Kennedy-King College and One Million Degrees
Expand Wraparound Program to Boost Student Retention and Completion
Chicago South Side Community College Expands Wraparound Support Program to Boost Student Retention and Completion
In collaboration with City Colleges and One Million Degrees, Kennedy-King College rolls out universal holistic support program, expanding access to coaching, scholarships, career advising and other support services
CHICAGO (February TK, 2025) – Kennedy-King College, one of the seven City Colleges of Chicago, a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) and an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution located in the heart of Chicago’s South Side, today announced a major expansion of a popular student support program designed to remove barriers to college access and success for students. The initiative—a collaboration between City Colleges of Chicago and One Million Degrees (OMD), a Chicago-based organization providing comprehensive support for low-income community college students—will provide all eligible Kennedy–King students with holistic wraparound support services as they chart pathways to and through higher education and to fulfilling careers. Kennedy-King College becomes the fourth college at City Colleges of Chicago with the expanded OMD model.
“Every day on our campus, we see the incredible potential and inspiring resilience of our students in the classroom, in their careers and in the community,” said Dr. Katonja Webb-Walker, president of Kennedy-King College. “This OMD expansion will further equip students with the necessary tools and resources they need to thrive. It’s about creating supports that empower our students to be successful which in turn drive progress for the Southside and the entire city.”
Beginning in summer 2025, Kennedy-King students will automatically have access to the One Million Degrees student support program, which has been proven to significantly improve student persistence, retention and career outcomes for participating students. The program offers wraparound support—including personalized coaching, financial assistance, professional development, and access to career services, internships and apprenticeship opportunities—to help students navigate challenges, persist in their studies, and transition seamlessly into four-year institutions or careers.
Research conducted by the University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab has found that OMD scholars are 94 percent more likely to remain enrolled and 73 percent more likely to graduate within three years compared to their peers.
The collaboration with One Million Degrees supports City Colleges of Chicago’s ambitious goal of ensuring that 55 per cent of all new credit students—regardless of background—complete a degree or certificate or transfer to a bachelor’s program by 2032. In 2022, City Colleges and One Million Degrees announced plans to scale their long-standing partnership to make the holistic student support model available to every enrolled student. The expansion began at the Olive-Harvey College campus in 2022, at Malcolm X College in 2023, and at Harold Washington College in 2024.
Kennedy-King’s student enrollment reflects the diverse and evolving demographics of Chicago. Approximately 70 percent of students identify as Black and 21 percent as Latine. More than 55 percent of its students attend part-time, balancing work, family responsibilities, and other commitments alongside their studies. In addition, 62 percent qualify for Pell Grants, underscoring the critical role Kennedy-King plays in expanding access for students from low-income or under-resourced households.
“This is a testament to what’s possible when we invest in our students and their potential,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado, of City Colleges of Chicago. “Fulfilling the promise of higher education requires a shared commitment to investing in individual wraparound supports that help each student succeed and reach their education goals.”
The expansion is part of a larger $25 million initiative supported by City Colleges of Chicago, the Pritzker Foundation, and generous funding from other philanthropic partners, which aims to achieve equity in student outcomes.
“Expanding access to comprehensive support services ensures that students have the tools to overcome challenges, stay on track, and achieve their goals. Our expanded partnership with Kennedy-King will serve more students than ever before, providing dedicated support and resources for students balancing work, family, and school,” said Dr. Rita Raichoudhuri, Chief Program Officer at One Million Degrees. “This is about opening doors to opportunity, removing barriers to upward mobility and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to build a brighter future for themselves and their family.”
For more information about One Million Degrees and its embedded success coaching program, visit onemilliondegrees.org.
About Kennedy-King College: Kennedy-King College, one of the seven City Colleges of Chicago, is considered one of the top 10 community colleges in the country and home to the new Center of Equity for Creative Arts and the Tech Launchpad, providing robust, holistic student support through programs, services, and social engagement opportunities designed to foster student development as well as promote college and career success. The college offers more than 60 credentials, including associate degrees and certificates that prepare students to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. It serves as the Center for Excellence in Construction Technology and Culinary and Hospitality. Kennedy-King College provides academic instruction and training for many high-demand career paths ensuring our students are workforce ready and achieve their dreams.
About City Colleges of Chicago: City Colleges of Chicago is the city’s most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity—empowering all Chicagoans to take part in building a stronger and more just city. Learn more about City Colleges of Chicago at www.ccc.edu or call 773-COLLEGE.
About One Million Degrees: One Million Degrees accelerates community college students’ progress on career pathways to economic mobility by providing wrap-around support to highly motivated college students to help them succeed in school, in work, and in life. From tutors and coaches to financial assistance and professional development, OMD offers the support that empowers scholars to transform their lives and those around them for generations.
Currently, OMD serves over 2000 scholars in all 7 of the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) and is scaling to reach over 3000 community college scholars through our unique partnership with CCC. In addition to direct services, OMD partners with employers across industries to build on-ramps to in-demand jobs through internships and apprenticeships, and supports institutions nationwide to design and implement models of holistic student support.
