OAI, inc. – Innovative Workforce Development, is a non-profit workforce development agency founded 30 years ago by current president Tipawan T-Q Reed. Since its inception, OAI has effectively managed more than $50 million in federal, state and City of Chicago grants, as well as foundation grants and fee-for-service contracts. Although OAI was affiliated with Northern Illinois and DePaul Universities from 1990 to 2001, it maintained its own programmatic, fiscal and grants management infrastructure. To better meet the needs of OAI's constituents and provide greater flexibility, DePaul University supported OAI in its efforts to become a freestanding 501(c) (3) agency in 2001.

Headquartered in downtown Chicago, OAI delivers services throughout the country with programs and affiliates in New York City, Washington D.C., Kansas City, Houston, Dallas, Port Arthur, Texas, New Orleans and throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. With an annual budget of approximately $3 million, OAI employs 23 full-time diverse and seasoned professionals and support staff with expertise in Industrial Hygiene, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), Adult Education, Curriculum Design and Development and delivery of technical courses related to 29 CFR 1910. OAI’s extensive network of trainers has expertise in such areas as Industrial Hygiene, Clandestine Methamphetamine Lab, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Remediation, Toxicology, Biochemistry and Environmental Justice.

OAI’s primary goal is to empower and enhance the capacity of underserved individuals and their communities by applying innovative practices and paradigms that contribute significantly to social-environmental equity, worker safety, equal access to educational and employment opportunities, economic self-sufficiency and self-determination. OAI’s vision is to help create a community environment in which all people who desire to do so, can access education, training, work, and housing that will allow them to sustain and enjoy safe, secure, and fulfilling lives. OAI values innovation, respect for all people and their cultures, a passion for quality, dedication to hard work, and commitment to success.

OAI’s programs provide training for both incumbent workers and individuals who are unemployed or underemployed and are in need of job skills. Incumbent worker training is primarily delivered to workers within the manufacturing and hazardous waste and emergency response (police, fire and medical) sectors. OAI is experienced in customizing training programs to meet the needs of varied populations. Job development programs are designed to provide impoverished residents and communities with a bridge to rewarding careers and self-sufficiency. OAI serves about 2,500 clients annually.