BioTechnical Institute of Maryland, Inc.
Since 1998, with support from the Abell Foundation, BTI has trained over 400 Baltimore City residents as entry-level technicians in the growing bio-pharma industry. Students first complete BioSTART, BTI’s six-week bridge program, which was started so that BTI could admit students with lower math scores. The program is working. On average, BioSTART students increase their math scores by at least three grade levels, testing at the 11th-grade level by the end of six weeks. Students move on to the Laboratory Associates program, where student continue training for 9 weeks and complete three-week internships. Over the past year, 45 enrolled into BioSTART, with 37 (or 82 percent completing the 6-week program). These 37 students enrolled in the 9-week Lab Associates program. Of these students, 32 (or 86 percent) completed the training. BTI estimates that over 77 percent of those graduates will be placed into research laboratory and manufacturing technician positions, at an average wage of $13.77/hour.
Job Opportunities Task Force
The Job Opportunities Task Force (JOTF) is an independent nonprofit organization that works to develop and advocate policies and programs to increase the skills, job opportunities, and incomes of low-skill, low-income Maryland workers and job seekers. In partnership with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), JOTF operates Project JumpStart, a pre-apprenticeship construction program that provides low-income Baltimore City residents with 14 weeks of pre-apprenticeship training in plumbing, electrical and carpentry. With funding from the Abell Foundation, Project Jumpstart plans to serve 125 residents over six classes in two locations in Baltimore City. Approximately 80% of those who are enrolled will complete; 75% of those who complete will be placed into employment with wages averaging over $12/hr. For the past two years, 28% of those who are placed into employment have enrolled into the four-year ABC apprenticeship program. First-year apprentices earn between $12 and $16 per hour; with annual increases, by the time an apprentice graduates in four years and obtains journeymen status, he or she is earning $24 to $36 per hour.
CASH Campaign of Maryland
The CASH Campaign of Maryland (CASH) promotes economic advancement for low-to-moderate income individuals and families in Baltimore and across Maryland. Since 2001, CASH has worked to increase access to the Earned Income Tax Credit, a powerful work incentive and poverty-alleviation tool, lifting more families out of poverty than any other federal aid program. With funding from the Abell Foundation and others, CASH provides 10,000 Baltimore City households with free tax preparation, supporting 18 to 20 free tax preparation sites throughout Baltimore. CASH also works to build the assets of low-wage tax filers by providing financial education and coaching. CASH is also working to establish an Office of Financial Empowerment within Baltimore City government.
South Baltimore Learning Center
The South Baltimore Learning Center (SBLC) has provided adult education services to Baltimore City residents for nearly three decades, serving more than 600 adult students each year. With funding from the Abell Foundation, SBLC plans to offer 12 classes at the Regional Skills Training Center (RSTC) located on Park Heights Avenue in West Baltimore. Classes will include three low literacy/low math classes designed for applicants that did not qualify for sector skills training programs located at the RSTC, three traditional pre-GED classes for eligible training participants, and three GED fast-track classes. SBLC’s goal is to provide effective instruction that will result in the grade level gains needed to access one of the sector training programs in the RSTC.
Jane Addams Resource Corporation
The Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) Baltimore trains unemployed and/or underemployed Baltimore City residents in welding and computer numerical control (CNC) at the Regional Skills Training Center on Park Heights Avenue in West Baltimore. With funding from the Abell Foundation, students receive hands-on training and earn industry-recognized credentials in a work-like environment. Beyond technical skills training, JARC Baltimore provides employment readiness and financial support services to trainees during and after training. Graduates are placed in jobs earning an average of $16.80 per hour.