OIC gets $100K to boost tech education program

On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) got a $100,000 check, and it’s going towards tech education.
At the Innovate, Ignite, Imagine OIC Luncheon and Awards Program on Tuesday, at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the organization accepted the donation from the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, which will go towards the acquisition of an unspecified Philly-based higher-ed institution.
“With this new funding, Philadelphia OIC will acquire a college, offer associate degrees and increase offerings in technology in particular and other certifications,” said Kevin Johnson, Philadelphia OIC president and CEO.
When reached for further information, OIC wouldn’t say how much the acquisition would cost in total.

Packed house at @kimmelcenter for the Inaugural Philadelphia OIC luncheon today! #garcesevents #PhiladelphiaOIC pic.twitter.com/B3WyWY3Fi0

— Garces Events (@garcesevents) May 3, 2016

John McNichol, PCCA president and CEO, said the investment is in tune with the institution’s desire to support the creation of “poverty-free futures and sustainable careers — and not just jobs.”
At the end of 2015, OIC received another six-figure contribution from the Lenfest Foundation to set up a coding bootcamp for kids in impoverished neighborhoods in partnership with Coded by Kids.
Founded in 1964 with the aim to increase professional development in the city, the organization serves over 1,300 people every year. Since 2011, they have provided basic computer and internet education to over 16,000 people, and have helped kids prepare for STEM careers in two school district high schools, according to an OIC press release.
OIC’s hospitality training institute currently receives $1 million in funding a year from the PCCA, which goes towards teaching 200 students every year basic skills in front-office operations, culinary arts and guest room services.
More than 2,000 students have graduated in the last 10 years, and the current rate of employment placement for OIC graduates is above 80 percent, the organization stated.