The Chicago BDPA STEAM Foundation was founded to assist minorities in the data processing field. The history of our non-profit organization stretches back more than 45 years.
Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) was founded in 1975 by Earl A. Pace, Jr., and the late David Kimberly after the two met in Philadelphia to discuss their concerns about minorities in the data processing field. There was 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 BDPA Today
Through ceaseless drive and personal networking, 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 55 chapters throughout the United States and thousands of members.
Today, BDPA is a non-profit organization (501(c)(3) dedicated to the professional and personal development of African Americans who have an interest in information technology and related fields. Our aim is to mentor and develop minority youth from the "Classroom to the Boardroom".
WHAT WE OFFER
Since 1975, BDPA has been a champion for the next generation of IT leadership. As an organization of highly respected information and Technology professionals, BDPA offers a unique opportunity to connect with others to share knowledge amongst a community of peers through:
YOUTH STEM PROGRAMS
Throughout the year, local chapters conduct SITES training programs for the youth.
HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
The BDPA National High School Computer Competition (HSCC) was founded in 1986 by Dr. Jesse Bemley.
COLLEGE PROGRAMS
The purpose of the BDPA Fellow Program is to Develop and Enrich talented college members around the country.
ADULT PROGRAMS
BDPA provides virtual and physical experiences to advance our adult members' careers.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Through partners, we endeavor to accelerate the development and growth of leaders to reach their full potential.
For more information on the BDPA non-profit organization, please email correspondingsec@chicagobdpa.org.
Our History
For more than 40 years, BDPA has enabled the upward mobility of African Americans and other minorities in the Information Technology (IT) and STEM fields. Through its 30+ local community chapters in major cities across the United States, BDPA has been at the forefront of promoting the minority agenda within the IT profession since 1975. BDPA has been a leader and pioneer in technology and STEM training for IT professionals and High School students since 1986. Our National High School Computer Competition (HSCC) program, which is a hands-on training program, has introduced tens of thousands of high school students to coding and application development while also presenting opportunities for students to obtain college scholarships due to the generosity of our sponsors and partners. Because of BDPA's focus on students and professional members alike, we continue to support and lead the upward success of our members "from the classroom to the boardroom.'
BDPA Motto: Advancing
OUR MISSION
To build a pipeline of diverse professionals and aspiring students in the STEM and digital technology fields through innovative technical development programs.
OUR VISION
To be the leading and most recognized organization in enabling digital leadership preparedness for aspiring diverse professionals throughout the United States.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Our purpose is to serve and elevate students and young professionals of today for leadership tomorrow. That a talented and diverse group of people is the most creative and innovative workforce.
For more information on the BDPA non-profit organization, please email correspondingsec@chicagobdpa.org
