Almost 60 years ago Dr. Leon Sullivan launched OIC Philadelphia based on a vision. He saw the value of oppressed communities in Philadelphia. He understood that everyone is creative, resourceful, and whole with talents that just need opportunity to be expressed. He believed in the American dream, and he understood that together we can build the bridges to opportunity that make that dream the foundation of our society. Today at OIC Philadelphia we are also dreaming big about the future of this venerable organization. Since 1964 OIC Philadelphia has stood at the intersection of social justice, workforce development and economic empowerment. Today we commit to our roots by moving with intention into preparing the community we serve for jobs of the future, that pay family sustaining wages with career ladder opportunities. We recommit to being a beacon of hope, and a strong community partner for the unemployed and underemployed in the six North Philadelphia zip codes that we serve. And we will continue to provide the support systems that allow the people we serve to truly take advantage of the opportunities that working with OIC Philadelphia provides.
As OIC Philadelphia approaches its’ 60th Anniversary in 2024, the Executive Leadership team has engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning, brand strategy, and logo re-design to envision the look of OIC in the years to come. Standing at the intersection of workforce development, social justice, and economic empowerment, OIC Philadelphia is confident that our new logo and brand strategy represent our role in the community. Stay tuned as OIC rolls out our new logo, website, and strategic plan in the coming months! Your opinion matters to us, so please fill out this form to share your unique ideas and suggestions.
Earlier this month, OIC Philadelphia hosted its annual Board of Directors & Stakeholders meeting to lay out our bold vision for the years to come.
As OIC Philadelphia approaches the 2023-24 fiscal year, CEO, Sheila Ireland, is pleased to announce a new slate of elected officials and Board of Directors.
Sheila Ireland – President & CEO
Shamyune Jones, Esq. – Chairman
Javier Suarez – Vice Chair
Ali Jaffar – Vice Chair #2
Sharana Worsley – Secretary
Frank Tait – Treasurer
Atif Bostic – Emeritus
Ade Lawal
Greg DeShields
Tiffany Newmuis
V. Amanda Witts
Vincent Gordon
Jennifer MacGilvray
Joseph Wells
Michele Wells-Bates
Judge Stephanie Sawyer
Mable Welborn
Steven Scott Bradley
OIC Philadelphia celebrates Board Chair, Atif Bostic, for his decade of service as the Chair of the Board. OIC CEO, Sheila Ireland, presented Mr. Bostic with an award recognizing him for his years of commitment and service to OIC.
The rapper, Freeway, and his foundation, Freedom Thinkers Academy, have been steadfast supporters of OIC’s phlebotomy and Digital Media & Music Engineering Institute. Andrea Mack, Director of Workforce Development Programs, and Drew Bergman, Chief Advancement Officer, celebrated the inaugural Freeway Day at City Hall on June 1st.
In 2016, Philadelphia City Council recognized June as Reentry Awareness Month to raise awareness on the number of Philadelphians who have returned home from the legal system and the individuals who support them during & after this transition. OIC Philadelphia is proud of the work that we do each & every day to support returning citizens, and we provide critical wrap-around services to reduce barriers for returning citizens, such as: job training, educational training, and mental health support.
Interview with Pennsylvania Speaker of the House, Joanna McClinton
Interview with Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge, Stephanie Sawyer
Amir Jordan, a student enrolled in OIC’s Hospitality & Training Institute, was the recipient of the Moving Mountains $5,000 Grant awarded by the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust. Mr. Jordan will use these funds to expand his knowledge and skillset in the culinary & hospitality industry!
Congratulations to the 2023 graduating classes at OIC Philadelphia!
SETT (Smart Energy Technical Training)
Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism
Culinary Arts Training Program
BankWork$
Ready for your next opportunity? Apply now to one of OIC Philadelphia's programs. New cohorts starting in July.
Phlebotomy
Fashion Retail & E-Commerce
BankWork$
Culinary Arts Training Program
