Programs & Services
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Education and Skills Training
Bexar County OIC programs go beyond acquiring new skills and knowledge; they are about empowering individuals and guiding them towards self-sufficiency, contributing to the development of a stronger community.
While we assist marginalized youth, adults, and senior citizens in overcoming barriers to employment and education, we also offer online professional development courses for those fully engaged in the workforce. Our comprehensive range of programs and courses provides the necessary resources and guidance for achieving both personal and professional success.
Whether you aim to expand your knowledge, pursue job-related education, or engage in our unique programs and professional development, we have options for everyone. Our offerings include Financial Literacy, Soft Skills Training, Vocational Skills Training, and Basic Literacy courses such as GED preparation and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. These programs are particularly impactful for individuals who may have left school prematurely or are not native English speakers.
We invite you to become part of the Bexar County OIC family and allow us to assist you in transforming your life and the lives of those around you. “Education and social services shouldn’t be a luxury but a basic human right. That’s why we’re dedicated to making our programs accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.”
AAMEN Garden: Cultivating Community, Knowledge, and Heritage
AAMEN, representing African, Asian, Mexican, European, and Native American plants, stands as one of Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas’ premier community gardens, developed in collaboration with St. Philips College.
The mission of the AAMEN Garden is rooted in fostering community pride, providing educational and recreational activities, and enhancing people’s quality of life. The garden seeks to achieve these objectives through the following initiatives:
- Encouraging Self-Reliance: Providing participants the opportunity to cultivate their own nutritional vegetables, promoting self-sufficiency.
- Facilitating Exercise Opportunities: Creating spaces that encourage physical activity among participants.
- Fostering Community Spirit: Building a sense of community through social interactions and shared activities.
- Promoting Continuous Learning: Offering gardening workshops, engaging schools, and encouraging the exchange of ideas to foster continual learning.
- Resource Sharing: Facilitating the sharing of resources such as tools, gardening techniques, and manpower among participants.
- Reconnecting with Nature: Encouraging participants to reconnect with the natural world and appreciate its importance.
- Assisting Those in Need: Providing support to individuals facing challenges, fostering a sense of community assistance.
Moreover, the AAMEN Garden serves as a platform for an intergenerational literacy program, bringing seniors and youth together. Collaborating with various community partners, the garden hosts workshops and classes on gardening, food cultivation, sustainability, and cultural issues. These activities aim to establish deeper connections, promote personal growth, and highlight the significance of ancestral foods and practices, allowing participants to reconnect with their heritage. The AAMEN Garden is more than a garden; it is a vibrant hub for community engagement, education, and the celebration of cultural diversity.
We heavily rely on the invaluable contributions of volunteers, yet we also offer exciting prospects for employment and internships suitable for both teenagers and adults. This presents a wonderful opportunity for hands-on training and valuable work experience, contributing to personal and professional growth.
A significant portion of the produce cultivated in our garden will find its way to the local farmer’s market, where it is made available to the community. This not only promotes access to fresh, locally grown produce but also creates a sustainable revenue stream for our initiatives. Furthermore, a portion of the harvested produce is generously donated to the community. This act of generosity serves a dual purpose – reducing the financial burden on community members by providing them with nutritious food and fostering a sense of shared responsibility and support within the community.
By integrating employment and internship opportunities, along with our commitment to community engagement and sustainable practices, our community garden becomes a dynamic space that not only cultivates crops but also cultivates skills, relationships, and a spirit of communal well-being.
Adult Literacy
This program caters to adults and youth aged 16 and older, equipping them with foundational academic or language skills essential for success in postsecondary education, training, and the workforce. It operates on a self-paced model, allowing individuals to complete the program at their own speed. The approach varies based on the individual’s needs and may involve:
- Basic instruction in areas such as math, reading, writing, or other foundational skills.
- Preparation for earning high school equivalency credentials, especially for those without a high school diploma.
- English language instruction to enhance language skills for success in the workforce.
For some participants, adult education is seamlessly integrated into vocational skills training, providing crucial support for student success and expediting the learning process. Bridge programs, like Adult Basic Education (ABE), are designed to assist academically underprepared adults in meeting the minimum requirements for postsecondary education and training.
AI Scholars Program
The AI Scholars program is an immersive, online after-school bootcamp designed for high school students. This 10-session (25-hour) program delves into fundamental artificial intelligence concepts and guides students in crafting a socially impactful project. The program ensures a personalized learning experience within small groups, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
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Bexar County OIC Alternative Staffing Services
Bexar County OIC Alternative Staffing Services is a social enterprise committed to helping people help themselves by delivering competitive staffing services that connect employers with qualified, motivated talent while supporting marginalized job seekers with obstacles to employment enter and advance in the workforce and achieve their employment goals.
This program provides temporary, contract and direct hire placement, as a key gateway to stable employment. Bexar County OIC strives to improve the quality and dignity of temporary work by paying good wages, promoting safety standards, and equipping candidates for long-term success through coaching and skills training, placement in temp-to-hire opportunities, and access to supportive services to help individuals with personal challenges impacting job success.
Benefits for Employers
A New, Broader Pipeline of Talent
Access a diverse pool of candidates you wouldn’t otherwise reach with traditional recruitment channels, and tap into a pipeline of bright, skilled talent needed for today’s jobs and those of the future.
Productive Teams
Apart from technical skills, we prioritize the development of career readiness skills to cultivate confident and
accountable team members who excel in the workplace. Participants acquire essential soft skills highly valued by
employers, including effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and time management.
Lower Labor Cost
Potential reductions in labor costs can be achieved by avoiding the necessity of hiring full-time staff for every role. For instance, small companies requiring an accountant for just 5 hours a week would find hiring a full-time accountant both expensive and resource-inefficient. Instead, establishing a long-term relationship with a part-time resource can be a more cost-effective and sustainable solution.
Effective Screening, Reduced Hiring Risk
Typically, companies hire only one candidate out of every 100. Our approach provides a more efficient method for screening and evaluating potential hires. Engaging with our program allows you to work hands-on with potential hires, offering a valuable opportunity to customize training according to your specific needs.
Benefits for Employees
Enjoy greater flexibility compared to traditional full-time roles in selecting your work and managing your schedule. This is a significant advantage for various individuals, including parents and those who prefer not to commit to a nine-to-five job.
There is also the potential for higher income, as individuals can offer their services to multiple companies. Additionally, part-time staff often earns a higher pay rate compared to their full-time counterparts.
Post-Exit Retention
Bexar County OIC monitors the post-exit retention of our workers for a period of up to 9 months and offers necessary supportive services.
Temp-to-Hire Conversions
Bexar County OIC strives to facilitate job placements that result in stable employment. On average, 38% of ASO workers transition to becoming permanent hires by employer clients or leverage their temporary work experience to independently secure new jobs.
Our Differentiator: Supportive Services
Setting us apart from other staffing firms, our commitment to providing supportive services is vital to the success of our workers on the job. The services we offer include:
- Soft skills training
- Financial Literacy Training
- Transportation Assistance
- Case Management
- Job Coaching
- Job-Related Skills Training
- Work Readiness Credentials
Buffalo Soldier Program
The Buffalo Soldier Youth Program is a 12-month initiative designed for youth aged 9-12, providing an immersive and educational experience focused on Buffalo Soldier history, outdoor skills, and nature exploration. The program includes visits to all Texas state parks associated with Buffalo Soldiers, a summer trail ride, and overnight camping activities.
Post-Exit Retention
Bexar County OIC monitors the post-exit retention of our workers for a period of up to 9 months and offers necessary supportive services.
Temp-to-Hire Conversions
Bexar County OIC strives to facilitate job placements that result in stable employment. On average, 38% of ASO workers transition to becoming permanent hires by employer clients or leverage their temporary work experience to independently secure new jobs.
Our Differentiator: Supportive Services
Setting us apart from other staffing firms, our commitment to providing supportive services is vital to the success of our workers on the job. The services we offer include:
- Soft skills training
- Financial Literacy Training
- Transportation Assistance
- Case Management
- Job Coaching
- Job-Related Skills Training
- Work Readiness Credentials
Career Readiness
Career readiness training, also known as soft skills training, is designed to provide instruction in non-technical skills that are integral to success in the workplace. This training focuses on teaching “soft” or noncognitive skills, including teamwork, critical thinking, professionalism, conflict resolution, digital literacy, and communication. Additionally, career readiness training encompasses essential aspects such as job searches, resume writing support, and interview skills training, aiding job seekers in identifying and securing employment.
The importance of career readiness training lies in recognizing that soft skills are among the most crucial factors determining an individual’s success in their professional journey. Many youth and adults benefit significantly from career readiness training as it assists them in finding, retaining, and advancing in jobs. Employers consistently highlight soft skills as the primary qualities they seek in entry-level workers. Moreover, individuals who have experienced job loss and haven’t engaged in recent job searches can derive valuable insights and skills from career readiness training.
To enhance accessibility, some classes may be offered online, integrating virtual reality simulations to alleviate awkwardness, boost confidence, and enhance assertiveness in participants’ professional roles. Our virtual model employs counselors who utilize a mix of video chat, email, phone calls, and text messages to establish and maintain student relationships. Significantly, AI plays an integral role in the development of our career readiness training, maximizing its effectiveness and relevance.
College Readiness
The College Readiness Program is meticulously crafted to equip students (grades 9-12) with the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the challenges and responsibilities that come with post-secondary education. Our program offers a diverse range of workshops covering key areas such as Time Management, Internship and Scholarship Sourcing, Essay Preparation, Networking, College Tours, and Applying for Financial Aid. Additionally, participants have access to a variety of other valuable resources.
We strongly emphasize the immediate application of acquired knowledge in participants’ everyday lives, encouraging them to put learned skills into practice. The overarching purpose of the program is to provide college readiness and scholarship assistance, specifically tailored for students aiming to attend one of the four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) listed.
Our program aims to achieve the following:
- Increase Access, Retention, and Graduation Rates: Foster an environment that enhances access to education, promotes student retention, and supports successful graduation.
- Identify and Equip Leaders: Identify students attending HBCUs who exhibit significant leadership potential and provide them with the necessary tools and resources.
- Talent Pipeline: Create a talent pipeline for hiring organizations, connecting them with top-tier, well-rounded HBCU students and alumni.
- Global-Minded Leaders: Cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurially and globally minded HBCU student and alumni leaders.
Key Activities within the Program:
- College Tours: Visits to historically significant institutions in Texas and Louisiana, including Prairie View, Texas Southern, St. Philips, Southern University, among others.
- College Orientation: On-campus stay with comprehensive orientation sessions.
- Summer Internship and Employment: Opportunities for internships and employment within the San Antonio community.
- Work-Based Learning Experiences: Engage in practical, hands-on learning experiences aligned with academic pursuits.
- Mentorships: Foster mentorship relationships to provide guidance and support throughout the college journey.
Digital Literacy
The Digital Literacy Empowerment Program is a comprehensive training initiative designed to equip participants with essential digital skills, fostering their ability to navigate the digital landscape confidently, responsibly, and effectively. This program is structured to accommodate learners of various backgrounds, from beginners to those seeking to enhance their existing digital competencies
The Digital Literacy Empowerment Program aims to empower individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age, promoting inclusivity, responsible behavior, and professional growth.
Program Objectives:
- Foundational Digital Skills:
- Computer basics and operating systems.
- Internet navigation and effective web search strategies.
- Email communication and online collaboration tools.
- Cybersecurity Awareness:
- Understanding and identifying online threats.
- Best practices for secure online behavior.
- Password management and data protection.
- Media Literacy:
- Evaluating online information credibility.
- Recognizing and combating misinformation.
- Responsible use of social media.
- Digital Creativity:
- Introduction to graphic design tools.
- Multimedia storytelling and content creation.
- Basics of coding and digital innovation.
- Digital Citizenship:
- Online etiquette and responsible behavior.
- Engaging in positive digital communities.
- Advocating for a safe and inclusive digital environment.
- Job Readiness Skills:
- Building a professional online presence.
- Resume building and digital portfolio development.
Financial Literacy
Financial literacy encompasses the understanding of how to make informed and prudent decisions regarding money matters. This involves various aspects such as creating a budget, determining optimal savings, negotiating favorable loan terms, comprehending the impacts on credit, and discerning various vehicles used for retirement planning. Acquiring these skills enables individuals to make wiser decisions and exhibit greater responsibility in managing their personal finances.
The holistic benefit of financial literacy lies in empowering individuals to make informed and intelligent decisions about their financial well-being. Specifically, financial literacy is crucial for several reasons:
- Budgeting: Financial literacy equips individuals with the skills to create and adhere to budgets, fostering disciplined spending and saving habits.
- Saving: Understanding how much to save and the most effective methods for saving builds a foundation for financial security and future planning.
- Debt Management: Financially literate individuals can negotiate favorable loan terms, manage debt responsibly, and avoid pitfalls that may negatively impact their credit.
- Credit Understanding: Being financially literate enables individuals to comprehend the intricacies of credit, facilitating responsible use and maintenance of a favorable credit score.
- Retirement Planning: Knowledge about different vehicles used for retirement allows individuals to make informed decisions about long-term financial goals and security.
In essence, financial literacy empowers individuals to navigate the complex landscape of personal finance, fostering a sense of control and confidence in making sound financial decisions.
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HBCU Legacy Scholarship
The BCOIC HBCU Legacy Scholarship/Internship program stands as a pivotal element within our College Readiness program. This initiative is designed to honor and celebrate the lasting legacy and unwavering dedication of BCOIC staff and board members who have affiliations with or graduated from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These individuals have not only made significant contributions to Bexar County OIC programs but have also been advocates for equality and justice for the residents of the San Antonio and Bexar County community.
The program includes the BCOIC Legacy HBCU Scholarship and Internship, aiming to recognize and support those who have played a vital role in advancing the mission and values of Bexar County OIC. The scholarship initiative serves as a visual representation, commemorating the outstanding contributions and enduring commitment of these staff and board members, ensuring that their impact is acknowledged and celebrated within the organization and the community at large.
The BCOIC HBCU Legacy Scholarship/Internship program is a key component of our College Readiness program. The BCOIC Legacy HBCU Scholarship and Internship program celebrates the legacy and lifetime commitment of BCOIC staff and board members affiliated with or graduated from an HBCU institution and made significant and substantial contribution to Bexar County OIC programs and was an advocate for equality and justice for residents of the San Antonio and Bexar County community.
The BCOIC HBCU Legacy Scholarship/Internship program holds a central role in our College Readiness initiative. This program, including the BCOIC Legacy HBCU Scholarship and Internship, is a tribute to the enduring legacy and unwavering dedication of BCOIC staff and board members with ties to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These colleges and universities, who have either been affiliated with or graduated from an HBCU institution, have not only contributed significantly to Bexar County OIC programs but have also been steadfast advocates for equality and justice within the San Antonio and Bexar County community.
St. Philips College
Texas Southern University
Prairie View A&M University
Southern University
To be considered for the BCOIC HBCU Legacy Scholarship, applicants must utilize our online application form. Our scholarships are open for application, and candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Current College Readiness Program Participant: Applicants should be currently enrolled in or have completed a College Readiness Program.
- Federal Student Aid Application: It is recommended that applicants apply for Federal Student Aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA). Additional information on federal student aid programs and the application process can be found at studentaid.gov.
- Acceptance Letter from Listed HBCU Colleges: Applicants must have received an acceptance letter from one of the specified HBCU colleges, which include St. Philips College, Prairie View A&M College, Texas Southern University, or Southern University A&M College.
Scholarships are granted for one academic year and cover up to $1,000.00 towards tuition or books for the current academic year, as indicated by the financial aid office of the university or college. The funds are disbursed directly to the designated school and are non-transferable to other academic institutions. These funds are specifically designated for tuition or books and cannot be used for other expenses listed on the recipient’s bursar bill.
BCOIC will meticulously review all online applications, selecting final candidates based on eligibility, the quality of submission, goals, accomplishments, and financial need. Enrollment/acceptance status and transcripts will be verified before the disbursement of any awards.
All scholarship awards will be formally presented at the BCOIC Legacy HBCU Annual Scholarship Luncheon.
Vocational Skills Training
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