OIC Career Pathways

Program Overview

The OIC Virtual GED Program seeks to assist members of the Anne Arundel County community experience higher earning potentials through attaining their GED. Workers whose highest level of education was a diploma earned an estimated 25% more than those who have not completed high school, with earning potential improving as additional education, certifications and training are completed. The OIC program removes transportation and family care related challenges by being offered in a Virtual format and provides students with the technology to access Virtual learning and employment opportunities. This opportunity is available to both English and Spanish speakers.

Research conducted by the Brookings Institution suggest the “the inter-generational psychological costs of unemployment…suggest that programs targeting unemployed parents can also help alleviate the persistent psychological burden on children." (2018)

Statistically, 78% of the OIC's program participants are women. Of those households, 57% are female headed with 32% of those in the 40and over age group. This term, our participants reported: full-time employment 47%, less than full-time 7%, unemployed 38%, homemakers 4% and 2% are entrepreneurs. The OIC turns no Anne Arundel County community members away. Although our annual funding is designed to service 50 people, this year's registration is 118. Additional funding extends this opportunity to more of the community. The OIC turns no Anne Arundel County community members away. Although our annual funding is designed to service 50 people, this year's registration is 118. Additional funding extends this opportunity to more of the community.

The OIC of Anne Arundel County has an established presence as a provider in the virtual education space, since 2019. Registrations soared during the pandemic and the organization quickly adapted to the exponential growth in service demand, adding infrastructure necessary to provide high quality services to the community. Staff includes collectively over 40 years of teaching experience. The organization has added instructors in Spanish, with strong results.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

As a volunteer, I really enjoy working with the OIC students and staff, it gives me great pleasure in knowing that I am helping someone help themselves out of poverty and breaking the generational cycle, so that they can make a life changing decision for their future and their family. -- Jana