Baltimore Education and Cultural Institute, Inc.(BECI Inc.) is a non-profit organization chartered in the state of Maryland.
The main objective of BECI Inc. is
empowering youth in our and surrounding communities. Our programs
assist in building and enhancing self esteem, improving the quality of
life, and provide guidance, alternatives and opportunities that are
ultimately aimed at decreasing street violence,
teenage pregnancy and high school drop-out rates, which, at times, can
be of epedemic proportion.
Established in 1999, BECI Inc. has a growing history of achievements with teenage children in Baltimore City. Our programs have helped hundreds of students since its inception.
With the support of our benefactors, BECI
Inc. will continue to shape young minds by implementing the following:
The current President and Chief Executive
Officer of BECI Inc., Mr. Carl Merez
credits the genesis of this organization to the inspiration and
motivation he received from his good friend and mentor, the late Mr. Carlos Lezama. As one of the
founding members of BECI Inc., Mr. Merez is greatful for the stellar
examples of leadership and dedication he observed in his friend.
Mr. Merez credits the late, former president of WIADCA (West Indian
American Day Carnival
Association) with encouraging him to stay the
course with BECI Inc.
He expressed to Mr. Merez his belief in the BECI Inc. goals, and urged him
to "never give up." As a tribute to
Mr. Lezama, a trophy in his honor is awarded each year to an
outstanding steelband performance at the annual Harbor View Festival's
"Pan On The Move" competition. Click here
to view past festival winners.
Download the BECI Inc. brochure.
