Delgado Community College to Launch “One Million Degrees” Student Success Initiative

August 26, 2025

In Fall 2025, Delgado Community College and two community colleges in Ohio will pilot a student services initiative based on Chicago’s One Million Degrees model, aimed at improving graduation and career outcomes. The pilot is supported through a partnership with Complete College America and funded by Ascendium Education Group and The Kresge Foundation.

One Million Degrees (OMD) is a Chicago‑based nonprofit founded in 2006 (originally as the Illinois Education Foundation) to help community college students graduate and move into rewarding careers. The organization provides wraparound support services to students including academic coaching, financial aid and literacy, personal and professional development (like networking, resume workshops, and mock interviews), and one‑on‑one mentoring via volunteer coaches. An evaluation by the University of Chicago showed that OMD scholars are about 73% more likely to earn a degree, 70% more likely to enroll, and 94% more likely to persist from fall to spring, compared to peers. Meanwhile, in Chicago, OMD has grown from serving 650 students in 2022 to more than 2,000 in early 2025 through continued collaboration with City Colleges of Chicago. Today, OMD scholars graduate at roughly twice the state average and build the skills and networks needed for economic mobility.

“Delgado’s involvement in this student success pilot highlights our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of today’s learners. Partnering with One Million Degrees strengthens our ability to provide students with the guidance, resources, and mentorship that drive completion,” said Dr. Tamika Duplessis, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at Delgado. “We’re transforming how we support students—starting at enrollment and continuing through graduation—so they’re equipped to succeed in both college and the workforce.”

The launch of One Million Degrees at Delgado Community College strengthens the College’s century-old mission to nurture and sustain a culture of student success. By going beyond academics and workforce training, Delgado embraces a holistic approach that supports students’ academic, personal, and professional growth—empowering them to excel both in and out of the classroom.

“At Delgado, we are deeply committed to supporting the whole student,” said Dr. Larissa Littleton-Steib, Delgado Chancellor. “Launching One Million Degrees reflects our dedication to creating a culture of success to help our students persist, graduate, and thrive in their careers and lives.”