OIC Philadelphia

Week One of OIC Philadelphia’s Food Entrepreneur Program challenged our aspiring entrepreneurs to step into the spotlight and pitch their businesses in a Shark Tank-style competition before a panel of accomplished business leaders.

From family-inspired comfort food and signature seasonings to healthy meal solutions rooted in healthcare, our participants shared powerful ideas—and even sparked conversations around future mentorship and investment opportunities.
And they’re just getting started.

With eight more weeks of learning, coaching, and business development ahead, we can’t wait to see where their entrepreneurial journeys lead.

🎉 OIC Philadelphia’s 4th Annual Alumni & Community Block Party is back on Friday, September 4!

Join us for an afternoon of live music, BBQ, family fun, community resources, and celebration. We’re also seeking sponsors to help make this free event possible and invest in Philadelphia’s future.

Be part of a celebration honoring 55,000+ OIC alumni and the power of community. Together, let’s make this year’s block party the best one yet!

What happens when aspiring chefs sit down with a visionary business leader?

Possibilities expand.

This past Sunday, OIC Philadelphia's Culinary Arts participants had the incredible opportunity to join the Real World Leaders Podcast, a mentorship program created and hosted by Herbert J. Cohen that connects underserved students with influential business executives through meaningful conversations that build confidence, expand networks, and inspire future careers.

For this episode, our participants sat down with Lawrence Stuardi, Founding Partner of MRA Group, to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, resilience, and the journey to success. It was more than a podcast; it was an opportunity to ask questions, gain valuable insight, and see firsthand that extraordinary careers are built through vision, perseverance, and hard work.

At OIC Philadelphia, we believe exposure creates opportunity. Experiences like these help our participants envision brighter futures as chefs, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

📖 Want the full story? Check out our latest blog to learn more about this incredible partnership, what our participants gained from the experience, and listen to the full podcast episode. https://oicphila.org/beyond-the-kitchen-oic-philadelphia-participants-join-real-world-leaders-podcast-to-explore-leadership-entrepreneurship-and-opportunity/

This collaboration also offers a preview of what's to come with OIC Studios—our growing multimedia platform dedicated to telling the stories of our participants, alumni, partners, and community. Through podcasts, video production, and original digital content, OIC Studios will amplify voices that deserve to be heard while creating new pathways into careers in media and storytelling.

Because every opportunity has the power to change a life, and every story has the power to inspire the next one.

We’re Hiring! Join the OIC Philadelphia Team.

Are you passionate about empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and creating pathways to economic opportunity? OIC Philadelphia is looking for talented, mission-driven professionals to join our team!
We are currently hiring for:

📌 Workforce Development Specialist – Help prepare and coach adult learners for meaningful careers through workforce readiness instruction, individualized coaching, and supportive services.

📌 OIC Studios Manager (A/V Program Manager) – Inspire the next generation of digital media professionals by leading hands-on instruction in audio engineering, video production, and digital media while managing our growing OIC Studios program.

Since 1964, OIC Philadelphia has empowered individuals through education, workforce development, and career pathways that lead to family-sustaining wages. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact while growing your own career, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 To apply, send your resume and cover letter to: [email protected]

Visit our website to view the full job descriptions and learn more about joining the OIC Philadelphia team.