ABSTRACT
Inner-city Philadelphia is a low-wage area where many work for the minimum wage and $4 per hour will attract young entry-level workers. Culturally, Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods which are in effect ethnic enclaves. In 1985 the City Office of Employment and Training was integrated into the Philadelphia Private Industry Council (PIC) which became the key agency responsible for the publicly financed employment and training effort in Philadelphia. Even with tightening job markets, employers require a higher level of literacy than most PIC clients possess. However, Philadelphia's "Theme" high schools specializing in electronics, health and business have attracted students, held their interest, and kept them in school until they graduate with acceptable skills. Community outreach is effected through a network of community and neighborhood-based organizations known as PIC Referral Centers. PIC attempts to be constructive in its comments, which range from the best to the lowest: The PIC is extremely pleased with our relationship with—as a PIC Referral Center.
