About BDPA
What Is BDPA?
Established in 1975 as Black Data Processing Associates, National BDPA, Inc. is a global organization comprising a varied membership of technical professionals and students across all tiers within the domains of information technology, computer science, data science, policy, media, and associated technical fields. For over fifty years, the Association’s alumni and new members are actively involved in advanced technical grassroots programs, community service, and digital workforce transformation initiatives. BDPA continues to play pivotal roles in shaping the future of our tech sector and industrial base across all vertical markets.
BDPA Leadership
Find out more about our leaders and how to connect.
BDPA History
Find out more about BDPA’s rich history.
BDPA Overview
Find out more about BDPA with our brief overview.
BDPA: “Advancing Technical 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 over five decades, BDPA has facilitated the advancement of African Americans and other minority groups within the realms of Information Technology (IT), Advanced Computing, and Data Science. Since its inception in 1975, BDPA has actively championed the minority agenda in the IT sector through its network of more than 30 local community chapters situated in major cities throughout the United States. The establishment of the Student IT Education & Scholarship (SITES) program in 1986 marked BDPA’s commitment to being a leader and innovator in technology and STEM education for IT professionals, encompassing our college, trade school, and high school Student BDPA Members. The National High School Computer Competition (HSCC) program, which offers practical training, has exposed tens of thousands of high school students to coding and application development, while also providing pathways for students to secure college scholarships, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and partners. With a steadfast focus on both students and professional members, BDPA remains dedicated to fostering the Association’s upward trajectory for all of our members “from the classroom to the boardroom.”
Chronicles & Archives
- Publications, Photos, Memes, and Pins (YTD)
- BETF Blog (prior to 2020)
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
To be the leading and most recognized organization in enabling digital workforce leadership and transformation for aspiring technical professionals.
Our Beliefs
Our purpose is to serve and elevate students and young professionals of today for leadership tomorrow. Talented teams are 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 |
| Midwest Regional Director | Lakisha Newby |
| South Regional Vice President | Stephanie Gloster |
| Northeast Regional Vice President | Jeanette Wiggins James |
| West Regional Director | Christian Hartley |
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 |
| Vice President of Strategy & Planning | Keith Scott |
| Chief Information Officer | Mildred Allen |
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!