The Biotechnical Institute of Maryland (BTI) has received a $20,000 grant from The Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc. According to Dr. Brandy Carter, BTI’s executive director, “We are very pleased to count the Bank of America Charitable Foundation as a continuing partner in our 25 years of working to train entry-level skilled laboratory professionals.”

In making the award, Janet Currie, President, Bank of America Greater Maryland, underscored the effectiveness of BTI’s work. “Our lending, investing, and giving in local communities advances the region’s growing Life Sciences sector and creates positive change. Their graduates can launch careers that will help grow the economy.”

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.

Completing BioSTART, students enter the 9-week Laboratory Associates Program approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). This course offers the academics, conceptual and hands-on laboratory skills necessary for success. Graduates take one of two routes upon completion: many secure paid laboratory positions or complete a required 100- hour, paid internship, which BTI helps arrange. Successful completers are also eligible for 7 credits toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in biotechnology through an agreement with Baltimore City Community College.

BTI’s recent Laboratory Associates graduates have achieved close to 100% employment before or upon completion of their training. A majority of them entered the workforce with the highest starting salary in the program’s 25 year history, earning an average $20.97/hr, nearly triple their average salaries when entering the program. According to Dr. Carter, “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.”