CURRENT SCHOLARS
Double check your SDS dates, download the OMD Scholar App, and check out any upcoming events. You’ve got this!
Download the OMD Community App
Get updates from your OMD Program Coordinator (PC), stay on top of SDS events and other important dates, and keep in touch with the OMD community.
Program calendars
IN-PERSON SESSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CAMPUS LOCATION YOU HAVE CHOSEN.
CHOOSE A TYPE
Session 1: Maximizing Your Network: Strategies for Building and Sustaining Professional Relationships
October 5th, 2024
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Please plan to arrive 20 minutes before your program's start time to check in.
Session 2: Career Compass: Crafting and Navigating Your Path to Success
November 9th, 2024
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Please plan to arrive 20 minutes before your program's start time to check in.
Session 3: Balancing Act: Navigating Well-being and Boundaries in Personal and Professional Life
January 25th, 2025
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Please plan to arrive 20 minutes before your program's start time to check in.
Session 4: Future Forward: Professional Development, Transitions and Career Preparation
March 8th, 2025
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Please plan to arrive 20 minutes before your program's start time to check in.
Session 5: Fostering Inclusive Workplaces
April 26th, 2025
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Please plan to arrive 20 minutes before your program's start time to check in.
Session 1: Maximizing Your Network: Strategies for Building and Sustaining Professional Relationships
October 5th, 2024
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Please plan to arrive 20 minutes before your program's start time to check in.
Session 2: Career Compass: Crafting and Navigating Your Path to Success
November 9th, 2024
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Please plan to arrive 20 minutes before your program's start time to check in.
Session 3: Balancing Act: Navigating Well-being and Boundaries in Personal and Professional Life
January 25th, 2025
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Please plan to arrive 20 minutes before your program's start time to check in.
Session 4: Future Forward: Professional Development, Transitions and Career Preparation
March 8th, 2025
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Please plan to arrive 20 minutes before your program's start time to check in.
LET’S ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS
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Ready to kickstart your educational journey?
OMD is more than a support program—we’re a community that empowers you to be the best you can be. If you have questions, please see the list of frequently asked questions below. You can also always reach out to your Program Coordinator (PC) for more information.
When is my next Student Development Session?
Please check out our program calendar for details.
I can’t find out who my Program Coordinator (PC) is. How can I figure that out?
Please reach out to us at XXXXX@onemilliondegrees.org for assistance.
What is the STAR Scholarship and how do I know if I’m eligible?
Students who graduated from a Chicago Public School with a 3.0 GPA and who test completion-ready in Math and English on CCC placement test are eligible to apply to be STAR scholars. STAR scholars are able to pursue an associate degree at City Colleges of Chicago at no cost – receiving free tuition and books. The STAR Scholarship also has options for helping to pay for up to $50,000 per year towards a bachelor’s degree after completing an associates degree. To learn more and apply for the Chicago STAR Scholarship, click here.
What if I need to move out of district?
Only students who qualify for in-district tuition at one of our partner colleges are eligible to apply for the program.
Does the 2.0 GPA minimum requirement only apply to community college students?
No, the 2.0 GPA requirement is for all OMD applicants. For Returning Adults, use the cumulative GPA from the last educational institution you attended.
How do I know if I’m Pell eligible?
If you are a current community college student and already receiving Financial Aid, this means you are most likely Pell eligible. For current HS seniors and returning adults, take a look here for more information on Pell eligibility requirements.
Why is Pell eligibility a requirement?
One Million Degrees is a “last dollar scholarship” meaning we pick up the cost between what your financial aid package covers and the real cost of attending community college. We do not provide full-tuition scholarships to any scholar.
Students that receive the Chicago STAR Scholarship or the Chicago Housing Authority Partners in Education Program
What If I don’t receive a Pell Grant but I have the GI Bill?
If you are interested in OMD and are eligible to receive the GI Bill, or any other federal benefit for military service, please email us at apply@onemilliondegrees.org. Here is where you can learn more about military and veteran benefits at City Colleges of Chicago.
What if I want to switch community college campuses? Will I still have access to OMD supports?
You may be allowed to transfer into another campus’s OMD program, depending on the location and/or availability. Please talk to your Program Coordinator (PC) about your options.
I’ve been accepted and am ready to get started. What is the Welcome Call?
During this call, an OMD staff member will excitedly greet you and give you an overview of the program, benefits, and provide a brief overview of the two-semester minimum commitment. OMD will also ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to participate in the program and schedule the in person onboarding meeting at the end of the call.
What is the onboarding meeting?
All provisionally accepted scholars will be required to come to either their college campuses or to the OMD downtown office. During this time, provisional scholars will get the chance to interact with other students that have been admitted into the program to begin to build community through group activities and workshops.
What is an intake session?
During the intake session, each provisionally admitted scholar meets one-on-one with an OMD staff member to collect any remaining documents needed (i.e. Student Aid Report, School Schedule, etc.). The intake is also used to find out more about each student and talk through any specific supports that are needed and/or can be recommended as scholars start their year in the program.
What is scholar orientation?
Scholar Orientation is typically a four-hour event for all provisionally accepted scholars held in August. Here students get detailed information about the supports OMD provides and are reminded of what OMD expects from students.
