History/Mission:

The Black Data Processing Associates was founded in May of 1975 by Earl A. Pace, Jr. and the late David Wimberly in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Chapter, a 501(c)6 Corporation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is the founding chapter of the National Black Data Processing Associates. Today, 44 chapters throughout the United States represent the national organization.

BDPA is a member-focused and technology driven organization that exists to provide professional development programs and services, to position its members at the forefront of the Information Technology (IT) Industry.

BDPA provides a forum for the development of interests and skills of the minority community as a whole. We participate actively in events supporting the aims of the information processing industry that have impact within our community.

Our Members

Our membership consists of seasoned professionals in the Information Technology (IT) Industry, along with individuals examining the field as a career or business opportunity. Our membership includes students, educators, corporate representatives, and entrepreneurs that represent all aspects and cross all platforms within the industry.

What We Do

The Philadelphia Chapter meets the third Friday of every month except August when we attend our National Conference. We sponsor these meetings to introduce the latest technologies to the public and our members. Our list of topics includes presentations by Oracle, Lotus, Microsoft and our other corporate sponsors.

In 1994, Philadelphia cut the ribbon on our first Technology Learning Center (TLC) in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia. Technology Learning Center's allow BDPA Philadelphia to inject technology within our communities while also facilitating training workshops for our members. We are in the process of deploying additional TLC's throughout the City of Philadelphia.

Every year, local High School students represent Philadelphia at the National BDPA Computer Competition, which is held at our National Conference. The High School Computer Competition Program provides an environment where students have an opportunity to compete on an academic level, similar to well-established athletic programs. This program allows students the opportunity to utilize their academic and technical skills, and to display their creative talents. Students participating in this program develop self-esteem, self-confidence, leadership skills and a greater sense of responsibility. During the training program, students will obtain training on subjects such as Structured System Analysis, Structured Programming Techniques, Data Communications, Data Processing History, Hardware/Software and Effective Presentation Skills.

Local High School Computer Competition (LHSCC) - The LHSCC tests students' abilities in computer programming, computer history and BDPA history. The chapter recruits students from the Philadelphia and South New Jersey areas. The winners of the competition receive a scholarship and represent the chapter and Philadelphia at the National HSCC.

The Philadelphia Chapter was the sponsor of National Black Data Processing Associates Conference's in 1995, 1985 and 1981. In 1995 the conference theme "Linking Business, Education and Technology" was the most successful BDPA event ever. Were also excited in our current efforts to return the National Conference to Philadelphia for BDPA's 25th Anniversary in the Year 2000. Our theme: "25 Years --The Foundation of the Next Century"

Corporate Partners

BDPA has established a Corporate Sponsorship Program to build partnerships, and to involve corporations in BDPA's community educational programs and professional growth activities. Within BDPA Philadelphia, we're working with our corporate partners to consolidate business, education and community leaders for the purpose of preparing and developing our youth and members.

Regardless of the sponsorship category and level, Corporate Sponsor benefits are many. BDPA Corporate Sponsors benefit in the following ways:

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENTBDPA Sponsorship provides a corporation the opportunity to contribute to developing a pool of qualified employees to meet current and future human resource needs.

EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENTBDPA Sponsorship provides a corporation with opportunities to associate with talented information technology professionals. This helps to reinforce a corporation's commitment to the development/retention of diverse talented individuals.

PUBLIC AWARENESS & COMMUNITY SERVICEBDPA Sponsorship provides an avenue for corporations to contribute to the overall good of society and the community in which they operate. BDPA Partners are good corporate citizens in their community.

GOODWILLBDPA Sponsorship adds value to the goods/services provided by the corporation.

ROLE OF THE CORPORATE SPONSOR

Corporate Sponsors promote, assist, and contribute to the attainment of BDPA's goals through involvement in the following activities:

PARTICIPATIVE SUPPORTSponsors participate in projects and programs planned by BDPA. Participation includes providing committee membership, program speakers, or seminar instructors to BDPA.

RESOURCE SUPPORTSponsors provide facilities, equipment, speakers, or services for BDPA activities and programs.

FINANCIAL SUPPORTSponsors make financial, in-kind service, and equipment contributions to the organization in support of BDPA activities and programs.

ADVISORY SUPPORTSponsors serve as advisors in program development and administration. Sponsors provide staff members to plan, develop, and implement BDPA activities and programs. Frequently, corporate executives will participate as members of our Corporate Advisory Council.

President Level Sponsorship $5,000.00Greater product/service exposure ³Preferred booth selection at national career fair ³Preferred booth selection at technology exhibit ³Discounted advertisement rates (30%) ³Full page sponsorship ad in The Journal ³Access to National Resume Database System ³Corporate memberships in sponsored chapters