Founder and History – Greater Paterson OIC

Founder & History

Dr. Leon H. Sullivan

1958

The Appeal

Recognizing that job opportunities for African-Americans were extremely limited, Dr. Leon H. Sullivan appeals to Philadelphia’s largest businesses to interview young blacks for jobs.

1964

Dr. Sullivan founded the first OIC training center

Working out of an abandoned jailhouse in north Philadelphia, Dr. Sullivan founded the first OIC training center to provide employment training and retraining in impoverished communities.

1966

The Expansion

OIC receives national recognition and begins to expand, establishing centers in eight additional cities.

1969

Build Brother Build

Dr. Sullivan publishes “Build Brother Build,“ his seminal work that details the philosophy, birth and development of the OIC model.

1970

OIC of America, Inc

OIC of America, Inc. is established to serve as the national headquarters to OIC Affiliates and provide technical assistance to communities replicating the OIC model.

1971

OIC becomes a prime national contractor

OIC received $32,600,000 from the Department of Labor to serve as “a prime national contractor” for manpower services throughout the U.S. for more than a decade.

1988

Quantum Opportunity Program

OICA develops the Quantum Opportunity Program (QOP), a multi-year, intensive case management and mentoring program for high school youth. The program is rigorously evaluated and eventually adapted by the Eisenhower Foundation for widespread dissemination.

1998

The Impact

OIC has trained more than 3 million people, and placed more than 2.5 million in jobs, with its alumni collectively earning $80 billion a year (L.H. Sullivan, Moving Mountains, Judson Press, 1998).

2014

OIC prepare workers for high-demand “green” careers

Leveraging $12.8 million in US Department of Labor grants through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act , OICA launched programs in 7 cities to prepare workers for high-demand “green” careers.

2016

OICA launches national re-entry initiative (SOAR)

OICA launches national re-entry initiative (SOAR) to provide returning citizens vocational training, work readiness and education to help reduce recidivism, funded by 2 grants from the Dept. of Labor totaling $9 million.

2024

Sullivan Training Network (STN)

Continuing the legacy of Rev. Leon Sullivan and our 60-year fight for economic justice with renewed vigor, commitment and focus. Through our network of 25 affiliates in the hearts of forgotten places, the Network connects with the authentic needs of the people we serve, transforming lives and strengthening communities. …