In 1964, Reverend Leon H. Sullivan founded the first OIC training center in an abandoned jailhouse in North Philadelphia. The dilapidated building was renovated using donations from people in the community and an anonymous grant. What was once a place of condemnation and restriction had become a place of hope and opportunity, hence the name Opportunity Industrialization Centers (OIC). OIC provided job and life skills training and matched its graduates with the employment needs of local businesses. These programs were quickly replicated in cities across the United States providing comprehensive employment training and placement for disadvantaged unskilled Americans of all races. Due to the rapid growth of OIC training centers across the country, Rev. Sullivan recognized the need to establish a national headquarters to provide technical assistance to organizations interested in developing an OIC program in their communities. Therefore, on March 9, 1970, OIC of America, Inc. was incorporated. Located in Philadelphia, OIC of America serves as a catalyst to aid its affiliates to establish and maintain effective workforce development technologies, reinforce capacity and system-building endeavors, expand partnerships and collaborations, and promote organizational learning and growth through professional development. The OIC organization has been one of the most productive leaders in vocational training in this country for over 50 years. OIC of America Today As a trusted partner in our communities, we believe in making big impacts. We now run over 150 programs throughout the United States. Our network of 33 affiliates in 22 states and the District of Columbia represents and supports the underserved. Helping People Help Themselves through a value system focused on the hand-up rather than a hand-out approach, we are building the middle class. To Learn More Visit: https://linktr.ee/OICA