About One Million Degrees:

One Million Degreesaccelerates community college students progress on career pathways to economic mobility.

Over 60% of students who start community college do not complete a degree or successfully transfer to a four-year institution. However, 84% of jobs in the US require skills training beyond high school. OMDs holistic support model is designed to support community college students as they work toward degrees and careers. From tutors and coaches to financial assistance and professional development, OMD helps community college students succeed in school, work, and life, transforming their futures and the futures of those around them for generations.

The OMD student support model is rooted in evaluation and evidence: Arandomized controlled trialconducted with the University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab shows that OMD scholars are 70% more likely to enroll, 94% more likely to persist, 73% more likely to earn a degree.

Currently, OMD serves scholars in all 7 of the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) and is scaling to reach over 3,000 community college scholars by 2026. In addition to its unique partnership with CCC, OMD partners with employers across industries to build on-ramps to in-demand jobs through internships and apprenticeships. Alongside this direct service work in Chicago, OMD is also experiencing rapid growth working with higher education institutions and additional partners across Illinois and nationwide, supporting them to build holistic student support models.

Through this growing body of work, OMD continues to have a profound impact in Chicagoland while becoming a national model for sustainable, scalable, and systemic change.

OMD Values:

OMD is deeply committed to our core values, as demonstrated in the work we do, our approach to change and growth, and our commitment to our staff.

• Equity: We address historical and existing systemic inequities by taking a holistic approach to supporting students on their path to economic mobility.
• Excellence: We hold ourselves to a high bar and provide exceptional support so that students
• are empowered to achieve their ambitions.
• Community: We unite around putting students first, collaborating with partners, and celebrating our collective wins.
• Learning: We each adapt to a changing world and refine our approach to support students, community members, staff, and stakehold…