Montgomery County OIC

Founded in 1964 by the late Reverend Doctor Leon Howard Sullivan, OIC 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 44 affiliated programs in 22 states and the District of Columbia, OIC has grown into a movement, which has served over 2.5 million disadvantaged and under-skilled people. The success of the flagship affiliate resulted in 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. On March 9th, 1970, Articles of Incorporation for OIC of America, Inc. were officially signed by Rev. Sullivan, Rev. William J. Shaw, Rev. Robert DuBose, Jr., Rev. Cecil D. Gallup, and Ira Wells, Jr. Headquartered in Philadelphia, OICA serves as a catalyst to aid its affiliates to establish and maintain workforce development technologies, reinforce capacity and system-building endeavors, expanding partnerships and collaborations, and promote organizational growth through professional development. Montgomery County OIC opened its doors in 1965 as the second of now 44 affiliates worldwide. It opened as a job training center, with the mission to “help others help themselves.” In the 70s, the OIC held job training courses in auto mechanic, masonry, brick laying, concrete, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, culinary, engineering and basic education. Student’s work can still be seen in the basement today. With the opening of the Vo-tech in the school district, OIC refocused it’s attention to provide courses in typewriting, GED, ESL and Adult Basic Education. Today, OIC now hosts additional programs like pre-apprenticeship, computer literacy, before/after school learning, and science/technology summer enrichment camp.