A 30-Year Heritage of Achievement

The Intercultural Institute of California (IIC) has grown out of 30 years of experience in providing training to Bay Area residents.  It began with the Korean Center, Inc. whose history started in 1975 with the incorporation of an independent, non-profit, community-based organization under the name of "Multi-Service Center for Koreans (MSCK)."   In 1991, IIC was founded by KCI to fill a growing need for educational opportunities in the community at large.

The following timeline of KCI/IIC's history includes a representative sampling of the many activities and programs that have made KCI & IIC the dynamic organizations that they are today. Program funders are listed in parenthesis.

1974-1978

The Korean Advisory Committee elects Hanna Surh as the first Chairperson of MSCK and appoints Dr. Odong Kim as Program Coordinator.

The Multi-Service for Koreans (MSCK) opens at 1010 Gough Street.

Employment and training programs for adults launched (CETA).

MSCK incorporated Nov. 1975 as a private, non-profit, community organization and relocates to 966 Market Street.

Information, referral, translation, and interpretation services added.

Three-year Public Service Employment program initiated.

Korean employees of the S.F. Dept. of Public Works trained in ESL.

Employment and training programs for adults launched (CETA).

Youth program expanded to assist youth during the summer.

San Jose branch office opened to offer California Youth Project (State CETA).

S.F. Private Industry Council awards funds under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Older Workers Employment Program begins (JTPA).

San Francisco Economic Opportunity Council designates MSCK as a worksite for seniors (EOC).

Public Service Jobs Program for low income residents (MOCD).

In 1982, California Dept. of Education approves MSCK's San Francisco Institute of Language and Technology (SFILT) to offer computer and language programS.

Building Project launched; S.F. Redevelopment Agency grants the Land Disposition Agreement for 1362 Post Street in Western Addition of S.F.

Three-year community-wide fundraising campaign initiated.

MSCK relocates to its permanent site at 1362 Post St., a four story Victorian building, newly renovated, and fully paid for.

Landmark opening ceremony takes place on Feb. 6, 1984, attended by Mayor Feinstein, public officials, and supporters.

Computer Technician Program offered at the San Francisco and San Jose offices (State JTPO).

Curriculum material development for California community colleges, "Jobs in America" published.

KITE (Korean Identity and Tradition Education) Summer Camp opens for Korean-American youth.

Language lab completed with audio-video equipment (The Cowell Foundation).

California Department of Aging grants for a renovation project to provide for senior citizen services (Senior Center Bond Act); the Senior Community Service Program begins (COA).

Project Advance begins to offer academic counseling for high-risk youth (MOCD).

Comprehensive training curriculum developed (S.F. Foundation).

MSCK-IBM signs a three-year partnership contract; Business Advisory Council formed; Project Automation and Project Entry Job Training implemented (Koret).

Twin Peaks Interlink (TPI), an economic development project, launched (MOCD/Non-profit Business for Greater Self-Sufficiency).

MSCK renamed the Korean Center, Inc. (KCI).

Computer lab established (IBM).

IBM upgrades the computer lab with 27 new PCs and PALS lab.

Job training expands to serve San Francisco's diverse population (Levi-Strauss Foundation).

Year-round after school youth program added; services extended to include African-Americans.

Senior nutrition program for Koreans begins onsite (COA).

SFILT granted to issue I-20 for M-1 and F-1 visas.

KCI begins cross-cultural orientation program to corporate clients (USS-POSCO, Du Pont, Chevron, and others).

Project Automation for Soviet immigrants commences (The Koret Foundation).
Levi Strauss Foundation Grant enables the job training program to assist multi ethnic population served by Korean Center.