BDPA Twin Cities

About Us

We are BDPA Twin-Cities

BDPA Twin-Cities was founded and chartered in 1989 to support S.T.E.M training for local black professionals and underrepresented students. Our Chapter is one of 55 national chapters, organized to address concerns about the overall lack of minority representation in leadership roles and career mobility within the IT sector.

BDPA Twin Cities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing students in grades 3–12 for success in information technology and computer science. Since 1989, we’ve provided free training in programming, web development, and other tech skills through hands-on learning, mentorship, and national competitions.

We serve youth from all backgrounds across the Twin Cities metro, with a commitment to building early access, strong skills, and real-world exposure to careers in technology.

What We Offer:

• Scratch Programming (Grades 3–6)

• Python Programming & Web Dev (Grades 6–12)

• Tech Career Exploration

• College & Competition Prep

• Mentorship and Guest Speakers

• Partnerships with Tech Leaders and Employers

Get Involved

Whether you're an employer, tech professional, volunteer, educator, or simply passionate about youth and innovation, we invite you to partner with us.

We're building the next generation of IT professionals—and it starts today.

Mission

We deliver programs and services that reduce the disparity gap in minorities participation in the Tech industry.

Vision

Be a powerful advocate for stakeholders’ and student interests within the Minnesota tech ecosystem.

Our History

Founded as the Black Data Processing Associates in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly, BDPA was created to bring underrepresented minorities together who were working in the information technology and computer science field for the purpose of professional development and academic enrichment.

As of date, BDPA is an international organization with a diverse membership of professionals and students at all levels in the fields of information technology, computer science and related STEM fields. Members are actively engaged in serving the community through outreach and charting the future of the IT industry.

The organization trains 800 to 1200 high school students across the nation every year in computer programming and web development and has trained more students to write code than any other non-profit organization in the United States since 1986. BDPA has an awesome scholarship program which is generously supported through sponsorships, and offers over $100,000 annually in cash awards to high school and college students.

The Twin Cities Chapter is focused on championing the next generation of IT leadership. As an organization staffed entirely of highly respected professionals in the Information Technology, we offer unique opportunities to connect members and students with cutting edge technologies and education.

“Our passion is coding, our expertise is in information technology. From high school students to young professionals, we provide educational services and mentoring to underrepresented ethnic groups in STEM.”