One Million Degrees Partners with Allstate to Launch New Summer Academic and Professional Acceleration Program at Kennedy King
Published: May 26, 2015
One Million Degrees Partners with Allstate to Launch New Summer Academic and Professional Acceleration Program Summer Ramp-Up Program will jumpstart success for more than 150 low-income students at Kennedy-King College
CHICAGO—May 26, 2015—One Million Degrees (OMD)—a Chicago nonprofit organization that empowers low-income, highly motivated students at 11 Chicago-area community colleges to succeed in school, in work, and in life—announced a new partnership with Allstate to support the pilot of OMD’s first-ever summer acceleration program. The Summer Ramp-Up Program, which begins June 27, will be available to all OMD Scholars enrolled full-time at Kennedy-King College for the upcoming 2015-2016 academic year. The program will serve more than 150 students and is designed to increase the likelihood of student success by helping participants build the academic momentum necessary for them to hit the ground running in the upcoming school year. The program will meet three hours a week for six weeks, during which time participating OMD Scholars will attend weekly one-on-one tutoring sessions and skill-building workshops on topics such as goal setting and study skills.
“We are grateful for Allstate’s support of our Summer Ramp-Up Program and for their commitment to helping Chicago’s low-income community college students earn their degrees and prepare for the professional world,” said Paige Ponder, CEO of One Million Degrees. “With the help of Allstate, One Million Degrees will be able to serve more community college students in Englewood who need critical support to succeed in college and beyond.”
“We are deeply committed to empowering young people to become future leaders,” said Vicky Dinges, senior vice president of Corporate Responsibility at Allstate. “A good education is so critical, especially in today’s competitive environment. We hope this program inspires students to dream big and to pursue success in their lives.”
OMD is rapidly expanding the number of students it serves in Chicago and the suburbs. Participation in the OMD Scholarship Program is open to students who will be enrolling full-time for the 2015-2016 academic year at any of its 11 partner community colleges, which include the seven City Colleges of Chicago — Harold Washington College, Harry S. Truman College, Kennedy-King College, Malcolm X College, Olive-Harvey College, Richard J. Daley College and Wilbur Wright College — the College of Lake County in Grayslake, William Rainey Harper College in Palatine, Prairie State College in Chicago Heights and South Suburban College in South Holland. Applications are currently being accepted for students planning on attending Kennedy-King College, Olive- Harvey College and the College of Lake County.
Students can apply online at www.onemilliondegrees.org/the-program/apply. Applicants must be eligible for the Pell Grant, be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, and have a current minimum 2.0 GPA. The application has now closed for students planning to attend OMD’s other partner community colleges.
Students selected as OMD Scholars receive a wide range of programs and services to support their academic success and persistence, including:
· Financial assistance to defray additional costs associated with college enrollment and attendance
· Topical monthly workshops focused on professional development, financial literacy, leadership development and civic engagement
· Academic, professional, and personal guidance from OMD staff and coaches
· Free, private tutoring sessions on campus
· A supportive community of scholars and advisors
For more information about the One Million Degrees Scholarship Program or the Summer Ramp-Up Program at Kennedy-King College, please call 312-920-9605 or email apply@onemilliondegrees.org.
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About One Million Degrees
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 provided critical supports to help empower hundreds of community college students to succeed in the classroom and beyond. One Million Degrees Scholars are graduating at roughly three times the state average and are equipped with the skills necessary to help them reach their full potential in school, in work, and in life. Currently, OMD partners with 11 Chicago-area community colleges, including the seven City Colleges of Chicago, College of Lake County, Harper College, Prairie State College and South Suburban College. During the 2014-2015 academic year, OMD has served a total of more than 250 scholars.
About The Allstate Foundation
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people’s well-being and prosperity. With a focus on building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, empowering youth and celebrating the charitable community involvement of Allstate agency owners and employees, The Allstate Foundation works to bring out the good in people’s lives. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.
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