Philadelphia OIC received new, $100,000 investment from Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority at May 3 Awards Luncheon
Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. (OIC) received a $100,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA) during its inaugural Innovate, Ignite, Imagine OIC Luncheon and Awards Program on Tuesday at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. The PCCA grant will enable OIC to expand educational programming to offer more advanced courses, which will lead to degrees and expanded job opportunities.
“The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority has been a longtime funder of our hospitality training institute, and they want us to expand opportunities to our students to pursue management positions in the hospitality industry,” said Kevin R. Johnson, Philadelphia OIC president and CEO. “With this new funding, Philadelphia OIC will acquire a college, offer associate degrees and increase offerings in technology in particular and other certifications.”
“The Convention Center shares Philadelphia OIC’s commitment to prosperity through education in Philadelphia,” said PCCA president and CEO, John J. McNichol. “This investment will make possible more advanced educational offerings for students in the hospitality industry. This is consistent with our Board’s desire to ensure that these dedicated funds build poverty-free futures and sustainable careers – and not just jobs.”
PCCA provides nearly $1 million annually to fund the existing hospitality training institute at Philadelphia OIC. The institute graduates 200 students annually in three tracks – front office operations, culinary arts, and guest room/environmental services. More than 2,000 students have graduated in the last 10 years, and the current rate of employment placement is above 80 percent.
On Tuesday, OIC celebrated its achievements in workforce development, and honored those who exemplify our commitment to empowering people through education and employment. Honorees included McNichol, Jerry Sweeney, Karren Dunkley, Christopher Gray, and Keith Leaphart.
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