| Last month, representatives from more than a dozen Sullivan Training Network partners and affiliates joined a virtual gathering to kick off a collaborative that aims to train 100,000 people a year by 2030. The national network will future-proof tomorrow’s workforce by preparing adults for careers that will break down the doors that lead to the middle class. Some of those doors have been bonded shut for generations, but no matter. Because this is some of the most important work that can occur in this country. A lot of people have been left on the sidelines, and whether they’re in Asheville, N.C., or North Philadelphia or North Minneapolis or Detroit, they all have the same issues. They are economically and socially isolated. That’s where the Sullivan Training Network comes in. Building a national workforce training effort like this has never been done. But that’s not to say there aren’t models we can follow. When I joined the military as a young lieutenant, we read a book that spoke to how the officer corps was integrated. First, you cast a wide net for qualified candidates. Second, you make sure everyone has access to the same schools. And finally, you never lower standards. The power of the Sullivan Training Network is in its ability to do all three things at once. We are building a coalition that harnesses the power, creativity, knowledge and commitment of partners so we can work together to help the people who need it most. When we find new doors that are still stubborn? We tear them down anyway. And we keep moving.  Louis J. King IIPresident and CEO OIC of America, Inc. |
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New Britain Hosts First-Ever STEMFest
This past weekend hundreds of pre-K-12 students—along with their families, local partners and volunteers—gathered in New Britain, Conn., for the city’s first-ever STEMFest, powered by OIC of America. Students participated in activities from building submarine circuits with Play-Doh and flying drones to creating potato engines and building a combustion engine out of a water bottle, while partners including OIC of New Britain, New Britain Youth Prevention and the City of New Britain connected with eager young scholars excited to explore careers in STEM fields.
For Paulette Fox, who has led OIC of New Britain for 40 years, STEMFest is a chance to reach and motivate young people in Connecticut—and to empower them.
“Exploring STEM fields helps our youth develop concrete concepts of where their strengths are,” says Fox. “We have a great opportunity to have an impact on Black and Brown youth, to say, ‘You do have the skills to be successful. You’ve just got to trust in yourself and be positive and empower yourself to be successful.’”
View more pictures and video here
OIC of America’s Delaware Valley Alliance Featured in Philadelphia Tribune
The Philadelphia Tribune featured an extensive interview with OIC of America President and CEO Louis J. King II, in which the historic publication explored the Delaware Valley Alliance, OIC of America’s aggressive initiative toward economic mobility that enriches people’s lives and well-being.
“If the bottom falls out of the economy tomorrow, [infrastructure] projects are going to continue,” King told the Tribune. “They’ve been authorized. They’re going to happen. In the midst of all of those billions of dollars, it begs the question, who gets the money in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
Read the full article here
OIC of America Takes Capitol Hill to Drum up Support for LEON Act
OIC of America officials have spent considerable time in our nation’s capital in recent weeks to build support for the LEON Act (Leveraging Educational Opportunity Networks), named for OIC founder Leon H. Sullivan. President and CEO Louis J. King II and chief of staff Steve Thomas have met with a host of legislators, including Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen (above) and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (below).
The proposed bill seeks to future-proof communities with a national skills-training system. If enacted, the LEON Act would provide federal competitive grants to expand OICA’s Sullivan Training Network, and similar models, to tackle the national labor shortage and train 100,000 workers a year.
King and Thomas report that legislators on both sides of the aisle, in both the House and Senate, have been enthusiastic about the bill, which could be introduced as early as next month.
Remembering Rev. Gus Roman, 1932-2025
We are saddened and honored to celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Gus Roman, who passed away last week at the glorious age of 92. Rev. Roman worked hand in hand with OIC of America founder Leon Sullivan to run OIC training centers around the world, and stood by Sullivan’s side throughout their careers, from Philadelphia to South Africa. Throughout Rev. Sullivan’s writings, Roman is a constant presence, as he was instrumental in the international growth of OIC’s mission and impact.
Roman was a force of nature till the end—this photo shows him speaking at last summer’s STEM gathering for OIC of America.
We are grateful for his leadership, his counsel, and the indelible mark he left on his flock, his city, and the world.
Rev. Roman’s viewing and family visitation is scheduled for 11 am on Thursday, May 8 at Zion Baptist Church (3600 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140). His funeral is scheduled for 9 am on Friday, May 9 at Salem Baptist Church (2441 Woodland Rd., Abington, PA 19001).
