Janet Currie, President of Bank of America Greater Maryland, presented the Biotechnical Institute of Maryland  with a $30,000 grant to support its successful efforts to train unemployed and underemployed Baltimore City residents for entry level laboratory professional jobs.

For more than two decades, the Biotechnical Institute of Maryland has led the way in providing tuition-free, high-caliber, scientific training to help those who are under or unemployed become lab workers in the state’s rapidly expanding biotechnology sector. The program’s rigorous and relevant curriculum was developed in partnership with life sciences employers.

“The life sciences industry is a driving sector for Maryland and Baltimore’s economy—and BTI is offering diverse, non-traditional workers an entry point into this growing market,” Currie said. “At Bank of America, we believe that BTI’s efforts will help create a needed pipeline for sustainable, local, high-wage jobs in the industry that will foster economic growth.”

According to Dr. Brandy Carter, BTI’s Executive Director, the demand for BTI graduates has never been higher. “In 2021, our graduates made an average starting salary of $20.96/hour at their first position while coping with the difficulties and restrictions of the pandemic.”

Carter notes that employers are increasingly looking to BTI to fill laboratory openings. “We even have program alumni who have been promoted into supervisory roles coming back to us regularly and asking for interns and permanent employees,” Carter said.

For decades, the bank has supported local partners focused on workforce development and job creation, including the area’s thriving biotechnology, healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

“BTI is agreat partner for Bank of America and the community, helping grow our workforce for the businesses and jobs that are fast becoming a focal point for the region’s economic success,” Currie said.

Source:  Bank of America Invests in the Biotechnical Institute of Maryland, CityBiz, June 9, 2022.