Photograph by Hannah Yoon for WSJ We’re seeing a sea change in how America thinks about work. Earlier this month, The New York Times ran a piece by Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, entitled, “Stop Trying to Make Everyone Go to College.” In it, she argued convincingly for investment in career and technical education programs that lead to solid wages and prosperous families. “While college completion has positive effects — on health, lifetime earnings, civic engagement and even happiness — it’s increasingly clear that college for all should no longer be our North Star,” Weingarten wrote. “It’s time to scale up successful programs that create multiple pathways for students so high school is a gateway to both college and career.” The next day, The Wall Street Journal published “The High-School Juniors With $70,000-a-Year Job Offers,” about the eye-popping opportunities for students with technical skills but no college degree, as employers face a growing shortage of workers in the skilled trades. In one Philadelphia high school’s welding program, all 24 graduating seniors have job offers paying at least $50,000 a year. A Baltimore power plant operator pays as much as six figures to high school graduates with the right skills. At an automotive company in Connecticut, high school grads make $50,000, with an expectation that they’ll reach six figures within five years — and without college debt. Two common themes run through these and countless other articles, studies and think-pieces: We’re facing a dire national shortage of skilled workers, and careers in these fields pay good, family-sustaining wages. This is why the growth of OIC of America’s Sullivan Training Network has never been more important. Every month, we are adding new partners to this network — the only national skills training effort working to transform the labor force. With each addition, we get closer to our 2030 goal of delivering industry-recognized training to 100,000 people a year. That’s the kind of impact that ripples beyond one high school program or employer, and transforms the lives, families and communities of everyone it touches. At 100,000 people a year, we can address the systemic barriers that keep people — especially those in poverty and in the justice system — from fully participating in today’s economy, and in doing so, create a stronger, fairer and more prosperous America.  Louis J. King II President and CEO OIC of America, Inc. |
Harrisburg Advocacy Day Yields Progress on Delaware Valley Alliance
On Tuesday, May 13, representatives from OIC of America, Tri-County OIC, Montgomery County OIC, Chester County OIC and Africatown came together in Harrisburg, Pa., to advocate for the Delaware Valley Alliance, an aggressive movement toward economic justice that enriches people’s lives and economic well-being, while addressing a critical need for today’s economy. As the group fanned out across the Capitol, legislators from across Pennsylvania learned about plans to build equity in the construction trades — all in service of improved economic mobility and reduced poverty.
Collectively, the group met with more than a dozen legislators and their staffers, including State Sen. Anthony Williams, State Sen. Vincent Hughes, State Rep. Jordan Harris and State Rep. Ed Neilson.
“The response we got from our representatives in Harrisburg was tremendous, and it shows the value of many partners and affiliates coming together to speak with one voice,” said Louis J. King II, president and CEO of OIC of America. “The challenges that the Delaware Valley Alliance is tackling aren’t just ‘a Philadelphia thing.’ When constituents from across the commonwealth are delivering a common message, legislators understand that this can be a blueprint for an economic model that addresses real systemic barriers.”
More photos from Advocacy Day
New Britain Civic and Business Leaders Commit to STEM
Following April’s successful first STEMFest in New Britain, Conn., OIC of America partnered with OIC of New Britain to host a STEM reception that gathered civic and business leaders from across the city to celebrate STEM education — and commit to coming together to expand the work in the city.
“Your support has created a space where young minds can dream big, explore boldly and grow confidently in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math,” said Christopher Godfrey, board president of OIC of New Britain.
At the event, Jalonda Combs, OIC of America’s director of STEM, announced that, starting this summer, STEM Saturdays would be coming to New Britain, making it the fifth city with regular OIC of America STEM education.
“Together, we’ve shifted the narrative, created new possibilities and sparked the kind of curiosity and confidence that fuels lasting change,” said Combs. “And now we’re expanding the vision.”
New Britain’s STEM Saturdays begin in July, with a focus on geology. Subsequent months will explore civil engineering, zoology and more.
“When we engage students as young as kindergarten, we do more than teach — we inspire belief,” added Combs. “We light a spark that can guide them all the way through high school and beyond.”
View more pictures and video here
Affiliate Highlight: POIC Semiconductor Program Paves Path to Economic Mobility
Aiming to bridge opportunity gaps and diversify Oregon’s growing tech sector, Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center (POIC), in partnership with Microchip Technology, has launched a Semiconductor Technician Training Program designed to advance economic mobility in tech for underrepresented communities.
Supported by a $162 million federal CHIPS Act grant awarded to Microchip, this initiative goes beyond traditional workforce training. It opens the door to sustainable, high-paying careers for individuals who have historically been left out of the technology sector.
“Our mission is to create real economic opportunity,” said Joe McFerrin II, POIC president and CEO. “This program isn’t just about getting people jobs — it’s about giving them access to careers that can change the trajectory of their lives.”
POIC is a proud affiliate of OIC of America, a national network of community-based organizations dedicated to eradicating poverty through training, education and employment. As a member of this network, POIC continues to set a high standard for innovation and impact in workforce development.
Read more
