Jump to content

Black Data Processing Associates

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 74.95.200.97 (talk) at 23:06, 9 January 2016. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Black Data Processing Associates
Founded1975
FounderEarl A. Pace, Jr.
Area served
USA
Key people
Leadership
WebsiteBDPA

Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) is a non-profit organization that serves the professional well-being of its stakeholders. BDPA provides resources that support the professional growth and technical development of individuals in the information technology industry. Through education and leadership, BDPA promotes innovation, business skills, and professional development. The organization has over 50 chapters throughout the United States. BDPA National headquarters is located in Largo, Maryland.[1]

History

BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl A. Pace, Jr. and David Wimberly after the two met in Philadelphia to discuss their concerns about ethnic minorities in the data processing field. The founders cited 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.

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 50 chapters throughout the United States and thousands of members. The organization is a catalyst for professional growth and technical development for those in the IT industry.[2]

BDPA High School Computer Competition

The National High School Computer Competition (HSCC) was founded in 1986. The competition started as a two-team event between Washington, DC and Atlanta, GA, and now has over 20 teams from chapters throughout the nation.[3]

References

  1. ^ About BDPA
  2. ^ Lesley S. J. Farmer (2005), Digital Inclusion, Teens, and Your Library: Exploring the Issues and Acting on Them, Libraries Unlimited, ISBN 978-1-59158-128-4
  3. ^ High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Program, bdpa.org