History

Founded in 1964 by the late Reverend Doctor Leon Howard Sullivan, Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America, Inc. (OICA) is a national non-profit network of employment and training programs bound together by a common commitment, to help the disadvantaged realize their true potential. With sixty (60) affiliated programs in thirty (30) states and the District of Columbia, OIC has grown into a movement, which has served over two (2) million disadvantaged and under-skilled people.

The first OIC training center was in an abandoned jailhouse in North Philadelphia. The dilapidated building was renovated using donations from people in the community and an anonymous grant. The private sector lent its support by contributing equipment, machinery and providing the organization with technical assistance.

Philosophy

A philosophy of “Self Help” and the system of developing the “whole person” enables individuals to become self-sufficient, productive workers. OIC prepares people for today’s workforce with quality life skills development, fundamental education, job skills training, and employment readiness.

National Office

The National office of OIC serves as a catalyst to aid affiliates to establish and maintain workforce development technologies, reinforce capacity and system-building endeavors, expand partnerships and collaborations, and promote organizational growth through professional development. Our staff of professionals performs this work in three specialized divisions: Office of Field Operations, Office of National Literacy Programs, and Public/Private Coordination.

The history of OICA