to discuss their concerns about ethnic minorities in the data processing field. The founders cited a lack of minorities in middle and upper management, low recruitment and poor preparation of minorities for these positions, and an overall lack of career mobility. The founders built an organization of 35 members, hosted presentations to improve data processing skills and launched a job opportunities announcement service. This nucleus has grown to over 50 chapters throughout the United States and thousands of members. The organization is a catalyst for professional growth and technical development for those in the IT industry.[3]

BDPA has been active in community involvement, mentorship, and classes, especially during COVID-19. In summer 2020, BDPA offered STEM-related mentorship and classes for high school students in Indiana.[4] In 2021, BDPA collected laptops and other electronics for children's e-learning efforts for Afghan refugees at Camp Atterbury.[5]

BDPA High School Computer Competition

The National High School Computer Competition (HSCC) was founded in 1986. The competition started as a two-team event between Washington, DC, and Atlanta, Georgia, and now has over 20 teams from chapters throughout the nation.[6]

See also

References
  1. Gruman, Galen (2021-02-23). "Where to find and recruit Black tech pros". Computerworld. Retrieved 2021-12-22.
  2. About BDPA
  3. Lesley S. J. Farmer (2005), Digital Inclusion, Teens, and Your Library: Exploring the Issues and Acting on Them, Libraries Unlimited, ISBN 978-1-59158-128-4
  4. Lovrinic, Joanne (2020-07-09). "Virtual summer program provides IT training to Indianapolis youth". News at IU. Retrieved 2021-12-22.
  5. Winfrey, Katiera (2021-09-28). "Laptop, tablet donations help create lab at Camp Atterbury". WISH-TV | Indianapolis News. Archived from the original on 2021-09-29. Retrieved 2021-12-22.
  6. High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Program, bdpa.org
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