PHILADELPHIA, March 14, 2025— OIC Philadelphia – a nonprofit that stands at the intersection of workforce development, social equity, and economic empowerment by connecting individuals to future-proof employment – announced they have received $250,000 in funding from the American Rescue Plan’s Good Jobs Challenge (GJG) through the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA). This support will expand OIC’s Green Jobs program and help supply the critical pipeline of qualified workers needed to drive the growing clean energy sector. Additionally, funding will accelerate plans for a statewide Green Jobs Training Network in collaboration with OICs across the Commonwealth including, Chester County OIC, Montgomery County OIC, and Tri-County OIC.
Key stakeholders, elected officials, and industry leaders gathered at OIC Philadelphia’s headquarters on Broad Street, to discuss the Green Job Program’s impact on economic opportunity, job security, and the future of the green energy workforce. The event highlighted how this new funding will expand training opportunities, create career pathways in the renewable energy sector, and address Philadelphia’s growing need for skilled clean energy professionals.
“This investment is a game-changer for OIC Philadelphia and our commitment to workforce development,” stated Sheila Ireland, President & CEO of OIC Philadelphia. “With $250,000 in new funding from the Philadelphia Energy Authority and support from partners like PECO, Philadelphia Works, and Santander, we are expanding our Green Jobs initiative to equip more Philadelphians with skills for family- sustaining careers in clean energy. This funding not only strengthens our local impact, but also fuels the launch of a statewide Green Jobs Training network— ensuring more communities have access to economic mobility and generational wealth in this growing industry.”
The Green Jobs program, which launched in 2017 with an initial $130,000 investment from PECO, has steadily grown to become a cornerstone of workforce development in Philadelphia. By 2025, the initiative is expected to serve over 100 graduates, thanks to nearly $1 million in contributions from key partners such as PECO, Philadelphia Works, Santander, and PEA.
“Philadelphia’s clean energy training ecosystem is stronger than ever,” stated Emily Schapira, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Energy Authority.” With this funding, via the Good Jobs Challenge and our partners at Philadelphia Works, OIC Philadelphia is set to further expand our region’s skilled solar workforce. This marks another example of how Greater Philadelphia’s community-based green job training programs are driving economic opportunity for all.”
Speakers at the event included Pennsylvania State Representatives Malcolm Kenyatta and Sharif Street and more, along with representatives from statewide OICs, PEA, and PECO, all of whom expressed strong support for continued investment in workforce train- ing initiatives that align with the city’s clean energy goals.
For more information on OIC Philadelphia’s Green Jobs program and upcoming training opportunities, visit www.OICPhila.org.
About OIC Philadelphia:
OIC Philadelphia, a leader in workforce development since 1964, stands at the intersection of workforce development, social justice, and economic empowerment by connecting individuals to future-proof employment that provides a family-sustaining wage with career ladder opportunities for growth. Founded by Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan, OIC Philadelphia envisions economic empowerment as a pathway to social justice. For more information, visit www.OICPhila.org.
About Philadelphia Energy Authority:
The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is an independent municipal authority focused on building a robust, equitable, clean energy economy for Philadelphia. Launched in 2016, PEA leads the Philadelphia Energy Campaign, a $1 billion, 10-year investment in energy efficiency and clean energy projects to create 10,000 jobs. Learn more at www.philaenergy.org.
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