#United States #Chicago #Student Support #One Million Degrees #City Colleges of Chicago

City Colleges of Chicago Expands Partnership with One Million Degrees

In a groundbreaking initiative, the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), the largest community college system in Illinois, has announced a significant five-year expansion of its partnership with One Million Degrees (OMD). This initiative aims to provide essential support to over 3,000 students each year through a proven model that boosts student persistence, completion, and career outcomes.

The collaboration builds on a successful strategy developed by One Million Degrees, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago, which focuses on removing barriers to college access and success. Chancellor Juan Salgado of City Colleges emphasizes the importance of this partnership, stating, "Our work with One Million Degrees reflects our commitment to scaling proven supports that surround our students with care and remove barriers to their success." This initiative signifies a leap forward in ensuring that more students have access to the necessary resources that facilitate their education and career pathway.

The Journey So Far

Since its inception in 2006, One Million Degrees has consistently refined its approach in collaboration with CCC to remove obstacles faced by community college students. By offering a combination of personalized coaching, financial assistance, and career development, OMD helps students not only persist but also complete their programs successfully. Under this new agreement, students who qualify for the OMD program will be automatically enrolled, making the process seamless.

Dr. Aarti Dhupelia, CEO of One Million Degrees, articulated the broader vision of this initiative: "We're helping shift the conversation on student success from one focused on barriers to one focused on what's possible when we empower students with opportunities and support to achieve their goals." The expansion is not just about enhancing local education systems but also about creating a blueprint that can be replicated in other institutions across the nation.

Funding the Future

With a pooled investment from CCC, philanthropic contributions, and major donors, this ambitious project is expected to total over $20 million. The first phase will see significant investments, including a $5 million commitment from both the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation and the Pritzker Foundation. OMD will contribute an additional $1 million, which reflects a strong community commitment toward student success.

In this fast-paced world, marked by rapid changes and advancements, Penny Pritzker, founder and chairman of PSP Partners, highlighted the necessity for educational systems to adapt. She stated, "Chicago's future, and our nation's future, depends on whether more learners and workers can access clear, reliable pathways to good jobs." This partnership is expected to not only support individual students but also bolster the workforce and drive economic growth within the region.

Proven Success and Ongoing Growth

The results from the One Million Degrees initiative have been promising. A decade-long randomized control trial conducted by the University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab found that participants had a 73% higher likelihood of completing their associate degrees compared to their peers. Additionally, they reported earning an average of $14,246 more annually seven years post-enrollment. These figures underline the effectiveness of the OMD model and its potential to facilitate sustainable positive change in community colleges.

Davis Jenkins, a senior research scholar at the Community College Research Center, noted the importance of embedding support systems into the student experience. He stated, "This work has demonstrated how colleges can invest in evidence-based strategies that deliver integrated academic, financial, and career support to thousands of students—offering a compelling national blueprint for advancing student success and economic mobility on a large scale."

Conclusion

With the expansion of its partnership, City Colleges of Chicago represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of community college education, ensuring that students receive necessary support in various aspects of their lives. As the program moves forward, it promises to serve as a model not only for Chicago but for institutions across the country looking to enhance student outcomes and economic mobility through community engagement and institutional support. For more information on One Million Degrees and its programs, visit onemilliondegrees.org.