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 thousands of members.
Today, BDPA is a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization 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".
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 the IT Professional, 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.