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June 8, 2000P.O. Box 42611Philadelphia, PA 19104215.844.3235
Dear Corporate Sponsor;
I am writing this letter to open a dialogue with you on exploring the potential for Corporate Sponsorship of the BDPA organization. Our organization was started by; Earl Pace, Jr. and the late David Wimberly to address their concern that minorities were not adequately represented in the computer industry and founded the BDPA organization in 1975. To that note we are the First National organization to counter today’s “Digital Divide”.
The Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) is a national professional trade association that consists of 60 chapters nation-wide and is comprised of 1,800 members. Our mission is to enable minority professionals to participate in local and national activities and to keep abreast of and contribute to the development and trends in the information management industry; and to be a positive influence on both the direction in the industry and its effects in the minority community
Our objectives are to increase participation of minorities in the information technology field; increase minority access to information technology knowledge and business experience through education, training and practical experience; and to expand minority access to advanced careers. Education, training and professional development are some of the strategies actively used by the association in reaching its objectives
Currently, individuals from certain racial/ethnic groups are underrepresented in all areas of the technical workforce and at all education levels that prepare individuals for careers in technology. For example, Blacks make up 12 percent of the U.S. population. Yet, over the past five years they received 7 percent of the associate degrees, 5 percent of the bachelor’s degrees, 2 percent of the master’s degrees, and only 1 percent of the doctoral degrees in Computing, Engineering, Science and Math disciplines. To remain competitive globally, the United States must provide better access to quality technology programs for all students, especially Blacks, as well as Hispanics, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders.
As today’s workforce grows more dependent on science and technology, organizations such as BDPA play an integral role in supporting the achievements of a competitive American science, mathematics, engineering, and technology workforce. Our members provide strong role models for students as they pursue degrees in technology disciplines. It is one of the easiest and most effective ways to enhance their education.
As a member of the National Black Data Processing Associates (NBDPA), I am the President of the Philadelphia Chapter, which is the Charter Chapter of the organization. At this time we have 90 active members. We provide professional and personal enrichment through our schedule of monthly Program Meetings. We also are in the throws of tutoring our entry to the National High School Computer Competition (HSCC), which allows the students to compete on a national level showing their prowess with today’s technology, and operate as a Team.
Someone from our office will be contacting you in the near future to discuss Corporate participation opportunities in detail. We are also available to make a formal presentation of our programs and activities. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 215.844.3235 BDPA or 610.651.5958 work. Again thank you for your interest in Black “Data Processing Associates.
