36-Year Partnership Reaches Record-Breaking Milestone to Support Expanded Hospitality & Tourism Training Institute
PHILADELPHIA, PA (September 16, 2025) OIC Philadelphia – a nonprofit that stands at the intersection of workforce development, social justice, and economic empowerment by connecting individuals to future-proof employment that provides a family-sustaining wage with career ladder opportunities for growth – today announced it has received a $1.125 million donation from the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA).
This record-breaking contribution marks the 36th consecutive year of PCCA’s support of OIC Philadelphia’s flagship Hospitality & Tourism Training Institute (HTTI), building on decades of collaboration between OIC Philadelphia and PCCA to help prepare Philadelphians for careers in the region’s thriving hospitality and tourism industries.
Notably, due to the ongoing support of PCCA, OIC Philadelphia expanded and rebranded its renowned Hospitality Training Institute to the Hospitality & Tourism Training Institute (HTTI) in 2024. This expansion has successfully added innovative programming in digital media and audio engineering, reflecting the evolving needs of the hospitality sector and related industries. These developing industry-aligned workforce training programs aim to prepare students for emerging roles such as Brand Messengers, Tour Guides, Digital Creators, and Event Coordinators—positions in high demand as Philadelphia prepares to host world-class events in 2026.
“The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority’s unwavering commitment to OIC Philadelphia over nearly four decades has helped thousands of Philadelphians gain the skills and confidence to launch meaningful careers,” said Sheila Ireland, President & CEO of OIC Philadelphia. “This record-setting investment will ensure that our students have access to cutting-edge training and industry connections at a time when our city is preparing for unprecedented global attention in 2026 and beyond.”
With the continued support of PCCA, OIC Philadelphia projects serving more than 1,500 participants by 2026–2027, equipping them with the skills, certifications, and experience to thrive in hospitality, tourism, and related industries.
“The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority recognizes that our city’s success depends on the people who make visitors feel welcome and keep our hospitality industry world-class,” said John McNichol, President & CEO of PCCA. “OIC Philadelphia is a vital partner in ensuring that Philadelphians—especially those from underserved communities—are ready to seize the opportunities ahead.”
For more information about the Hospitality & Tourism Training Institute and OIC Philadelphia’s workforce development programs, visit OICPhila.org.
OIC Philadelphia, a leader in workforce development since 1964, stands at the intersection of workforce development, social justice, and economic empowerment by connecting individuals to future-proof employment that provides a family-sustaining wage with career ladder opportunities for growth. Founded by Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan, OIC Philadelphia envisions economic empowerment as a pathway to social justice. For more, visit www.OICPhila.org.
