One Million Degrees Secures $3.5 Million to Enhance Community College Support Programs

One Million Degrees Secures $3.5 Million Grant

One Million Degrees (OMD), a prominent nonprofit organization based in Chicago, has recently received a $3.5 million grant from Ballmer Group. This funding is aimed at further developing their holistic support model for community college students, which focuses on helping underserved populations succeed in higher education and beyond.

Dr. Aarti Dhupelia, CEO of One Million Degrees, emphasizes the critical role community colleges play in fostering economic mobility. She stated, "Community colleges are among the most powerful — yet underutilized — levers we have for increasing economic mobility and reducing inequality." The investment allows OMD to improve graduation rates among students while also enhancing their long-term earnings potential. This initiative is timely given the predicted creation of over 8 million new jobs in the U.S. economy by 2031, many of which will require education beyond high school, but not necessarily a four-year degree.

The stark reality is that over 60% of adults do not have a clear pathway from education to employment, and nearly half of community college students leave without obtaining a credential. Research indicates that individuals with an associate degree can expect to earn approximately $400,000 more over their lifetime compared to those with only a high school diploma. To bridge this gap, OMD collaborates with community colleges, employers, and other stakeholders to provide comprehensive support — including academic coaching, financial aid, career services, and employer connections.

OMD's model has shown significant success; a randomized control trial conducted by the University of Chicago's Inclusive Economy Lab found that OMD scholars are 73% more likely to earn a degree within three years compared to their peers. The partnership colleges have reported improved student persistence, credit accumulation, and successful transitions to either four-year institutions or high-demand jobs.

The new $3.5 million investment will enable OMD to expand its Advisory and Capacity Building portfolio further, allowing more colleges to integrate comprehensive student support into their core operations. Earlier this year, the organization formed a statewide partnership with the University of Illinois System, alongside a national collaboration with Complete College America, which aims to extend OMD's coaching and career-preparation model to additional states. This initiative is anticipated to reach between 1,500 and 1,700 students across Illinois, Louisiana, Ohio, and more, ultimately enhancing educational and career outcomes.

The growth experienced by One Million Degrees is noteworthy. In 2022, City Colleges of Chicago began a systemwide OMD expansion that favors automatic enrollment for eligible students across multiple campuses. Currently, over 2,000 students annually benefit from OMD's services through partnerships with institutions such as Prairie State College and South Suburban College, thereby serving both urban and suburban communities.

Furthermore, OMD collaborates with employers to create entry points into profitable job sectors through internships and apprenticeships, while also advising educational institutions nationwide on how to establish effective holistic student support systems.

"Ballmer Group's commitment is to expand access to economic mobility by ensuring that more students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, receive the necessary support to not only complete their education but also secure rewarding jobs and careers," stated Emma Uman, Director of National Career Success at Ballmer Group. "One Million Degrees exemplifies this mission by aligning educational experiences with industry pathways and eliminating barriers to student success."

Ballmer Group is part of a broader network of supporters backing OMD, which includes organizations like Ascendium Education Group and the Kresge Foundation.

For more details on One Million Degrees and their initiatives, please visit www.onemilliondegrees.org.

Overall, the efforts of One Million Degrees represent a significant step forward in addressing educational inequities and enhancing the prospects of community college students across the nation.