Our History
National Founder Rev. Leon Sullivan
OIC was born out of the urgent needs of the people to secure education and training skills for gainful employment. Too many disadvantaged citizens were unable to vie for worthwhile positions, unable to make the career changes and plans that others would take for granted. Realizing that many of these citizens were minorities, barriers first needed to be broken down giving them access to beneficial employment. Again, it became evident that skills were needed by those for whom employment doors were opened.
To answer these cries for help, the Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America (OIC-A) was founded in 1964 by Reverend Leon H. Sullivan and four hundred concerned ministers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The first OIC was dedicated on a cold January day in an old abandoned jailhouse, renovated using the nickels, dimes and quarters of people in the community and an anonymous grant. Industry gave its support by contributing equipment, machines and technical assistance. Finally, a program that would bring the jobs and the unemployed together was created.
Local Founder Dr. Charles N. Atkins
Since that historic day in 1964, OIC began spreading across America. In December, 1966 just two years later, the self-help concept of OIC reached Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where the late Dr. Charles N. Atkins and a group of citizens opened the doors to the local affiliate, OIC of Oklahoma County.
There was no model that OIC could turn to for guidance. The program Dr. Sullivan envisioned would be the first of its kind. So, with the shared foresight of Dr. Atkins and others, OIC chartered its own course in developing programs that would reach those who needed education and training most: the disadvantaged members of the community who were unemployed, underemployed, without means and often without hope.
OIC of Oklahoma County
OIC of Oklahoma County relocated to 3033 North Walnut Avenue, Bldg East in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The facility is a 12,000 square foot brick building. Since its inception, the OIC of Oklahoma County has changed thousands of lives!
Although the programs have often been changed to provide for the needs of the citizens we serve, the Mission has always remained clear: To provide individualized services, education, and skills training to any who would need a special place and a special staff that could help make their dreams of a better, more prepared future come true!
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Success Stories
Ken
On Track for college and beyond!
As a single parent, Tanya Burrell began meeting with her tutor four years ago, raising her reading level over 7 grade levels. Her first goals were to improve her basic literacy skills. Now she is in her fourth semester of college and plans to become a physical therapist. TanyaΓÇÖs opportunities to improve her lifestyle and provide for her son have kept her motivation strong. ΓÇ£I have fallen in love with reading and love to share this with my son,ΓÇ¥ says Tanya.
Tanya Burrell
Got My Diploma!
22 year old Cheyenne Metcalf tried twice to get her diploma while living in Bakersfield, California. "It was horrible," said Cheyenne. "The instructors would just give us work and expect us to figure it out." "Alot of people think we as students just need to know what's on the test but what good is any of that if you don't understand.ΓÇ¥ It was then that Cheyenne made the critical decision to leave Bakersfield and come to Oklahoma City with a relative whom also happened to be an OIC learner. She immediately enrolled into OIC and saw some major differences. "The instruction and environment were night and day from what I had been through and that was the difference maker for me at least. My instructor taught me HOW I learned so now I could finally understand.ΓÇ¥ Cheyenne passed each of her subject area tests on her first attempt and she now has her diploma. All of this while picking up a job that required her to work overnight at times. At OIC "Gettin it in" is not just a phrase, but a lifestyle generated through everyday habits and a solid commitment.
Got My GED!
A proud graduate at OIC, Ken says: "With the instruction of the teachers and tutors I was able to acquire all the lessons I needed to achieve my goal. I didn't really think I could get it with all my ups and downs. With all the encouragement from the personnel at OIC, they helped me stick it out. I have made my way through all the lessons and I have now attained my GED."