About Us

Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) was founded in 1975 by Earl A. Pace, Jr. and the late David Wimberly 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)(3) 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 members majoring in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or an IT-related curriculum. Academic courses are combined with practical on-the-job experience to help them 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.

The City of Atlanta Plays Host to the
BDPA 2008 National Technology Conference

The annual BDPA National Technology Conference is a wonderful way to meet IT leaders from around the country and attend informative technology and professional development sessions.

BDPA is a global member-focused organization that serves the professional well-being of its stakeholders. BDPA remains committed to excellence and providing a wide spectrum of resources to members, corporate sponsors, businesses, educational institutions and the community. The organization is a catalyst for professional growth and technical development for those in the IT industry.

BDPA can help you advance your career in the IT profession. We give professionals, executives, entrepreneurs and students an IT career pathway from the “Classroom to the Boardroom”. Through education, mentoring, services and business networking, BDPA promotes innovation, technical skills, business savvy and personal growth.

Professionals and Executives

Get access to mentoring, professional coaching, certified training, job placement and other valuable resources. Maximize networking opportunities locally and nationally to build the connections you need to keep advancing your career.

Entrepreneurs

If you provide IT-related services and products, BDPA helps your bottom line. We introduce your business to individuals with purchasing power, or influence the decision to purchase your product. Interact with potential business partners, investors, and employees.

High School and College Students

If you are considering a future in IT, or want to learn more about technology, BDPA helps you develop technical skills, introduce you to role models, and open doors leading to that important internship and first job. Learn more about our Student Programs.

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