Since its inception in 2006, One Million Degrees has served as the only organization in Illinois that empowers low-income, highly motivated college students to succeed in school, work and life. For many low-income students, community college is the first step in the journey toward a bright future, however, lacking critical resources, just 20 percent graduate in three years and only half return for a second year.
In 2017, One Million Degrees was awarded a Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award.
On Friday, July 15, 2022, One Million Degrees was featured in a CBS Chicago segment with Suzanne Le Mignot. CBS spoke with LaCrese Smith, who grew up in Englewood, and was the first person in her family to earn a college degree thanks to the support of One Million Degrees and their wrap-around program, which included coaching, mentors, tutoring, workshops, financial assistance, and more.
Watch the segment below:
