One Million Degrees Launches OMD Works, Expanding Career Opportunities for City Colleges of Chicago Students

Strategic Insights -

One Million Degrees, a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides evidence-based holistic support to community college students, has launched OMD Works, a multi-year pilot initiative aimed at connecting City Colleges of Chicago students with professional opportunities in high-growth industries. The program, built in collaboration with top regional employers, offers paid internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship through a network of Chicago-based companies.

"Community college students need more than just classroom resources to thrive in today's rapidly evolving economy," said Dr. Rita Raichoudhuri, chief program officer at One Million Degrees. "OMD Works is about equipping students with the skills, support, and opportunities they need to access high-demand careers and achieve upward mobility for themselves and their families."

A study from the Center for Community College Student Engagement found that nearly half of community college students feel uninformed about their earning potential and in-demand jobs in their region. To address this gap, OMD Works will remove barriers to meaningful work experiences by providing holistic support to help community college students thrive in internships and transition successfully into their careers.

The program will roll out in three phases, starting with a pilot cohort of 100 students who will learn from employers and earn internship opportunities through partner organizations during the summer of 2025. Five employer partners, including Relativity, Morningstar, Wintrust, CDW, and CCCIS, have committed to expanding career opportunities for City Colleges students.

Key Takeaways:

  • OMD Works is a multi-year pilot initiative that connects City Colleges of Chicago students with professional opportunities in high-growth industries.
  • The program provides paid internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship through a network of Chicago-based companies.
  • OMD Works aims to remove barriers to meaningful work experiences and provide holistic support to help community college students thrive in internships and transition successfully into careers.
  • The program has assembled an initial cohort of five employer partners who will provide direct pathways to high-quality jobs, mentorship, and professional development experiences.
  • Relativity, Morningstar, Wintrust, CDW, and CCCIS are among the five employer partners who have committed to expanding career opportunities for City Colleges students.
  • OMD Works builds on One Million Degrees' long-running public-private partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, which provides students with wraparound support including personalized tutoring, success coaching, and scholarship assistance.
  • The program will roll out in three phases, starting with a pilot cohort of 100 students who will learn from employers and earn internship opportunities through partner organizations during the summer of 2025.

Statistics:

  • A study from the Center for Community College Student Engagement found that nearly half of community college students feel uninformed about their earning potential and in-demand jobs in their region.
  • Students who complete a paid internship are 26% more likely to have a higher GPA, 27% more likely to report feeling more confident in their ability to communicate their skills to potential employers, and 21% more likely to report being more likely to find a job after graduation.
  • OMD Works aims to serve 100 students in the first phase of the program, with plans to scale to reach over 3,000 community college scholars nationwide.

Sources:

  • One Million Degrees launch press release (2025)
  • Center for Community College Student Engagement study (no date provided)
  • Relativity, Morningstar, Wintrust, CDW, and CCCIS company websites (no date provided)