2025 Year-In-Review
BDPA Twin Cities
Advancing Technical Careers from the Classroom to the Boardroom
Welcome to Our Community
BDPA Twin Cities is proud to share our 2025 Year-In-Review, highlighting the people, programs, partnerships, and progress that shaped our work this year.
As the Twin Cities chapter of the national Black Data Processing Associates organization, we are committed to expanding access to technology education, professional development, and leadership pathways for youth, students, and professionals across our region. Through collaboration, volunteerism, and sustained community support, our chapter continues to build a pipeline that connects early exposure to technology with long-term career success.
This year, we strengthened our programs, deepened partnerships, and laid the groundwork for continued growth in 2026 and beyond.
A Message from the Chapter President
Frederick Blocton, President – BDPA Twin Cities
BDPA Twin Cities exists to create opportunities by introducing young people to technology, equipping them with professional skills, and surrounding them with a community that believes in their potential.
In 2025, our chapter continued to deliver high-quality programming while also investing in the future of our organization. We strengthened our digital presence, expanded outreach efforts, and welcomed new families into the BDPA community, all while continuing to serve returning students and parents who have trusted us year after year. None of this work happens in isolation.
I extend my sincere gratitude to our board members, foundation leadership, instructors, volunteers, parents, partners, and donors who make our mission possible. Together, we are advancing technical careers—from the classroom to the boardroom.
2025 Impact at a Glance
50+ students served through HSTP and Youth Programmatic Thinking
3 cohorts delivered programming
10 Paid instructors and volunteer tutors supporting student learning
20 Returning and first-time families engaged
A growing pipeline of students, alumni, and professionals
These numbers represent real students, real families, and real futures shaped through access to technology education and mentorship.
2025 Program Highlights
High School Technology Program (HSTP)
Our High School Technology Program continues to serve as a cornerstone of BDPA Twin Cities programming. HSTP provides high school students with exposure to coding, IT fundamentals, and full-stack concepts—while also reinforcing professional readiness, teamwork, and confidence.
Students gain both technical skills and a broader understanding of technology as a career pathway, regardless of prior experience.
Youth Programmatic Thinking (Youth PT)
Youth Programmatic Thinking introduces younger students to computational thinking, logic, and problem-solving. Through engaging instruction and supportive learning environments, students begin to see themselves not just as users of technology—but as creators.
This early exposure lays the foundation for long-term success in STEM and technology-adjacent fields.
Partner Spotlight
Featuring, Elise Hanson
Metro State University & IT Center of Excellence
“My interaction with BDPA Twin Cities during my time supporting the Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence at Metropolitan State has been both an honor and a privilege.”
BDPA Twin Cities is honored to recognize our long-standing partnership with Metro State University and the Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence. For more than a decade, Elise Hanson supported the coordination of space for BDPA Twin Cities’ Community Youth Technology Program Saturday sessions. Through this collaboration, she witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of providing young students with access to technology education.
Elise also highlighted the dedication of BDPA leadership and instructors—including Dorothy and Joseph Richburg, Kelly Martin, Fayette Wulf, and many others—whose passion and commitment continue to shape students’ experiences. One of the most memorable moments in this partnership came when Metro State and the IT Center of Excellence were named the 2019 BDPA Community Supporter of the Year. At the awards celebration, Elise observed students confidently networking in business attire, exchanging business cards, and engaging thoughtfully with professionals.
“It was clear that BDPA Twin Cities is not only preparing students for careers in technology but also equipping them with the personal and professional skills that will serve them for a lifetime.”
As Elise enters retirement, she expressed hope that Metro State and the IT Center of Excellence will continue partnering with BDPA Twin Cities to grow a diverse, skilled pipeline of future technologists.
Alumni Success Story
Featuring, Kobe Petrus
Software Engineer
From Student to Software Engineer - Kobe Petrus’ journey with BDPA Twin Cities began in 2019, when he joined the High School Technology Program as a high school senior.
Encouraged by his parents and introduced through a BDPA community connection, Kobe entered the program with curiosity and technical aptitude—quickly discovering his passion for computer science. Despite joining at an advanced level, Kobe thrived. That same year, he earned a spot on the HSCC competition team and traveled to Atlanta for the National Coding Competition, where his hardware knowledge helped his team place 5th overall.
Throughout his journey, Kobe credits mentors such as Dorothy Richburg, Frederick Blockton, and instructor Sifora Teklab for their advocacy, guidance, and encouragement. After high school, Kobe remained connected to BDPA Twin Cities—receiving scholarships, speaking at the 15th Annual Awards Gala, winning 1st place in the 2021 BDPA Mobile App Showcase, and returning as an assistant instructor for Scratch programming classes in 2024. Today, Kobe is in his second year as a Software Engineer at Johnson & Johnson in Raritan, New Jersey. In addition to his corporate role, he has launched entrepreneurial ventures, including an iOS app and a startup focused on data sovereignty and accessible, self-hosted AI tools.
“BDPA taught me how to blend technical skills with business and communication. That balance is what has allowed me to stand out and advocate for myself.”
Kobe’s story reflects the long-term impact of BDPA Twin Cities—where students grow into professionals who return to support the next generation.
Board & Leadership
Joseph Richburg
President, BDPA Twin Cities Foundation
Joseph Richburg leads the Foundation with a focus on financial sustainability, fundraising, and long-term growth. Since launching the first HSTP class in 2005, more than 1,800 students have been exposed to technology through BDPA Twin Cities programs.
Michael Duren - Board Member
A Vice President in the financial services industry, Michael Duren brings over two decades of leadership in technology, resiliency, crisis management, and organizational transformation. He is a long-time advocate for technology education and community engagement and actively supports BDPA Twin Cities’ mission.
Aaron Young - Vice President
Information Technology Specialist Lead, State of Minnesota IT Services
With more than 28 years in IT, Aaron Young is a security-focused leader with deep expertise in cybersecurity, risk management, and IT service management. His leadership emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and operational excellence.
Frederick Blocton - President, BDPA Twin Cities
Frederick Blocton provides strategic leadership for the chapter, guiding program delivery, partnerships, and organizational development.
Our Donors, Sponsors & Community Partners
We extend our sincere appreciation to the organizations whose support made our work possible in 2025:
Keystone Technical Services
H.B. Fuller
Metro State University
3M
Minnesota Twins
Best Buy
C.H. Robinson
UpNet Technologies
Xcel Energy
Microsoft
Your continued commitment enables BDPA Twin Cities to expand access, opportunity, and innovation for students and families across our community.
Thank You to Our Volunteers, Instructors & Tutors
Our programs thrive because of the people behind them.
We thank our:
Board members
Volunteers
Paid instructors and tutors
Your time, expertise, and dedication directly impact student success and program quality. We invite those interested in supporting our work to explore volunteer and instructor opportunities on our website.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Registration Now Open
High School Technology Program (HSTP): Begins February 7, 2026
What’s Coming Next
Phase Two of our new website, including an employer job-posting platform
Quarterly newsletters and expanded blog content
Additional resources for students, parents, donors, and community members
Continued growth in programming and partnerships
Stay Connected
We encourage you to:
Register a student
Become a volunteer or instructor
Partner or sponsor a program
Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter
Contact Us:
For media and general inquiries, visit our contact page
Thank you for being part of the BDPA Twin Cities community. Together, we are building pathways, opening doors, and advancing technical careers—from the classroom to the boardroom.
