Opportunities Industrialization Center West (OICW) trains people and places them in jobs with good wages. Our mission is to help those who are most in need to succeed. Located on the Menlo Park - East Palo Alto border, our accredited job training classes, counseling and placement services, teen programs, evening courses, and child development centers help over 7,000 people every year. Most of our clients are from East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Redwood City; but we serve people from all over the Bay Area. Our services are free to people who need our help. We are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) at the highest level, holding a six-year accreditation. Since our founding in 1965, OICW has helped over 72,000 people achieve success. (www.oicw.org) Opportunities to volunteer with OICW include:

Technical Advisory Committees (TAC)

OICW TAC members advise and guide OICW's vocational programs in dozens of ways, including assisting in the ongoing maintenance of standards of proficiency to be met by trainees, recommending criteria pertaining to employer expectations of trainees, and providing informational interview opportunities for trainees. TACs also build OICW’s capacity to place trainees in jobs after graduation and assist in preparing graduates for success in the field. Time Commitment: TAC members volunteer a minimum of 2 hours per month on an ongoing basis.

Corporate Transition

The Corporate Transition program was developed to help OICW participants make a successful transition into employment. This Program will accomplish the following objectives in relation to potential career paths, industry exposure, and the value of company research. The general guideline for the program is flexible and welcomes fresh new ideas to better connect our students with the corporate world. This program usually consists of orientation/introductions, 4 company tours with critical thinking sessions in between each tour. Time Commitment: 2 hours a day/ twice a week for 4-5 weeks.

Teaching Assistance

Assist students in daily education and/or lectures on various topics based on class curriculums. Current class opportunities include: MS Office Applications and English as a Second Language, and Vocational English as a Second Language. Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week depending on need and level of involvement.

To get involved or to learn more, please contact Janeen Rossi, Corporate Development Specialist and ASTD liaison, OICW - Opportunities Industrialization Center West, 1200 O'Brien Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Email: jrossi@oicw.org. Phone: (650) 330-6489