Welcome to the Chicago BDPA – Providing Support for STEM and IT Students and Professionals

Enabling Digital Thought Leadership

Chicago BDPA STEAM Foundation is a non-profit international organization with a diverse membership of professionals and students at all levels in the fields of information technology, computer science, and related STEM fields. Members are actively engaged in serving the community through outreach and charting the future of the IT industry.

This website serves as the official site for the Chicago BDPA STEAM Foundation. Please take the time to look through our site for more information on our organization, our programs and events, and our services.

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The Chicago Chapter of the National Black Data Processing Associates was chartered on March 15, 1986, as the 14th Chapter nationwide with eight founding members:

Marvin Walker, President
Hazel Beason, Vice President
Anthony Pittman, Treasurer
Michelle Walker, Recording Secretary
Wallace Neal, Education Chairperson
Roy Peeples, Public Relations Chairperson
Greg Walker, Finance Chairperson
Fidelis Umeh, Member

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A Brief History of the Chicago BDPA STEAM Foundation

The first monthly program meeting was held April 18, 1986, at the Palmer House Hotel. Since that time the Chicago Chapter has consecutively sponsored program meeting, Annual Award Galas, CIO Receptions, designed to assist our membership in meeting their professional and personal goals. Since its inception, the Chicago Chapter has continued to deliver fit for use programs to its membership.

Chicago is in the top three largest chapters in the nation and was named Chapter of the Year in 2013. We are dedicated to serving our members through events that inspire

Get involved with the Local Community

The Chicago BDPA STEAM Foundation provides a range of services, programs, and events to support IT professionals and students in computer science and STEM fields.

Computer Science

STEM Fields

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STEM/Coding Program
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Professional/Collegiate Program
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Leadership
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About Us
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“About Us” – Our Story

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.

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 has thousands of members.

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Today, BDPA is a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to the professional and personal development of African Americans interested in Information Technology and related fields. We aim to mentor and develop minority youth from the "Classroom to the Boardroom."

BDPA's Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) Program for high school members is a series of hands-on training, computer camps, and mentoring that culminates with select teams traveling to the National High School Computer Competition held in conjunction with our national conference. Students from across the country match IT skills, competing for college scholarships.

Our College Student Internship Program partners our corporate sponsors with college members majoring in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or an IT-related curriculum. Academic courses are combined with practical on-the-job experience to help these college students prepare for immediate employment and advancement. Students also can participate in our College Mentoring Program for assistance in career development.

For IT professionals, BDPA's local chapters meet monthly to discuss the latest topics in Information Technology. Atlanta BDPA monthly meeting programs have featured C-Level executives from top Fortune 500 companies, such as Delta Airlines, successful IT entrepreneurs, and Technology talent acquisition professionals.

Our monthly meetings and other social and community activities provide an excellent opportunity for our members to network with professionals from various corporations and organizations. Our strategic alliances with other minority professional and technology organizations, corporations, and youth organizations have helped the Atlanta BDPA serve the community.