CHESTER COUNTY OPPORTUNITIES INDUSTRIALIZATION CENTER

Since 1979, the Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC, CCOIC, Chester County OIC) has offered advancement programs for underserved individuals in Chester County, PA. The organization dedicates itself to being the area leader in providing free adult basic literary education and life skills programs in order to prepare individuals for employment opportunities, and ultimately for self-sufficiency.

OIC’s work in Chester County has made two things clear. The first is that workforce development is a vital service if economic growth is going to be inclusive. Growing the pie is not meaningful if large parts of society are left behind or cannot participate due to a lack of skills or qualifications. It is OIC’s goal to build bridges for folks of all backgrounds and life situations and to give them affordable opportunities to learn, grow, evolve, and thrive. The second is that real impact is a team effort. No modern economies grow sustainably on the back of one individual. OIC’s mission travels and grows through partnerships. Businesses, government, non-profits, and communities need to have a common interest in empowering individuals to be active in bettering their circumstances. For positive change to flourish, everyone needs to come to the table and agree how to move forward together.