Q1 2026 Update + Community Survey
STEM learning in action—Joseph Richburg, Founder and President of the BDPA Twin Cities Foundation, works with a student to build a robot at the 2026 African Americans in STEM Day at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Reconnecting with Our Community
BDPA Twin Cities is entering a new phase of growth—and we’re starting by reconnecting with the people who have been part of our journey. Whether you’ve participated as a student, supported as a parent, volunteered your time, or partnered with us in the past, we want to hear from you.
Please take our short community survey (2–3 minutes):
What We’ve Been Working On
Community Engagement at the Science Museum of Minnesota
BDPA Twin Cities Chapter President Frederick Blockton engages with families during African Americans in STEM Day at the Science Museum of Minnesota, highlighting pathways into STEM education.
In March, BDPA Twin Cities participated in African Americans in STEM Day at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
This event focused on:
Highlighting Black excellence in STEM
Connecting with families and students
Building relationships with local organizations
We had the opportunity to engage with dozens of community members and share more about our programs and mission.
Youth Programmatic Thinking (Youth PT)
At the start of 2026, BDPA Twin Cities established a new partnership with Saint Paul College and officially launched our Youth Programmatic Thinking (Youth PT) classes.
This new location allows us to expand access to students across the metro area, with a focused commitment to serving families in Rondo, Frogtown, and surrounding Saint Paul neighborhoods.
Through this program, we are able to:
Provide a structured, in-person learning environment
Introduce students to coding, problem-solving, and computational thinking
Build early pathways into technology education and careers
Youth PT serves as the foundation of our student pipeline, creating opportunities for long-term growth and advancement into more rigorous programming, including our High School Technology Program (HSTP).
Current Session & What’s Next
Our current Youth PT session began on March 14, 2026 and will conclude on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Classes will pause for the summer, with programming resuming at Saint Paul College in September 2026.
Fall Pre-Registration
Families interested in enrolling students for the next session are encouraged to complete our pre-registration form.
Pre-Register Now | Spots are limited, and early interest helps us plan for additional capacity and partnerships.
High School Technology Program (HSTP)
Building Advanced Skills in Coding and Technology
Our High School Technology Program (HSTP) is wrapping up another successful session, with classes concluding on May 2, 2026.
HSTP is an intensive winter–spring program designed for high school students who are ready to build real technical skills and apply them in practical, hands-on ways.
Participants gain experience in:
Writing code using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python
Building and designing websites
Understanding front-end development and functionality
Learning IT fundamentals, including systems, troubleshooting, and technical support
Solving real-world problems through structured programming exercises
Progression & Skill Levels
HSTP is structured across four levels, allowing students to enter at the appropriate starting point and progress at their own pace.
Students may begin at Level 1 or a higher level based on experience
Progression is based on skill development and mastery of key concepts
Some students advance multiple levels within a session, while others build depth within a single level
This flexible structure ensures students are both challenged and supported throughout their learning experience.
Competition Pathway
As students build their skills, they may have the opportunity to participate in the High School Coding Competition (HSCC). Participation in HSCC can lead to selection for the 2026 National BDPA Championship in Ohio, held in conjunction with the national BDPA conference. Students who demonstrate readiness, participation, and interest will be identified and contacted with next steps.
Families of selected students will receive additional information from Kelly Martin regarding preparation and participation.
Our Foundation & Impact
A BDPA Twin Cities parent celebrates student success at a recent Youth Programmatic Thinking (Youth PT) graduation.
BDPA Twin Cities was founded and chartered in 1989 with a clear purpose: to expand access to information technology education and career pathways for students across the Twin Cities.
For more than three decades, we have focused on supporting students who may not otherwise be exposed to technology as a viable and rewarding career path.
As one of 55 chapters nationwide, BDPA Twin Cities is part of a broader network preparing the next generation of technology professionals through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world skill development.
Our Impact Over Time
Since 1989, BDPA Twin Cities has served thousands of students and families across the Twin Cities.
In the past year alone, we have served 100+ students through our Youth Programmatic Thinking (Youth PT) and High School Technology Program (HSTP) sessions—and we are continuing to build on that momentum.
Looking Ahead
Our goal is not just to maintain this work—but to grow it.
We are actively working to expand our reach and increase student participation year over year:
100 students → 200 students
200 students → 300 students
And beyond
By strengthening our programs, partnerships, and community support, we are building toward a future where even more students have access to technology education and career pathways.
Help Shape What’s Next
We’re currently exploring new ways to engage and support our community, including:
Networking events for IT professionals
Informal meetups (happy hours, weekend gatherings)
Skill-based sessions (AI, career growth, digital safety)
Community activities (bowling, golf outings, and more)
This is where your input matters most.
Share your experience:
Support Our Mission
If you’d like to support the continued growth of BDPA Twin Cities, we invite you to make a donation.
Your support helps us continue creating access, opportunity, and pathways into technology for the next generation.
