The Academy is dedicated to giving at-risk youth, ages 16-18, a second chance in life by supporting their development in becoming responsible young adults.  The Freestate ChalleNGe Academy Industry provides awareness of the program, support and partnership.  It also emphasizes the importance of mentoring by focusing on academics, leadership, community service, responsibility, fitness, job skills, health and life coping skills.

“We were honored to participate in this wonderful event to help the youth of Aberdeen and other communities across Maryland,” said Omar Karim.  Banneker Ventures has a proven track record for actively working alongside community organizations such as Freestate, to help our youth.  “We dig deep into the trenches, roll up our sleeves and we get involved.  As a company, we are not afraid to take chances on people, specifically our young generation” said Karim passionately.  The Banneker Foundation, founded by Banneker in 2009, has a similar goal to promote continued learning through partnership with college students studying the construction and engineering industries.  Selected students are provided with real-time, hands-on experience with the latest resources and tools of the industry.  Mr. Karim concluded by saying, “We’re changing the world!  Organizations like The Maryland Freestate ChalleNGe Academy will help young people achieve goals they thought were unattainable.  Banneker Ventures is fortunate to be a part of this movement.”  For more information, please visit their website at http://freestatemil.maryland.gov.

Banneker Ventures is a full-service construction development and facilities management company with offices in Maryland, Washington, DC and Denver, CO.  An SBA 8(a) small business and HUBZone certified business, Banneker provides value added services to government agencies, quasi-government agencies and commercial clients.