As 2024 draws to a close and the holiday season fills the air with joy and warmth, we at OIC Philadelphia want to take a moment to reflect on an incredible 2024. This year, we’ve witnessed countless stories of transformation, resilience, and achievement within our community. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support, which has made this all possible.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with hope and excitement to continue serving our North Philadelphia community. Together, we’ll embark on another year of empowering individuals, building brighter futures, and fostering growth and opportunity.
During this festive season, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you—our supporters, partners, and participants—for being an integral part of our mission. May your holidays be filled with joy, love, and cherished moments with loved ones.
From all of us at OIC Philadelphia, we wish you a Happy Holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
OIC Philadelphia is pleased to announce that we have received a $1.1 million contribution from the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA). This donation marks the 35th consecutive year of funding – and the largest contribution -- from PCCA in support of OIC Philadelphia’s flagship program, the Hospitality & Tourism Training Institute.
In 1989 PCCA helped OIC Philadelphia develop the program – dubbed the Hospitality Training Institute at the time – to address the growing need for skilled professionals in Philadelphia’s hospitality sector. Since then, the program has evolved to meet the rising demands of the industry, providing training for more than 7,500 students. This year, through the support of PCCA, OIC Philadelphia was able to expand to Hospitality & Tourism in preparation for 2026 – an anticipated banner year for the industry in the City of Philadelphia. Through the support of PCCA, OIC Philadelphia was also able to introduce new programming in digital media and audio engineering, reflecting the evolving needs of the industry and providing participants with a broader range of career opportunities.
READ MORE!
Watch A Taste of OIC: Celebrating 35 Years of the Hospitality & Tourism Training Institute
Thanks to Comcast's Project Up, the talented Culinary Arts students at OIC Philadelphia are being set up for success with brand-new laptops! This generous gift empowers the next generation of chefs, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to take their skills to the next level. From the kitchen to the classroom, their dreams are cooking up—and now they have the tech to make it all happen. Let’s celebrate this amazing collaboration that’s investing in the future of our community!
Thank you, Comcast for your incredible generosity and valuable time.
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We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Farmer Jawn for inspiring OIC Philadelphia’s culinary class!
We were honored to host Christa Barfield as she shared her incredible journey into farming, her passion for cooking and herbs, and her commitment to building community. Her story captivated and motivated our students, leaving them with a profound appreciation for urban agriculture.
Through Christa’s visit, our students gained valuable insights into the importance of growing and using fresh, locally sourced ingredients right here in our city. They learned how food not only nourishes our bodies but also strengthens our connections to each other and our environment.
Thank you, Christa, for planting seeds of knowledge and inspiration that will continue to grow and flourish in our students' lives!
OIC Philadelphia is pleased to be entering the New Year with a series of new hires and promotions that will continue to advance the non-profit’s 60-year legacy.
Joining the leadership team are Dr. Marshaun Hymon as Chief Learning Officer, Timothy Roundtree as Chief Operations Officer, Tony Askew as Director of Admissions, and Andrea Rose as Office Manager. Additionally, Alida Padilla-Curry has been promoted to Director of Community & Alumni Engagement, Nadaysha Screven to Marketing & Events Manager, and Sam Margolis to Data Center Manager.
Read more about our new staff!
This timeless classic is more than just a meal—it’s a hug in a bowl. We’re sharing a simple yet delicious chicken noodle soup recipe, courtesy of OIC Philadelphia's Culinary Art students.
Chicken noodle soup is a beloved dish for a reason. It’s comforting, nourishing, and easy to make. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply need a cozy meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite playlist, and enjoy the process of creating a bowl of pure comfort.
In a world shaped by rapid technological advancements and evolving economic trends, identifying the best jobs for the future is more critical than ever. Healthcare, technology, green energy, and management careers are experiencing a projected growth rate that ensures stability and opportunity. OIC Philadelphia is dedicated to preparing individuals for these roles through comprehensive job training opportunities and career services designed to meet the demands of the modern workforce.
Top 15 careers in demand for 2025
1. Nurse Practitioners
2. Data Scientists
3. Solar Photovoltaic Installers
4. Medical and Health Services Managers
5. Digital Marketing Specialists
Discover the next ten by reading more!
We are deeply grateful to Lincoln Financial for their incredible $25,000 donation in support of OIC Philadelphia's Financial Literacy initiative!
Your generosity empowers us to continue equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge to achieve financial independence and build brighter futures. Together, we’re making a lasting impact in our community. Thank you, Lincoln Financial, for investing in opportunity and change.
Here at OIC Philadelphia, we’re all about giving back to our community and uplifting the incredible youth of today.
We are beyond excited and proud to share that our very own President & CEO Sheila Ireland has been named a 2025 Take the Lead Greater Philadelphia honoree by Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. This initiative unites incredible women leaders with the next generation of changemakers. As an honoree, Sheila is excited for the opportunity to mentor and empower local Girl Scouts, our community’s future trailblazers. Learn more about Take the Lead at www.gsep.org/takethelead.
Executive Chef Instructor, Chef Tracey Borden. A graduate of OIC Philadelphia’s Culinary Arts program in 2007, Chef Tracey has come full circle—now dedicating nearly two decades to transforming lives through her passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to her students.
As an alumna, Chef Tracey’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and mentorship. She has cultivated a welcoming and empowering environment in the kitchen classroom, helping countless students not only master culinary skills but also gain confidence and purpose as they embark on their own professional journeys. Her legacy is written in the success stories of her students, past and present.
Recently, Chef Tracey’s impact was celebrated in the most heartfelt way. Alumni and current students came together to surprise her with a special birthday gathering—a testament to the deep connections she has fostered. The event was filled with laughter, heartfelt messages, and an outpouring of love. In a touching video, attendees shared stories of how Chef Tracey has inspired, guided, and supported them, both in and out of the kitchen.
This moment of gratitude is just a glimpse into the profound influence Chef Tracey has had on the OIC Philadelphia family. Her dedication to empowering others continues to enrich our community, one life at a time.
Happy (belated) birthday, Chef Tracey, and thank you for being a cornerstone of OIC Philadelphia!
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As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to focus on your goals and build the future you deserve. At OIC Philadelphia, we’re here to help you take that first step toward a fulfilling career. Whether you’re looking to gain new skills, find the right job, or start fresh in a new industry, our free training programs and career coaching are designed to support your journey. We offer industry-specific training, job placement assistance, and workshops on financial literacy and professional development to prepare you for long-term success. With the right tools and guidance, you can turn your goals into reality. Don’t wait to make a change. Start your career transformation today by enrolling in one of our programs. Call us at 215-236-7700 or visit oicphila.org to learn more. Let’s make 2025 the year of growth and opportunity—because you deserve a career you love.
| Upcoming Programs Ready for your next opportunity? We are beginning to accept applications for the Winter Sessions: Culinary Arts Smart Energy Technical Training (SETT) Administrative Medical Assisting Clinical Medical Assisting |
| We're Hiring! Exciting opportunities are waiting for you at OIC Philadelphia! Discover our available openings and begin your journey with us today. OIC Studios Manager Workforce Development Career Coach Green Jobs Instructor For all inquires, send resume and cover letter to [email protected] |
