About Us

Mission & History
Overview
The Exponential Effect
Annual Report

  • One Million Degrees empowers low-income, highly-motivated community college students to succeed in school, in work, and in life.

    Formerly the Illinois Education Foundation, One Million Degrees was founded in 2006 by a group of social entrepreneurs who understood the specific challenges facing a uniquely overlooked student population – community college students.

    Recognizing the fact that most of these students were failing and determined to change the odds, our founders developed a unique and highly successful program based on providing the kind of support that would make a meaningful difference.

    One Million Degrees believes that when given a solid system of support, every student has the ability to reach his or her full personal and professional potential. Since 2006, One Million Degrees has helped empower hundreds of community college students to succeed in the classroom and beyond. 

    Today, One Million Degrees Scholars are graduating at roughly three times the national average and are equipped with the skills necessary to help them reach their full potential in school, in work, and in life.

  • Community college students are among the most important yet least supported of this country's undergraduate population. Community colleges offer pathways to meaningful careers and, often, an on-ramp to four-year universities. Yet, lacking critical resources, most students never graduate. It is stunning how little is available to this vital and vibrant group of students.

    One Million Degrees changes the odds entirely. Our groundbreaking program – innovative, personalized, uniquely effective – delivers the kind of meaningful support that is transforming lives and creating a pattern of positive change that will echo for generations.

    This is what works.





  • When one person gets a degree, it increases the chance that their children will too. 

    And their children's children. In communities where degrees are rare--communities in which our scholars live--the power of a single degree is profound. The effect of one degree resonates far beyond a scholar's own sphere to their neighbors, their communities and, ultimately, to the generations that follow.

    A single degree can change the world.



  • OMD's 2011-2012 Annual Report

    Read about OMD in our 2011-2012 Annual Report which outlines the powerful effects of our program: a unique combination of academic, personal, professional, and financial supports that successfully empowers low-income community college students to succeed in school, in work, and in life.

People

Board of Directors
Founders
Staff
Advisory Board
Associates Board
  •  “The question isn’t 'Does this work?' Clearly, it does. The question is 'How big can this be? How many lives can we touch? How does this change the world?”

     -David Scherer, Chair of the Board of Directors, One Million Degrees

    David Scherer, Chair
    OMD Co-Founder & Principal, Origin Capital Partners

    John Atkinson, Vice Chair
    Managing Partner, Willis 

    Charles Dale, Treasurer
    Managing Director, Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management

    Constance Mixon, Secretary
    Director, Urban Studies Program
    Professor, Political Science, Elmhurst College

    Directors

    The Honorable Melissa Bean
    President & Chief Executive Officer, The Executives' Club of Chicago

    Susan Credle
    Chief Creative Officer, Leo Burnett

    Suzanne Faber
    Marketing Consultant

    Michael B. Golden
    OMD Co-Founder & Chairman, Newsbound, Inc.

    Rose Lizarraga
    President, Buddy Pictures

    Jan Melk
    Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

    Laurie O'Shea
    Vice Chairman, CTPartners

    Thania Panopoulos
    Principal, The Perissos Group

    Katie Spring
    Managing Director and Head of Corporate Communications, Citadel

    Grace Tsao-Wu
    Owner, Tabula Tua

    Anne Wedner
    Commissioner, US Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy

  • Michael B. Golden, One Million Degrees Co-Founder

    A former national award-winning broadcast journalist, Michael Golden has also served as a political campaign manager and communications strategist for U.S. Presidential, Senate and Congressional races. Michael is a fellow at the British-American Project and the Open Society Institute.  In 1999, Michael’s investigative and public affairs reporting for NBC earned him honors from the Society of Professional Journalists, the AP, and the Edward R. Murrow Awards.

    In 2011, Michael co-founded Newsbound, Inc., a media and software company based in San, Francisco, CA.  He is also a co-founder of the Complete the Degree back-to-college initiative in Chicago, Illinois.  Michael serves on the boards of the ADL and SPARK, as well as the Illinois Commission to Eliminate Poverty.  He received his B.A. from Indiana University, and his M.S. in Public Services Management from DePaul University.

    Rose Lizarraga, One Million Degrees Co-Founder

    An award-winning documentary filmmaker and freelance writer, Rose's career also includes 10 years spent developing new product and brand strategies as well as marketing and advertising campaigns at Leo Burnett, Foote, Cone & Belding, M&M/Mars and other small businesses.  More recently, she worked as a writer/editor for Modern Luxury Inc., publishers of magazines such as CS, and Angeleno.  Rose graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with dual degrees in English and Political Science.  She is a founding member of the Daniel M. Kerrane, Jr. Foundation, former Board Vice President of the Fairygodmother Foundation, and currently serves on the Chicago committee for Human Rights Watch.

    David Scherer, One Million Degrees Co-Founder

    David Scherer oversees business development and acquisitions at Origin Capital, a real estate private equity fund. He has underwritten over $5 billion in real estate and notes collateralized by real estate and purchased real estate and real estate notes with outstanding principal amounts in excess of $250 million in the aggregate. Prior to joining Origin Capital, David served as President of a private hedge fund specializing in derivatives trading with operations in Chicago, London and New York.

    In 2003, David co-founded the Daniel M. Kerrane, Jr. Foundation, and in 2006 he co-founded One Million Degrees (formerly the Illinois Education Foundation). David also serves on the Advisory Board of Invest for Kids, Chicago. David received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University, graduating in 1993 with honors. He is currently working on his Master of Business Administration at the University of Chicago.


  • One Million Degrees is staffed by a group of talented and passionate professionals, steadfast in their commitment to our mission and relentless in their dedication to the success of our scholars. They are the very heart of our program and the engine of our success.


    Paige Ponder

    Chief Executive Officer

    Paige works closely with all stakeholders – Board members, staff, partners, funders, mentors, and scholars – to ensure One Million Degrees achieves its mission and makes a lasting impact in the lives of the students we support. She joins One Million Degrees after leading Project Exploration, a dynamic youth STEM organization. Prior to Project Exploration, Paige was Officer of Student Support and Engagement at Chicago Public Schools.

    Paige has experience in for-profit education having worked for The Grow Network and McGraw-Hill in product development, professional development, and client services capacities. She also has school-based experience as Assistant Principal of Holy Cross School in the South Bronx. Paige holds a BA from Princeton University and an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

    Jessica Besser-Rosenberg

    Director, Research & Communications

    Jessica oversees the evaluation of all OMD programs, as well as the development and implementation of the marketing and communications strategy. Before joining OMD, Jessica worked as a program officer at the Illinois Humanities Council. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, and a Master of Public Policy from the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago.

    Nina Sánchez

    Director, Scholarship & Academics

    As Director of Scholarship & Academics, Nina is responsible for the development of programs that fully support OMD Scholars, whatever their endeavors. Prior to joining OMD, Nina was the student programs coordinator with the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE). Nina holds a Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College in Anthropology and International Affairs, and a Master of Social Sciences from the University of Chicago in Latin American & Caribbean Studies.

    Holly Urban

    Development and Marketing Manager

    Holly contributes to the development of OMD fundraising efforts, including grant research, donor cultivation, and coordination of special events. A recent graduate of DePaul University, Holly received her bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertising with a concentration in marketing.

    Samantha Robinson

    Program Coordinator

    Samantha manages the OMD Scholar recruitment and application process and provides supports to scholars to ensure they are excelling academically. A graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College, Samantha received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in English Writing.

    Elias Elias

    Program Assistant

    As a program assistant, Elias works directly with scholars, providing support and coaching on their paths to their degrees. He recently graduated from Grinnell College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics.


    Julia Gerasimenko

    Program Assistant

    Julia works with OMD Scholars to ensure they have all the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond. Julia recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Grinnell College.

    Matthew Norris

    Program Assistant


    As an OMD program assistant, Matthew works directly with scholars, ensuring they are supported academically and personally while in college. Matthew is a recent graduate of St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Psychology.


  • The One Million Degrees Advisory Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated leaders throughout the state with backgrounds in business, education and government. Members of the Advisory Board leverage their considerable expertise in diverse fields to support One Million Degrees and our scholars.

    State Rep. Edward Acevedo
    IL 2nd District, Asst. House Maj. Leader

    John Bouman
    President, Shriver Center

    Paul Bryant
    Principal/ Vice President, Mid- America Real Estate Co.

    Dr. Cozette Buckney
    CEO, The Institute for Educational Services LLC

    Martin Cabrera, Jr.
    CEO & Founder, Cabrera Capital Markets, LLC

    Marty Castro
    President, Castro Synergies, LLC

    Gery J. Chico
    Senior Partner, Chico & Nunes, PC

    Sunny P. Chico
    President, SPC Consulting

    State Rep. Tom Cross
    IL 84th District, House Republican Leader

    State Senator John J. Cullerton
    Illinois Senate President

    The Honorable Richard M. Daley

    Andrew Davis
    Managing Director, Midwest Education Investment Trust

    U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis
    IL 7th Congressional District

    State Rep. Kenneth Dunkin
    IL 5th District

    The Honorable Alexi Giannoulias

    Ron Gidwitz
    Co-Founder, GCG Partners

    Shelley Stern Grach
    Citizenship Director, Microsoft Corporation

    The Honorable Debbie Halvorson

    John Hartigan
    Managing Director, EnTrust Capital, Inc.

    U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson
    IL 15th Congressional District

    Steve King
    Founding Partner, Prairie Capital

    Pete LaPietra
    Founder & CEO, PLP Capital Markets

    Doug Levy
    President/General Manager, Univision Radio

    Tony Lorenz
    Founder, bXb Online

    Judd Malkin
    Chairman, JMB Realty

    Senator Edward D. Maloney
    IL 18th District

    The Honorable David Miller

    State Senator Antonio Muñoz
    IL 1st District

    Governor Pat Quinn

    Andrew Rashkow
    CEO, IMBIBE, Inc

    Michael Rendina
    Chief Public and Community Affairs Officer, Chicago Public Schools

    Jesse Ruiz
    Partner, Drinker, Biddle & Reath, LLP

    U.S. Rep. John Shimkus
    IL 19th Congressional District

    Elizabeth Swanson
    Deputy for Education, Office of Mayor Rahm Emanuel

    David W. Tretter
    President, Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities

    Dr. Wayne Watson
    President, Chicago State University




  • Founded in 2010, the One Million Degrees Associates Board is a diverse group of emerging leaders, who believe in the transformative power of a community college degree. 

    The mission of the OMD Associates Board is to cultivate supporters and volunteers, to provide philanthropic support, and to increase awareness of the valuable work of One Million Degrees.

    Mandy Zaransky (Chair)
    Senior Manager, Integrated Marketing, Chicago Tribune

    Jonathan Chaparro (Vice-chair)
    Recruitment Specialist, Teach for America

    Vincent Anzalone
    Genuine Entertainment Chicago

    Jonathan Berger
    Alyeska Investment Group

    Reid Bolton
    Bartlit  Beck, LLP

    Daisy De La Cruz
    DLC Media

    Gary Dulaney
    Manager, Mobile & Innovation, United Airlines

    Karianne Gomez
    Senior Director of Strategy, HAVI Global Solutions

    Elizabeth Gustafson
    Merrill Lynch

    Garrett Johnson
    Harris Bank

    Travis Kessel
    Vice President of Recruitment, Edelman

    Tonia Kim
    Toki Collection

    Rodger Lederer
    Account Executive, Willis of Illinois, Inc.

    Thomas Mandecki
    Kent College of Law - Chicago

    Shawn Mayberry
    Digital Activation Associate, Starcom

    Niki McNeill
    Citadel

    Christina Otero
    Wealth Manager Associate, JP Morgan Chase

    Amanda Prouty

    Lonnie Rodriguez
    Genuine Entertainment Chicago

    Arielle Semmel

    Phillip Wilson
    Metropolitan Capital Bank

    Heather Winter
    Director of Government Relations, Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities 

Program

Signature Scholarship
  • “When meeting someone new, shake their hand firmly, look directly in their eyes, say their name in your mind three times, and think of some association to help you remember their name.”

    Rule #4 from the Etiquette Dinner hosted annually by the Standard Club of Chicago. All new One Million Degree Scholars are required to attend.

    The One Million Degrees Signature Scholarship Program offers groundbreaking, whole-student programming to low-income, highly motivated community college students.

    OUR SUPPORTS INCLUDE:

    • Mentoring
      dramatically effective one-on-one coaching
    • Academic Advising/Tutoring
      substantive support personalized to each scholar
    • Professional Development
      skill-building support workshops designed for success beyond college
    • Financial Literacy Training
      to help scholars plan for their financial futures and the futures of their families
    • Civic Engagement
      empowers scholars to drive meaningful change
    • Financial Support
      tuition assistance, bi-annual stipends
    • Transfer Support
      assistance for scholars in our program transitioning to four-year universities

    SKILL-BUILDING, LIFE ENHANCING WORKSHOPS, INCLUDING:

    • “It’s Who You Know” Mocktail Networking Night
    • Suited for Success
    • Standard Club Etiquette Dinner 

    To assist our scholars in navigating the community college sphere, we have established partnerships with the seven City Colleges of Chicago, Prairie State College, and South Suburban College.

Annual Events

Food + Wine Tasting
Mocktail Networking Night
Suited for Success
Scholar Award and Appreciation Reception

  • Friday, May 31, 2013
    Bridgeport Art Center
    1200 W. 35th Street | Chicago, 60609
    The Honorable Mayor Rahm Emanuel - Honorary Chair

    Purchase Tickets Here

    Event Sponsorship Information

    Featuring Acclaimed Chefs

    Ryan McCaskey - Acadia
    Thai Dang - Embeya
    Matthias Merges - Yusho, Billy Sunday
    Martial Noguier - Bistronomic
    Sandra Holl – Floriole Café & Bakery
    Cindy Schuman – Sepia
    Sommelier Dan Pilkey – Boarding House
    Mixologist Danielle Pizzutillo - Embeya

    6PM - VIP Reception

    The evening kicks off with a special intimate reception for Bachelor Level guests who will enjoy multiple small plate courses prepared by Chef Ryan McCaskey paired with Champagne and wines carefully selected by Sommelier Dan Pilkey and innovative cocktails created by Mixologist Danielle Pizzutillo. Guests will have the chance to mingle with Chef McCaskey and meet the OMD Scholars. Bachelor Level guests will then join the General Reception at 7PM.

    7PM - General Reception

    Bachelor, Associate and Scholar Level guests indulge in multiple small plate courses prepared by Chef Thai Dang presented with unique wine pairings. Guests will also enjoy live music by Madrid of White Label DJs. 

    8PM - Dinner + Program

    All guests are seated for three exquisite courses created by Chef Matthias Merges and Chef Martial Noguier while enjoying the evening’s program, live auction and music. We will hear from an OMD Scholar Ambassador and honor our partners and supporters. 

    9:30PM - Decadent Desserts

    Stations feature desserts exquisitely prepared by Pastry Chefs Sandra Holl and Cindy Schuman.

    Featured Event Sponsors

    Doctorate $25,000+

    Bachelor $10,000+

                     

                               

    Hackberry Endowment Partners - The Malkin Family

    Associate $5,000+

    AmWINS / Brooks Brothers / The Cogent Advisor / DLA Piper / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / IMC Financial Markets / Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation / Mesirow Financial / Miller Cooper & Co., Ltd. / Starr Companies / Wintrust Financial / Zall Family Foundation

    Scholar $1,000+

    ArgosLaw, LLC / Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management / Brinshore Development, LLC / Chubb Insurance / First Midwest Bank / Freeborn & Peters / Freedman Seating / Jack & Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund / Leo Burnett / Liberty Mutual Insurance / Newsbound / Personnel Staffing Group / The Seattle Foundation / Tabula Tua / XL Insurance

    Media Sponsor

    Read about the 5th Anniversary Food + Wine Tasting

  • "It's Who You Know" Speed Networking and Mocktail Reception brings together hundreds of industry leaders in healthcare, financial services, education, government, and philanthropy to help OMD Scholars sharpen their networking skills and build personal and professional networks.

    An enormous thank you to our generous host, JPMorgan Chase, for their continued dedication to the professional development of our Scholars. View event photos here.

    You can read about this incredible event in the March 25,2012 edition of the Chicago Tribune: Scholarship program offers more than money. See more Mocktail pictures here.

     

  • Suited for Success is a ground-breaking event designed to provide high-quality, interview-worthy clothes and footwear to our scholars who will soon be entering the professional world.

    We are deeply grateful to our event partner, Brooks Brothers, for their immeasurable generosity. 

    View Suited for Success pictures here.


    Other Program Sponsors

            

    Media Sponsor

  • Each year, the One Million Degrees Board of Directors, staff, partners and community leaders come together to celebrate the accomplishments of our scholars and acknowledge the support of our many partners and volunteers.

    Congratulation to all of our graduating scholars, and our deepest thanks to everyone that helped them achieve their degrees. View more photos from the evening's festivities.

Get Involved

Support
Mentor
Volunteer
Associates Board
  • "Sharing successes and coaching my scholar through challenges is so deeply rewarding. I have participated in many mentoring programs over the years and the One Million Degrees program is simply the best mentoring program in which I have ever participated."

    -James Tucker, One Million Degrees Mentor

    One Million Degrees mentors transform lives. As part of our community of support, mentors work with our community college scholars throughout the year helping them set goals and motivating them in both their professional and personal journeys.

    The Commitment:

    • Coach, motivate, and inspire your mentee as they pursue their goals.
    • Participate in mentor orientation and training sessions.
    • Engage in a minimum of eight, one hour meetings each year.  (Sessions typically take place in downtown Chicago one Saturday a month, September through May.)
    • Be available by phone or by email outside of scheduled mentoring sessions. We ask that mentors and mentees check in at least once per month.
    • Collaborate with One Million Degrees staff to support scholar achievement.
    • Believe in the transformative power of their success. Your mentee is likely the first in his or her family to go to college. Their success will transform not just their own lives, but their families and communities as well.

    We are not recruiting One Million Degrees Mentors at this time.  To learn more about mentoring opportunities, please contact the Director of Scholarship & Academics, Nina Sánchez, 312-920-9605x304.

  • One Million Degrees has an ongoing need for volunteers. Whether helping scholars develop their networking skills at our annual "It's Who You Know" Mocktail Networking Night or committing to a longer-term relationship -- perhaps as a mentor -- we welcome all levels of participation.

    For current volunteer opportunities, please contact Nina Sanchez, 312-920-9605x304.


  • OMD Associates Board members are emerging leaders from all backgrounds, who believe in empowering community college students to reach their full potential.

    Associate Board Members:

    • Support an organization that is committed to broadening opportunities for community college students who are seeking a successful future.
    • Serve as role models for students who are passionate about gaining a higher education. 
    • Gain leadership experience.
    • Play an active role in advocating for OMD and its scholars.
    • Develop fundraising skills from trained development professionals. 
    • Meet new, energetic people and have fun while improving students’ lives! 

    If you are interested in joining the OMD Associates Board, please contact associatesboard@onemilliondegrees.org.

Contact

Get in touch
Join our Mailing List

  • One Million Degrees
    226 W. Jackson #528
    Chicago, Illinois 60606
    (312) 920-9605
    info@onemilliondegrees.org

    One Million Degrees is a registered not-for-profit organization and has 501(c)3 tax-exempt status with the United States Internal Revenue Service.