We are thrilled to announce that the Biotechnical Institute of Maryland (BTI)  was one of two organizations selected to receive a $200,000 Neighborhood Builders Award  from The Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc.

The award—which came as a surprise—was presented in person by Janet Currie, President, Bank of America Greater Maryland, who said that 20 nonprofits are nominated for the award each year, with two winners selected by Baltimore local leaders.

“”We certainly look at impact as a committee when we think about the winners and we also look at leadership…longevity and sustainability of the organization and we look at mission,” said Ms. Currie when delivering the award.

Dr. Brandy Carter, BTI Executive Director, said, “Our goal is to break generational poverty and really transform the lives of our students. This award is going to help tremendously. The cost per student is $13,000 and [our program is] tuition-free so every single penny we get goes towards programming.”

A year of leadership training for the Executive Director and  an emerging leader of each nonprofit is also included in the award.

BTI’s Laboratory Associate’s Program offers tuition-free programs for under- and unemployed workers to build critical lab skills and prepare an entry-level workforce for the lab environment. The program includes BioSTART, a 6-week bridge program designed to jumpstart candidates’ skills and knowledge in basic math, communications, and critical workplace skills.

Read more here: “Two nonprofits each get surprised with $200,000 check,” WMAR.