One Million Degrees

Join us at the Life Sciences Building at Lincoln Yards for OMD’s 17th Annual Degrees of Impact Gala! Celebrate another year of impact, hear inspiring stories from OMD Scholars, and help us honor the incredible supporters, partners, and community members who make it all possible. Sponsorships are still available! Get your tickets today: https://lnkd.in/g2_7PD54

Mark Anthony Florido's career journey reflects the power of holistic support in education. As a Program Associate at One Million Degrees in 2009, he witnessed firsthand how dedicated support helped students overcome barriers and thrive. That experience shaped his path and fuelled his passion for advocating for equity in education. Now, as a Program Officer at the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, an OMD Funder, Mark works to ensure more students—especially those from underrepresented communities—have the opportunities they deserve. His journey is a powerful example of how direct student support can inspire long-term, systemic change. Read more about his work in our impact report: https://lnkd.in/g2tWWwuJ #DegreesOfImpact #OMDAlumni #EducationEquity #CommunityColleges

Ameer’s determination to build a future in #computerscience pushed him to seize every opportunity. With support from his Program Coordinator and his drive to lead, he’s forging a path to #success and making an impact. You can learn more about how Ameer is shaping his future and making a difference. Read his full story in our Impact Report: https://lnkd.in/g2tWWwuJ #DegreesOfImpact #OMDAlumni #STEMLeadership #HigherEd #CommunityCollegeSuccess

Deyssi was ready to walk away from college—until one pivotal conversation with her Program Coordinator changed everything. With OMD’s support, Deyssi not only persevered but thrived, turning her academic journey into one of empowerment and purpose. Now, just months from graduating, she’s on a path to inspire others and empower the communities she is passionate about serving. Her degree is more than just an achievement, it’s a tool for creating positive change and opening doors for others. Read her full journey and learn how OMD continues to support scholars like Deyssi in our Impact Report: https://lnkd.in/g2tWWwuJ #DegreesOfImpact #OneMillionDegrees #OMDScholars #EducationMatters #ImpactThatScales

When a scholar thrives, the impact extends far beyond the classroom—it reaches families, communities, and entire systems. This year, our impact report tells the powerful stories of persistence, leadership, and transformation happening every day through OMD. Behind every degree earned is a story of unwavering determination. Deyssi was ready to walk away from college—until one conversation changed everything. Ameer arrived in the U.S. with big dreams but no clear roadmap. Mark Anthony started as an OMD staff member when we were the Illinois Education Foundation. All three journeys with OMD show how education and holistic support drive lasting change. Their experiences prove that with the right support, all OMD Scholars can achieve success. Impact doesn’t just happen—it builds, it scales, and it launches the next generation of leaders. With over 2,000 scholars now receiving our holistic support across City Colleges of Chicago, we’re seeing incredible results—higher persistence rates, career breakthroughs, and alumni returning as mentors. But our work is far from done. In a rapidly changing world, OMD remains steadfast in our commitment: to uplift and empower scholars with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed—because when scholars succeed, we all do. Read the full report and see how we’re scaling impact, launching leaders, and changing systems. Together, we are making degrees of impact that last a lifetime. Degrees of Impact Report: https://lnkd.in/g2tWWwuJ #DegreesOfImpact #OneMillionDegrees #OMDScholars #EducationMatters #ImpactThatScales #HigherEducation #HigherEd #CommunityCollege #Socialchange #volunteer #mentorship

Last week, we celebrated Black student achievement at the Celebration of Black Learner Excellence hosted by the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College. The room was filled with Black leaders, students, and advocates—all united in their commitment to helping students reach their full potential in #highereducation. The energy in the space was one of joy, pride, and a true sense of family, reinforcing the power of community. OMD Scholar and City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College, Joseph Rice, had the privilege of introducing Representative La Shawn K Ford, as one of the honorees for the event. Ford was recognized for his leadership and advocacy in expanding opportunities for Black learners in Chicago. The afternoon event was a powerful reminder that access, support, and community are essential for students to succeed. City Colleges of Chicago continues to be a leader in advancing equity, ensuring that Black learners have the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive academically and professionally. OMD's partnership with CCC ensures Black students have the resources, #mentorship, and guidance they need to thrive in college and beyond. Together, we are committed to advancing #equityineducation and fostering opportunities that empower students to reach their full potential. See highlights from the event and more here: https://lnkd.in/gseWy9MF photo credit: City Colleges of Chicago #BlackExcellence #HigherEdEquity #CityCollegesofChicago #OMDScholars #BlackHistoryMonth

It's National Apprenticeship Week! 🎉 We’re proud that the U.S. Department of Labor officially recognized One Million Degrees as an Apprenticeship Ambassador! OMD is committed to empowering our apprentices to thrive through our holistic support model—offering mentorship, professional development, and personalized coaching. We thank our incredible apprenticeship partners who share our vision of transforming lives through education and career advancement. Together, we’re building brighter futures and stronger communities. 💼✨  #ApprenticeshipWeek #OMDStrong #CareerSuccess #WorkforceDevelopment

Rounding out our #OMDEntrepreneurSeries is Nubia Shambee, founder of Imagine to Dream LLC, a bookstore offering a variety of books and storytelling experiences. Her readers can discover new books, journals, and poetry while also sharing how writers can collaborate and learn to publish their works through Amazon. Her advice to future entrepreneurs? "Start with what you love and enjoy the journey." We loved sharing the journeys of OMD Scholars and Alumni who are turning their passions into thriving businesses. Our #OMDEntrepreneurSeries celebrates their innovation, resilience, and determination to make a difference. Stay connected with us to see how our community of entrepreneurs is shaping the future—and join us in supporting them every step of the way. www.onemilliondegrees.org

Meet Jamaine Wells, founder of Crack in the Cup Coffee and Tea, a premium shop offering carefully curated coffee and tea blends for customers nationwide. From rich, bold coffees to soothing, aromatic teas, Jamaine’s passion for crafting exceptional beverages is the heart of his business. Through our #OMDEntrepreneurSeries, we’re spotlighting OMD Scholars and Alumni who are turning their dreams into thriving businesses. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of innovation and success!

Next Up in our #OMDEntrepreneur Series, meet OMD Entrepreneur MiKayla Johnson. Founder of The RG Vault, MiKayla offers a stunning collection of wigs and hair pieces. 💇♀️MiKayla recently won OMD's 2024 Shark Tank competition. Through our OMD Entrepreneur series, we’re spotlighting OMD Scholars and Alumni who are turning their dreams into thriving businesses. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories!