One Million Degrees (OMD) is excited to welcome the 2013-2014 class of OMD scholars. Fifty-one highly motivated community college students were selected from hundreds of applicants to receive financial assistance and student support services. “We are thrilled to welcome our newest cohort of scholars into our program,” said One Million Degrees CEO Paige Ponder.

One Million Degrees scholars graduate at three times the national average, and transfer to four-year universities and colleges around the state or enter the workforce in high-demand fields. “I am very excited to be in the OMD program,” said Esmeralda Dorantes, Lawndale resident and Harold Washington College student. “OMD has made me believe in myself more and has helped me with the transition from high school to college.”

One Million Degrees will provide these scholars with financial assistance for up to three years at a community college, and academic support, professional development, financial literacy training, civic engagement and leadership development opportunities, and coaching and mentoring around career readiness.