About BDPA
What Is BDPA?
BDPA is an international organization with a diverse membership of professionals and students at all levels in the fields of information technology, computer science and related S.T.E.M fields. Members are actively engaged in serving the community through outreach and charting the future of the IT industry.
BDPA Leadership
Find out more about our leaders and how to contact them.
BDPA History
Find out more about BDPA’s rich history.
BDPA Overview
Find out more about BDPA with our brief overview.
BDPA Motto: “Advancing Careers From The Classroom To The Boardroom.”
- BDPA co-founder Earl Pace is inducted into the CompTIA IT Hall of Fame.
- BDPA celebrated its 45th year anniversary in 2020.
- BDPA is the largest professional technology organization for Blacks/ African Americans and other minorities in the United States.
- BDPA has grown to 30 chapters across the United States, which provides a safe environment for minorities in IT to network with other IT professionals, gain exclusive boardroom leadership experience at the local chapter & national levels, and strengthen the skills necessary to advancing in their respective IT careers.
- BDPA has become a critical pipeline of diverse talent for employers across all industries requiring qualified Information Technology professionals in the United States.
- BDPA trains 800 to 1200 high school students across the nation every year in computer programming and web development; BDPA has trained more students to write code than any other non-profit organization in the United States since 1986.
- BDPA has an awesome scholarship program which is generously supported through sponsorships and offers over $50,000 annually in cash awards to high school and college students.
- BDPA amasses the most significant accumulation of minority IT professionals in the United States at its annual National Technology Conference.
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 Co-Founder, Earl Pace
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
Our Beliefs
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.
What Does BDPA 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 provide virtual and physical experiences aimed at advancing the careers of our adult members.
Leadership Development Programs
Through partners we endeavor to accelerate the development and growth of leaders to reach their full potential.
National Board Of Directors 2024-2025:
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Perry Carter |
| Vice President | Eric Ejiofor |
| Vice President of Finance | Loraine Stewart-David |
| Midwest Regional Vice President | Raven Stevenson |
| South Regional Vice President | Stephanie Gloster |
| South Regional Director | Eairrick Kensey |
| Northeast Regional Vice President | Jeanette Wiggins |
National Executive Committee 2024-2025:
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Perry Carter |
| Vice President | Eric Ejiofor |
| Vice President of Finance | Loraine Stewart-David |
| Vice President of Membership Management | Judaea “Judy” Lane |
Join BDPA!
Be part of a national movement and make a difference in the lives of African American information technology professionals as we work together to create the changes needed for diverse work environments and supportive communities.
So the next time someone asks, Where are the Blacks in Information Technology? Where are the Blacks In Technology? Where are Information Technology Thought Leaders? Where are the Blacks In STEM? Where are the Black Digital Leaders of the future? Tell them they are all in BDPA!